I used to stay there a lot but after Hurricane Wilma I gave it 2 tries a year apart & was treated like dirt even though I was a Plat. I guess the RBC being back in action might change a few things, but I haven't heard about any suite upgrades, and the Westin Lagunamar has suites that are out of this world for very good prices. And despite their upgrade policy (no upgrades b/c there are only 2 types of rooms- a villa Or a 1 bedroom villa) I HAVE BEEN upgraded at Lagunamar twice, from the regular villa to a 1 bedroom villa. Both times they were very busy so I assumed it was b/c they needed the smaller rooms more.

I can see where people would enjoy the original Westin as a Cancun property, but as a Starwood property, I just don't think they try hard enough. And besides, the 1 bedroom suites or "villas" at Lagunamar are like staying in a condo! And the location of Westin versus Westin Lagunamar makes a huge difference. The regular Westin is one of the 1st hotels you come across from the airport, and that means more cab, bus fare etc., if you want to go anywhere. At Lagunamar you have a full kitchen AND are right across from La Isla Mall- a much better location.

I wouldn't KNOCK the regular Westin and I used to adore it. I do like the idea of having a club lounge like Le Meridien Cancun (now gone) had. The price difference between this Westin and Lagunamar is never enough to make me want to stay at Westin for even one night. I do agree about the late check-outs though. Lagunamar MUST do better with Platinums and Check-in/Check-out times. But that's really the only difference between the 2 that means anything to me.

When I used to stay at this Westin (before Hurricane Wilma) I would always be upgraded to a suite and I loved the spa, etc. They had the club and the employees were very kind. After the Hurricane I was shocked at how badly the service had gone down. No tvs working, no pools open, no room service or spa- that was a month after opening I think. They didn't even have a king or queen bed room ready & gave me 2 doubles despite my reservation of a King NS room. There was barely anyone staying there and I saw why. I was very upset with the staff & even angry when they wouldn't release me from my reservation. I ended up never getting that money back. STILL, I gave it a 1 night shot a year or so later. I thought the mess was caused by re-entering business after a bad Hurricane so I figured it'd be all better. Wrong! Again treated badly, again I left.

It's good to hear that the Club is back up and running and that people are enjoying the hotel. It was once a great hotel. Yet, having stayed at so many places in Cancun over the years, I still cannot claim it as a great property. Comparing The Westin to Westin Lagunamar, there's no question that Lagunamar is superior. The Westin has the club, and possible extended check-outs. Lagunamar has the newer suites, the better pools and position on the beach, and the mall across the street. La Isla is one of the best reasons to stay at Lagunamar, IMO. You don't need a car or a cab to get to cheap food (or expensive nice restaurants) and they have one of the best souvenir stores in Cancun. Location is key for me.

So while I am happy to hear that the original Westin is getting some better reviews, I still can't see myself returning. I admit that I miss Le Meridien Cancun as a choice b/c I got to know the whole staff there & always got upgraded to a suite, they had a club lounge & excellent service. But when they left Starwood I had a choice and Lagunamar won. I think I'd have to start hearing about mass Plat upgrades and a shuttle into town to even consider returning to Westin. That said, it IS nice to hear people saying nice things as I once adored this property.

Maybe they'll get back to their old position as a fantastic place to stay, period. It would be nice, especially as there's not much to choose from in Cancun now that Le Meridien Cancun is gone.
Still, I could never recommend Westin above Lagunamar or Fiesta Americana: Grand Coral Beach, or just about any others I've stayed at. Location alone makes it undesirable for me, but it's good to see others having good experiences!