Westin Bonaventure Los Angeles [Master Thread]
May 30, 2009, 4:22 pm
#107
Join Date: May 2005
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE, Alaska MVP Gold, Bonvoy Titanium, IHG Diamond
Posts: 158
Very Poor Westin
My girlfriend and I stayed here for a couple nights recently while attending a conference downtown. We stayed at a few Starwood hotels in the LA area over a week to maximize our free weekend nights 
We arrived early, and our room was not ready (understandable, especially with the huge conference going-on) However, the front-desk agent was extremely unfriendly and went on to inform us that because we had booked a "conference" rate, we were not eligible for any SPG gold benefits (such as a room upgrade). Not sure if this is true, but it's the first I've ever heard of something like this.
We were given a room that was directly next to a set of glass elevators, so you could see/hear them zipping by all day and night. As others have mentioned the rooms are VERY tired...the carpets were covered in stains, the furniture was in rough shape and the television was very dated. No mini-bar, but an empty bar fridge (which we actually prefer). At least they had the heavenly bed as well!
The hotel itself is huge, and the common areas are also very dated looking. I wanted to check my email one morning, and was directed to the "business center" ...two computers in the lobby, with internet access for a rate of about $8 per 15 minutes. Yikes...
Definitely would not recommend. The Sheraton down the street is better (I'll right a short review of that one as well).
We arrived early, and our room was not ready (understandable, especially with the huge conference going-on) However, the front-desk agent was extremely unfriendly and went on to inform us that because we had booked a "conference" rate, we were not eligible for any SPG gold benefits (such as a room upgrade). Not sure if this is true, but it's the first I've ever heard of something like this.
We were given a room that was directly next to a set of glass elevators, so you could see/hear them zipping by all day and night. As others have mentioned the rooms are VERY tired...the carpets were covered in stains, the furniture was in rough shape and the television was very dated. No mini-bar, but an empty bar fridge (which we actually prefer). At least they had the heavenly bed as well!
The hotel itself is huge, and the common areas are also very dated looking. I wanted to check my email one morning, and was directed to the "business center" ...two computers in the lobby, with internet access for a rate of about $8 per 15 minutes. Yikes...
Definitely would not recommend. The Sheraton down the street is better (I'll right a short review of that one as well).
May 30, 2009, 4:33 pm
#108
Suspended
Join Date: May 2009
Programs: CO Plat, US CP, HH Diamond, MR Gold,BW Diamond
Posts: 468
I have been in the Redondo as an upgrade. But is that the biggest one? I am thinking of one that occupies about 1/3 of a tower, with a 10 person dining room table, then a real bar, then a big living room, then a bedroom (all downstairs) and then, up a little staircase, you have (in your suite) 2, 2 bedroom suites. I think it was about 7 bathrooms, big enough for most families.
Jul 27, 2009, 1:19 pm
#109
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: LAX
Programs: UA (1MM); SPG Plat
Posts: 335
Checked in Sunday morning and was upgraded to a Tower Suite (Junior Suite), Green Square Tower. Room has not been renovated. Heavenly bed, not. Went to the Lounge on 34th Floor, again, poor service and not so tasty drinks. Parked at WTC for $9.90. Breakfast was not included nor offered.
Internet was free for Plat (ask at front desk for code).
Not impressed with hotel, but at $99 per night (and to get a stay credit for the stay 2 get 1 Free promo), it's a pretty good deal. Would love to be upgraded to Redondo.
Internet was free for Plat (ask at front desk for code).
Not impressed with hotel, but at $99 per night (and to get a stay credit for the stay 2 get 1 Free promo), it's a pretty good deal. Would love to be upgraded to Redondo.
Jul 27, 2009, 1:41 pm
#110
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: On the road, 24/7/365
Posts: 3,469
I'm THE regular at the Bonaventure (see somewhere up this thread for details, if you care). The free breakfast is restricted to Government and Corporate rates, I believe. (AAA, for instance, isn't covered, even for Plats.) The Junior Suite upgrade/un-remodeled room is pretty standard, and I like those rooms just fine. I've never been to the lounge (teetotaler), so can't comment there.
Last week, for one night (special occasion) I got upgraded to 3260. It's a multi-room, two-level (with spiral staircase) setup (name, if it has one, unknown). You could get lost in there. So I can't say anything bad about the hotel for a while. (...not that I ever really do - and I'm obviously voting with my pocketbook, well over 100 nights a year.)
Last week, for one night (special occasion) I got upgraded to 3260. It's a multi-room, two-level (with spiral staircase) setup (name, if it has one, unknown). You could get lost in there. So I can't say anything bad about the hotel for a while. (...not that I ever really do - and I'm obviously voting with my pocketbook, well over 100 nights a year.)
