I just stayed there on points - I used two 50K points for 5 nights – two rooms. Both rooms were upgraded to corner rooms on the 38th and 42nd floor. The higher floors are marked a "preferred" floors, I forget the exact words. The views from these corner rooms, up high, are spectacular. The staff was great! I had six people in my entourage - me, wife, two teen daughters who each brought a friend. All of us were treated as Plats. Free health club access, free lounge access, free upgrade.

As for the lounge making you sign in and there being a spot for a tip. I like the fact that there was a spot for a tip - it made things easier for me. Moreover, I think other hotels should consider a similar option. I come in there go through the food and beverages a couple times and leave a mess on the table. USA protocol says I should leave a tip - which I prefer to do even though the food is free. Half the time I do not have any small denomination bills with me and things get complicated. At the WTS lounge I can just sign a paper and leave a buck or two - it's great.

After the second day I went to the kids room – on a different floor – where they had two doubles for the four of them. It looked like a bomb went off – what a disaster. I told my oldest she need to leave a few dollars each day on the pillow so the maid won’t hate them.

I did have a reality check at the lobby bar. I have been to a few W's, SF, LA, Chicago, etc., and know what they charge for "top shelf" booze. I ordered two Padron tequila’s and when the bill came I was charge $19 each. The most I paid at the W was $12-14. Ouch - but, they were very strong pours and I did not really care as I was on vacation.

All in all, a great hotel - a solid 4 star property.