Aug 25, 2019, 7:33 am
The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico [Master Thread]
Oct 28, 2013, 4:34 pm
#226
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Chicago
Programs: United GS 3 MM LT, Marriott Ambassador LT Titanium, HH LT Diamond
Posts: 461
I have a strange question
My understanding of protocol is that up to two adults staying in YOUR room are eligible for RBC access. All others would need to pay for access. But, another option that might be available to you is paying the extra 1000 points per night for your second room for RBC access -- that would be the best use of 1000 points ever! The RBC here is solid -- 2 hours of comp drinks in the evening -- beer, wine, cocktails -- and a solid spread of snacks and hot foods.
All guests at the hotel have access to all pools (there's really only the one large one, AFAIK). The RBC rooms and suites are on the top two floors -- not in separate buildings. This is a well run hotel and you're going at the very very busiest time of year -- it's a guarantee that they'll be sold out.
Hope you have a great time!
All guests at the hotel have access to all pools (there's really only the one large one, AFAIK). The RBC rooms and suites are on the top two floors -- not in separate buildings. This is a well run hotel and you're going at the very very busiest time of year -- it's a guarantee that they'll be sold out.
Hope you have a great time!
Oct 28, 2013, 5:36 pm
#227
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: From: PWM
Programs: United GS, Fairmont Platinum,SPG LTPlat, Hilton Diamond, MarriottGold..like the rest of the world
Posts: 4,401
How hard is it to sneak someone in to the RBC? The guest services manager just e-mailed me and said both adults and our two kids will be given access to the RBC (because they are under 12). He offered to add the other room with one adult for $40 a day. I was wondering do they check ids at the door or can we walk in there with an extra person from time to time? Do they check peoples names off a list at the door?
In my experience here, during the highest seasons, the lounge arrival desk is manned and sign-ins are required. During softer seasons, unless the staff recognizes you from earlier visits, my experience is that they'll always ask which room you're in and then cross reference that with their master list in the backroom.
Oct 28, 2013, 8:28 pm
#228
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CHO
Programs: Hyatt Dia; MR Gold; SPG Plat; UA Plat; US Silver, *A G
Posts: 54
Hi All,
Thank you for all your responses. I am still getting used to all the different rate options avail. @ this property. It seems like it is smartest to book a King room and not worry so much about breakfast in the restaurant given my PLAT status. (Lounge food food is fine for us). I guess we will just roll dice in regards to getting an upgrade when we arrive.
Thank you for all your responses. I am still getting used to all the different rate options avail. @ this property. It seems like it is smartest to book a King room and not worry so much about breakfast in the restaurant given my PLAT status. (Lounge food food is fine for us). I guess we will just roll dice in regards to getting an upgrade when we arrive.
Oct 28, 2013, 9:36 pm
#229
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Chicago
Programs: United GS 3 MM LT, Marriott Ambassador LT Titanium, HH LT Diamond
Posts: 461
Thank you!
Well, remember that this isn't your standard issue suburban Sheraton Lounge with bagelettes and celery sticks. This is a solid lounge with free drinks in the evenings and a better-than-average outlay of food offerings both in the mornings and end of day. Instead of the $40, I'd personally spend the meager 1,000 points per night to upgrade that second room and not have any worries. Life's too short!
In my experience here, during the highest seasons, the lounge arrival desk is manned and sign-ins are required. During softer seasons, unless the staff recognizes you from earlier visits, my experience is that they'll always ask which room you're in and then cross reference that with their master list in the backroom.
In my experience here, during the highest seasons, the lounge arrival desk is manned and sign-ins are required. During softer seasons, unless the staff recognizes you from earlier visits, my experience is that they'll always ask which room you're in and then cross reference that with their master list in the backroom.
That sounds wise!
Nov 9, 2013, 7:35 pm
#230
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: IAD
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 1,937
This is a really nice property located 10 minutes from the airport, and 15 minutes from the main downtown area of Puerto Vallarta. I had three rooms for my trip, and one room was upgraded to a Junior Suite, but no upgrades for the other two rooms. If I wanted to upgrade those rooms to the Club Floor, it would have been 3750 points/night or $40/night ($80/night for non-Plats).