Jul 27, 2009, 6:26 pm
#111
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Monterey, California
Programs: Affiliated with all, participate in some
Posts: 2,188
Westin Bonaventure is giving away 50 free rooms each week. Thru August 31check on Mondays 9am LA time to win a free room on Twitter or thru website.
My blog post gives details:
http://boardingarea.com/blogs/loyalt...room-giveaway/
Westin Bonaventure website with promo offer link:
http://www.thebonaventure.com/give_away/
My blog post gives details:
http://boardingarea.com/blogs/loyalt...room-giveaway/
Westin Bonaventure website with promo offer link:
http://www.thebonaventure.com/give_away/
Oct 14, 2009, 9:51 am
#112
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Los Angeles & Orange County, CA
Programs: Wouldn't you like to know?!
Posts: 23,822
I was looking at room rates at the Westin B and came across this room:
Large Parlor, Small Dining Table. Approx 380 Sq Ft, Sofa Bed Reserve With Traditional Room For 1 Bedroom Suite
Parlor , Non-smoking , Pvt Ctyrd W/plunge Pool/sala , Panoramic View , Dining Area
O M G. This Westin has suites with private plunge pool and sala? Is this a mistake?
Large Parlor, Small Dining Table. Approx 380 Sq Ft, Sofa Bed Reserve With Traditional Room For 1 Bedroom Suite
Parlor , Non-smoking , Pvt Ctyrd W/plunge Pool/sala , Panoramic View , Dining Area
O M G. This Westin has suites with private plunge pool and sala? Is this a mistake?
Oct 14, 2009, 10:08 am
#113
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Orange County, CA, USA
Programs: AA (Life Plat), Marriott (Life Titanium) and every other US program
Posts: 6,411
That one is a surprise to me. I thought I had stayed in every specialty suite at the Bonaventure, and I have never seen a private pool.
Oct 14, 2009, 12:11 pm
#114
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: On the road, 24/7/365
Posts: 3,469
Oct 19, 2009, 10:53 pm
#115
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Tucson, AZ
Programs: Marriott LTT, Hilton Dia, Hyatt Expl, Avis Pres, Hertz Pres, National EE, AA Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 871
I was looking at room rates at the Westin B and came across this room:
Large Parlor, Small Dining Table. Approx 380 Sq Ft, Sofa Bed Reserve With Traditional Room For 1 Bedroom Suite
Parlor , Non-smoking , Pvt Ctyrd W/plunge Pool/sala , Panoramic View , Dining Area
O M G. This Westin has suites with private plunge pool and sala? Is this a mistake?
Large Parlor, Small Dining Table. Approx 380 Sq Ft, Sofa Bed Reserve With Traditional Room For 1 Bedroom Suite
Parlor , Non-smoking , Pvt Ctyrd W/plunge Pool/sala , Panoramic View , Dining Area
O M G. This Westin has suites with private plunge pool and sala? Is this a mistake?
I have since been back several times over the years, but I have never noticed that room type before when making a reservation. If 365RoadWarrior hasn't seen or heard of the room before, then I have to imagine that it must be a typo. But if it exists, it would be pretty sweet suite...
On a side note, I found this deal on AmEx's site -- Buy one entrée, get second entrée free at LA Prime.
Nov 28, 2009, 7:31 am
#116
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta - Gold; Starwood - Platinum; HHonors - Diamond & Avis Preferred
Posts: 10,869
Am I reaching for the stars?
The hotel is massive but dated.
Based on previous reviews I knew not to expect too much. I booking here thinking the rooms would be somewhat decent. The suites in the Green Tower are so deeply unattractive, it's impossible to be assigned a lovely king suite.
I thought I would be assigned a room that was clean and bright, instead I was assigned dirty, tired and paunchy! Am I reaching for the stars? No not really! The carpet looked like something out of a crime scene.
Currently this property, has no style or sense of decor. The good news is that some of the king rooms in the tower, where platinum member are upgraded, are renovated and look like updated Westin properties in other cities.
The pool is nice, the gym and running track are hideous.
This Westin should be avoided until all rooms are updated. Its in the same league as the Four Points Miami Beach and you all know how I fee about that property.
Full review to come later.
Last edited by KENNECTED; Nov 28, 2009 at 7:43 am
Nov 28, 2009, 12:14 pm
#117
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Pasadena,Ca.,US.
Programs: AA, Delta, United, SPG plat, Hyatt dia
Posts: 7,140
WOW-did you get an old room!
Cheap elite that is an ollllllld room!The newer(not the newest)are much nicer than that.
This place is VERY good to plat's IME so putting a blanket warning like this is doing a disservice to a hotel that at least tries to do well.
It is undergoing a renovation.And the rates reflect that.
