Westin Bayshore Vancouver [Master Thread]
#106
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: BC, Canada
Programs: Marriott LTP
Posts: 138
@slidergirl - you're absolutely correct - I have no way of knowing for sure. I've never even seen the room management software system.
My observations were simply that if all categories of suite were showing as bookable each night at 11pm (the night before check-in, the night after check-in, and the night after check-out), it seems likely that there should have been some flexibility there, and it seems that the property chose not to embrace that...
I've stayed at a lot of properties in Europe and Asia that really seem to go the extra mile for Platinums, and it would be great to see that level of service consistently from North American properties as well. But this observation is not really news to anyone I don't suppose...
I only posted this review because I find stay reports like this useful when I am choosing between properties in a city. FWIW, I have received better Platinum treatment on my many stays at the Sheraton Wall Centre and the Westin Grand in Vancouver.
My observations were simply that if all categories of suite were showing as bookable each night at 11pm (the night before check-in, the night after check-in, and the night after check-out), it seems likely that there should have been some flexibility there, and it seems that the property chose not to embrace that...
I've stayed at a lot of properties in Europe and Asia that really seem to go the extra mile for Platinums, and it would be great to see that level of service consistently from North American properties as well. But this observation is not really news to anyone I don't suppose...
I only posted this review because I find stay reports like this useful when I am choosing between properties in a city. FWIW, I have received better Platinum treatment on my many stays at the Sheraton Wall Centre and the Westin Grand in Vancouver.
#107
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
How did you know, by just looking at the website, that all of those suites you supposedly saw were going to be VACANT, CLEAN, and INSPECTED and ready for occupancy when you wanted to check in? I need access to that site? As far as I know, the website only shows rooms that will be vacant on that day, not whether or not it is available for early check in, whether someone has a late check out, whether a number of the rooms are vacant, but dropped from HK services. How many of those vacant rooms are pre-blocked and marked "do not move" for all sorts of reasons? Until a room is actually checked in, it is still "vacant"...
The in-house system will be much more accurate as to what is available also taking into account rooms that may be blocked for maintenance or special needs. Using their website to bully them into possibly bumping someone else is not good. The website is not a good data source, although the only one we've got.
#108
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Exactly where I want to be
Programs: IHG Gold,SPG Gold, HH Gold, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Delta Kettle, AMEX Plat, DL AMEX Plat
Posts: 1,434
Actually, the web site only shows what the property is willing to sell. Has nothing to do with how many are/will be vacant that day. Hotels have a long history showing them what they can expect in the way of last-minute cancellations and/or no shows. Many properties will risk the occasional walk and offer more rooms online than they actually have at the property.
The in-house system will be much more accurate as to what is available also taking into account rooms that may be blocked for maintenance or special needs. Using their website to bully them into possibly bumping someone else is not good. The website is not a good data source, although the only one we've got.
The in-house system will be much more accurate as to what is available also taking into account rooms that may be blocked for maintenance or special needs. Using their website to bully them into possibly bumping someone else is not good. The website is not a good data source, although the only one we've got.
If the website is not a good data source, then don't try to bully your way into a room with it. Used to like to put comments in a guest's profile when this was tried - as a global comment, every *wood hotel from then on would be aware of the bully.
#109
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: BC, Canada
Programs: Marriott LTP
Posts: 138
My primary concerns with the stay were that the property failed to provide a 4pm checkout (which I believe is supposed the be guaranteed), that they told me that there was a 20% SPG discount for food (when there wasn't), and that they overcharged me of 5 items at the restaurant.
#110
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Exactly where I want to be
Programs: IHG Gold,SPG Gold, HH Gold, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Delta Kettle, AMEX Plat, DL AMEX Plat
Posts: 1,434
I'm not sure if this comment was directed at me, but I certainly didn't bring up the suite availability that was showing online with the staff at the hotel. I merely mentioned in my stay report as an observation...
My primary concerns with the stay were that the property failed to provide a 4pm checkout (which I believe is supposed the be guaranteed), that they told me that there was a 20% SPG discount for food (when there wasn't), and that they overcharged me of 5 items at the restaurant.
My primary concerns with the stay were that the property failed to provide a 4pm checkout (which I believe is supposed the be guaranteed), that they told me that there was a 20% SPG discount for food (when there wasn't), and that they overcharged me of 5 items at the restaurant.
There were times where I wanted to have the late checkout person stick around so I could point them out to the guest who now couldn't check in Front Desk gets abused at both ends of that one - the guest who complains when a late checkout isn't granted and the guest who complains when the room isn't ready because someone had a late checkout. All of which is not under FD control. Please don't say "just change around rooms" - it is not that easy, especially at a hotel as busy as the Bayshore.
The F&B issues were unfortunate and should have not happened.
I used to not drink much. Then, I started working Front Desk...
#111
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, SPG Plat75, MR Plat, UA Silver, GE/NEXUS
Posts: 177
I'm not sure if this comment was directed at me, but I certainly didn't bring up the suite availability that was showing online with the staff at the hotel. I merely mentioned in my stay report as an observation...