The room itself is fairly spacious. There are two complimentary half-bottles of water in the room. Water pressure was good, but the showerhead wasn’t very good. Water came out in a donut-like shape. The soap dish is poorly thought out – there are no slots for water to drain. But the room is very clean, and housekeeping is efficient. The sheets show a lot of pilling though.
Breakfast in the Lounge is fantastic for a North American property. Compared to the restaurant downstairs, it has maybe 60-70% of the selection. But it was more than enough. There were bread/pastries, cheese, juice, cereal, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, refried beans, roasted potatoes, French toast, and a type of beef stew. Plenty! If you have Club Access, you can eat downstairs in the main restaurant for a $10 surcharge. In the evenings, the Lounge puts out a solid spread as well. Enough to serve as dinner. There are a rotating selection of hot foods such as pasta, a meat dish, and vegetables along with fruit, cheese, chips/salsa, and dessert.
The gym is pretty large, but is kept a bit on the warm side. It appears that they actually wax the treadmills, so be careful – they’re really slippery! Plenty of other cardio equipment, and many weight machines. There’s also a few tennis courts.
The staff have all been fantastic. While further out from the downtown area, it’s a solid property and I wouldn’t hesitate to return here in my future travels.
The room itself is fairly spacious. There are two complimentary half-bottles of water in the room. Water pressure was good, but the showerhead wasn’t very good. Water came out in a donut-like shape. The soap dish is poorly thought out – there are no slots for water to drain. But the room is very clean, and housekeeping is efficient. The sheets show a lot of pilling though.
Breakfast in the Lounge is fantastic for a North American property. Compared to the restaurant downstairs, it has maybe 60-70% of the selection. But it was more than enough. There were bread/pastries, cheese, juice, cereal, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, refried beans, roasted potatoes, French toast, and a type of beef stew. Plenty! If you have Club Access, you can eat downstairs in the main restaurant for a $10 surcharge. In the evenings, the Lounge puts out a solid spread as well. Enough to serve as dinner. There are a rotating selection of hot foods such as pasta, a meat dish, and vegetables along with fruit, cheese, chips/salsa, and dessert.
The gym is pretty large, but is kept a bit on the warm side. It appears that they actually wax the treadmills, so be careful – they’re really slippery! Plenty of other cardio equipment, and many weight machines. There’s also a few tennis courts.
The staff have all been fantastic. While further out from the downtown area, it’s a solid property and I wouldn’t hesitate to return here in my future travels.
Nov 25, 2013, 4:07 pm
#231
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 189
Our family was at this property for New Year's 2012/2013 and we decided to return this year while we could still book the Cat 2 rate. For 6+ months I've seen "We’re sorry, Suite Night Awards can’t be applied to this reservation" for this stay. Today I noticed I could apply a SNA request and was surprised that the "Grand Deluxe" (basic + hot tub on balcony) room was an option. The property appears to be sold out, so I'm not holding my breath for an upgrade.
Dec 16, 2013, 2:30 pm
#232
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CHO
Programs: Hyatt Dia; MR Gold; SPG Plat; UA Plat; US Silver, *A G
Posts: 54
Poor Platinum Recognition
Just arrived in PVR and check in was a disaster... at registration had to go above and beyond to "prove" my Platinum status, then when I asked about the possibility of an upgrade (SPG.com was showing Junior Suites for sale) I was finally was placed in one with 2 double beds with a front desk agent claiming that was only one available until Wednesday. Ironically, the same individual who had been emailing me prior to my stay to make sure I had everything I needed acted as if they had never heard of me when I checked in. No recognition at all.
Lo and behold when I access wifi in my room (with 2 rock hard beds) I find that King Junior Suites are still for sale on spg.com. A quick call downstairs, I am given even more run around while my wife sits on the balcony wondering when this is going to end.
I stay at the Westin in the DCA area M-Th during the week with no issues at all and sadly I cannot say that my first SPG resort stay is living up to the hype. In fact I have never been treated like this.
