W - Westwood - UCLA
 

This was built as a dorm for UCLA back in the concrete era late 1960's early 1970's. The number of elevators provided not intended for constant use as in a hotel. Prior to being acquired by Starwood and converted to a W, it was the Westwood Marquis Hotel, primarily known for it's event and dining rooms, and lavish Sunday brunches.

I'm staying at this W at the moment. A couple "F.Y.I." things here:

1) I paid a bit more for the "breakfast included" rate, but it turns out the breakfast that's included is a "continental breakfast" which is only worth $12.50 per person, while the cooked-to-order items on the menu start at $13… and averaging around $18. If you do end up using the $12.50 per person credit, you'll get slapped with an unexpected and not pre-disclosed mandatory 18% gratuity fee, too.

2) Valet parking is still a steep $35 per night.

3) For an "all suite" hotel, the "Wonderful Rooms" (the ones across from the elevator entrances) are way dinky and cramped. They certainly aren't suites (the only door inside the room is the sliding frosted glass one for the bathroom).

Well to be fair, it has never been sold as an all suite hotel and the wonderful rooms are called studios and not suites.

Continental breakfast is by definition uncooked and they are fairly generous in giving 5 items plus a drink which is not bad.

There are plenty of places to get a cheap breakfast in Westwood if you want something cooked.

My point was that there are rates currently being advertised at this W as "breakfast packages" which end up being mere "continental breakfasts" once you drill down into the package fine print "terms & conditions". And when the difference between rates is higher than the vouchers are actually worth, guests can feel justifiably feel somewhat ripped off for what should be defined as bait-and-switch marketing.

Bleh. I guess I'll have to study the rate terms & conditions even more carefully before and after doing my bookings at this point.

The breakfast pastries served at this hotel are very sad. Better to just walk to Corner Bakery located just 3 blocks away on Westwood.

That explains a lot... I've stayed there 4 times in the past month or so and the elevators have been bad but not awful. Annoying at times to stand around and wait 1-2 minutes for an elevator to come and a few times having them be 100% full.

They have been good with upgrades though - have gotten a Spectacular Suites 3 of 4 times.

Platinum breakfast has been changed here. Now only three items plus drinks from the take away "bar" are allowed. No $ credit to purchase anything from the menu. You can choose 3 from the following: fruit, granola with yoghurt, yoghurt, or pastries.

Is there a reason why Suite Night Awards are not allowed at this property? Am I missing something?

Maybe because it's an ALL SUITE property.:p he he I couldn't tell you.

Honestly, I think using a SNA award is a waste here as the suites are pretty big and as a Platinum, you'll most likely get a corner suite with office.

http://i908.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps3a3435a2.jpg

Better yet, walk to Le Pain Quotidien!

Agree on the upgrades - I stayed here over 100 nights in 2012, got upgraded almost every night once I hit platinum 75. Sometimes the elevators are terrible, other times they are ok. The worst is when they require you to insert your key card into a slot to access the rooms (and sometimes they require it, other times they don't). Those key card readers never work correctly.

One of the great things about this hotel is its proximity to so many terrific places (restaurants, froyo, markets, alternative parking, stores...).

One of them being my ultimate favorite. Stans donuts.

Parking rates are exorbitant here. I parked on a side street and just moved the car at 8am.

any current update on how the breakfast amenity is being honored? Do they have cereal as an option? is it self serve or pick 3 etc right now?