Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central California
Programs: AA-LEP,United-1K Again!, USAIR-CHRMN, MW Plat Prem, SW-Gold, Hilton-Silver, Hertz-Platnium
Posts: 381
I have stayed at both, quite often (about 5 times at the JW and 20 at the Waikiki). I am a Plat Prem.
The JW is nice, but you need a car. I felt locked in there, it wasn't for me. I like serenity, but it was too serene. I always got the same room (different floors). They claimed it was a suite, but it was just a large room. Right by the elevators though.
The Waikiki is at the end of the strip. Out of the 20 times we have stayed there, we have been upgraded to a Junior Suite or nicer 15 times. Most of the time we are upgraded to a one bedroom suite (01/03 on every floor). We were upgraded to the 1300 sqft one once, that was pretty cool too.
I guess each person's mileage may vary (case in point, at the Times Square Ren tonight. Awful service, worst room in the place, with others showing online. Checking out tomorrow for Ren on 57th or maybe TS Marqui)