Sheraton Ottawa or Westin Ottawa - 2004 on [Master Thread]
Jun 5, 2009, 2:04 pm
#76
Join Date: May 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: Avis CHM, Hertz Plat, National EE, SPG Plat, Hyatt Diamond, Le Club Plat, CX Gold
Posts: 367
No updated info on parking from me, but the New GM has reduced the benefit of Free Buffet for plats on the weekend, to Continental Buffet. You can buy up to the hot food for $2 a day more, but the restaurant manager and staff said they were incredulous at the staff meeting the day before this new policy came into play. They suggested complaining, as they didn't think it was right either. Now I can afford the $2 and don't really care, but I don't want to be nickeled and dimed. Raise rates by $2 a night, absorb the cost somewhere else, but don't pull silly crap like this. You just end up pissing off your regular guests who in the past chose your hotel over nicer options because of the benefits they receive.
Jun 10, 2009, 10:47 pm
#77
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: Aeroplan Elite; SPG Platinum
Posts: 135
What's the gym like at the Sheraton Ottawa (and how does it compare to the Westin and Marriott gyms, if you're familiar with those)?
I normally stay at the Westin, but given the construction noise and the fact that the hotel is sold out for at least one night of my stay, I'm exploring other options.
Thoughts?
I normally stay at the Westin, but given the construction noise and the fact that the hotel is sold out for at least one night of my stay, I'm exploring other options.
Thoughts?
Oct 7, 2009, 9:37 am
#78
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: YWG
Programs: AC Elite, SPG Plat
Posts: 643
Renovations at the Westin Ottawa look great!
I was upgraded to a Junior Sweet, with the addition of new door is really a one-bedroom suite. The bathrooms in these XX01 suites have been enlarged and are very nice. Full complements of amenities in the bathroom unlike many other *wood hotels these days.
I was upgraded to a Junior Sweet, with the addition of new door is really a one-bedroom suite. The bathrooms in these XX01 suites have been enlarged and are very nice. Full complements of amenities in the bathroom unlike many other *wood hotels these days.
Mar 24, 2010, 9:06 pm
#81
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AC, VIPorter, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 368
Mar 31, 2010, 5:53 am
#82
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL
Programs: AA 4MM EXP; Starwood Lifetime Plt
Posts: 2,498
Renovations at the Westin Ottawa look great!
I was upgraded to a Junior Sweet, with the addition of new door is really a one-bedroom suite. The bathrooms in these XX01 suites have been enlarged and are very nice. Full complements of amenities in the bathroom unlike many other *wood hotels these days.
I was upgraded to a Junior Sweet, with the addition of new door is really a one-bedroom suite. The bathrooms in these XX01 suites have been enlarged and are very nice. Full complements of amenities in the bathroom unlike many other *wood hotels these days.
Mar 31, 2010, 2:51 pm
#83
Join Date: May 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: Avis CHM, Hertz Plat, National EE, SPG Plat, Hyatt Diamond, Le Club Plat, CX Gold
Posts: 367
The sign is still up at the World Exchange Plaza claiming no overnight parking. Attendants are on duty until 3am Saturday morning so they can nab people as they leave the late movie upstairs.
Best spot I've found for weekend parking is over here between Slater and Albert. Its a quick walk across the Mac Bridge to the Westin and a 2 minute walk to the Sheraton. Technically in and out privileges are not permitted, but you can prepay your entire weekend on one ticket at the automated machine. Works out to $18.00 until 6am Monday morning.
Mar 31, 2010, 10:50 pm
#84
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: YWG
Programs: UA 1K, AC E, *G x2, BMI Silver, SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, PC Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,260
Jul 23, 2010, 10:22 am
#85
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Upstate NY
Programs: Delta-Plat, *wood-Plat, Fairmont-Premier, Hilton-silver
Posts: 60
Renovations include Westin Executive Club?
The website now lists Westin Executive Club as a dinning amenity (http://www.thewestinottawa.com/ottawa-hotel-amenities). Does this mean they put in a lounge with the renovations?
Jul 23, 2010, 10:48 am
#86
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL
Programs: AA 4MM EXP; Starwood Lifetime Plt
Posts: 2,498
The website now lists Westin Executive Club as a dinning amenity (http://www.thewestinottawa.com/ottawa-hotel-amenities). Does this mean they put in a lounge with the renovations?
Aug 3, 2010, 8:20 am
#88
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan, Bonvoy, Alaska, Avios
Posts: 1,290
s.
Best spot I've found for weekend parking is over here between Slater and Albert. Its a quick walk across the Mac Bridge to the Westin and a 2 minute walk to the Sheraton. Technically in and out privileges are not permitted, but you can prepay your entire weekend on one ticket at the automated machine. Works out to $18.00 until 6am Monday morning.
Best spot I've found for weekend parking is over here between Slater and Albert. Its a quick walk across the Mac Bridge to the Westin and a 2 minute walk to the Sheraton. Technically in and out privileges are not permitted, but you can prepay your entire weekend on one ticket at the automated machine. Works out to $18.00 until 6am Monday morning.
The hotel had 2 of the elevators down this past weekend. We walked down the stairs from 17 to 4 and then out the emg. exit and a quick walk to the cinema entrance on the mezzanine.
Monday morning I saw the Schindler truck outside, supposedly they could not get anyone to come out on the weekend.