BTW-Hope you got in on the $99 TZ breakfast special ^
This place is VERY good to plat's IME so putting a blanket warning like this is doing a disservice to a hotel that at least tries to do well.
It is undergoing a renovation.And the rates reflect that.
BTW-Hope you got in on the $99 TZ breakfast special ^
Nov 28, 2009, 7:12 pm
#118
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,921
that looks about right, cheap elite.
last time i was there during the summer, i was upgraded to what looks like three rooms combined together (the three pie-slice shaped normal rooms combined into a suite). The room was so old, carpets stained, the TV (i'm not the one that likes to complain but i'm going to exaggerate and say it was from the 60's), tired wallpaper, and such. The bed was comfortable and "heavenly" bed-like. The "dining" room table had no chairs, the bar was empty with minifridge not plugged in (i.e. smells), and decorations that put this hotel back a couple decades. Oh well...life goes on and went to the Sheraton Los Angeles the next few nights.
last time i was there during the summer, i was upgraded to what looks like three rooms combined together (the three pie-slice shaped normal rooms combined into a suite). The room was so old, carpets stained, the TV (i'm not the one that likes to complain but i'm going to exaggerate and say it was from the 60's), tired wallpaper, and such. The bed was comfortable and "heavenly" bed-like. The "dining" room table had no chairs, the bar was empty with minifridge not plugged in (i.e. smells), and decorations that put this hotel back a couple decades. Oh well...life goes on and went to the Sheraton Los Angeles the next few nights.
Nov 28, 2009, 7:32 pm
#119
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta - Gold; Starwood - Platinum; HHonors - Diamond & Avis Preferred
Posts: 10,869
Cheap elite that is an ollllllld room!The newer(not the newest)are much nicer than that.
This place is VERY good to plat's IME so putting a blanket warning like this is doing a disservice to a hotel that at least tries to do well.
It is undergoing a renovation.And the rates reflect that.
BTW-Hope you got in on the $99 TZ breakfast special ^
This place is VERY good to plat's IME so putting a blanket warning like this is doing a disservice to a hotel that at least tries to do well.
It is undergoing a renovation.And the rates reflect that.
BTW-Hope you got in on the $99 TZ breakfast special ^
that looks about right, cheap elite.
last time i was there during the summer, i was upgraded to what looks like three rooms combined together (the three pie-slice shaped normal rooms combined into a suite). The room was so old, carpets stained, the TV (i'm not the one that likes to complain but i'm going to exaggerate and say it was from the 60's), tired wallpaper, and such. The bed was comfortable and "heavenly" bed-like. The "dining" room table had no chairs, the bar was empty with minifridge not plugged in (i.e. smells), and decorations that put this hotel back a couple decades. Oh well...life goes on and went to the Sheraton Los Angeles the next few nights.
last time i was there during the summer, i was upgraded to what looks like three rooms combined together (the three pie-slice shaped normal rooms combined into a suite). The room was so old, carpets stained, the TV (i'm not the one that likes to complain but i'm going to exaggerate and say it was from the 60's), tired wallpaper, and such. The bed was comfortable and "heavenly" bed-like. The "dining" room table had no chairs, the bar was empty with minifridge not plugged in (i.e. smells), and decorations that put this hotel back a couple decades. Oh well...life goes on and went to the Sheraton Los Angeles the next few nights.
Nov 28, 2009, 9:35 pm
#120
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Pasadena,Ca.,US.
Programs: AA, Delta, United, SPG plat, Hyatt dia
Posts: 7,140
My last four stays have all been in reno'd rooms.3 have been "two pieces of pie"suites and one a king room(that was a stay for a buck) room.I am very pleased with this property.I have gotten a suite with the old decor shown in the photo one time-but that was a huge suite in a non SPG guest tower-it was huge and was great for a party.
The room in the photo is actually a non reno'd room as cheep elite mentioned-last done in the 80's. All the suites in the none SPG towers look like this.
Also as mentioned-they are doing further remodling including new bedding/furniture/AV equipment.
A friend of mine has had problems being placed in rooms with the old decor also-so yours is not a one off experience Cheap elite.
Also make sure you get and keep your folio as they have had trouble posting stays/bonus points to SPG.
i will be staying there next weekend and will report back to this thread.
The room in the photo is actually a non reno'd room as cheep elite mentioned-last done in the 80's. All the suites in the none SPG towers look like this.
Also as mentioned-they are doing further remodling including new bedding/furniture/AV equipment.
A friend of mine has had problems being placed in rooms with the old decor also-so yours is not a one off experience Cheap elite.
Also make sure you get and keep your folio as they have had trouble posting stays/bonus points to SPG.
i will be staying there next weekend and will report back to this thread.