I returned to the Westin Casuarina this past weekend. I booked it right after I nabbed a ticket to the great singer George Strait (King George to his fans.)
Did not know it was Super Bowl weekend until it got pointed out to me in multiple e-mails!
Anyway, the hotel was mostly quiet when I came to check in about 4pm (after a fab lunch at the purrfect In and Out with
Host Sunnyhere, DebUA1K and her husband Marc and daughter Cynthia and special guest Spiff!
I was "welcomed back" and reminded that I could have checked in at the special "Starwood Preferred Guest" area right behind me. I told them I was not elite but they said I am still an SPG. Nice.
My room was not ready when I got there and the nice front desk person asked if I could wait about a half hour. The room was ready after I checked back in 20 minutes and got a nice apology.
Did not expect any upgrade since I have aluminum status.
But to my surprise got the 12th floor (don't think it was an SPG floor but I was impressed.) Nice view of the Bellagio and otehr hotels and of course the great bed.
The casino was barely busy and the hotel looked quiet. I had a Sam Adams at the bar after George's show and there were two groups of parties. I sat alone but teh staff was attentive and friendly.
Checkout via TV went without a hitch. There is a computer by teh Front Desk area where you can print out your boarding pass and check e-mail. Think it was a steep $5 for 30 minutes. If I have one minor complaint maybe have a computer set up for FREE printing of boarding passes. If you want internet then charge. (there is a FREE boarding pass printer/computer at the Sheraton EWR where I stayed the night before.)
I did not stay for their Superbowl party and instead watched much of teh game at Planet HOllywood. The company there was priceless. I did not get excited over the hotel. Dining wise I was very happy there at PH. A great buffet place (Spice Mill) with a great variety of cuisine. Another thing I liked was the Duck Soup I had at some restaurant I can't recall, complete with a Newcastle..
But I digress.
PH was less expensive that weekend than Westin C. But Westin C, and I said this before, is a nice quiet and cozy hotel off the bright lights and noise of the strip. Sometimes I like a little quiet and sanity and step out of the spotlight.
One more bonus... from the Westin C I can walk to the monorail in about two to five minutes and get around much of the strip. The Westin's not so out of the way as it may appear.
I may try PH sometime but I like this Westin and would come back.
mod/
Earlier thread can be found here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...er-thread.html
/mod