The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, St. Maarten, [CLOSED, hurricane] [Master Thread]
Feb 23, 2008, 8:18 am
#31
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 8,304
Nice post and a great contribution. Welcome to FT!
Feb 23, 2008, 10:52 am
#32
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NJ/NYC
Programs: AA EXP/LT Plat, SPG Plat/LT Plat, HHonors Gold, Hyatt Plat, IHG Plat, MR Silver
Posts: 2,786
Nice detailed trip report. I do have to say though, it seems odd for a first post. In any case, welcome to FT.
Feb 23, 2008, 11:29 am
#33
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: MDT, PHL, BWI
Programs: HH Diamond, Starwood Platinum
Posts: 306
Score 1 to 1000
Very ODD indeed! This post sounds like a walking talking Westin commerical.
SPGPlatinumMember you may think it was wonderful and I wish you the best when you return. Perhaps the Westin management finally realized how to treat Platinum members. Glad we all helped you out by putting up with the nonsense prior to your stay. By the way how did you get to know (on a first name basis) all the so called wonderful managers both at the front desk and restaurants inluding F&B Director? Also did they have your coffee service refilled in your ocean front room by 11:00 or did you have to call every single day and request it?
You rate it as "truly of SPG Category 6 - St. Regis brand caliber" unfortunately you are the only one. Tripadvisor blasts the Westin Dawn Beach and I as one agree with most posts after being a guest there and having first hand experience of their treatment of Platinum guests.
Perhaps it's a slow night at the Westin Dawn Beach.
SPGPlatinumMember you may think it was wonderful and I wish you the best when you return. Perhaps the Westin management finally realized how to treat Platinum members. Glad we all helped you out by putting up with the nonsense prior to your stay. By the way how did you get to know (on a first name basis) all the so called wonderful managers both at the front desk and restaurants inluding F&B Director? Also did they have your coffee service refilled in your ocean front room by 11:00 or did you have to call every single day and request it?
You rate it as "truly of SPG Category 6 - St. Regis brand caliber" unfortunately you are the only one. Tripadvisor blasts the Westin Dawn Beach and I as one agree with most posts after being a guest there and having first hand experience of their treatment of Platinum guests.
Perhaps it's a slow night at the Westin Dawn Beach.
Feb 23, 2008, 4:39 pm
#34
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 6,540
I call bs.
I have just completed a wonderful nine night stay at the Westin Dawn Beach resort with my wife and my two children ages 6 and 10. I am a Starwood Platinum SPG member for nine years in-a-row and have stayed at virtually all Starwood resorts in the Caribbean and many others in the USA and Europe. I am a Global Software Sales Manager with extensive multinational business experience.
I had read most reviews of the Westin Dawn Beach on Trip Advisor along with FlyerTalk before my stay began and was unsure on how enjoyable my stay would be.
As a nine-year Platinum member, I maintain a personal zero-tolerance policy in dealing with rude, indifferent or underperforming staff members. Trust me, I am the first one to point out deficiencies to management and demand goodwill Starpoints compensation.
I am truly most pleased to share with you that I experienced only the finest of friendly, sincere and world-class service from all staff members and am in a position to state that it was truly of SPG Category 6 - St. Regis brand caliber. A beautiful resort!
Here are my comments and insights presented on a general category basis:
PROPERTY
The resort is nestled between scenic hills containing luxury homes and a beautiful beach. It is a 30 minute drive from the Airport but only a 10-12 minute drive from the Phillipsburg town waterfront (Front Street) where all the duty-free shopping is located. Since Phillipsburg is where the action is, I would not label the resort as being remotely located. You only make the journey to/from the Airport only one time. It is by far the most expedient to take a van taxi each way for $30 to $40. This is key if you have luggage since the average local rental car won't be large enough to hold more than two passengers and multiple pieces of luggage. The taxi driver will make things much easier in finding the resort property. Upon arrival at the resort, you travel down a steep hill and enter via a motor entrance. The spacious parking garage is attached to the back of the hotel building, allowing for an easy 30 second walk from a side door in the hotel lobby right to the cars. Given the physical architecture of the property, both the entrance and garage are properly situated and work real well.