My primary concerns with the stay were that the property failed to provide a 4pm checkout (which I believe is supposed the be guaranteed), that they told me that there was a 20% SPG discount for food (when there wasn't), and that they overcharged me of 5 items at the restaurant.
My primary concerns with the stay were that the property failed to provide a 4pm checkout (which I believe is supposed the be guaranteed), that they told me that there was a 20% SPG discount for food (when there wasn't), and that they overcharged me of 5 items at the restaurant.
#113
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
Actually, according to http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18920557-post809.html is not a resort, but rather a conference/convention center property, still exempt from the 4pm checkout.
#114
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: BC, Canada
Programs: Marriott LTP
Posts: 138
Well - that explains it.
Ironically, I actually only mentioned the 4pm checkout issue at this property, because a Platinum Concierge expressed frustration that the property wouldn't honour my request, and encouraged me to open a CCS file. I had never done this in 10+ years with Starwood, and I wouldn't have unless he took this position... which I guess was actually erroneous.
Cheers all. I appreciated the dialogue...
Ironically, I actually only mentioned the 4pm checkout issue at this property, because a Platinum Concierge expressed frustration that the property wouldn't honour my request, and encouraged me to open a CCS file. I had never done this in 10+ years with Starwood, and I wouldn't have unless he took this position... which I guess was actually erroneous.
Cheers all. I appreciated the dialogue...
Actually, according to http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18920557-post809.html is not a resort, but rather a conference/convention center property, still exempt from the 4pm checkout.
#115
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
Well - that explains it.
Ironically, I actually only mentioned the 4pm checkout issue at this property, because a Platinum Concierge expressed frustration that the property wouldn't honour my request, and encouraged me to open a CCS file. I had never done this in 10+ years with Starwood, and I wouldn't have unless he took this position... which I guess was actually erroneous.
Cheers all. I appreciated the dialogue...
Ironically, I actually only mentioned the 4pm checkout issue at this property, because a Platinum Concierge expressed frustration that the property wouldn't honour my request, and encouraged me to open a CCS file. I had never done this in 10+ years with Starwood, and I wouldn't have unless he took this position... which I guess was actually erroneous.
Cheers all. I appreciated the dialogue...
#116
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: YVR
Posts: 2,120
I don't know if I was just lucky, or if policy has changed, but I was able to get a 4pm checkout on a Saturday (St Patrick's Day to boot). Also got a Plat upgrade to corner room ... room was really nothing special, but the views of the harbour sunrise - amazing!
#117
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: check swarm
Programs: DL DM & 2MM, SPG/Bonvoid LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, $tarbucks Titanium
Posts: 14,404
My only problem last week with a 2pm checkout was that even though I put 2pm in the app, and that app said 'you're good for 2pm checkout' that never translated into the actual system so my keys stopped working at 2pm and the front desk asked me when I was going to depart when I came at 1:45pm asking why my keys stopped working. Marriott IT at its finest.
Also, upgrade to anything on the hot section of the breakfast buffet is $7CAD. Not the end of the world, but the Marriott certificate that they give you says "breakfast" nothing about only cold items, or limits, etc. Shame on Marriott for more deception.
The amazing views from the tower rooms and even from the restaurant and lobby bar continue to be a big reason to stay here. The location is also fantastic for walking/biking Stanley Park and wandering over to Robson street for shopping.
Also, upgrade to anything on the hot section of the breakfast buffet is $7CAD. Not the end of the world, but the Marriott certificate that they give you says "breakfast" nothing about only cold items, or limits, etc. Shame on Marriott for more deception.
The amazing views from the tower rooms and even from the restaurant and lobby bar continue to be a big reason to stay here. The location is also fantastic for walking/biking Stanley Park and wandering over to Robson street for shopping.
#118
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
My only problem last week with a 2pm checkout was that even though I put 2pm in the app, and that app said 'you're good for 2pm checkout' that never translated into the actual system so my keys stopped working at 2pm and the front desk asked me when I was going to depart when I came at 1:45pm asking why my keys stopped working. Marriott IT at its finest.
Also, upgrade to anything on the hot section of the breakfast buffet is $7CAD. Not the end of the world, but the Marriott certificate that they give you says "breakfast" nothing about only cold items, or limits, etc. Shame on Marriott for more deception.
The amazing views from the tower rooms and even from the restaurant and lobby bar continue to be a big reason to stay here. The location is also fantastic for walking/biking Stanley Park and wandering over to Robson street for shopping.
#119
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: check swarm
Programs: DL DM & 2MM, SPG/Bonvoid LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, $tarbucks Titanium
Posts: 14,404
Thanks to FT and past experiences at this property, I knew what I was getting into when making my decision. And yes, location (view and close to a meeting) was a major factor.
#120
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
I don't understand your comment... did I ask if the chit was good for hot or cold? No, I was told it was good for only cold. Are you suggesting that maybe the property is pulling a fast one on MAR by doing the up-charge for hot, when they are reimbursed by the loyalty program for a full breakfast, pocketing the extra revenue?
Thanks to FT and past experiences at this property, I knew what I was getting into when making my decision. And yes, location (view and close to a meeting) was a major factor.
Thanks to FT and past experiences at this property, I knew what I was getting into when making my decision. And yes, location (view and close to a meeting) was a major factor.