Westin Hotel Pune Koregaon Park, India [Master Thread]
Sep 8, 2009, 1:17 am
#1
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Westin Hotel Pune Koregaon Park, India [Master Thread]
The location (Koregaon Park) is pretty good though it is further to the train station than the Meredien which is right across the street from the train station. They seem to have a good selection of restaurants. Lots of very good restaurants located close by as well. ABC farms which has 5 - 6 different restaurants is right next door. Stone Water Grill and Hard Rock Cafe are less than a 5 minute drive away. A mall is coming up right next door too but it will probably take a couple of years before it is up and running.
It is facing a river so the views should be pretty good for 9 months in a year.
Rooms are currently available for $ 150 onwards which is a pretty good deal for a 5 star hotel in Pune. Plenty of reward availabily as well but at this price you're probably better off not wasting the points!
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin...ropertyID=3218
"Now accepting reservations for arrival on or after November 15, 2009.
Refreshing touches will awaken your senses at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, a modern oasis for mind, body, and soul.
Rejuvenate in style in one of our 277 guest rooms and suites featuring the Westin Heavenly Bed® and Heavenly Bath®. The WestinWORKOUT® rooms offer guests the opportunity to maintain their fitness regime in the privacy of their room. Our prime landmark location at Koregaon Park, close to the Airport set amidst green surroundings, gives you an unhindered view of the Mulla Mutha river. For that extra special stay, try our Executive Club accommodations where guests can enjoy the added benefit of Westin Executive Club Lounge access with an open air terrace.
Immerse yourself on a journey of culinary delights at Seasonal Tastes, our all-day dining restaurant or at one of our two specialty restaurants. Prego creates sumptuous Italian Cuisine in a stimulating interactive surrounding, and Kangan, our Indian specialty restaurant, dishes up robust flavors from all across the sub-continent.
Elevate your spirit and experience total renewal at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park."
It is facing a river so the views should be pretty good for 9 months in a year.
Rooms are currently available for $ 150 onwards which is a pretty good deal for a 5 star hotel in Pune. Plenty of reward availabily as well but at this price you're probably better off not wasting the points!
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin...ropertyID=3218
"Now accepting reservations for arrival on or after November 15, 2009.
Refreshing touches will awaken your senses at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, a modern oasis for mind, body, and soul.
Rejuvenate in style in one of our 277 guest rooms and suites featuring the Westin Heavenly Bed® and Heavenly Bath®. The WestinWORKOUT® rooms offer guests the opportunity to maintain their fitness regime in the privacy of their room. Our prime landmark location at Koregaon Park, close to the Airport set amidst green surroundings, gives you an unhindered view of the Mulla Mutha river. For that extra special stay, try our Executive Club accommodations where guests can enjoy the added benefit of Westin Executive Club Lounge access with an open air terrace.
Immerse yourself on a journey of culinary delights at Seasonal Tastes, our all-day dining restaurant or at one of our two specialty restaurants. Prego creates sumptuous Italian Cuisine in a stimulating interactive surrounding, and Kangan, our Indian specialty restaurant, dishes up robust flavors from all across the sub-continent.
Elevate your spirit and experience total renewal at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park."
Last edited by piyush; Dec 2, 2009 at 12:58 am Reason: Now Open
Dec 2, 2009, 12:58 am
#2
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I went and checked it out earlier this week. Has three restaurants - Italian, Indian & coffee shop. They also have a lounge. A night club will be opening in February. The rooms are pretty spacious and well made. The lobby area is great too!
Feb 4, 2010, 12:29 pm
#3
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Westin Hotel Pune Koregaon Park
I just completed a stay at the brand new Westin Pune Koregaon Park. It opened two months ago, on December 1, 2009. This place is really spectacular!
Coming from the airport, the hotel was about a 10 minute drive and immediately visible when crossing the nearby bridge over the Mula Mutha River. When arriving at the hotel there are several guards checking the car before climbing the drive to the lobby level.
As with all other hotels in India these days, there is a good deal of security when entering the hotel. All bags are scanned and everyone is wanded down after going through a metal detector.
The public spaces are spacious and very modern. For the most part everything is very bright as opposed to the dark finishing of hotels like the Le Meridien Bangkok. The lobby has some nice modern sculptures and plenty of different seating areas. There is a cafe in the lobby and three shops. They appeared to be a jewelry shop, a watch shop and another shop of trendy clothing.