LOBBY/FRONT DESK
You enter the hotel into the lobby area with the casino in front of you and the Front Desk off to the right side. The lobby has an upscale feel to it. Given the physical dimensions of the property, the casino right behind the open lobby area makes sense. You walk in the corridor alongside the casino and hotel shops to the guest rooms, restaurants and beach. The layout is fine.
FRONT DESK STAFF
My experience during my entire stay in dealing with the front desk management and staff was extremely positive and pleasant. The Front Office manager Sean is a most friendly and gracious person and is a true perfect gentleman! The same for the managers on duty Victor and Vijay. Nadine the reservations supervisor is also a most fine and lovely individual! All showed me and my family the highest levels of respect, politeness and courtesy. I was provided with beautiful and spacious oceanfront accommodations fitting for long-term SPG Platinum members.
ROOMS AND SERVICE RESPONSE
The guest room hallways are wide and tastefully done in yellow pastel colors with dark brown wood frame foyers outside each room. Hallways are tastefully done and very well-maintained. Not per say Caribbean themed, but who cares? The guest rooms are spacious, well-decorated and in excellent physical condition. I made an array of routine requests during my nine night stay to various departments within the hotel and in all cases, service response right to my door was five minutes or less. This is clearly Category 6 - St. Regis level service. Most impressive! I also requested from the start that my room be cleaned by 11:00am each morning and it was perfectly cleaned each day, without ever asking again. The air conditioning system works very well. I never saw any crawling insects, be it inside or outside during my entire stay.
DINING
The breakfast buffet at the Ocean restaurant was indeed excellent in terms of food quality and selection and staff service was outstanding. The restaurant is also very clean and well maintained. The secret of success here is the hands-on management style of Daniel the F&B Director and his three managers Brian, Iliya and Paul. At most times two managers are present and working alongside the serving staff. True leadership by example here! All are most friendly and are perfect gentlemen. I was always addressed by name and given a big greeting! The value in terms of overall quality for price paid was also excellent. For instance, the cost of $8.50 per child is a great deal and so for the adults having the cold buffet. Save your efforts by going out for breakfast at nearby restaurants such as Big Fish or Mr. Busbys. You won't save any money due to their a la carte menu pricing. The lunch options are also broad and excellent in that you can order either takeout from the Ocean restaurant or order from the poolside menu.
Most lunch menu choices are between $7.50 and $10.00 and the food tastiness ranges from very good to excellent. Again, save your efforts, the hotel offers better quality and value when compared to the nearby restaurants.
DINNER DINING
I did not dine at the fine dining restaurant Aura which has an intimate atmosphere but discourages children under age ten. I only heard highly positive comments from guests who did dine there. Menu prices are competitive with the fine dining restaurants on both the Dutch and French sides of the island. Dinner dining at the casual Ocean restaurant is perfectly fine, very well-managed and kid friendly too.
OFF-SITE DINING
St. Maarten is one of the culinary capitals of the Caribbean. If you like fine dining, then St. Maarten is for you! The hotel is adjacent to the Dutch/French border. The Grand Case dining district on the French side is a 20 minute drive. The French side capital Marigot is a 30 minute drive. The best and most scenic dining is on the French side. Given that taxis are expensive, renting a car is a must in terms of value if you are up to driving on the island's narrow and winding roads. There are several nice restaurants in Grand Case that overlook the ocean and are charming. Joseph the Concierge who is a very fine and even-tempered individual can assist with all reservations. The two best restaurants by Marigot that are worth the 30 minute drive are La Santal and Mario's Bistro. Excellent food, service and fine atmospheres overlooking the water. Tip: On the French side, a good idea to check beforehand which restaurants are offering a 1 euro = $1.00 exchange rate. Makes a big financial difference! The best nearby (3 minute drive) restaurant to the hotel is Big Fish, offering very good food, service and scenic dining overlooking the Oyster Pond marina. Across the street is Mr. Busby's/Daniels restaurant which is OK, but not as nice.
POOL AND BEACH AREA
The hotel has a beautiful swimming pool overlooking the ocean and patio for sunbathing. There is limited shade. Luckily, there is a constant sea breeze which keeps you from overheating, even after sitting out in the sun all day. The beach is very nice with clean white sand. The beach is effectively private since on both ends are cliffs that prevent outsiders. This adds to overall hotel security. There are no beach vendors hawking merchandise, unlike at other properties. Poolside service for chairs, drinks and food is excellent; service staff is always present and very friendly. The pool area music is purely American, the best of the 1950s right through the present. No Caribbean music played. It was very nice.
