I've stayed here about 4 times in the past 5 years. Was on the island twice this year, once at the Ritz for a week and a week here. I would agree with most of the review, and the breakfast across the street--BIG HIT. For those interested, the BEST places to eat there:

* Pappagallo's Italian
* The Wharf Grill
* Deckers

Avoid the Ritz "Blue" restaurant--unless you're into being alone in the restaurant, nibbling appetizers for $120 per person. The Seven restaurant poolside has a GREAT menu however, including a Bluefin Tuna appetizer that rocks. Bluefin is some of the best fish available anywhere, I can't seem to find it much in the states.

The lobby of the Westin could really use an overhaul. It's just too cold, with lame appointments and a lobby bar whose placement seems like an afterthought. Rooms are basically the same as the first year they opened--the comments about the size are accurate--with the exception that some of the first floor units were re-done with wooden floors after Ivan passed. I stayed in #101 late this summer (right on the beach, regular room) and would recommend it.

The Pros:

* best beach location ever. If you're looking for fine white sand, this is it.
* Safe anytime day or night. Ivan rebuilders added some crime, but still very safe place (walk on the beach at night, no prob)
* good redemption value for SPG points (well right now, anyway) seeing as how EVERYTHING on the island is expensive
* Platinum Upgrade to "beachfront" every time, no suite
* Casa Havana, the 4-diamond restaurant is a MUST VISIT. Excellent, excellent. Likely the best meal I've ever had. Their wine selection is uncanny for a small island with some $$$ vintage selections for the high-rollers.
* a 2-minute beach walk to the Ritz (love Bar Jack)!
* real teak lounge chairs poolside, which they keep oiled well
* great view from the beach front rooms
* beach groomed daily
* beach activity desk near the pool is great--plenty of options (floats, jetskis, diving packages, floating bicycle thingies, snorkels, etc.)
* did I mention the beach?

The Cons:
* only a few suites, which are ridiculously expensive and no middle-of-the-road rooms between a regular size room and a suite.
* pool restaurant/bar is weak
* Freezing cold lobby, hallways
* Concierge not reliable--NEVER book through them, just make the local call and save some $$.

This hotel is owned by a guy from Cincinnati (Bill Yung, Columbia Sussex)--he owns about 60 hotels including the new SXM Dawn Beach.

All that said...I'll be back. :-)