We've never stayed at the Westin but stay at the El Con quite often. I really like the Casita suites, and that's mostly what we got when I was gold in the old Sheraton program, and now plat in SPG. I have stayed in a junior suite before, and it was OK, but I really prefer to be down in the Casitas. I like the casitas at the back that just have a little desert hill behind them, toward the bottom where there is a small parking lot. If you get these casitas that just face the hillside in the back, you can sit on your little patio and enjoy an amazing amount of wildlife in the early mornings and evenings. These ones also feel most private to me.

The rate that you are quoting, WNLuvr, seems awfully high to me. I don't think I've ever paid more than $250 for the Conquistador, even in high season like now. I have gotten rooms there for less than $150 in lower season. I know the Westin is routinely over $300, part of why I have never gone there. I'd see if you could get anything better via UA 50% off certs, SPG50 awards, etc. I wouldn't worry too much about the room you're paying for--you're very likely to get an upgrade. I think maybe one night out of 10 I did not get one. Of course, you can call the hotel and see how full they are. Also, it's worth calling this hotel direct on the rates--sometimes they will give it to you lower if you call them, and they can definitely talk to you about your upgrade odds on particular days. They do have their own sizeable reservations department there.