RENTAL CARS
If you are up to it, renting a car will really make your visit to the island most enjoyable. Road quality on the island greatly varies and you need to be careful at all times. Adaptive driving is the secret to getting around the island. It is very prudent to first drive during the daylight to familiarize yourself with the narrow, winding and hilly roads to Phillipsburg and Grand Case/Marigot. It is well worth spending a few hours doing the entire around the island drive. Having lunch at the Sunset beach Grill watching the airplanes land at the beginning of the runway is quite nice and your kids too will enjoy it.
NIGHTLIFE EXPECTATIONS
The primary night time activities are fine dining and the casino. If you have kids between 10 and 18 years, their exceptions must be set beforehand that family time dining together is the primary activity for the evening. Nothing like nice and quiet family evenings out! Any other nightlife expectations are not realistic. For couples, fine dining, the bars and the casino are your main options.
CONCLUSIONS
If you are a fan of beautiful, new, extremely well-run and deluxe American-style resorts that excel in overall service, dining, cleanliness and sanitation, the Westin is clearly for you. If you are looking for low-brow, local-themed Caribbean resorts with non-American standards, than the Westin may not be for you. I recommend the Westin without hesitation or reservation to anyone seeking a world-class and relaxing Caribbean vacation. I will most certainly be returning!
I had read most reviews of the Westin Dawn Beach on Trip Advisor along with FlyerTalk before my stay began and was unsure on how enjoyable my stay would be.
As a nine-year Platinum member, I maintain a personal zero-tolerance policy in dealing with rude, indifferent or underperforming staff members. Trust me, I am the first one to point out deficiencies to management and demand goodwill Starpoints compensation.
I am truly most pleased to share with you that I experienced only the finest of friendly, sincere and world-class service from all staff members and am in a position to state that it was truly of SPG Category 6 - St. Regis brand caliber. A beautiful resort!
Here are my comments and insights presented on a general category basis:
PROPERTY
The resort is nestled between scenic hills containing luxury homes and a beautiful beach. It is a 30 minute drive from the Airport but only a 10-12 minute drive from the Phillipsburg town waterfront (Front Street) where all the duty-free shopping is located. Since Phillipsburg is where the action is, I would not label the resort as being remotely located. You only make the journey to/from the Airport only one time. It is by far the most expedient to take a van taxi each way for $30 to $40. This is key if you have luggage since the average local rental car won't be large enough to hold more than two passengers and multiple pieces of luggage. The taxi driver will make things much easier in finding the resort property. Upon arrival at the resort, you travel down a steep hill and enter via a motor entrance. The spacious parking garage is attached to the back of the hotel building, allowing for an easy 30 second walk from a side door in the hotel lobby right to the cars. Given the physical architecture of the property, both the entrance and garage are properly situated and work real well.
LOBBY/FRONT DESK
You enter the hotel into the lobby area with the casino in front of you and the Front Desk off to the right side. The lobby has an upscale feel to it. Given the physical dimensions of the property, the casino right behind the open lobby area makes sense. You walk in the corridor alongside the casino and hotel shops to the guest rooms, restaurants and beach. The layout is fine.
FRONT DESK STAFF
My experience during my entire stay in dealing with the front desk management and staff was extremely positive and pleasant. The Front Office manager Sean is a most friendly and gracious person and is a true perfect gentleman! The same for the managers on duty Victor and Vijay. Nadine the reservations supervisor is also a most fine and lovely individual! All showed me and my family the highest levels of respect, politeness and courtesy. I was provided with beautiful and spacious oceanfront accommodations fitting for long-term SPG Platinum members.
ROOMS AND SERVICE RESPONSE
The guest room hallways are wide and tastefully done in yellow pastel colors with dark brown wood frame foyers outside each room. Hallways are tastefully done and very well-maintained. Not per say Caribbean themed, but who cares? The guest rooms are spacious, well-decorated and in excellent physical condition. I made an array of routine requests during my nine night stay to various departments within the hotel and in all cases, service response right to my door was five minutes or less. This is clearly Category 6 - St. Regis level service. Most impressive! I also requested from the start that my room be cleaned by 11:00am each morning and it was perfectly cleaned each day, without ever asking again. The air conditioning system works very well. I never saw any crawling insects, be it inside or outside during my entire stay.
