W Melbourne [Master Thread]
Jul 21, 2023 | 3:35 am
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: USA
Programs: MB Ambassador, WOH Globalist, HH Diamond (Aspire), IHG Plat (CC), UA (*G) Gold, AA Plat (OWS)
Posts: 10,134
EE I love your reviews and I am very glad you enjoyed the hotel. I am very impressed by your upgrade, as I received nothing when I stayed in January (I was Ambassador then), although they were apparently sold out due to the tennis, and I was on a five night stay. Were you just staying a single night?
Regarding the breakfast, I actually think the benefit is a bit stingy for Australia, as I stayed at a couple of hotels in Sydney where they just offered the full breakfast without a credit - this was Pier One and the Sheraton. I am not a big fan of the American style credit system, especially as one day they tried to charge me extra for having an omelette with the 49 AUD breakfast package - on other days, they did not.
I found the service a bit inconsistent, although well intentioned, as I had some issues with the air con that I received very mixed messages about and took basically an entire 24 hours to rectify. Eventually, I did end up with a manager apologising, moving to another basic room across the hall, and having functioning air con with an extra dyson fan, and a few points - it just felt like there was a lack of cohesion and pace to the response.
On the whole, the staff were fairly good though. I also liked the location and felt that the hotel was very well built, with an interesting array of restaurants and facilities. I would stay again.
Regarding the breakfast, I actually think the benefit is a bit stingy for Australia, as I stayed at a couple of hotels in Sydney where they just offered the full breakfast without a credit - this was Pier One and the Sheraton. I am not a big fan of the American style credit system, especially as one day they tried to charge me extra for having an omelette with the 49 AUD breakfast package - on other days, they did not.
I found the service a bit inconsistent, although well intentioned, as I had some issues with the air con that I received very mixed messages about and took basically an entire 24 hours to rectify. Eventually, I did end up with a manager apologising, moving to another basic room across the hall, and having functioning air con with an extra dyson fan, and a few points - it just felt like there was a lack of cohesion and pace to the response.
On the whole, the staff were fairly good though. I also liked the location and felt that the hotel was very well built, with an interesting array of restaurants and facilities. I would stay again.
Apr 16, 2024 | 8:58 pm
#33
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May 12, 2024 | 5:48 pm
#34
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Breakfast is now buffet only with no more a la carte menu. They still make omelets, etc, and other food appears to taste good.
May 12, 2024 | 6:48 pm
#35
Join Date: Feb 2020
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite
Posts: 1,852
May 12, 2024 | 7:27 pm
#36
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May 12, 2024 | 9:12 pm
#37
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 11,180
I did a night at the W Sydney and would say it was the most generous and more importantly best breakfast ever in Australia
The guest service was weak throughout the hotel with rare exception but Im likely to try the Melbourne property
I once was primarily a Hyatt guy but as they continue to offer inferior club lounges and charges to get a decent breakfast
Im staring to want to stay with Marriott properties at least Down Under
If Marriott performed that well in the US Id probably give them most of my business
Ive never said this ever about a hotel it was to much of a good thing overly generous simply spectacular and we had to much to eat! Wow factor in an era where every hotel is seeing how to skimp!
The guest service was weak throughout the hotel with rare exception but Im likely to try the Melbourne property
I once was primarily a Hyatt guy but as they continue to offer inferior club lounges and charges to get a decent breakfast
Im staring to want to stay with Marriott properties at least Down Under
If Marriott performed that well in the US Id probably give them most of my business
Ive never said this ever about a hotel it was to much of a good thing overly generous simply spectacular and we had to much to eat! Wow factor in an era where every hotel is seeing how to skimp!
May 12, 2024 | 10:16 pm
#38
Join Date: Feb 2020
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite
Posts: 1,852
I did a night at the W Sydney and would say it was the most generous and more importantly best breakfast ever in Australia
The guest service was weak throughout the hotel with rare exception but Im likely to try the Melbourne property
I once was primarily a Hyatt guy but as they continue to offer inferior club lounges and charges to get a decent breakfast
Im staring to want to stay with Marriott properties at least Down Under
If Marriott performed that well in the US Id probably give them most of my business
Ive never said this ever about a hotel it was to much of a good thing overly generous simply spectacular and we had to much to eat! Wow factor in an era where every hotel is seeing how to skimp!
The guest service was weak throughout the hotel with rare exception but Im likely to try the Melbourne property
I once was primarily a Hyatt guy but as they continue to offer inferior club lounges and charges to get a decent breakfast
Im staring to want to stay with Marriott properties at least Down Under
If Marriott performed that well in the US Id probably give them most of my business
Ive never said this ever about a hotel it was to much of a good thing overly generous simply spectacular and we had to much to eat! Wow factor in an era where every hotel is seeing how to skimp!
