Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Tampa (Clearwater Beach) [Master Thread]
Apr 25, 2011, 7:52 pm
#46
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: MR LT Titanium, SPG LT Plat & Plat 100, SWA A+ & CP
Posts: 1,093
Sheraton Sand Key - 2011 Update
Here's an update for the Sheraton Sand Key. I'm a PLAT.
I've come to the Sheraton Sand Key for the past 3 or 4 years and have never had a bad experience. Here's some quick notes.
1. UPGRADES -> As a plat, I have had great success with upgrades, getting a suite nearly every time. The suites are essentially double-sized rooms with a big bathroom, eating area, and lounging area. Nothing extravagant but nice. I've got 2 younger teenage kids and the room gives us plenty of space. They always provide a great roll-away bed that has a real comfy mattress (a mini version of the real mattress).
2. STAFF -> Great. Everyone is friendly. I have actually got to know some of the front desk and club lounge staff and they treat us VERY well.
3. CLUB LOUNGE -> It's not too big but there's good eats up there. Breakfast = fresh fruit and continental. Dinner = good finger foods and free beer, wine, and some mixed drinks. On some nights, you could call that dinner. One problem is that bring you over a bowl of chips when you arrive. They are very very good and hard to resist.
4. POOL -> Pool is good. Not super huge but a good size. A great pool area. We were here during a very busy time and the pool was quite crowded. Almost too crowded to swim (a holiday weekend). A few days later the place cleared out and it was fine. I actually like sunning on the grass around the pool. Plenty of palm trees to sit under and stare at the gulf.
5. Restaurants -> 4 restaurants there. I've eaten in three. All were good. I tend to venture out for dinner.
6. LOCATION -> I like the location. Sand Key is quiet. Clearwater Beach is about 1.5 miles away. There's a great public park/beach right next door to the Sheraton (Sand Key Park). There's a small shopping plaza across the street with shops and restaurants... and a Dunkins. All good stuff.
Overall... I really like this place. For a CAT4, I've got no complaints. I have been lucky though and have been upgraded nearly every time. This year, I had the best room in the hotel... suite looking over pool and gulf. In other years, I have gotten suites overlooking the "bay" side. I still dont complain as I appreciate the suite upgrade.
A good option in my opinion. Especially if you get a suite.
I've come to the Sheraton Sand Key for the past 3 or 4 years and have never had a bad experience. Here's some quick notes.
1. UPGRADES -> As a plat, I have had great success with upgrades, getting a suite nearly every time. The suites are essentially double-sized rooms with a big bathroom, eating area, and lounging area. Nothing extravagant but nice. I've got 2 younger teenage kids and the room gives us plenty of space. They always provide a great roll-away bed that has a real comfy mattress (a mini version of the real mattress).
2. STAFF -> Great. Everyone is friendly. I have actually got to know some of the front desk and club lounge staff and they treat us VERY well.
3. CLUB LOUNGE -> It's not too big but there's good eats up there. Breakfast = fresh fruit and continental. Dinner = good finger foods and free beer, wine, and some mixed drinks. On some nights, you could call that dinner. One problem is that bring you over a bowl of chips when you arrive. They are very very good and hard to resist.
4. POOL -> Pool is good. Not super huge but a good size. A great pool area. We were here during a very busy time and the pool was quite crowded. Almost too crowded to swim (a holiday weekend). A few days later the place cleared out and it was fine. I actually like sunning on the grass around the pool. Plenty of palm trees to sit under and stare at the gulf.
5. Restaurants -> 4 restaurants there. I've eaten in three. All were good. I tend to venture out for dinner.
6. LOCATION -> I like the location. Sand Key is quiet. Clearwater Beach is about 1.5 miles away. There's a great public park/beach right next door to the Sheraton (Sand Key Park). There's a small shopping plaza across the street with shops and restaurants... and a Dunkins. All good stuff.
Overall... I really like this place. For a CAT4, I've got no complaints. I have been lucky though and have been upgraded nearly every time. This year, I had the best room in the hotel... suite looking over pool and gulf. In other years, I have gotten suites overlooking the "bay" side. I still dont complain as I appreciate the suite upgrade.
A good option in my opinion. Especially if you get a suite.
May 26, 2011, 11:14 am
#47
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: CLL
Programs: MS Plat, AOR ninja
Posts: 2,177
Just returned from a 5-night stay here. Upgraded to a suite. The club lounge staff is great, and hubby and I basically ate there for breakfast and dinner almost daily. Free booze in the club lounge is ^
This is a nice resort for tennis players too, as they have three nice tennis courts that we used daily.
