KENNECTED

My last stay the property seemed dated. Know that Phil is the GM, I would give the property a pass, but the hotel needs a serious reno.

I would stay at the Sheraton before the Westin.

Okto

Yes, I understand. I made the comment about breakfast buffet being offered at this property not based on wishful thinking, but on previous posts in this thread indicating that that was the Plat amenity. Based on this, I was hoping to elicit commentary from those who have had past experiences at this hotel during breakfast time.


I think I phrased my initial statement about bringing the whole family into lounges at other properties poorly. I think I'm reasonably well versed in the T&C's but, just for completeness, this is a general summary of how I bring the whole family into the club lounge:

(a) I pay for lounge access for the second room. We've been to properties with very nice lounges where I think it's definitely a great deal and a pleasant experience for everybody in my party to enjoy the breakfast and the evening appetizers, etc.
(b) I am informed at check in that both rooms have been upgraded to the club floor. A very much appreciated above-and-beyond gesture by the hotel.
(c) I am not informed at check in of any additional club access (and I sometimes forget to ask) but then when I go to the lounge I observe that BOTH rooms' keys can open the lounge. I take this as meaning that either I'm on a club floor, or that the front desk graciously granted access for both rooms, even if not on a club floor.
(d) To the best of my knowledge, I don't think I've ever violated the terms. Certainly not consciously.

Yes, that will be fine.


I'm leaning towards doing that as well, but I'll give it a little more thought.
Thank you all for your responses.

Bravada04

I too..........definitely would stay at the Sheraton or the Westin before staying here again. Prior to my visiting, I know there was a lot of positive reviews but for whatever reason this place just seemed dingy???? Can't really explain - As mentioned, maybe it just needs a makeover or something? Definitely better SPG options in the exact same area which might be a little more expensive BUT you get what you pay for!

TravisMT81

To a degree I find all the LAX Starwood hotels to be a bit dingy. Four Points probably being the oldest, none of them have ever had a "hard" (gutted to the studs) remodel. They all have decent furnishing but,they all need new bathrooms which ages the rooms and make them feel "dingy" .

MSPeconomist

I would vote for the Sheraton Gateway LAX.

Instead of hotel breakfasts for four, why not find a Starbucks or equivalent at the airport if you don't have airport lounge privileges? It would be less stressful than rushing a family through a hotel breakfast before rushing to the airport.

JackE

Okto only asked about the Four Points vs Westin.

But yeah, throw the Sheraton into the mix and that would be my choice as well, all else being equal.

That said, with Phil at the helm, the Westin may return to top dog.

MSPeconomist

What's wrong with Phil? Did the property have a different GM in the recent past who started the craft beer program and was generally good to elites and FT people?

KENNECTED

Remember Phil left the Four Point and is now at the GM of Westin LAX.

I think JackE is saying is currently the Westin in it's current state (Pre Phil) is "questionable".

Now that Phil is at the helm, (hopefully) he can turn the property around and improve it on all levels.

SEA777GUY

I have stayed at both the 4 Points and Westin many, many times. I would not say that the hotels are dingy at all, just dated and I agree that both need a "hard" gutting. As far as I know, Westin has updated the gym (removed the Sauna ) and have updated the front drive. Both property's have always been clean and to SPG standards. Phil has just gotten started at the Westin and I for one am excited for the changes to come in the months and years ahead. Phil left the 4 Points in good hands with Peter Kolla and I will not hesitate to stay at the 4 Points as well as the Westin.

JackE

I was saying that I currently prefer the Sheraton to the Westin, not that the Westin is questionable.

And, as you pointed out, Phil may bring it back to the top of the pack.

As an aside, for my purposes the Sheraton is in a better location than the Westin. I don't think even Phil can remedy that.

SEA777GUY

He can, sort of. Phil has arranged that the Westin Hotel shuttle now is direct to the Westin, no more stopping at other property's. Not sure if the Sheraton has this.

MSPeconomist

IIRC the Westin and Four Points shared a shuttle.

Can Phenominal Phil remove the dog kennels from the back side of the Westin?

itsaboutthejourney

I disagree. Since Phil left the 4P has gone sharply downhill in terms of something they can easily address: service. Things like litter in the parking lot, forgetting special requests, miscommunication from bell staff, zero pushback from the shuttle's company's declining service are just a few examples. Oh, and no cookies 4 of my last 5 stays leaves a bad (or lack of) taste in my mouth.

txrus

Good to know about the Westin shuttles & good for Phil.

Speaking of him, does anyone have contact info for him, either @ the Westin or here on FT? I both called & sent an e-mail to one of the Westin sales people a week ago about stays I have coming up in May but have rec'd no response

KENNECTED

If you read the the Westin LAX thread you will see posts from him. You can send a PM to him by clicking on his name -WESTINLAXGM