Rome: St Regis or Westin Excelsior? 2008 on [Master Thread]
#46
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Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
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Looks like the rates have finally been loaded for my dates, alas no cash + points but the St. Regis @ E352/nt and Westin @ E333/nt - both cheaper than the Marriott @ E359/nt. At those prices I don't feel the need to act immediately.
#47
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Washington DC
Programs: Marriott Platinum, United Gold, Virgin Silver
Posts: 418
I have 3 nights in Rome (first time). Leaning towards SR, as the reviews are much better. Am gold and almost Platinum and the possibility of getting a suite would be wonderful. The stay over Christmas. Thoughts?
#48
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Location: LAX
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http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...etter-etc.html
#49
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Washington DC
Programs: SPG Plat 50+, Hyatt Diamond, United Gold
Posts: 56
Would love some insight on whether to book the St Regis vs the Excelsior for an upcoming stay. Both are offering C+P option at $150+8000 pts, so price is non-factor. Wondering which is the better choice for us given that we have two young children (ages 2 & 5) and therefore having a nice SPG Plat suite upgrade is the most important thing for a comfortable stay. Seems like people generally prefer the St Regis overall, but that Plat upgrades to suites are more likely at the Excelsior. I've read about a lot of Plats being upgraded to Imperial room at the St Regis but with two little ones, that isn't an ideal situation for us no matter how nice of a room that might be. Any advice is welcome.
#50
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Washington DC
Programs: Marriott Platinum, United Gold, Virgin Silver
Posts: 418
I was trying to make the same decision: I spent a bunch of time reading up on the forums. Here's what I concluded:
1) St Regis is an older, more historic property. Slight experiential edge on brand / luxury.
2) Yes, Westin has better Platinum upgrades, but STR has upgrades too.
3) My guess is that Westin is better fit with two kids.
4) That being said, I booked STR for three nights over Christmas.
1) St Regis is an older, more historic property. Slight experiential edge on brand / luxury.
2) Yes, Westin has better Platinum upgrades, but STR has upgrades too.
3) My guess is that Westin is better fit with two kids.
4) That being said, I booked STR for three nights over Christmas.
#51
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Gold
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Well, not by much. The Grand hotel opened in 1894. The Excelsior opened in 1906.
Here are some articles on the two properties containing some interesting trivia - if anyone's interested:
The Grand: http://www.famoushotels.org/article/746
The Excelsior: http://famoushotels.org/article/981 (this is actually an article about a book on the Excelsior)
Here are some articles on the two properties containing some interesting trivia - if anyone's interested:
The Grand: http://www.famoushotels.org/article/746
The Excelsior: http://famoushotels.org/article/981 (this is actually an article about a book on the Excelsior)
#54
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Washington DC
Programs: SPG Plat 50+, Hyatt Diamond, United Gold
Posts: 56
Wound up booking the Westin for 5 nights starting tomorrow. Got a rate of 199€ which was hard to beat and the Westin pre-upgraded me to the Grand Luxe Suite, so that will make it a much better experience with the family in-tow. I'll report back on how the stay goes.
#55
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Charlotte, NC USA
Programs: AA EXP; Marriott Lifetime / Annual Titanium; Massively Missing Starwood
Posts: 5,344
I predict it will go just fine...you'll have a great time in Rome!
#56
Join Date: May 2012
Programs: SPG, Hyatt, CC, AA, UA, WN
Posts: 256
St. Regis
As a platinum using SNA, was upgraded from from a superior room to a junior suite, no higher upgrade possible according to the FD. I hear you have better upgrades at the Westin. Both locations are within a few blocks of each other, I don't think you can go wrong with either.
Tip: if you stay at the Westin, there's a BNL/BNP paribas group bank west across the street from the US Embassy which is directly south of the Westin. If you have Bank of America, BNL is a part of their Global Alliance ATM where you can withdraw euros at market rate fee free I believe.
Tip: if you stay at the Westin, there's a BNL/BNP paribas group bank west across the street from the US Embassy which is directly south of the Westin. If you have Bank of America, BNL is a part of their Global Alliance ATM where you can withdraw euros at market rate fee free I believe.
#57
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Programs: UA 1K, PC Plat, SPG Platinum, Marriott Plat, HH Gold
Posts: 159
Oh man, these properties were showing at 20K each in June until yesterday. I was contemplating booking it, but sure enough as I finally made up my mind and ready to book it is back to 25K for the same dates. I thnk the 20K lasted for like a week, now they are back to the high season again.
#59
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: CHS
Programs: Delta, AA, BA, United, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Honors Diamond, SPG Marriott Gold, Sixt Platinum
Posts: 1,142
Oh man, these properties were showing at 20K each in June until yesterday. I was contemplating booking it, but sure enough as I finally made up my mind and ready to book it is back to 25K for the same dates. I thnk the 20K lasted for like a week, now they are back to the high season again.
#60
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Diego CA
Programs: SPG Plat/Hyatt Plat/DL/AmexPlat/CO
Posts: 142
Well, we have not stayed at the St. Regis - but did stay at the Westin Excelsior 2 years ago. We were upgraded to a 2nd floor corner suite overlooking Via Veneto! The suite was fabulous - the overall staffing was super good and the bar was wonderful and always packed. We also liked the location - you can certainly walk to all the "tourist" spots.......we loved it!^