Originally Posted by
RAPC
The property has retitled a floor of traditional rooms (non-renovated) to be exec rooms. They are however only exec rooms in name. These are typically the 'upgrades' they try to pass out now. As our corporate SPG co-ordinator in London told me, it is basically the old SPG floor with a flexible title that can be changed to show an upgrade after complaints about the lack of upgrade at the property. Basically just a case of them gaming the system to say they have made an upgrade.
As you suggest, push for a higher floor with a renovated room. That actually is a room upgrade as opposed to the faux upgrades they try now.
Also plan in advance and understand availability as far as you can at the point of check in. If you are checking in after 2pm then the SPG iPhone App is the perfect way to check what is being sold as you arrive.
I agree with whoever said that all SPG London properties are flawed. My most consistent experience as a Plat has actually been at the Park Lane and I like the location and the layout of the Studio Suites which have always been quiet quiet too in my experience. I have had more mixed experience at the Meridien and don't really like the SPT as I find the front of house staff rather rude and unhelpful and this carries through the rest of the property (except the one-o-one restaurant which is great)..
I am hoping the W brings some much needed consistency to the London Starwood scene, it is a crying shame that the Lanesborough does not participate in SPG, which instanty rules it out for me.