I've never stayed at the Palace but as someone posted, the Westin St. Francis rooms can be hit or miss as a Platinum. There were times when I've received the smallest of rooms at the St. Francis. These are usually in the lower floors (original building) and contain little more than a bed. The location is excellent though.

The W may be a little out of the way but not by much. It's about a 10 minute (or less) walk to the Westin St. Francis and if I recall correctly, it is about 3 or 4 blocks away from the Palace.

The W always gives me a minimum of a corner room which I think is substantially better than the smallest room at the St. Francis.