DINING
The breakfast buffet at the Ocean restaurant was indeed excellent in terms of food quality and selection and staff service was outstanding. The restaurant is also very clean and well maintained. The secret of success here is the hands-on management style of Daniel the F&B Director and his three managers Brian, Iliya and Paul. At most times two managers are present and working alongside the serving staff. True leadership by example here! All are most friendly and are perfect gentlemen. I was always addressed by name and given a big greeting! The value in terms of overall quality for price paid was also excellent. For instance, the cost of $8.50 per child is a great deal and so for the adults having the cold buffet. Save your efforts by going out for breakfast at nearby restaurants such as Big Fish or Mr. Busbys. You won't save any money due to their a la carte menu pricing. The lunch options are also broad and excellent in that you can order either takeout from the Ocean restaurant or order from the poolside menu.
Most lunch menu choices are between $7.50 and $10.00 and the food tastiness ranges from very good to excellent. Again, save your efforts, the hotel offers better quality and value when compared to the nearby restaurants.
DINNER DINING
I did not dine at the fine dining restaurant Aura which has an intimate atmosphere but discourages children under age ten. I only heard highly positive comments from guests who did dine there. Menu prices are competitive with the fine dining restaurants on both the Dutch and French sides of the island. Dinner dining at the casual Ocean restaurant is perfectly fine, very well-managed and kid friendly too.
OFF-SITE DINING
St. Maarten is one of the culinary capitals of the Caribbean. If you like fine dining, then St. Maarten is for you! The hotel is adjacent to the Dutch/French border. The Grand Case dining district on the French side is a 20 minute drive. The French side capital Marigot is a 30 minute drive. The best and most scenic dining is on the French side. Given that taxis are expensive, renting a car is a must in terms of value if you are up to driving on the island's narrow and winding roads. There are several nice restaurants in Grand Case that overlook the ocean and are charming. Joseph the Concierge who is a very fine and even-tempered individual can assist with all reservations. The two best restaurants by Marigot that are worth the 30 minute drive are La Santal and Mario's Bistro. Excellent food, service and fine atmospheres overlooking the water. Tip: On the French side, a good idea to check beforehand which restaurants are offering a 1 euro = $1.00 exchange rate. Makes a big financial difference! The best nearby (3 minute drive) restaurant to the hotel is Big Fish, offering very good food, service and scenic dining overlooking the Oyster Pond marina. Across the street is Mr. Busby's/Daniels restaurant which is OK, but not as nice.
POOL AND BEACH AREA
The hotel has a beautiful swimming pool overlooking the ocean and patio for sunbathing. There is limited shade. Luckily, there is a constant sea breeze which keeps you from overheating, even after sitting out in the sun all day. The beach is very nice with clean white sand. The beach is effectively private since on both ends are cliffs that prevent outsiders. This adds to overall hotel security. There are no beach vendors hawking merchandise, unlike at other properties. Poolside service for chairs, drinks and food is excellent; service staff is always present and very friendly. The pool area music is purely American, the best of the 1950s right through the present. No Caribbean music played. It was very nice.
RENTAL CARS
If you are up to it, renting a car will really make your visit to the island most enjoyable. Road quality on the island greatly varies and you need to be careful at all times. Adaptive driving is the secret to getting around the island. It is very prudent to first drive during the daylight to familiarize yourself with the narrow, winding and hilly roads to Phillipsburg and Grand Case/Marigot. It is well worth spending a few hours doing the entire around the island drive. Having lunch at the Sunset beach Grill watching the airplanes land at the beginning of the runway is quite nice and your kids too will enjoy it.
NIGHTLIFE EXPECTATIONS
The primary night time activities are fine dining and the casino. If you have kids between 10 and 18 years, their exceptions must be set beforehand that family time dining together is the primary activity for the evening. Nothing like nice and quiet family evenings out! Any other nightlife expectations are not realistic. For couples, fine dining, the bars and the casino are your main options.
CONCLUSIONS
If you are a fan of beautiful, new, extremely well-run and deluxe American-style resorts that excel in overall service, dining, cleanliness and sanitation, the Westin is clearly for you. If you are looking for low-brow, local-themed Caribbean resorts with non-American standards, than the Westin may not be for you. I recommend the Westin without hesitation or reservation to anyone seeking a world-class and relaxing Caribbean vacation. I will most certainly be returning!