I checked in around mid-day and there were lots of staff members anxious to welcome and assist me. My reservation was last minute as I just found out the day before that I'd need to fly to Pune. As usual I added a note that a suite upgrade would be appreciated. Before going to sleep I had checked my reservation and was happy to see that I'd been pre-upgraded to a suite. I was anxious to see what their suites looked like and take some pictures. I did, however, notice that I'd been upgraded to a smoking suite. I don't smoke and smoking rooms typically give me headaches. I figured that I'd discuss it with the hotel during check-in and see if they had a non-smoking suite available. If not then I could check out the suite and perhaps find that since the hotel is only 2 months old the room wasn't impacted too much by smoke. I had been joking about this with someone from Starwood and they informed me that the hotel realised the mistake in the smoking preference and downgraded me. I was slightly disappointed but figured that once I get to the property anything is possible.
During check-in I was told that I'd been upgraded to a Westin Executive Club room which was also WestinWORKOUT® room. I found it a bit odd. I do need to work out more, but I didn't have my sneakers with me and was unsure how it would feel to have room real estate taken up by excersize equipment. The front desk agent explained that the WestinWORKOUT® rooms are 55 square meters while the standard rooms are 41 square meters. I explained that I'd seen online that I'd been upgraded to a suite and was informed that unfortunately all the suites had been sold. I was tempted to ask about smoking suites but figured that since I'm only going to be here for one night I'd check out the WestinWORKOUT® room.
When I received the card to choose my Platinum Amenity I inquired as to what the local gifts were. I was told that they may be some sort of jewerly box in the local style. I pressed and asked not what they may be but what they are. I was told that they are not yet available. That is fine, of course. They could have told me that in the first place.
When I asked when they would be available I was told later that day. I chose the points but look forward to seeing what these jewelry boxes look like on a future stay.
The front desk agent escorted me to the room which was spacious and bright. Typically I decline the offer to explain the room features but in this case it was a new hotel with lots of buttons so I figured it would be worth hearing the pitch. She did a pretty good job of explaining the features though there was some sort of UPS or inverter in the room that perplexed both of us.
Coming from the airport, the hotel was about a 10 minute drive and immediately visible when crossing the nearby bridge over the Mula Mutha River. When arriving at the hotel there are several guards checking the car before climbing the drive to the lobby level.
As with all other hotels in India these days, there is a good deal of security when entering the hotel. All bags are scanned and everyone is wanded down after going through a metal detector.
The public spaces are spacious and very modern. For the most part everything is very bright as opposed to the dark finishing of hotels like the Le Meridien Bangkok. The lobby has some nice modern sculptures and plenty of different seating areas. There is a cafe in the lobby and three shops. They appeared to be a jewelry shop, a watch shop and another shop of trendy clothing.
I checked in around mid-day and there were lots of staff members anxious to welcome and assist me. My reservation was last minute as I just found out the day before that I'd need to fly to Pune. As usual I added a note that a suite upgrade would be appreciated. Before going to sleep I had checked my reservation and was happy to see that I'd been pre-upgraded to a suite. I was anxious to see what their suites looked like and take some pictures. I did, however, notice that I'd been upgraded to a smoking suite. I don't smoke and smoking rooms typically give me headaches. I figured that I'd discuss it with the hotel during check-in and see if they had a non-smoking suite available. If not then I could check out the suite and perhaps find that since the hotel is only 2 months old the room wasn't impacted too much by smoke. I had been joking about this with someone from Starwood and they informed me that the hotel realised the mistake in the smoking preference and downgraded me. I was slightly disappointed but figured that once I get to the property anything is possible.
During check-in I was told that I'd been upgraded to a Westin Executive Club room which was also WestinWORKOUT® room. I found it a bit odd. I do need to work out more, but I didn't have my sneakers with me and was unsure how it would feel to have room real estate taken up by excersize equipment. The front desk agent explained that the WestinWORKOUT® rooms are 55 square meters while the standard rooms are 41 square meters. I explained that I'd seen online that I'd been upgraded to a suite and was informed that unfortunately all the suites had been sold. I was tempted to ask about smoking suites but figured that since I'm only going to be here for one night I'd check out the WestinWORKOUT® room.
