Perhaps it being 'off season' made the difference, but I was very pleased with the Westin Monache and can't wait to return. [I think June is a great time to visit Mammoth with so much snow, but warm temps]. Every staff member I encountered was great to deal with, and that alone will make me return.

Observations:

1) The resort fee: I think $25 is reasonable to include parking, internet and shuttle. The shuttle will pick you up and drop you off at the airport, which alone would be a $25+ taxi ride. Not sure if they do it more during peak season, but the shuttle leaves for the main lodge once in the morning and does a pick-up from the main lodge in the afternoon. (opportunity to avoid the steps down to the Village). At other times the shuttle will drop you off at the town shuttle line to get to the other lodges or Main St. shops.

2) Design: the hotel seems to have pretty high quality construction, and the use of wood, stone and natural elements really gives you a sense of place up in the mountains. I appreciated the room had windows that open, as well as screens. It's nice to see a four star hotel in Mammoth, which is filled with lots of moderate motels and dated condos for rent.

3) The stairs to/from the Village and Village Gondola are tiring. But if you plan to use the shuttle (see above) you can avoid some of that.

10) The restaurant (Whitebark) was good. I'm not sure if prices change in the low season, but I found the $12 American Breakfast fairly reasonable for the price/convenience and great service. The lounge happy hour had some great items for 1/2 price: bar food, beer and well cocktails. Only complaint is that they were out of 'pods' to make an espresso beverage.

5) My 'alternative Platinum Amenity' was offered without my asking and was a $10 gift card to Whitebark, so it appears that they give you $5 per day credit since internet is free to Platinums but included in the Resort Fee. I was frankly shocked to see they were proactive with this. ^

6) Again, maybe due to low season, but I was upgraded from a studio to a 1BR suite with an amazing village and valley view on the top (7th) floor. 2 bottles of water were complementary in the room, and when I asked for more the next day they happily sent up more.

I didn't take advantage of the kitchen, but it was great to know it's there.

I too had heat/cool problems in the room. It was hard to keep it a comfortable temperature. Opening the windows made a huge difference. The hallway was very warm, so maybe there is excess heat coming into the rooms?

7) The hotel offers the "make a green choice" program to skip housekeeping on any days except departure. You get $5 food/beverage credit or 500 SPG points per day you decline service.

8) Late checkout was granted on morning of checkout. I asked for 2PM but given 3PM 'just make sure I wasn't rushed'

9) Folio was emailed, I prefer this to have a pdf vs wasting paper.

I can't wait to return!