The front desk manager has said they will move us to a king room, but this is a little ridiculous. As a platinum member, I understand that sometimes asking for a room change is necessary, but sticking a good client who has earned their status through stays and nights not a co branded credit card in a crappy room and claiming that all they have to do is "upgrade" you is a load of BS.
Lo and behold when I access wifi in my room (with 2 rock hard beds) I find that King Junior Suites are still for sale on spg.com. A quick call downstairs, I am given even more run around while my wife sits on the balcony wondering when this is going to end.
I stay at the Westin in the DCA area M-Th during the week with no issues at all and sadly I cannot say that my first SPG resort stay is living up to the hype. In fact I have never been treated like this.
The front desk manager has said they will move us to a king room, but this is a little ridiculous. As a platinum member, I understand that sometimes asking for a room change is necessary, but sticking a good client who has earned their status through stays and nights not a co branded credit card in a crappy room and claiming that all they have to do is "upgrade" you is a load of BS.
Dec 16, 2013, 5:17 pm
#234
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: From: PWM
Programs: United GS, Fairmont Platinum,SPG LTPlat, Hilton Diamond, MarriottGold..like the rest of the world
Posts: 4,401
Just arrived in PVR and check in was a disaster... at registration had to go above and beyond to "prove" my Platinum status, then when I asked about the possibility of an upgrade (SPG.com was showing Junior Suites for sale) I was finally was placed in one with 2 double beds with a front desk agent claiming that was only one available until Wednesday. Ironically, the same individual who had been emailing me prior to my stay to make sure I had everything I needed acted as if they had never heard of me when I checked in. No recognition at all.
Lo and behold when I access wifi in my room (with 2 rock hard beds) I find that King Junior Suites are still for sale on spg.com. A quick call downstairs, I am given even more run around while my wife sits on the balcony wondering when this is going to end.
I stay at the Westin in the DCA area M-Th during the week with no issues at all and sadly I cannot say that my first SPG resort stay is living up to the hype. In fact I have never been treated like this.
The front desk manager has said they will move us to a king room, but this is a little ridiculous. As a platinum member, I understand that sometimes asking for a room change is necessary, but sticking a good client who has earned their status through stays and nights not a co branded credit card in a crappy room and claiming that all they have to do is "upgrade" you is a load of BS.
Lo and behold when I access wifi in my room (with 2 rock hard beds) I find that King Junior Suites are still for sale on spg.com. A quick call downstairs, I am given even more run around while my wife sits on the balcony wondering when this is going to end.
I stay at the Westin in the DCA area M-Th during the week with no issues at all and sadly I cannot say that my first SPG resort stay is living up to the hype. In fact I have never been treated like this.
The front desk manager has said they will move us to a king room, but this is a little ridiculous. As a platinum member, I understand that sometimes asking for a room change is necessary, but sticking a good client who has earned their status through stays and nights not a co branded credit card in a crappy room and claiming that all they have to do is "upgrade" you is a load of BS.
I'll also hasten to add that while this is a competent hotel, it's not the splashiest Westin in the network. With room rates this week hovering in the $120 range one shouldn't expect it to be. Consider it for what it is -a well run facility in a fabulous resort city and don't expect a Four Seasons experience. Don't sweat the small stuff, yo.
Dec 16, 2013, 5:19 pm
#235
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: From: PWM
Programs: United GS, Fairmont Platinum,SPG LTPlat, Hilton Diamond, MarriottGold..like the rest of the world
Posts: 4,401
When I'm at the Westin, I usually rent a car from National at the neighboring Marriott (they're honest and don't screw you on myriad things that can often happen in Mexico) for the day and just drive up. It takes maybe 45 minutes and Bucerias makes a nice morning stop on the way up or an early dinner on the return.