When I received the card to choose my Platinum Amenity I inquired as to what the local gifts were. I was told that they may be some sort of jewerly box in the local style. I pressed and asked not what they may be but what they are. I was told that they are not yet available. That is fine, of course. They could have told me that in the first place.
When I asked when they would be available I was told later that day. I chose the points but look forward to seeing what these jewelry boxes look like on a future stay.The front desk agent escorted me to the room which was spacious and bright. Typically I decline the offer to explain the room features but in this case it was a new hotel with lots of buttons so I figured it would be worth hearing the pitch. She did a pretty good job of explaining the features though there was some sort of UPS or inverter in the room that perplexed both of us.
Feb 4, 2010, 12:30 pm
#4
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Here I was in a WestinWORKOUT rooms with no sneakers. Nice treadmill thought.
The terrace off my room was quite large. It is probably an additional 50 square meters. The views from the hotel are quite nice so long as you don't look straight down. The area is still under construction. Across from the hotel they are building the largest shopping mall in Pune. The views of the river and the areas of the city on the opposite side are nice. There terrace is billed as a place to stretch out as part of your workout but it should probably have a wooden table with some chairs and also a lounge chair or two. Some additional potted plants would also be nice.
One of my pet peeves is that many hotels put the safe on the floor or on a low shelf. It is a pain to get to the safe. I was happy to see that this wasn't the case at this property.
The terrace off my room was quite large. It is probably an additional 50 square meters. The views from the hotel are quite nice so long as you don't look straight down. The area is still under construction. Across from the hotel they are building the largest shopping mall in Pune. The views of the river and the areas of the city on the opposite side are nice. There terrace is billed as a place to stretch out as part of your workout but it should probably have a wooden table with some chairs and also a lounge chair or two. Some additional potted plants would also be nice.
One of my pet peeves is that many hotels put the safe on the floor or on a low shelf. It is a pain to get to the safe. I was happy to see that this wasn't the case at this property.
Feb 4, 2010, 12:31 pm
#5
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Before heading out to my meeting I decided to check out the Executive Club Lounge as it was on the same floor at the end of the hall. It turns out that they had just completed and opened the lounge that very morning. Previously breakfast was taken in the restaurant and cocktails in the trendy bar. Spacious doesn't begin to explain this lounge. Just like the room, the lounge has a huge terrace which rivals the size of the lounge itself. One half of the lounge has about 10-12 dining tables with chairs. The other side of the lounge has some large sofa sets and some additional chairs with low tables and a newspaper/magazine rack. There was one type of chair which was quite interesting as the tall back of the chair has extensions that project from the side to either side of your head. I tried to sit on these chairs in the evening but I guess I'm too tall. The projections were at the level of my shoulder rather than my ears. Outside are some nice sofas, tables and chairs to enjoy the view and pleasant weather.
Feb 4, 2010, 12:31 pm
#6
Moderator, El Al and Marriott Bonvoy, FlyerTalk Evangelist
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In the evening when I arrived at the hotel I was met by the front office manager. He apologized for not having a suite available earlier and offered to show me the suite and move me if it was satisfactory. I was just as happy with the room I already had but was anxious to see the suite. The suite is a true two-room suite with a nice living room which includes a sofa area and a small dining table with chairs. The bedroom is not very different from the bedroom side of the room I was already in. Because the suite is divided into two rooms it feels smaller than the room I was already in. It may be the same size physically but it felt a bit cramped. I thanked him for showing and offering me the suite and said that I'd like to take a few photos but am quite happy to just remain in the room I'd already been allocated. I figured that this would also save them the trouble of cleaning a room that I had only used to change clothes.
We continued to the executive lounge and discussed the property and the various amenities. The lounge terrace overlooks the pool which looked quite inviting. It turns out that he spent a few years at the Westin Sonha-Gurgaon before joining the team opening the Westin Pune. I've been meaning to check out this property and look forward to doing so sometime this year.
