As soon as I heard about the $69 opening weekend intro rate from another FTer, I jumped on it, booking 2 nights this past weekend. I am a big fan of new Starwood hotels, and think that with all of the new Westins opening in the US, that Starwood can attempt to make a run on Marriott's dominance in the Freddies in the Americas. I think Westin's presence in the Asia Pacific region are why Starwood did so well "down under."

That being said, I hopped on Route 66, took Exit 12 to the Reston Parkway, hung a left, and then left on Sunrise Valley. You'll drive past a golf course on your right, a gas station on the left, then turn left into a plaza-type area with the Sheraton, Westin the middle, and a new condo/apartment complex named the Mercer. Drive around a small roundabout, underneath the overhang at the entrance, and there is free parking out back, bright fresh yellow parking lines. The street address is 11750 Sunrise Valley, Reston.

Check-in/Check-out
Check-in took all of 2 min. I parked behind the hotel, walked in (around 22:00), desk clerk looked up, saying, "Mr. SASfan?" "Yes?" "Here is your room key, sir - pleasure to welcome a Platinum guest here on our opening weekend."

Check out was the automatic checkout under my door, correct bill.

Mini-bar
Fully stocked, and with more than just the standard beers, juices, etc. There was a Voss water, and small cans of specially-designed Westin cans of salted almonds, cashews, Snickers, etc.

Common Areas
The downstairs ground floor is divided into the small front desk reception area with 3 check-in spots on the left, SPG Gold/Plat to the far right. Moving past reception is almost a "living room" type area, very classily decked out with a few couches, fire place, some nice glass adornments that people can relax in if they are waiting to meet someone or just reading/etc. Past that on the right is the small podium that they use to escort you into breakfast during the morning, or the restaurant Vinifera at night. There is a wine bar with over 250 different types of wines from all over the world, and 24 wines "on tap"...or by the glass. The Food & Beverage Manager is a very knowledgeable guy named Johnny, who will answer any question you've got.

High speed internet access
The lobby is wired, free internet, although they are still working the bugs out and I couldn't catch the signal for free. $9.95 in the rooms. They let me use the small business center, which has 3 stations in it.

Executive Lounge
No such animal. I tried asking for free breakfast as a Plat, but no luck. I had a very good smoothie for the road one morning, and french toast the next, w/ coffee and juice. Prices are fairly reasonable.

Guest Rooms
I was given an upgrade to a large suite, room #714, with K bed, sitting area with couch, desk area, and huge bathroom with glass walled-in Heavenly shower with rainwater shower head. All granite countertops, coffee bar on the side, and classy mirror on the way out the door with a chest-high place to set keys, wallet, etc. Couldn't hear any highway noise, although I was on the highway side. Great sleep in the Heavenly Bed, although sheets weren't as smooth/soft, probably being brand new.

Housekeeping
Great job, no issues.

Club level/Executive Lounge
None on property.

Fitness Center
One on property, did not use.

Parking/valet
Did not use, just parked out back (free).

Dining
Menu looked great - all I had was breakfast.

I definitely would return to this property!

Great value for the $69 rate paid.