wizzy

Probably my final review of the hotel (supposed to be my last trip). This time was upgrade a Fantastic Suite, the type with the big tub rather than a shower. The pros were larger space and more windows. Cons were low floor (single digit, noisy), and I really didn't care for the tub all that much. The shower shot down into the tub, but I kept feeling like I was going to slip and fall each time I get in/out of the tub. The room has a patio, but the door is locked and I guess I needed to call down for them to open (but this wasn't the case on my last visit with a room on 25).

Had my first blip with service this trip, as well. It was minor, but I hadn't eaten dinner and was looking forward to two of the welcome-gift chocolates I had saved (was eating 2/night; 6 total). Got back to find that the tray had disappeared. Well, I had really, been looking forward to those chocolates so called Whatever/Whenever, hoping that they'd be appologetic and rush me up a couple more chocolates. Nope, got "sorry sir, but our policy is to clean the room each day", and then silence. I know that isn't true, as I've saved the chocolates for a few days on other trips. Not a big deal, but left a sour taste in my mouth.

On the flip side, I forgot my toothbrush earlier in the week. Called W/W, and within 5 minutes someone was up with toothbrush, toothpaste, and a big enough bottle of unsolicited mouthwash that it likely wouldn't pass through security.

Also found another walkable area of restaurants. Exit the hotel, walk straight across the street and continue straight down the block. Walk through the park, take a left, and a block down on your right will be 3-4 restaurants. French, a couple of Italian/pizza places, and one other I forget. I asked about safety and the concierge said I'd be fine even though it was dark, and I wasn't the least bit uncomfortable.

Zephyr221

This was my first time in Mexico City and the W there. I was there 5 nights for business. I was plat-upgraded to a fantastic suite. Lovely room. My only gripe is...I brought my partner with me and these rooms are not designed for 2 people if they have any difference in schedules. The shower/tub is essentially in the bedroom so if you have to wake up early at 6am for meetings like I did, there's no chance your companion will be able to sleep... minor design flaw not unlike other Ws.

We did, unfortunately experience quite a few problems with our stay. The power went off numerous times (seems like there was a generator problem) which also led to the TV being out for one night and about a 6 hour stretch with no air conditioning (which is not fun in DF!). Also the business center was closed due to a "private event" or "emergency repairs" depending on who you asked, which was quite frustrating.

All that said, the service more than made up for it. Stephen Hertzberg, one of the managers, was very apologetic and bought us dinner in the hotel restaurant (which is fantastic) and a round of drinks at the Whiskey.

Perhaps the best example of service was when my partner had a headache we went to buy some aspirin in the W store. The manager must have seen this because when we got back to our room there was a tray off coffees, snacks, and advil, aspirins, etc. waiting for us and a nice "feel better" note.

The service at the restaurant and Whiskey was amazing as were the food and drinks. I'm going to write off the issues as a one-off and I would definitely return. Amazing service makes all the difference IMHO.

I actually was shocked that the hotel car was often cheaper than a radio taxi and we used the hotel car to go to the Fridha Kahlo museum, dinners, etc.

henrikfromdenmark

W Mexico City was a very nice W experience, but as most W's it's overpriced. I took a video of my fantastic suite if this can be of any interest? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Etkwcsuvk0I

holtju2

If you think that MOST W's are overpriced why bother staying at them? Cannot find Scandic's outside of Scandinavia?

henrikfromdenmark

Allow me to explain. I have never stayed in a Scandic and never will. I stay only in the very best everywhere I go. I stayed in St. Regis, Four Seasons and W in Mexico City and W Mexico City had the highest weekend rate! - St. Regis and Four Seasons is much better hotels = W was in my opinion overpriced.

I hope this makes sense now.

seaflyguy

Any more reports from recent stays? Mrs Seaflyguy and I, and two friends, are considering four or five nights here sometime next spring. What should I expect as a Platinum?

jammanxc

I just got back from this hotel and as a Platinum guest, I received:

-500 Starpoints welcome amenity
-free internet
-upgraded from a standard room to a Fantastic Suite
-4pm late checkout granted


I did an extensive review of the W Mexico City on my blog if you wish to see pictures and videos as well:

http://pointssummary.com/2013/01/29/...-hotel-review/

goider

Does anyone have the email contact for the GM at this property? Please PM me if you don't want to post it in the thread.

I'm having trouble getting something answered by the general email account that was given to me by Platinum Concierge.

Thanks a lot.

Starwood Lurker III

Hi goider,

We would like to help if you can foward your email to us.

[email protected]

Best Regards,

Christina Zhou
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

boston aa flyer

Mr.BostonAAFlyer and I are going next Saturday for a week... very excited... already upgraded to a Marvelous Suite with SNAs... :-)

anyone know what the Platinum Breakfast amenity is? I searched the Wiki...

abk

Not sure if you have been there before, but you can walk out across the small park and find anything you want. i recommend the empanadas.

boston aa flyer

Husband and I just got back from a 5 night stay... here's the recap:

Booked a great pre-paid rate, applied SNAs, only asked for Fantastic Suite and it was confirmed 5 days out. Important note... stay spanned New Year's, so that may have impacted the rate... hotel was empty.

Living Room is completely under renovation (which also could have impacted rate), supposedly going to be done in Feb. Then Welcome Desk Refresh. Rooms are targeted to start a refresh in June (per the Welcome Desk Manager)

Our original suite was that one room on the floor that was jammed in by the architect so it was dark, didnt make sense and didnt have a balcony (as the Fantastics are supposed to). The rooms are two-floor loft style. I stayed at this hotel 6 year ago, shortly after it opened and clearly Starwood has waited a little too long to refresh the rooms. Sink in the first room was literally falling off the wall, carpet is thread bare in spots.

Once they switched our room, the layout and sink issue was resolved but the room is still very worn down. Even the sheets were pilling quite a bit.

Breakfast Amenity is a very nice continental breakfast. Not as fancy as some european properties but great overall.

The staff for the most part are great. Welcome Desk people were great, Housekeeping was always great, timely, etc. Half of the Concierge staff was awesome. Half was muy terrible. (twice he said reservations were made and both of them did not exist when we arrived to the restaurant)

Regarding location: Polanco is one of the nicest neighborhoods in DF and if you are there as a tourist, i would reco this property versus the other SPGs. Polanco offers so many great dining options in walking distance, shopping etc. The other properties just seem to be in the middle of business areas.

Car services from the hotel is weird. two different days, we asked for taxis to Zocalo. Day one 150 pesos. Day two 280 pesos. There's something weird funky going on...make sure you know where you are going and what it should cost.

Food nearby that we loved: El Bajio was amazing classic Mexican. Dulce Patria was contemporary Mexican and was great as well. Spuntino is walking distance and is great for mid-price italian. Lincoln is also fantastic and in an amazing space.

We did a private food tour (not arranged by the W) and a private tour of Teotehucan (sp?) arranged by the hotel... both were great.

dewidewi

Thanks for the recent stay review. Any chance you've stayed at the St. Regis?

I was debating between a Fantastic Suite at the W or a Deluxe room at St. Regis.

boston aa flyer

havent been to St. Regis... to me it all comes down to location... if you are going for business... go to St Regis... leisure, i would pick the W. but note... the construction is a bummer at the W

MoritzT

They actually extended the construction, but two weeks ago claimed it would be over by beginning of April latest. Will be there this weekend - will post an update.
Last time the reception area seemed almost completed. Was so-so (in my opinion) to say it in a nice way. Seems they finally got rid of the waterfall next to the check-in desks though, maybe now you will be able to hear what they say when checking in ;-)