Back in the lounge there was time left for the 5-7PM cocktail hours. Hot and cold non-alcoholic drinks are available all day. During cocktail hours there seemed to be a fair range of spirits and a tray with cans of coke and diet coke along with beer. There was a cheese tray and I think some fruit. Two warm dishes were available: vegetarian seekh kebabs and chicken tikka. Upon inquiring about wi-fi in the lounge I was informed that the wi-fi in the lounge was free. The rooms director was present and he informed me that as a member of the Executive Club, not only was the wi-fi in the lounge free but my internet use throughout the hotel, both wired and wireless, was completely free though I would need to get a username/password. When I asked how I would go about getting a username/password I was told that I should have received one upon check-in and the lounge staff promptly took care to provide them. The wi-fi was quite fast. I was also informed that the transfers to/from the airport were also complimentary for Executive Club guests. Both of these are prominently displayed on the properties website. When checking out I tried to understand whether I was receiving these benefits as a Plat or due to the room upgrade to Executive Club floor but I was told that they were included in my rate. Perhaps StarwoodLurker II could check with the property as to whether all Plats will receive these benefits or perhaps only if you happen to be upgraded to the right room. The complimentary transfers would be a great addition to the information in the pre-arrival upgrade notices for Plats.
By the time I returned to my room after meetings and cocktails it was already after turn-down service. I found some apples, chocolates and chocolate chip cookies on the table. A very nice touch. The ice bucket in the room had also been filled.
We continued to the executive lounge and discussed the property and the various amenities. The lounge terrace overlooks the pool which looked quite inviting. It turns out that he spent a few years at the Westin Sonha-Gurgaon before joining the team opening the Westin Pune. I've been meaning to check out this property and look forward to doing so sometime this year.
Back in the lounge there was time left for the 5-7PM cocktail hours. Hot and cold non-alcoholic drinks are available all day. During cocktail hours there seemed to be a fair range of spirits and a tray with cans of coke and diet coke along with beer. There was a cheese tray and I think some fruit. Two warm dishes were available: vegetarian seekh kebabs and chicken tikka. Upon inquiring about wi-fi in the lounge I was informed that the wi-fi in the lounge was free. The rooms director was present and he informed me that as a member of the Executive Club, not only was the wi-fi in the lounge free but my internet use throughout the hotel, both wired and wireless, was completely free though I would need to get a username/password. When I asked how I would go about getting a username/password I was told that I should have received one upon check-in and the lounge staff promptly took care to provide them. The wi-fi was quite fast. I was also informed that the transfers to/from the airport were also complimentary for Executive Club guests. Both of these are prominently displayed on the properties website. When checking out I tried to understand whether I was receiving these benefits as a Plat or due to the room upgrade to Executive Club floor but I was told that they were included in my rate. Perhaps StarwoodLurker II could check with the property as to whether all Plats will receive these benefits or perhaps only if you happen to be upgraded to the right room. The complimentary transfers would be a great addition to the information in the pre-arrival upgrade notices for Plats.
Feb 4, 2010, 12:33 pm
#7
Moderator, El Al and Marriott Bonvoy, FlyerTalk Evangelist
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After a meeting in the lounge I decided to explore the hotel a bit further. On the second floor are 4 F&B outlets. They all look very nice though I didn't dine in any of them. The Italian restaurant is spacious with a few open kitchen stations. There is terrace seating and an area for groups. There is an Indian restaurant and an international buffet restaurant. The latter is quite bright and refreshing while the others are done in warmer colors. The fourth outlet is a chic bar. It isn't that large but very stylish with a DJ. Hopefully they will allow Plats to take cocktails in this bar as the hotel occupancy rises. At this point I'd say they need to try to limit it to the lounge or they'll find themselves having cocktail hour set up for just a handful of people and it would be wasteful.
As I noticed it they participate in Starwood Privilege, I'm looking forward to trying the restaurants with colleagues.
From there I wandered down to the lobby level to check out the WestinWORKOUT area and the spa. The two spaces share an entrance. There was a woman there who I'd noticed in the lounge earlier. It turns out she was the spa manager and had been marketing the spa treatments to guests. I was busy having a meeting so she didn't approach us. Previously she managed a Radisson spa in Kerala. She showed me first to the WestinWORKOUT area. There were a fair number of exercise machines and free weights. I got a picture of the machines but when I went to take a picture of the free weights I was told that they don't allow pictures. I asked why and was told that the concept is exclusive to the Westin and pictures can only be taken with the permission of the Director of Sales or Director of Marketing. I said that was silly but didn't press it any further. The room is equipped with plenty of televisions, both on the wall and on the machines. There is also an exit to the pool through this area. It was dark but the view out the window is of some construction outside next to the hotel.
