Westin Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL [Master Thread]
Jun 14, 2010, 9:20 am
#136
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Re: the photo above; is that thing in the middle of the gym some kind of conceptual art, or is it the world's smallest rock-climbing wall?? 
Jun 14, 2010, 10:13 am
#137
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Location: New York, NY
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Sep 20, 2010, 4:49 pm
#138
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: AUS
Posts: 234
Just wanted to post a quick trip report. We really enjoyed our stay at the Westin Michigan Avenue--location was great and we were able to walk to many places. We were able to check in early when our flight got in at 11am on Friday and had a late checkout on Sunday at 1pm. We were on the 25th floor and had a nice looking view of the lake. Sure there was a big building in the middle, but you could still see the water! I appreciated the upgrades, esp since I am a nobody with Starwood. It was a nice gesture.
Sep 20, 2010, 5:24 pm
#139
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, AA Plat
Posts: 1,138
Just wanted to post a quick trip report. We really enjoyed our stay at the Westin Michigan Avenue--location was great and we were able to walk to many places. We were able to check in early when our flight got in at 11am on Friday and had a late checkout on Sunday at 1pm. We were on the 25th floor and had a nice looking view of the lake. Sure there was a big building in the middle, but you could still see the water! I appreciated the upgrades, esp since I am a nobody with Starwood. It was a nice gesture.
Oct 2, 2010, 7:36 pm
#140
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Location: Depends on the day!
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Kicking myself...
...can't believe I'm staying here again...
Beds are stiff, pillows lumpy, and no breakfast or upgrades. The location is good, but we're going to the Childrens museum in the morning then going to see Lion King, so the location means nothing on this trip...why, why, why did I do this to myself and my family!!!!
Beds are stiff, pillows lumpy, and no breakfast or upgrades. The location is good, but we're going to the Childrens museum in the morning then going to see Lion King, so the location means nothing on this trip...why, why, why did I do this to myself and my family!!!!
Oct 3, 2010, 5:38 am
#141
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: New York, NY
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Posts: 10,869
...can't believe I'm staying here again...
Beds are stiff, pillows lumpy, and no breakfast or upgrades. The location is good, but we're going to the Childrens museum in the morning then going to see Lion King, so the location means nothing on this trip...why, why, why did I do this to myself and my family!!!!
Beds are stiff, pillows lumpy, and no breakfast or upgrades. The location is good, but we're going to the Childrens museum in the morning then going to see Lion King, so the location means nothing on this trip...why, why, why did I do this to myself and my family!!!!
Oct 4, 2010, 9:29 am
#142
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Oct 4, 2010, 5:11 pm
#143
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: ua 1k, hh diamond, spg PLT, marriott PLT
Posts: 617
its funny- i'm always the same way. i hate going there, i vow never to go back, yet i always find myself booking that property. a lot of it has to do with location and that with my corporate rate, its generally the cheapest, but i need to stop!
Oct 21, 2010, 11:29 am
#145
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA EP, UA Gold-MM, UA 1K (former), GS (former),SPG LT Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, HH Diamond
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My in-laws want to stay at this property for an upcoming weekend.
Being from Chicago I haven't ever stayed at this hotel.
They have asked me to get them a room with a Lake View.
I've read the reviews and it sounds like pretty much Platinum's don't get upgrades. However it is my understanding that a better view is technically considered an upgrade (they are booked in a traditional room). Seeing as to guarantee a lake view it'd be another $58/night I don't think it would be worth that.
Knowing that the only way to get exactly what you want is to pay for it ... my question is do you think there is a good likelihood that the platinum upgrade (I'm paying) would at least be for a room with a better view?
From the people who regularly stay here on weekends what say you?
Thanks!
Being from Chicago I haven't ever stayed at this hotel.
They have asked me to get them a room with a Lake View.
I've read the reviews and it sounds like pretty much Platinum's don't get upgrades. However it is my understanding that a better view is technically considered an upgrade (they are booked in a traditional room). Seeing as to guarantee a lake view it'd be another $58/night I don't think it would be worth that.
Knowing that the only way to get exactly what you want is to pay for it ... my question is do you think there is a good likelihood that the platinum upgrade (I'm paying) would at least be for a room with a better view?
From the people who regularly stay here on weekends what say you?
Thanks!
Last edited by neo_781; Oct 21, 2010 at 11:36 am
Oct 21, 2010, 11:38 am
#146
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Location: New York, NY
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Posts: 10,869
My in-laws want to stay at this property for an upcoming weekend.
Being from Chicago I haven't ever stayed at this hotel.
They have asked me to get them a room with a Lake View.
