- I just stayed in the Sheraton Downtown Philadelphia and it was quite an experience. Firstly, this hotel smells and it smells differently in hall ways and rooms. Secondly, the attitude of stuff is simply unbelievable. One could be amused but only if you staying for a night!
To start, I (SPG PLT) was trying to check in about 10:15 a.m.: "Sorry, sir, our computers are down at the moment but we will take you credit card and call you when the room is ready".
Next, I am showing up at 2:15 p.m. - "no ready rooms yet" but wait 2 min because we are checking with housekeeping." Instead, I have asked for a key from the Club room and departed there to finish work.
A key was sent to the Club floor in about an hour (!) - apparently this what they mean by "wait 2 min". The room was two double (that what I booked) but I was kindly asked for a King on a higher floor. The front desk promised to help and at about 4:30 p.m. I got a phone call that my room on 10th floor is ready (hotel has 26 floors). That is the best they can do after 6:30 hr wait. I am sure that the hotel is full of SPG PLT and other VIPs even though plenty of various rooms are bookable for my night including $179/rate.
A quick check of www.spg.com showed that I can easily book 9(!) King rooms on the Club Floor. I called and talked to SPG Plat desk and they talked to the manager and he ensured that there are no Club Rooms available. Of course, that is a problem with reservations and they are going to fix this. After 7 pm the same 9 King rooms are still available.