Next we proceeded to the spa. There are apparently 4 rooms for single person treatments and 2 rooms for couples treatments. One of the couples rooms has a jacuzzi and all rooms have a wardrobe with a safe, bathroom and shower/steam room. They offer a wide range of treatments. After seeing the facilities and some enjoyable back and forth with the manager I decided to take a 90 minute Thai massage for INR 3800 after taxes. Apparently the spa closes at 9PM and it was now about 9:20. She checked to see if she could catch someone that hadn't left yet and found a therapist. Unfortunately it was a male therapist and I prefer a female therapist. I apologized and we se the treatment for 7AM the following morning.
Back in the room I used the wi-fi for a bit before going to sleep. The Heavenly Bed looked familiar but didn't feel like the beds I'm used to at the WGS. It seems that they opted for the pillow-top version. I find all pillow-top mattresses too soft and don't get a good night's sleep.
I reported to the spa for my treatment at 7AM and was met by a masseuse from the NE of India. She's been working as a masseuse for a year and previously was at a Radisson resort property in Maharashtra. The cotton shirt and pants I was offered were too small but I had taken this into account and worn a t-shirt and comfortable sweat pants. The masseuse was very attentive to my comfort, inquiring about the temperature and attending to cramped muscles that came about from the contortions. As she could tell that I had a bit of a stuffy nose, she suggested that I take a steam at the end of the treatment. She asked how long I wanted the steam and when that time passed she turned of the steam and I just stayed there and showered.
After returning to my room to dress I headed to the lounge for breakfast. The buffet had several hot items including potato curry, baked beans, crispy bacon, chicken sausages, baked tomatoes with Parmesan and flat tater tots. There were some cold cuts and salmon, plenty of fruits, juices, cereals and many different types of cakes. There were also two toasters and sliced bread. They also provide Eggs cooked to order. The only thing missing was a better assortment of breads.
The morning the shade over the tables outside and moderate weather made it attractive to sit outside. Unfortunately one of the types of chairs was simply too narrow for my hips. I foresee this being a pretty big, and frankly embarrassing, challenge for anyone who doesn't have a slim frame. In the end I opted to sit inside.
After breakfast I inquired as to whether it was possible to check out in the lounge or I would need to go downstairs. While confirming that I could check out in the lounge I was asked if they should send someone for my bags. We agreed that someone would come to the room in 10 mins. Nobody showed up at the room so I left the bag outside the door and went to the lounge to check out. They asked if the bag had been collected and I informed them that it hadn't. There was some sort of problem with the credit card machine. I'm guessing that it has to do with trying to use a different credit card reader to charge the card after the reserve on the card had been performed down at the front desk the day before. The lounge attendant escorted me downstairs to the front desk. As we walked by my room we saw that the bag still hadn't been collected. He grabbed my bag and as we walked down the hallway we finally saw a bellboy with a trolley arriving.
Checkout at the front desk was smooth and efficient. The car arrived a few minutes later to take me to the airport and the trip to the airport took perhaps 20 minutes or less.
The hotel only has about 140 of the eventual 277 rooms ready for occupancy. As with most any newly built structures, in the existing rooms there are some adjustments that would be nice and some minor fixes to be made.
Though my stay was short, I really enjoyed this property. I look forward to returning and staying there again.
As I noticed it they participate in Starwood Privilege, I'm looking forward to trying the restaurants with colleagues.
From there I wandered down to the lobby level to check out the WestinWORKOUT area and the spa. The two spaces share an entrance. There was a woman there who I'd noticed in the lounge earlier. It turns out she was the spa manager and had been marketing the spa treatments to guests. I was busy having a meeting so she didn't approach us. Previously she managed a Radisson spa in Kerala. She showed me first to the WestinWORKOUT area. There were a fair number of exercise machines and free weights. I got a picture of the machines but when I went to take a picture of the free weights I was told that they don't allow pictures. I asked why and was told that the concept is exclusive to the Westin and pictures can only be taken with the permission of the Director of Sales or Director of Marketing. I said that was silly but didn't press it any further. The room is equipped with plenty of televisions, both on the wall and on the machines. There is also an exit to the pool through this area. It was dark but the view out the window is of some construction outside next to the hotel.