Feb 24, 2008, 1:26 am
#35
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Experienced Flyertalkers wipe out the overly positive and negative reviews since they rarely match reality. Especially from a first-time poster.
Feb 24, 2008, 12:40 pm
#36
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: Starwood
Posts: 6
Addtional Comments to my Westin Dawn Beach stay
Based on the prompt comments to my posting of Friday, I wish to set the record straight on why I considered my stay at the Westin Dawn Beach to be of SPG Category 6 - St. Regis caliber.
First, some additional background information on me. As a Global Software Sales Manager, I manage business is over 50 countries worldwide. I primarily work with large Fortune 500 type multinational firms. One of the secrets to my success that I am very focused on providing the utmost global business respect, politeness, sincerity and world-class service to all my software customers. I combine these golden principles with my encyclopedic knowledge of world politics, history and geography. I strive at all times to maintain the highest levels of professional conduct. Do keep in mind that the hotel staff represent dozens of countries. You do experience a very multinational environment during your stay! Be sure to ask yourself, how knowledgeable and effective am I in such an environment?
As I have stated, the management team of the Westin Dawn Beach are true hotel industry professionals. I have witnessed them on a daily basis to be big proponents of hands-on leadership by example. As a nine-year SPG Platinum member, I too like to lead by professional example in all my interactions with hotel staff.
Here are my golden principals for highly successful relationships:
•Be as polite and respectful as possible. Always remember that respect is mutual.
•Address all staff members by name and handshakes.
•Make efforts to get to know staff members. Having broad global knowledge is important. Being an ignorant American is simply not good!
•Present all issues and deficiencies you have during your stay in a professional, business-like manner. Also, propose realistic resolutions. Simply complaining or whining doesn’t cut it.
•Provide business complements, not pleasantries or niceties. (important!)
Summary of reasons of why I stated that my stay was on the SPG Category level 6 level:
•My room was very spacious, in top condition and perfectly serviced. The same for the common areas of the hotel.
•The response time to my door for approx. twenty calls to Service Express over my nine night stay was never more than 5 minutes. Calls covered housekeeping, engineering, room service, security (jammed room safe) items.
•Breakfast and lunch food quality was excellent and so was the service. I was always properly addressed by name.
•The pool area is deluxe and poolside food and beverage service was also excellent.
•All managers and staff were professional, polite and friendly at ALL times to me and my family.
I hope the above helps!
First, some additional background information on me. As a Global Software Sales Manager, I manage business is over 50 countries worldwide. I primarily work with large Fortune 500 type multinational firms. One of the secrets to my success that I am very focused on providing the utmost global business respect, politeness, sincerity and world-class service to all my software customers. I combine these golden principles with my encyclopedic knowledge of world politics, history and geography. I strive at all times to maintain the highest levels of professional conduct. Do keep in mind that the hotel staff represent dozens of countries. You do experience a very multinational environment during your stay! Be sure to ask yourself, how knowledgeable and effective am I in such an environment?
As I have stated, the management team of the Westin Dawn Beach are true hotel industry professionals. I have witnessed them on a daily basis to be big proponents of hands-on leadership by example. As a nine-year SPG Platinum member, I too like to lead by professional example in all my interactions with hotel staff.
Here are my golden principals for highly successful relationships:
•Be as polite and respectful as possible. Always remember that respect is mutual.
•Address all staff members by name and handshakes.
•Make efforts to get to know staff members. Having broad global knowledge is important. Being an ignorant American is simply not good!
•Present all issues and deficiencies you have during your stay in a professional, business-like manner. Also, propose realistic resolutions. Simply complaining or whining doesn’t cut it.
•Provide business complements, not pleasantries or niceties. (important!)
Summary of reasons of why I stated that my stay was on the SPG Category level 6 level:
•My room was very spacious, in top condition and perfectly serviced. The same for the common areas of the hotel.
•The response time to my door for approx. twenty calls to Service Express over my nine night stay was never more than 5 minutes. Calls covered housekeeping, engineering, room service, security (jammed room safe) items.
•Breakfast and lunch food quality was excellent and so was the service. I was always properly addressed by name.
•The pool area is deluxe and poolside food and beverage service was also excellent.