May 14, 2024 | 3:02 am
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: USA
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I still like the W Melbourne, but the way this property handles late checkout is a bit frustratinghere are my updated impressions:
Pros:
Neutral:
Cons:
Photos:
Accessible Standard Room:
Pros:
- Bed is comfortable - mattress felt a bit less soft than I remembered in the Wow Suite, but its still relatively plush, plush covers, pillows are a tad too thick
- Shower pressure from the wand head is good
- Love the colourful art on the wall
- Chromecast present
- Staff is generally friendly and has good attitudes
- Breakfast is great - staff friendly - just the full buffet for Elites - very tasty omelets, lovely pesto sauce, one morning had french toast and the other had pancakes (really liked the pancakes), good potatoes, good bacon
- They emailed me asking if I wanted service due to my Privacy light - nice and non-disruptive
Neutral:
- Initial upgrade before arrival only showed an upgrade to a Mega Room - had to ask at check-in for a suite and they had to call someone to verify - ended up in a Marvelous Suite
- No in-room welcome gift, but given vouchers for beer or wine (dont drink those) and a cheese plate, like last year - didnt partake
Cons:
- They dont want to give 4 PM late checkout for suites - they told me I would have to move at Noon - I asked at 7 AM before breakfast to move, which seemed to be a bit more difficult of an ask than I expected, but I ended up with a room to switch to after breakfast - an accessible room, so no showering for me, but the bed was good for a nap
- WiFi was noticeably bad in the living room portion of my suite
Photos:
Accessible Standard Room:
May 14, 2024 | 3:38 am
#40
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: Some
Posts: 6,693
Cons:
- They don’t want to give 4 PM late checkout for suites - they told me I would have to move at Noon - I asked at 7 AM before breakfast to move, which seemed to be a bit more difficult of an ask than I expected, but I ended up with a room to switch to after breakfast - an accessible room, so no showering for me, but the bed was good for a nap
May 14, 2024 | 3:41 am
#41
Join Date: Feb 2020
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite
Posts: 1,852
Whilst I understand the disappointment, it cuts both ways and if you have not actually paid for a suite (or used an upgrade award for it) this is exactly how I wish more properties handled late check out for elites. I often just book the suite I want outright for a longer stay these days to guarantee it and it's incredibly annoying to be kept waiting long beyond the official check in time because all the suites are still occupied by elites with guaranteed 4pm check out who haven't even paid for said suite. Where I know I'll be arriving before 5-6pm, it puts me off booking Marriott hotels these days.
I usually find it a positive sign if I have to wait a little extra time for my room cos they are honouring the 4pm checkout of another elite. It tells me a lot about how the property treats elites. Its really annoying if youre with your other half or family and have to move rooms part way during your last day at a property - it kind of defeats the point of late checkout, which in my book is to make your last day more flexible and relaxing. Different strokes for different folks though
May 14, 2024 | 3:47 am
#42
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: Some
Posts: 6,693
I usually find it a positive sign if I have to wait a little extra time for my room cos they are honouring the 4pm checkout of another elite. It tells me a lot about how the property treats elites. Its really annoying if youre with your other half or family and have to move rooms part way during your last day at a property - it kind of defeats the point of late checkout, which in my book is to make your last day more flexible and relaxing. Different strokes for different folks though
May 14, 2024 | 3:56 am
#43
Join Date: Feb 2020
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite
Posts: 1,852
Totally get this and sometimes the shoe is on the other foot for me too, but I don't consider this to be an unfair request as long as the hotel is flexible on the time you are able to move (either a room needs to be ready early in the morning if you want it then or the hotel needs to move your luggage for you rather than making you come back at 12pm to check out and messing up your day).
Yes, I think we are on the same page here. Ive had hotels really mess up the execution of this, including the whole we shall see if you have to move on the final day approach. As you say, some hotels handle it really smoothly and move everything for you. I guess I should say I am content to move to another room for a late checkout if the hotel is competent, otherwise its just hassle.
May 14, 2024 | 4:02 am
#44
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Location: USA
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Whilst I understand the disappointment, it cuts both ways and if you have not actually paid for a suite (or used an upgrade award for it) this is exactly how I wish more properties handled late check out for elites. I often just book the suite I want outright for a longer stay these days to guarantee it and it's incredibly annoying to be kept waiting long beyond the official check in time because all the suites are still occupied by elites with guaranteed 4pm check out who haven't even paid for said suite. Where I know I'll be arriving before 5-6pm, it puts me off booking Marriott hotels these days.
Its also annoying that they seemed rather put out by my request to switch in the morning - I asked at 7 AM - okay, I have to call my manager - came back down at 7:35 AM - we will know in 5 minutes - asked if there was actually a room to move to - we dont know - pushed back and said I wanted to sleep, and they seemed to find a room by calling again. Everything here was very much a we have to call some mysterious person in the back - even my initial upgrade. I prefer it when front desk associates are more empowered to make decisions and provide helpful information.
May 14, 2024 | 4:08 am
#45
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: Some
Posts: 6,693
Its also annoying that they seemed rather put out by my request to switch in the morning - I asked at 7 AM - okay, I have to call my manager - came back down at 7:35 AM - we will know in 5 minutes - asked if there was actually a room to move to - we dont know - pushed back and said I wanted to sleep, and they seemed to find a room by calling again. Everything here was very much a we have to call some mysterious person in the back - even my initial upgrade. I prefer it when front desk associates are more empowered to make decisions and provide helpful information.