Next we proceeded to the spa. There are apparently 4 rooms for single person treatments and 2 rooms for couples treatments. One of the couples rooms has a jacuzzi and all rooms have a wardrobe with a safe, bathroom and shower/steam room. They offer a wide range of treatments. After seeing the facilities and some enjoyable back and forth with the manager I decided to take a 90 minute Thai massage for INR 3800 after taxes. Apparently the spa closes at 9PM and it was now about 9:20. She checked to see if she could catch someone that hadn't left yet and found a therapist. Unfortunately it was a male therapist and I prefer a female therapist. I apologized and we se the treatment for 7AM the following morning.
Back in the room I used the wi-fi for a bit before going to sleep. The Heavenly Bed looked familiar but didn't feel like the beds I'm used to at the WGS. It seems that they opted for the pillow-top version. I find all pillow-top mattresses too soft and don't get a good night's sleep.
I reported to the spa for my treatment at 7AM and was met by a masseuse from the NE of India. She's been working as a masseuse for a year and previously was at a Radisson resort property in Maharashtra. The cotton shirt and pants I was offered were too small but I had taken this into account and worn a t-shirt and comfortable sweat pants. The masseuse was very attentive to my comfort, inquiring about the temperature and attending to cramped muscles that came about from the contortions. As she could tell that I had a bit of a stuffy nose, she suggested that I take a steam at the end of the treatment. She asked how long I wanted the steam and when that time passed she turned of the steam and I just stayed there and showered.
After returning to my room to dress I headed to the lounge for breakfast. The buffet had several hot items including potato curry, baked beans, crispy bacon, chicken sausages, baked tomatoes with Parmesan and flat tater tots. There were some cold cuts and salmon, plenty of fruits, juices, cereals and many different types of cakes. There were also two toasters and sliced bread. They also provide Eggs cooked to order. The only thing missing was a better assortment of breads.
The morning the shade over the tables outside and moderate weather made it attractive to sit outside. Unfortunately one of the types of chairs was simply too narrow for my hips. I foresee this being a pretty big, and frankly embarrassing, challenge for anyone who doesn't have a slim frame. In the end I opted to sit inside.
After breakfast I inquired as to whether it was possible to check out in the lounge or I would need to go downstairs. While confirming that I could check out in the lounge I was asked if they should send someone for my bags. We agreed that someone would come to the room in 10 mins. Nobody showed up at the room so I left the bag outside the door and went to the lounge to check out. They asked if the bag had been collected and I informed them that it hadn't. There was some sort of problem with the credit card machine. I'm guessing that it has to do with trying to use a different credit card reader to charge the card after the reserve on the card had been performed down at the front desk the day before. The lounge attendant escorted me downstairs to the front desk. As we walked by my room we saw that the bag still hadn't been collected. He grabbed my bag and as we walked down the hallway we finally saw a bellboy with a trolley arriving.
Checkout at the front desk was smooth and efficient. The car arrived a few minutes later to take me to the airport and the trip to the airport took perhaps 20 minutes or less.
The hotel only has about 140 of the eventual 277 rooms ready for occupancy. As with most any newly built structures, in the existing rooms there are some adjustments that would be nice and some minor fixes to be made.
- The doors need to be weighted so that they automatically close fully. If you walk in/out of your room and don't push/pull the door shut it will be just about shut but open such that anyone could walk in.
- Dust, apparently from the construction, has seeped into the LCD screens of the thermostats. I'm not sure how it would be possible to ever fix that.
- In my room, the wood frame around the 40" LCD was scratched during installation. You don't notice it unless you are look closely.
- The buttons on the elevator have been placed relatively low. This means that the lobby button requires me to bend down. Also, there is nothing to tell you what floor you are currently on as you go up and down.
- Lastly, and something I'm seeing is a common issue with new hotels, the reading lights over the beds are useless. I noticed this previously at the Le Meridien Chiang Rai where the issue was that they were pointing to the spot. In this property the light is so weak and unfocused that it provides no value to someone that wants to read. Perhaps the Starwood team that does final inspections should take note and add a session of lying in bed with a book to ensure that reading lights in new properties are powerful enough and directed towards the chest of the reader when laying down in bed.
