Originally Posted by DCF

I think that we should all give this property a chance.

It is quite a transition upwards going from a Four Points to a Sheraton to a Le Meridien, but the change is feasible because the rooms were always a decent size and so the key question will simply be whether the fittings and service meet the level expected of a Le Meridien.

The other thing they probably should do is market themselves as a sort of upscale overnight property for people transiting through LAX.

Those of us from Australia and New Zealand tend to depart LAX around 10pm, and many of those arriving from Australia do so around 8 or 9 am.

Santa Monica is a desirable overnight transit place (and we have strong currencies currently) and so there would be a definite market for an innovative upscale hotel to offer flexible arrival and departure times and airport transfers. People arriving early in the morning want a confirmed bed, but rarely want to pay an upscale hotel for the previous night when they aren't even in the country.

I would suggest a 24 hour check-in option at a rate of $300 for a base room, with additional hours available in blocks of $60 per 4 hours.

This would work as follows:

a) Pax arriving from Australia at 8 am, departing next day at midday.
$300 for 24 hours + $60 for 4 hour extension = $360

b) Pax arriving from East Coast at 1 pm, departing for Australia/NZ next day on 10 pm flight
$300 for 24 hours + $120 for 8 hour extension = $420

That would be really attractive to that niche of the market, but it's a really high-yielding upsell for the hotel too.

Originally Posted by Starwood Lurker

My apologies, but key people at the hotel were out of pocket until recently and the full breakfast or two drinks at the bar alternative was a stop-gap until they returned and were able to make a final decision on what the alternative is to be. They have decided that it will be a movie a day as an alternative to the Amenity Fee charge, that includes internet.

We were also advised that the Amenity Fee charge is mentioned in room and tax charges during the booking process in the rate description.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

Originally Posted by Vuelos

No worries, the hotel is still not disclosing this during the booking process for points bookings.

Ambassador services manager was supposed to work on getting this fixed... but still not.

Here are examples...
Bad (Delfina):

Good:

Originally Posted by KENNECTED

I'm not sure I agree considering this property is 20-30 min, based on traffic, away from the airport.

Originally Posted by FTDDD

I'm SPG75 with ~10 stays at this property. Never been upgraded to a suite.
Curious if this has ever happened to any Platinum? What's the best upgrades you've received here?

I'd go else where but location is unbeatable for me.

Thanks,
David

Originally Posted by jdrtravel

Also never been upgraded here. I think they only have a very small amount of suites. The best thing about this hotel, IMO, is that the rooms on the higher floors that are ocean facing have fantastic views and rather large balconies. The view goes a long way in making it feel like a nicer hotel than it is.

Originally Posted by steveman518

Stayed here a few weeks ago-the lobby is quite nice and the room looks alright at first glance, but upon careful inspection the room itself needs a lot of work. The hinges on all the doors look awful and mine seemed either really rusted or poorly painted, the carpet/tile boundary at the bathroom door was not well-done and coming apart, and the caulking in the bathroom was poorly laid (and didn't seal anything, especially around the sink). Pulling the faucet diverter in the shower caused the panel it (and the bath faucet) was attached to to actually come off the wall. Also to the best of my knowledge this isn't a resort or conference hotel (correct me if I'm wrong), but I was denied a 4pm late check-out as a gold. For me it was just a place to sleep, but overall was a huge letdown-the hotel definitely seems more appropriate as what is was formerly branded as.

Originally Posted by Hvanv0405

Looking forward to upcoming stay here in 3 weeks.

I've been visiting CA more frequently over the last year and was staying at the St Regis while under construction and low rates (back to the $500+ range now saddly).

I've been wanting to visit this property for awhile due to location and now since most other LA hotels have gone up in category I decided to book here and take a girls weekend get-away while Delta was offering 11K mile RT fares. Also a birthday treat to myself & couple other friends that all share April birthdays.

I got a little worried after reading TripAdvisor but always take the reviews with grain of salt and look for the highlights, but now I'm really excited to stay here and will follow up next month.

I commented about birthday & girls get-away and I have already heard back from the hotel that our room was pre-upgraded to an oceanview suite. (something not usually done but they wanted to do something special to ensure we have a great weekend). Review & pix to come.

Originally Posted by jdrtravel

Personally I think that the ocean view makes all the difference in this hotel. The top several floors have million dollar views and totally change the feel of the room. The lobby is very nicely done and there is a good pool. I think you will enjoy. Also, note that when we stayed, the front desk told us that the plat breakfast could only be used at the lobby bar continental breakfast buffet, which was coffee/tea plus a cold spread of fruit, yogurt, juice and pastries (it was good, but simple). However, on the 2nd day we went the 2nd floor full service restaurant and they also accepted the plat breakfast cards, I think for 2 people @ $17/person.

Originally Posted by UA-NYC

Don't forget too - since there's a resort fee, there's also a mandatory alt amenity for Plats...was 2 drinks at the bar when I was there last month (believe it's only a one time thing, not per day...but can't hurt to ask).

An add'l unique benefit here too...if you check out before 9am (IIRC), you get a bonus 500 Starpoints.