Originally Posted by
MikeFromTokyo
I agree on all points. I was just mentioning as an aside that DC is a city where I tend to favor FS and Hay Adams over the hotels that paricipate in point earning/redemption. (There are other cities where my favorite hotels are Hyatt, SPG, R-C, etc..)
I understand! My fave in DC is actually the Capella, given that I love a more boutique luxury feel and love the location/sensibility of the Capella. But when I consider a stay in DC, I too often find the StR or PH to be my choices when I'm there for leisure and can use points to stay for free. Sorry, but a free stay at the StR or PH is a far cry better deal almost always than a paid stay at the FS or HA IMO. Heck, I'd even give the PH better marks for fine dining.
In SF, my favorite has been the StR since it opened--I love everything about it except for its breakfast restaurant space. Points are irrelevant to me there. I've been many times to the FS and the old MO...and I definitely love the StR.
In NYC, my favorite is actually the Chatwal...though I'm salivating for when the Gramercy Park Hotel finally allows SPG/MR redemptions as part of SPG Design Hotels. That being said, I'll be at the StR New York in June on an award stay--partly because it was at 30K points/night vs 35K points/night at the Chatwal! It's been a while since I've stayed at the StR there, so I'll be curious to see how the refurb has turned out.
Again, we all differ on what we want to pay and what we want to get and how we prioritize between them.
That is of course only my very subjective opinion. If I had top tier status with a program like SPG, that could easily tip the benefit/cost balance in favor of StR, for example.
I'd venture a guess that even a free award night at the StR or PH on points without any status at all is still a better cost/benefit proposition for most than staying at one of the other top luxury hotels. Status is nice...but you don't need status to get good service at most StR or PH.
I find most people who won't accept that StR or PH or the like can compete in terms of luxury/service with FS, Peninsula, MO, etc. are those who never stay at StR or PH or the like...or who simply cannot fathom the possibility. I've stayed at too many of all the major luxury chains (and 10 Amans!) to know better.