Dec 16, 2013, 5:32 pm
#236
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CHO
Programs: Hyatt Dia; MR Gold; SPG Plat; UA Plat; US Silver, *A G
Posts: 54
@sbtinme (I'm also originally from the PWM)
We are now happily in a junior suite. Further perusal of the website leads me to believe that the hotel had originally upgraded us to a Grand Deluxe Room not a junior suite (which also FTW has a private jacuzzi tub on the balcony) and comes with 2 doubles or a king size bed. For future stays know that the Junior Suites are on floors 8 and 11.
My beef is that according to the T&Cs and to hotel's discretion--inc. the envelope in which I rec'd my first set of keys, we had been upgraded to the "best available room" which was clearly not the case---evidenced by the fact that a junior suite was available for purchase on spg.com for our entire dates (at multiple rates--prepaid, preferred, rack, etc). While I understand that the hotel is about to enter its busiest period, the fact that a room is available for purchase via spg.com for the dates in question without splitting reservations, leads me to question what the protocol is for treating platinum guests at this property.
That said, we just had an enjoyable cocktail hour @ the lounge on the 12th floor and excellent service @ the beach lounge chairs.
We are now happily in a junior suite. Further perusal of the website leads me to believe that the hotel had originally upgraded us to a Grand Deluxe Room not a junior suite (which also FTW has a private jacuzzi tub on the balcony) and comes with 2 doubles or a king size bed. For future stays know that the Junior Suites are on floors 8 and 11.
My beef is that according to the T&Cs and to hotel's discretion--inc. the envelope in which I rec'd my first set of keys, we had been upgraded to the "best available room" which was clearly not the case---evidenced by the fact that a junior suite was available for purchase on spg.com for our entire dates (at multiple rates--prepaid, preferred, rack, etc). While I understand that the hotel is about to enter its busiest period, the fact that a room is available for purchase via spg.com for the dates in question without splitting reservations, leads me to question what the protocol is for treating platinum guests at this property.
That said, we just had an enjoyable cocktail hour @ the lounge on the 12th floor and excellent service @ the beach lounge chairs.
Dec 16, 2013, 5:42 pm
#237
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: From: PWM
Programs: United GS, Fairmont Platinum,SPG LTPlat, Hilton Diamond, MarriottGold..like the rest of the world
Posts: 4,401
The crew in the Royal Beach Club is exceptional -- Angel is a true ambassador for his city and his property. We arrive this weekend and can't wait to be there again.
Enjoy your time in PV!
Dec 19, 2013, 5:19 pm
#238
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 189
Is there an ATM located at a bank (as opposed to a convenience store/hotel standalone ATM) within walking distance to Westin?
Dec 19, 2013, 7:24 pm
#239
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: From: PWM
Programs: United GS, Fairmont Platinum,SPG LTPlat, Hilton Diamond, MarriottGold..like the rest of the world
Posts: 4,401
As far as a true BANK ATM, I think the closest one will be at the Plaza Marina about 1-2 miles from the hotel. It's back up the road as if you were returning to the airport.
With all of that said, I generally get money out at ATMs in the city when we're down there for dinner or whatever. But, I don't kill myself to do it that way -- in a pinch, I've used the convenience store ATMs many a time and the convenience fee isn't a killer.
Ask the hotel for their best recommendation -- I'm sure they're asked often.
Last edited by sbtinme; Dec 19, 2013 at 7:47 pm
Dec 19, 2013, 7:40 pm
#240
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: KANSAS CITY
Programs: DL DM, MARRIOTT AMBASSADOR LIFETIME TITANIUM
Posts: 453
I have a condo in Punta Mita. I have stayed at the Westin. There is a Mega grocery store close to Westin. Mega has a lot of ATM machines. If you are with a large US bank, they probably have a partner in Mexcio. For example, Bank of America partners with Banco Santandar. Then you have no ATM fee. The Westin ATM is a joke. Does not give you many pesos and large fee. If you want a nice dinner in a great place, go to Punta Mita. Great place. You can also go in the morning and negotiate a person to take you on a boat to see the wonderful whales. We always use a guy names Rudy. Have dinner at Rosa Mexicano, Margaritas, or Si Senor. Right on the water. Also if you are staying a long time at the Westin. There is a Costco nearby if you need anything.
Have a great time.
Have a great time.