Just completed my first stay here last weekend. It was 1 night and I have now stayed at all Starwood properties in Santiago.

In short, the W has by far the best location (followed by the FP, and then she Sheraton/San Cristobal). However, Plat treatment was below average, or even downright disappointing.

The WW team reached out a few days prior to the stay, saying they would try to get me an upgrade, but couldn't guarantee one, and asked for time of arrival and whether I needed any additional help. I mentioned a 4pm check in and requested reservations for Osaka, which I was told was full. We checked in around 3pm, and the room wasn't ready: they wanted to give us an upgrade to a room which was only a category higher (Wonderful to Spectacular) but the room wasn't ready. As it transpires, the only difference is the latter has a balcony. No suites were offered. As we had flown in from AKL, it was only after I probed them that they offered to give us the original room right away.

Five minutes after checking in, two associates knocked on my door to replenish the minibar (couldn't they have done it before I checked in?) and the replenished items were charged to my credit card after checkout. Other unauthorized charges included a restaurant bill, which I suspect is for breakfast which was included in my rate.

As others mentioned, the room is already dated (in style) and worn, with tears to the net curtains, scuffs on the walls, etc. TV had only sound, no image and no obvious fix (didn't bother calling to get it fixed, but explained at checkout so issue could be sorted for following guests). Bathroom is huge and very nice, as is the massive bathtub.

No other Plat amenities are offered (they tried to charge me for breakfast twice, despite being included in the rate), no welcome, or thank you for being a Platinum. At least the Platinum breakfast includes the whole buffet which has eggs made to order, nice juices, and even champagne and a self service Bloody Mary station.

Contrary to some reports, no drink vouchers were offered (even when we were told to wait at the bar for our room), no explanation of the facilities or services was given.

In short, it was a very underwhelming experience. To be fair, they never promised anything above and beyond, but I really didn't feel very welcome. The cherry on the cake was after checkout, when I stopped on the driveway for 30 seconds to set up my destination on Waze and was promptly shooshed away by one of the security guards (I wasn't blocking anyone, and no other cars were coming). For half the price, I will stick to the Sheraton for future stays, which at least has a lounge, better views, comfortable rooms and more welcoming staff.

The only saving grace was Maria at the front desk, who was very helpful and comped the parking without me even asking.