OliverB

FTR I called the hotel directly to inquire and this is indeed the correct answer.

ElevatorEnthusiast

Overall, I enjoyed my stay at Las Alcobas, but there were several billing issues that soured the end of the stay. I would still recommend the property - here are my pros, cons, and photos:

Pros:

• Room design was quite nice-looking, especially the blue-ish marble in the bathroom
• Bed was pretty comfortable - plush pillows and plush mattress (covers could be a bit thicker)
• Shower pressure from the rainfall head was fantastic
• Absolutely delicious chocolate chip cookies placed in my room when I arrived
• Nice turndown service with tasty spicy chocolate next to the bed
• Nice view of Polanco
• Automated windows and lights that can all be controlled by a touchscreen next to the bed that was pretty intuitive
• Breakfast was supposedly included in my rate - I didn't know this, but I think all rates might include this - they said continental + one hot item - I think you had to ask for the continental because I didn't get that, but my breakfast charge was wiped - I got to choose points as my welcome gift because of the included breakfast
• The stuffed french toast at breakfast was pretty good - though a bit too rich and needed a bit more flavor
• The hotel uses a valid exchange rate for USD-MXN - when I told them about my experience at the JW Santa Fe, they were shocked and said that they were honest and use the real exchange rate (19.8 now)

Cons:

• Was asked at check-out if I had ordered a car service at 7:30 AM for the airport - this made no sense as I was standing there checking out at 11 AM, which the agent seemed to get and explains why they asked - they printed out my bill, which didn't have any additional charges for transportation - a few minutes after leaving, I received a new bill via email which included approximately 1000 MXN in transportation charges - I had to call multiple times over a few hours and speak to multiple people to get the charge removed and get a new folio emailed - in the end, the front office manager emailed me a real message and apologized for the issue and corrected the issue with a photo of the refund receipt and a new folio
• A 250 MXN hotel service charge was added to my bill, and I don't think that this was disclosed in my confirmation email or at booking - they did escort me to my room and open the doors and stuff, so I guess it's whatever
• Asked for late checkout and was told 2 PM was "the latest they could put in the system" - I just left at 11 to head to the St. Regis
• Noise isolation on the inside with the hallway and room next door was rather poor
• Internet TV OS was present and had YouTube, but it was useless as some sort of restricted mode was turned on "by the network administrator" in the YouTube settings that blocked a bunch of non-age-restricted videos that are not inappropriate and that I wanted to watch, so I just had to use my phone (the same videos are easily accessible on the YouTube app at the STR, for example - I'm not a weirdo looking for weird things)
• Turning on the side nozzles in the shower led to some massive pipe vibrations that sounded like they were going to explode - pressure was also really poor, so I just stuck to the rainfall head

Overall, I think this is a decent hotel, but the W nearby was much less expensive and had fewer issues, even if the design isn't as good as Las Alcobas.

Photos:

balthus

Hello - has anyone stay here recently?

We booked a week in the beginning of May using points as it keeps appearing on top hotel lists for MC on many lists and seems to better rate even for cash than 4 Seasons, Ritz, STR, etc.

Sounds like many pluses but also negatives.

It is our first trip to MC and like the neighborhood and small boutique style with a good concierge.

I do not like heights so STR (although less points!) and Ritz seem to be out as rooms start on higher floors and many of the facilities are as well.

I do have some concerns after reading these posts and seeing the videos.

The rooms especially the bathroom and closet looks tight for a couple for a week. The noise issues. Any floor or rooms to request to minimize issues?

Our only point option was available to book - the base level King room.

Would the rooms with 2 queens be the same size? It's not an option for points but same type?

Looked at JW Marriott but lots of recent reviews speak to renovation noise and issues. The W is not our style these days.

Do we stick with Las Alcobas and hope for the best?

Thanks.

ElevatorEnthusiast

The STR is on the bottom section of the building - it only goes to the 15th floor, I believe. I would recommend the STR 100 percent if it is less points (and even if it were more points).

balthus

Thank you. I can do 6 nights for 348,000 points at STR vs 440,000 at Las Alconbas. Usually most people request high floor so I usually have no issues getting a low floor.

ElevatorEnthusiast

Please, please, please do the STR - you'll have a way better experience and will save so many points.

balthus

Thank you. I can do 6 nights for less points at STR than LA. Usually most people request high floor so I usually have no issues getting a low floor!

balthus

General question - what would be the customary tip for a coveted dinner reservation? If there is a concierge team and various members may do a few reservations, etc - do you just leave gratuity at end of trip in one amount? I have not needed a concierge in years so am out of touch with what the going rates are and do you tip in dollars? Thanks.

SkyTeam777

Is the gym on floor three still so poor?
are they still using Bulgari toiletries in the rooms?
are they still offering spa treatments?