Though my stay was short, I really enjoyed this property. I look forward to returning and staying there again.
Last edited by yosithezet; Feb 4, 2010 at 7:26 pm Reason: Forgot to mention the door problem.
Feb 4, 2010, 6:34 pm
#9
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Singapore
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Posts: 4,002
The rooms director was present and he informed me that as a member of the Executive Club, not only was the wi-fi in the lounge free but my internet use throughout the hotel, both wired and wireless, was completely free though I would need to get a username/password. When I asked how I would go about getting a username/password I was told that I should have received one upon check-in and the lounge staff promptly took care to provide them. The wi-fi was quite fast. I was also informed that the transfers to/from the airport were also complimentary for Executive Club guests. Both of these are prominently displayed on the properties website. When checking out I tried to understand whether I was receiving these benefits as a Plat or due to the room upgrade to Executive Club floor but I was told that they were included in my rate. Perhaps StarwoodLurker II could check with the property as to whether all Plats will receive these benefits or perhaps only if you happen to be upgraded to the right room. The complimentary transfers would be a great addition to the information in the pre-arrival upgrade notices for Plats.
No details regarding complimentary wired internet access and airport transfer for executive club guests though. Thus currently this is not affirmed.
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Feb 4, 2010, 11:38 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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very nice yosithezet....i'm back in pune next month....was in any case thinking of staying here....your report has sealed the deal for me....
Feb 23, 2010, 3:47 am
#11
Moderator, El Al and Marriott Bonvoy, FlyerTalk Evangelist
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The local amenity gifts for this property have arrived. In lieu of the 500 point Platinum amenity you can opt to get this beautiful mirrored jewelry box. ^
Jul 3, 2010, 6:22 pm
#12
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: MSP (Mahtomedi, MN, USA) - Delta hub captive, Marriott Gold, US Mint Silver, CVS Red
Programs: "We've been starving, and sitting on a ham sandwich the whole time."
Posts: 1,482
If given a choice between the Westin or the Le Meridien Pune, which would you take?
I have a visit to Pune sometime this month. I'm trying to figure out the best place to say. I prefer a Western chain of some sort to a local place, even if people think the local place is pretty good - just because of concerns over food and water, etc.
Thanks!
I have a visit to Pune sometime this month. I'm trying to figure out the best place to say. I prefer a Western chain of some sort to a local place, even if people think the local place is pretty good - just because of concerns over food and water, etc.
Thanks!
Jul 3, 2010, 11:05 pm
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Programs: BD, DL, UA, AA, Marriott, SPG
Posts: 1,130
My vote is for the Westin too. The hotel just opened 6 - 7 months ago. Good views from several of the rooms. Lots of nice restaurants near by. However I've heard that chances of a a suite upgrade are higher at the Meridien if you are a Plat.
The other hotel I like in Pune is the Oakwood Premier. This hotel is fairly new too. It opened about a year ago. It's basically like a high end version of a Residence Inn. It's about a 5 minute walk from the Westin.
The other hotel I like in Pune is the Oakwood Premier. This hotel is fairly new too. It opened about a year ago. It's basically like a high end version of a Residence Inn. It's about a 5 minute walk from the Westin.
Jul 3, 2010, 11:49 pm
#15
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Brisbane Australia
Programs: Singapore, Cathay, QANTAS, Delta, Velocity, Etihad
Posts: 429
I stayed at the Westin Pune for 10 days in March this year. I had always stayed at Le Meridien on my 8 previous visits. The Le Meridien, whilst quite nice, pretty much had the Pune 5* market to themselves and really needed some opposition.
With the exception of the setting of Le Meridien's rooftop Indian restaurant, the Westin has it pretty much trumped in every department..including location. The only thing at the Westin that I found disappointing was the Italian restaurant (Prego) which was overpriced and very average.
The Westin will probably be where I'll stay from now on.
With the exception of the setting of Le Meridien's rooftop Indian restaurant, the Westin has it pretty much trumped in every department..including location. The only thing at the Westin that I found disappointing was the Italian restaurant (Prego) which was overpriced and very average.
The Westin will probably be where I'll stay from now on.