Would stay again.
This is a nice resort for tennis players too, as they have three nice tennis courts that we used daily.
Would stay again.
Sep 6, 2011, 1:44 am
#48
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Florida, the crazy folks state.
Programs: Marriott Titanium Marriott Platinum for life.
Posts: 16,974
Just returned from a 5-night stay here. Upgraded to a suite. The club lounge staff is great, and hubby and I basically ate there for breakfast and dinner almost daily. Free booze in the club lounge is ^
This is a nice resort for tennis players too, as they have three nice tennis courts that we used daily.
Would stay again.
This is a nice resort for tennis players too, as they have three nice tennis courts that we used daily.
Would stay again.
Sep 30, 2011, 9:08 pm
#51
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Florida, the crazy folks state.
Programs: Marriott Titanium Marriott Platinum for life.
Posts: 16,974
Jan 13, 2012, 10:14 am
#53
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
Welcome to Flyertalk!
By policy, all a participating property has to give to a Gold member as an upgrade is a Preferred Room, subject to availability at check-in. If you book a category of room that is higher than Preferred...and I can assure you that an upper level ocean view room at this property is just that...then they are not required to bump you up any further.
Of course, some hotels are more generous than others, so you may find some selective success in doing this, but all the program expects is for them to meet the Preferred Room requirement, subject to availability.
Regardless, good luck and enjoy your stay.
By policy, all a participating property has to give to a Gold member as an upgrade is a Preferred Room, subject to availability at check-in. If you book a category of room that is higher than Preferred...and I can assure you that an upper level ocean view room at this property is just that...then they are not required to bump you up any further.
Of course, some hotels are more generous than others, so you may find some selective success in doing this, but all the program expects is for them to meet the Preferred Room requirement, subject to availability.
Regardless, good luck and enjoy your stay.
Can you tell me if this is still the policy for golds?
Just returned from a 5-night stay here. Upgraded to a suite. The club lounge staff is great, and hubby and I basically ate there for breakfast and dinner almost daily. Free booze in the club lounge is ^
This is a nice resort for tennis players too, as they have three nice tennis courts that we used daily.
Would stay again.
This is a nice resort for tennis players too, as they have three nice tennis courts that we used daily.
Would stay again.
my kids who will be 11 & 13 when we go and they like to surf. Since we will have a car, I'll be looking to take them to the beach and surfing. Florida isn't IMHO the greatest surfing state to begin with but I'm hoping we find a place with some ok waves. Boogie boarding will do if it has too though
Jan 13, 2012, 10:18 am
#54
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
It is according to the Terms and Conditions of the program:
4B.9(b) An Enhanced/Preferred Room at Participating Properties at the time of check-in based upon room availability for your entire stay, except at Aloft and Element properties. Enhanced/Preferred Rooms are identified by each property and are restricted to the class of room originally booked, but may include rooms on higher floors, corner rooms, newly renovated rooms, or rooms with preferred views. The upgrade benefit is available for one room for the personal use of the Member only, regardless of the number of additional rooms purchased by the Member. At properties in India, taxes are based on the on the published retail (RACK) room rate applicable to the type of room given, regardless of room rate confirmed; therefore, an upgrade may increase your applicable taxes.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
4B.9(b) An Enhanced/Preferred Room at Participating Properties at the time of check-in based upon room availability for your entire stay, except at Aloft and Element properties. Enhanced/Preferred Rooms are identified by each property and are restricted to the class of room originally booked, but may include rooms on higher floors, corner rooms, newly renovated rooms, or rooms with preferred views. The upgrade benefit is available for one room for the personal use of the Member only, regardless of the number of additional rooms purchased by the Member. At properties in India, taxes are based on the on the published retail (RACK) room rate applicable to the type of room given, regardless of room rate confirmed; therefore, an upgrade may increase your applicable taxes.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Jan 15, 2012, 9:08 pm
#55
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Point Place, Wisconsin
Programs: LH HON, BA Gold, EK Gold
Posts: 14,505
Arrived here today and got a pretty run down room right next to the elevator. (x01 room numbers).
You could hear the buzzing of the elevator constantly. The headend of the bed is also directly next to the wall between room and elevator shaft.
After complaining I got a room further away from the elevator and not quite as run down. No suite upgrade. No Plat amenity offered.