I've read the reviews and it sounds like pretty much Platinum's don't get upgrades. However it is my understanding that a better view is technically considered an upgrade (they are booked in a traditional room). Seeing as to guarantee a lake view it'd be another $58/night I don't think it would be worth that.
Knowing that the only way to get exactly what you want is to pay for it ... my question is do you think there is a good likelihood that the platinum upgrade (I'm paying) would at least be for a room with a better view?
From the people who regularly stay here on weekends what say you?
Thanks!
PS - I was trying to get them to stay at the W Lakeshore (should I push harder?).
Being from Chicago I haven't ever stayed at this hotel.
They have asked me to get them a room with a Lake View.
I've read the reviews and it sounds like pretty much Platinum's don't get upgrades. However it is my understanding that a better view is technically considered an upgrade (they are booked in a traditional room). Seeing as to guarantee a lake view it'd be another $58/night I don't think it would be worth that.
Knowing that the only way to get exactly what you want is to pay for it ... my question is do you think there is a good likelihood that the platinum upgrade (I'm paying) would at least be for a room with a better view?
From the people who regularly stay here on weekends what say you?
Thanks!
PS - I was trying to get them to stay at the W Lakeshore (should I push harder?).
Are your in-laws Platinum members?
In regard to the W, are they the W "type" if not why put them there?
Oct 21, 2010, 11:52 am
#147
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Chicago
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Based on what is written, how did you come to the that conclusion, that Platinum members don't get/rarely get upgrades? I've only stayed on weekends/long holiday weekends and have always been upgraded. I thought the pictures in my review were obvious.
Are your in-laws Platinum members?
In regard to the W, are they the W "type" if not why put them there?
Are your in-laws Platinum members?
In regard to the W, are they the W "type" if not why put them there?
Specifically post#'s: 122, 123, 133, 134, 135 and 140
Now I understand that if people aren't getting Suites they don't necessarily realize its still an upgraded room so I was looking for confirmation if everyone was experiencing the same thing.
Your response and redirect to previous posts indicates that your experience does not match some of the more recent reviews.
Oct 21, 2010, 12:27 pm
#148
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Thanks for your input. At least a few of the more recent comments (i.e. this year) have indicated that they weren't getting Platinum upgrades.
Specifically post#'s: 122, 123, 133, 134, 135 and 140
Now I understand that if people aren't getting Suites they don't necessarily realize its still an upgraded room so I was looking for confirmation if everyone was experiencing the same thing.
Your response and redirect to previous posts indicates that your experience does not match some of the more recent reviews.
Specifically post#'s: 122, 123, 133, 134, 135 and 140
Now I understand that if people aren't getting Suites they don't necessarily realize its still an upgraded room so I was looking for confirmation if everyone was experiencing the same thing.
Your response and redirect to previous posts indicates that your experience does not match some of the more recent reviews.
Also, there are rooms in the western side of the hotel (Seneca St. side - the taller building) that have larger rooms called Executive Suits. They also have suites which I know are above and beyond the Select Standard Suite upgrades in that building as well. The Presidents suite is also on this side of the hotel.
Oct 21, 2010, 2:36 pm
#149
Join Date: Apr 2005
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I've stayed at this hotel a few times but I can no longer justify it. With W Lakeshore nearby where they UG you to suites if available and IMO go above and beyond, I'd rather stay there. Also the Sheraton there is better IMO than this Westin. I'm a Westin girl, but the Chicago Westin disappointed me one too many times.
Since you're a Plat and paying, I would ask them to trust you, and then book them at W. IMO (and I've stayed at both properties many times) the views from W are much better. Even if you get a suite and it's not lake view, you can see the view from the elevator area. Lakeshore W has upgraded me almost every time I've stayed there. And they're wonderful with people. If you let them know you're coming with some special people and you want to impress them, more than likely you'll get a free drink or a nice hello gift. I love to spend my birthdays there b/c they're great with special occasions. They treat plats well there, IMO.
Good Luck!
Since you're a Plat and paying, I would ask them to trust you, and then book them at W. IMO (and I've stayed at both properties many times) the views from W are much better. Even if you get a suite and it's not lake view, you can see the view from the elevator area. Lakeshore W has upgraded me almost every time I've stayed there. And they're wonderful with people. If you let them know you're coming with some special people and you want to impress them, more than likely you'll get a free drink or a nice hello gift. I love to spend my birthdays there b/c they're great with special occasions. They treat plats well there, IMO.
Good Luck!
Oct 21, 2010, 7:13 pm
#150
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LTG, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,921
If seeing the lake between two adjacent and taller buildings is satisfactory, then feel free to stay at the Westin. Otherwise the W Lakeshore has the unobstructed view from most (if not all) rooms facing towards the lake. Having said that, I wasn't impressed with either property and will stay at a non-Starwood property when I'm next in Chi-town.