•All managers and staff were professional, polite and friendly at ALL times to me and my family.
I hope the above helps!
Feb 24, 2008, 12:45 pm
#37
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 6,540
what a crock!
Based on the prompt comments to my posting of Friday, I wish to set the record straight on why I considered my stay at the Westin Dawn Beach to be of SPG Category 6 - St. Regis caliber.
First, some additional background information on me. As a Global Software Sales Manager, I manage business is over 50 countries worldwide. I primarily work with large Fortune 500 type multinational firms. One of the secrets to my success that I am very focused on providing the utmost global business respect, politeness, sincerity and world-class service to all my software customers. I combine these golden principles with my encyclopedic knowledge of world politics, history and geography. I strive at all times to maintain the highest levels of professional conduct. Do keep in mind that the hotel staff represent dozens of countries. You do experience a very multinational environment during your stay! Be sure to ask yourself, how knowledgeable and effective am I in such an environment?
As I have stated, the management team of the Westin Dawn Beach are true hotel industry professionals. I have witnessed them on a daily basis to be big proponents of hands-on leadership by example. As a nine-year SPG Platinum member, I too like to lead by professional example in all my interactions with hotel staff.
Here are my golden principals for highly successful relationships:
•Be as polite and respectful as possible. Always remember that respect is mutual.
•Address all staff members by name and handshakes.
•Make efforts to get to know staff members. Having broad global knowledge is important. Being an ignorant American is simply not good!
•Present all issues and deficiencies you have during your stay in a professional, business-like manner. Also, propose realistic resolutions. Simply complaining or whining doesn’t cut it.
•Provide business complements, not pleasantries or niceties. (important!)
Summary of reasons of why I stated that my stay was on the SPG Category level 6 level:
•My room was very spacious, in top condition and perfectly serviced. The same for the common areas of the hotel.
•The response time to my door for approx. twenty calls to Service Express over my nine night stay was never more than 5 minutes. Calls covered housekeeping, engineering, room service, security (jammed room safe) items.
•Breakfast and lunch food quality was excellent and so was the service. I was always properly addressed by name.
•The pool area is deluxe and poolside food and beverage service was also excellent.
•All managers and staff were professional, polite and friendly at ALL times to me and my family.
I hope the above helps!
First, some additional background information on me. As a Global Software Sales Manager, I manage business is over 50 countries worldwide. I primarily work with large Fortune 500 type multinational firms. One of the secrets to my success that I am very focused on providing the utmost global business respect, politeness, sincerity and world-class service to all my software customers. I combine these golden principles with my encyclopedic knowledge of world politics, history and geography. I strive at all times to maintain the highest levels of professional conduct. Do keep in mind that the hotel staff represent dozens of countries. You do experience a very multinational environment during your stay! Be sure to ask yourself, how knowledgeable and effective am I in such an environment?
As I have stated, the management team of the Westin Dawn Beach are true hotel industry professionals. I have witnessed them on a daily basis to be big proponents of hands-on leadership by example. As a nine-year SPG Platinum member, I too like to lead by professional example in all my interactions with hotel staff.
Here are my golden principals for highly successful relationships:
•Be as polite and respectful as possible. Always remember that respect is mutual.
•Address all staff members by name and handshakes.
•Make efforts to get to know staff members. Having broad global knowledge is important. Being an ignorant American is simply not good!
•Present all issues and deficiencies you have during your stay in a professional, business-like manner. Also, propose realistic resolutions. Simply complaining or whining doesn’t cut it.
•Provide business complements, not pleasantries or niceties. (important!)
Summary of reasons of why I stated that my stay was on the SPG Category level 6 level:
•My room was very spacious, in top condition and perfectly serviced. The same for the common areas of the hotel.
•The response time to my door for approx. twenty calls to Service Express over my nine night stay was never more than 5 minutes. Calls covered housekeeping, engineering, room service, security (jammed room safe) items.
•Breakfast and lunch food quality was excellent and so was the service. I was always properly addressed by name.
•The pool area is deluxe and poolside food and beverage service was also excellent.
•All managers and staff were professional, polite and friendly at ALL times to me and my family.
I hope the above helps!
Feb 24, 2008, 3:42 pm
#39
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1K MM, AS MVPG, SPG PLAT 100
Posts: 1,497
Thank you for including a cover letter and resume with your trip report 
Feb 25, 2008, 9:01 am
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Depends on the day!
