Well
should I give this a go? I'm not quite done with my 2018 stays, so I'll probably give it an update after the New Year.
Unfortunately, 2018 was a year of mostly work-related stays with fewer amazing standout properties. I feel mostly disappointed by the quality of my average stay with Marriott. I'm actually much happier overall with my Hyatt stays this year where I've stayed at some truly standout properties with wonderful experiences. Given the amount of time I've spent in NYC the contrast is especially stark. Almost all SPG/Marriott properties in NYC suck, while Hyatt has some great options which are much more likely to work with my nightly budget. I've been able to get some incredible suite upgrades at on very reasonable cash rates at the Andaz 5th Ave. in particular which is the property I've spent most nights in ever at this point.
But, without further ado, here is my listing
Absolutely exceeded expectations
Sir Adams Design Hotel Amsterdam Absolutely exceeded expectations and a new favorite in Amsterdam.
Cotton House Barcelona, Autograph Collection Amazing hotel, all around. Best legacy Marriott hotel I've stayed at.
Great
W Hong Kong a favorite in HK, but not the best location and always pricey. But damn do I love the pool and breakfast.
Mira Moon another favorite in HK, boutique hotel in Wan Chai with a great tapas bar.
The Nines Portland had a pleasant stay in this quirky hotel
The Liberty Boston also enjoyed the historic setting and good breakfast in this ex-prison
St Regis Shanghai beautiful hotel, if a bit cookie-cutter St. Regis
Good
W Miami South Beach a bit too scene-y, even for me, but a fun place to party through the new year. so expensive
Cosmopolitan Vegas best Starriott option in Vegas
Ritz Half Moon Bay can't go wrong with the setting
Hotel Paseo an unexpected stay here due to some wind issues at Coachella pleasant desert property
W Beijing impressive breakfast and good service at a very reasonable price
JW Santa Monica a decent option in Santa Monica, which is otherwise poor in chain hotels
Fine
Sheraton Casino San Juan
Park Lane SF
Westin Grand Berlin
Moxy Times Sq multiple stays here like the clean and newness or rooms, but they're very small and the beds are not super comfortable. this place can be super overpriced.
AC Times Square several stays here have left me disappointed
Westin Cleveland
Le Meridien Munich
W Barcelona very disappointed by this mediocre food, rooftop bar, and general attitude of the staff here
Marriott Brussels pleasantly surprised, great lounge
JW Quito
W Bogota also disappointed they couldn't get me my SNA-upgraded suite by the 3pm check-in time. overall overrated hotel.
Le Meridien Vienna
Le Royal Meridien Shanghai too big and a bit dated, but otherwise nice
W Hoboken best W in NYC area; but you're in hoboken which is pretty lousy. filled with terribly annoying loud jersey-shore types
Bad
W New York - Times Square run down
Westin LAX
The Lexington Hotel NYC disappointing, old
Sheraton San Diego airport hotel, so did the job for a quick snooze before an early morning flight
Sheraton LAX surprisingly better than the nearby Westin but do yourself a favor and just stay at the Hyatt Regency instead
Westin Times Square awful breakfast
Awful
Sheraton Times Square awful awful everything
The Maxwell NYC terrible rooms unless you literally have the presidential suite
Wanderlust Singapore the absolute worst, had to walk out of a 4 night stay and go find somewhere else without even spending a night sleeping there (had to pay for one night to leave early)