Originally Posted by
thaliajen
Hmmm, I wonder what type of room I got at Sheraton bc it was very nice. I was upgraded to a King Ocean View and it was much nicer and as large as the Banyan Room I got at Westin. Maybe it's just that I was stuck in the old part of the Westin? But I didn't like anything there. I like more modern buildings so I was happy to get my room at Sheraton. But I know there are people who prefer the historical rooms- I'm just not one of them. I was so happy when I switched to the Sheraton that I almost cried. I also didn't like Westin's lounge.
Sheraton IS full a lot so I can see where that would affect the upgrades. But since I got what I consider a downgrade at Westin, I didn't mind the crowd. Maybe I was lucky, but my room at Sheraton was incredible and much more modern and luxurious than Westin Moana. Yet again, that may be that it was bc I was thrown in a Banyan Room. And Westin's pool was awful! But to each their own and I would never say one person was wrong bc they preferred one over the other. I just wish Sheraton was the cheap one here, as I refuse to go back to Westin. They're up to $383/night for lowest type room at Sheraton for my dates, and Westin is much cheaper. Maybe it's the pool thing?
The other thing that sold me on the Sheraton there was the AC. They adjusted it for me so I could set it as low as I wanted (I LOVE a cold room) and I'd been boiling in my room at Westin. I also kind of like cookie-cutter rooms if you're talking they're all the same bc I know what to expect. But I might've had a better stay at Westin if I had asked them to return me to my original reservation which was NOT in the Banyan rooms. I just never figured out HOW that was an upgrade!
I'm glad I stayed at both so I knew what to expect. I just did that in Maui a few weeks ago- stayed at Sheraton even though I loved the Westin there. It's fun to change it up a bit.
Despite the frankly huge (for a non suite) room I had at the Moana the AC was top notch and far better than I had in my Sheraton cupboard or currently enjoy at the RH. I am warming to the RH, the FHR deal is superb, the breakfast menu is extensive and I can grab a pre breakfast oatmeal or granola in the lounge before enjoying my breakfast proper.
The decor at the Moana was also great. You need to stay in the Tower (not Diamond Tower) and ideally score a penthouse room. The size and quality was simply a revelation and the freshness and maintenance of the decor was top notch.
If I had been travelling with the Mrs I would just have booked a suite at the Sheraton which at corp rates are great value for money. The RH at FHR rates and with Plat is also a pretty decent option and even the worst rooms will not be the broom closet size of those at the Sheraton. The Moana has unexpectedly been the pick of the bunch for me so far and I will try it again for longer when with my wife. The Penthouse Suites must be amazing.
Both the RH and the Moana have a much more relaxed vibe than the Sheraton though.
One weird thing at the RH which should be noted. I was told when I checked in that I would need to check the day before departure about a 4pm checkout. Whilst for a resort property this is true for a SPG member for a FHR booking there is a firm guarantee of a 4pm checkout.
When I raised that I was told that yes I could definitely have a 4pm checkout but may need to change room. That is pretty bad and I shall be reporting it to Amex as part of my post stay feedback as in my mind at least it is a flagrant violation of the FHR rules. I have now got a confirmed 4pm checkout but I really should not have had to fight for it.