Programs: Marriott/Lifetime Titanium Hyatt/Explorist, Hilton/Silver, IHG Spire,UA Gold
Posts: 17,829
looks like our new member has just joined tripadvisor as wel...this is HILARIOUS!!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...St_Martin.html
I too just returned from a stay here with my wife over president's day weekend...I will post a trip report with pictures when time allows...while my experience was mostly positive, this is an absolute joke!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...St_Martin.html
I too just returned from a stay here with my wife over president's day weekend...I will post a trip report with pictures when time allows...while my experience was mostly positive, this is an absolute joke!
Feb 25, 2008, 9:12 am
#41
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,218
looks like our new member has just joined tripadvisor as wel...this is HILARIOUS!!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...St_Martin.html
I too just returned from a stay here with my wife over president's day weekend...I will post a trip report with pictures when time allows...while my experience was mostly positive, this is an absolute joke!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...St_Martin.html
I too just returned from a stay here with my wife over president's day weekend...I will post a trip report with pictures when time allows...while my experience was mostly positive, this is an absolute joke!
"The resort is nestled between scenic hills containing luxury homes and a beautiful beach."
Feb 25, 2008, 9:15 am
#42
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Paris
Posts: 543
Definitely:
1) agree with you
2) looking forward to your trip report
Feb 26, 2008, 8:56 pm
#43
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: Starwood
Posts: 6
Follow-up to comments on my posting
The Westin Resort is indeed in a scenic spot on St. Maarten. The Dawn Beach area is one of the top luxury residental sections on the island. For example, another high-end residential section is by the LaSammana hotel near the airport. I would say that most homes in the hills above the Westin are rather large and cost well over US$2 million. Even condo units right by the Westin start at $650,000. When you drive around the island, you will see no shortage of rather poor residential areas. This can be quite startling at times.
There is absolutely no joking with my review. I simply wish to illustrate how SPG Platinum-level senior global professionals conduct themselves and are able to receive the highest levels of service, respect and courtesy.
Bottom line: My stay at the Westin was world-class all the way!
Again, to maximize your stay, always ask yourself......
Which level do I operate on? How do I operate one level up?
How effective am I as a person in a multinational environment?
How professional are my interactions with hotel staff?
I hope this helps!
There is absolutely no joking with my review. I simply wish to illustrate how SPG Platinum-level senior global professionals conduct themselves and are able to receive the highest levels of service, respect and courtesy.
Bottom line: My stay at the Westin was world-class all the way!
Again, to maximize your stay, always ask yourself......
Which level do I operate on? How do I operate one level up?
How effective am I as a person in a multinational environment?
How professional are my interactions with hotel staff?
I hope this helps!
Feb 26, 2008, 9:15 pm
#44
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Northport, NY
Posts: 1,732
SPGPlatinumMember
I just returned from SXM Sunday. Clearly you never saw Dawn Beach before Westin raped the land and built this butt ugly hotel. I'm no tree hugger but I almost cried when I saw what was left of Dawn Beach. Beside paving over the turtle nesting area, the buildings look like they belong in an industrial park.
I just returned from SXM Sunday. Clearly you never saw Dawn Beach before Westin raped the land and built this butt ugly hotel. I'm no tree hugger but I almost cried when I saw what was left of Dawn Beach. Beside paving over the turtle nesting area, the buildings look like they belong in an industrial park.
Feb 26, 2008, 10:54 pm
#45
Join Date: Aug 2006
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, SPG LT Plat, AA 3MM EXP
Posts: 397
I just returned from SXM Sunday. Clearly you never saw Dawn Beach before Westin raped the land and built this butt ugly hotel. I'm no tree hugger but I almost cried when I saw what was left of Dawn Beach. Beside paving over the turtle nesting area, the buildings look like they belong in an industrial park.
I am curious as to where the OP stayed while on the island--a treehouse made from sustainable forestry? I assume they took a jumbo jet to the island and didn't row in on a canoe. BTW, by island standards they paved an extra long concrete runway in SXM just for the big planes!
SXM is one of the most developed islands in the Lesser Antilles. If the OP is REALLY looking for a more back-to-basics locale in the islands, check out Dominica and Guadeloupe.