Oct 1, 2010, 6:48 pm
#89
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: YEG/SFO
Programs: AC, UA, HH, MR, and the other usual suspects
Posts: 360
Sheraton not what it used to be?
I have 6 - 8 stays in Ottawa a year and tended to stay at the Sheraton - closer to where I need to be (not that the Westin is that far away), consistent upgrades to club floor wood floor rooms, lounge access, and previously helpful and more personal service. Makes up for the smaller pool and fitness center and the dated (despite renos) rooms. The WTC parking when I have to stay over a Friday night doesn't hurt, either (noticed the signs but risked it last time - no problem).
Hadn't stayed there for about 9 months (other organizations booking and paying for the rooms), but stayed there on a Friday after meetings a few weeks ago.
Approached the front desk - young person behind it stares at me.
I smile.
"I'd like to check in."
"Yeah."
Had my dl and credit card ready to hand over. She processes it.
"Which room am I in?"
"Huuummmph!" Sigh. "It's on there." She slides the key packet over to me and I look at the room number.
"Do any of the wood floor rooms happen to be available?" They're less stuffy (less stale carpet).
"There are only a few of them."
"Yes, I know."
"No, I think they're all taken."
"Oh. Really?"
"Ok, I can check. They're all taken. Here's your breakfast voucher." (The lounge is closed Friday night and weekends).
"Oh, and can I have one of the hors d'oeuvres vouchers also?" There is a whole stack of them on the desk immediately in front of her.
"Oh, I guess there's still time. Ok. Here."
No "can I help you". No "welcome back to the Sheraton".
I took the key packet and headed up to my room. Needed two keys this trip (and had two people on the reservation) - only one key in packet.
Went back down to the front desk to get another key. "Ok, I guess I can make you another one."
Asked if she was new there - "No, I've been here two years!" she said indignantly. I replied, "so, yes, you're new then."
Snacks and cocktails in the bar - really slow service, had to ask for menus, ordered a beer. Waitress brought it, put it down on the table, began to walk away, turns back - "oh s*%^, I forgot to bring a glass. Sorry". Ok, am 50-50% about the glass and wouldn't have mentioned it, but accepted it. She explained that the bar that she usually works at doesn't serve glasses with beer. But at least she was cheerful and friendly, and was helpful when asked.
Different staff on at breakfast. Service cheerful, but much less attentive than I remember. Did someone forget to change the sign and this is now a Days Inn?
I think there's been a GM change. It wasn't hard to tell that something was different.
Since we were staying over the weekend, moved to the Chateau Laurier on Saturday. A whole different experience, service wise.
Hadn't stayed there for about 9 months (other organizations booking and paying for the rooms), but stayed there on a Friday after meetings a few weeks ago.
Approached the front desk - young person behind it stares at me.
I smile.
"I'd like to check in."
"Yeah."
Had my dl and credit card ready to hand over. She processes it.
"Which room am I in?"
"Huuummmph!" Sigh. "It's on there." She slides the key packet over to me and I look at the room number.
"Do any of the wood floor rooms happen to be available?" They're less stuffy (less stale carpet).
"There are only a few of them."
"Yes, I know."
"No, I think they're all taken."
"Oh. Really?"
"Ok, I can check. They're all taken. Here's your breakfast voucher." (The lounge is closed Friday night and weekends).
"Oh, and can I have one of the hors d'oeuvres vouchers also?" There is a whole stack of them on the desk immediately in front of her.
"Oh, I guess there's still time. Ok. Here."
No "can I help you". No "welcome back to the Sheraton".
I took the key packet and headed up to my room. Needed two keys this trip (and had two people on the reservation) - only one key in packet.
Went back down to the front desk to get another key. "Ok, I guess I can make you another one."
Asked if she was new there - "No, I've been here two years!" she said indignantly. I replied, "so, yes, you're new then."
Snacks and cocktails in the bar - really slow service, had to ask for menus, ordered a beer. Waitress brought it, put it down on the table, began to walk away, turns back - "oh s*%^, I forgot to bring a glass. Sorry". Ok, am 50-50% about the glass and wouldn't have mentioned it, but accepted it. She explained that the bar that she usually works at doesn't serve glasses with beer. But at least she was cheerful and friendly, and was helpful when asked.
Different staff on at breakfast. Service cheerful, but much less attentive than I remember. Did someone forget to change the sign and this is now a Days Inn?
I think there's been a GM change. It wasn't hard to tell that something was different.
Since we were staying over the weekend, moved to the Chateau Laurier on Saturday. A whole different experience, service wise.
Oct 1, 2010, 10:12 pm
#90
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E75, SPG Plat, HH peon-by-choice (ex Gold)
Posts: 8,090
IMO, the front desk staff are all so-so, with the exception of the one fellow.
As for the Sheraton ground floor lounge, I avoid it like the plague even if I have a coupon for free hors d'oeuvres. The resto for breakfast is better, though not by much...
I did hear from the Club lounge attendant that they were planning to renovate the lounge. It was on hold for a while but looks like they may start it up again. (By the way, the service from that guy has been consistently above-par. ^ )
As for the Sheraton ground floor lounge, I avoid it like the plague even if I have a coupon for free hors d'oeuvres. The resto for breakfast is better, though not by much...
I did hear from the Club lounge attendant that they were planning to renovate the lounge. It was on hold for a while but looks like they may start it up again. (By the way, the service from that guy has been consistently above-par. ^ )