This SPG platinum is not impressed. A waste of money for over $200 a night IMHO.
You could hear the buzzing of the elevator constantly. The headend of the bed is also directly next to the wall between room and elevator shaft.
After complaining I got a room further away from the elevator and not quite as run down. No suite upgrade. No Plat amenity offered.
This SPG platinum is not impressed. A waste of money for over $200 a night IMHO.
Apr 27, 2012, 7:30 am
#56
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: MR LT Titanium, SPG LT Plat & Plat 100, SWA A+ & CP
Posts: 1,093
Just got back from another great stay at this location. i Got upgraded to a suite overlooking the gulf. The staff, as usual, was very friendly and more than helpful. A few key notes...
- I think the club lounge here is awesome. It's newly renovated and they offer a smattering of fruits, cereals, and breads for breakfast. They also offer finger foods and free booze at night. What makes the club lounge great is the service. The ladies up there are attentive... If you go give them a few bucks tip.
- the pool, though not huge is very relaxing. Lots of seating. We always sit in the grass overlooking the gulf. Yes... As said previously, though it's on the gulf, it takes a couple minutes to walk to the water. Personally, that did not bother me one bit. I stay by the pool.
- food here is reasonably priced and quite good.
I'll be back next year for sure.
- I think the club lounge here is awesome. It's newly renovated and they offer a smattering of fruits, cereals, and breads for breakfast. They also offer finger foods and free booze at night. What makes the club lounge great is the service. The ladies up there are attentive... If you go give them a few bucks tip.
- the pool, though not huge is very relaxing. Lots of seating. We always sit in the grass overlooking the gulf. Yes... As said previously, though it's on the gulf, it takes a couple minutes to walk to the water. Personally, that did not bother me one bit. I stay by the pool.
- food here is reasonably priced and quite good.
I'll be back next year for sure.
Jun 26, 2012, 12:14 pm
#57
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Tampa, Florida
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, Starwood Plat, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, Avis PC, Hertz PC
Posts: 19
Any advice on getting upgraded to a suite here? I am a plat, staying for 5 nights total, 2 nights paid rate, 3 nights cash and points. Didn't want to waste my upgrade certs since I live in Tampa and this is just a mini vacation for me, but it would be nice to have a suite since my dad will be staying in the room with me.
Thanks in advance. Chad
Thanks in advance. Chad
Jun 26, 2012, 8:53 pm
#58
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Florida, the crazy folks state.
Programs: Marriott Titanium Marriott Platinum for life.
Posts: 16,974
Any advice on getting upgraded to a suite here? I am a plat, staying for 5 nights total, 2 nights paid rate, 3 nights cash and points. Didn't want to waste my upgrade certs since I live in Tampa and this is just a mini vacation for me, but it would be nice to have a suite since my dad will be staying in the room with me.
Thanks in advance. Chad
Thanks in advance. Chad
Jan 8, 2013, 6:31 pm
#59
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,752
Are there any more recent reports? I'm concerned about rambuster's poor experience in early 2012.
What kind of food offerings are there in the lounge?
What is the quality of the rooms?
I see no mention of a resort fee. Does that mean I can safely assume there is none?
Are there nearby restaurants you recommend?
What kind of food offerings are there in the lounge?
What is the quality of the rooms?
I see no mention of a resort fee. Does that mean I can safely assume there is none?
Are there nearby restaurants you recommend?
Jan 8, 2013, 6:58 pm
#60
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: South Florida USA
Programs: DL-MM/FC/FO AA-EXP/MM Starwood-Platinum Marriott-Platinum Hilton-Gold Hyatt-Diamond
Posts: 1,515
I just stayed there this past weekend for 2 nights.
Club lounge had no hot food for dinner or breakfast. Free liquor and beer however,
Rooms were average.
Despite the web site saying they have a club level, they do not. They have an SPG level. The rooms appear no different than any others. The website says club level rooms have upgraded bath amenities. They are the standard ones.
I did not use any of their food outlets.
No points for food purchased in the gift shop that are billed to the room.
Free parking. No resort fee.
TW
Club lounge had no hot food for dinner or breakfast. Free liquor and beer however,
Rooms were average.
Despite the web site saying they have a club level, they do not. They have an SPG level. The rooms appear no different than any others. The website says club level rooms have upgraded bath amenities. They are the standard ones.
I did not use any of their food outlets.
No points for food purchased in the gift shop that are billed to the room.
Free parking. No resort fee.
TW