Sep 21, 2014, 10:17 am
The Westin Verasa Napa [Master Thread]
Apr 8, 2014, 5:58 pm
#181
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,773
Apr 9, 2014, 11:35 am
#182
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: CT/NY
Programs: UA 1K/1MM, AA EXP, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 6,020
Just got back from a quick stay for my wife's birthday. One new Plat perk is a "black book" in which the hotel has partnered with several wineries to offer complimentary tastings. Some of the offer were for reserve tastings as well. I don't think it is offered, so be sure to ask the concierge.
Always treated very well here, and for the most part, this latest stay was no different. The parking valet service has improved considerably (though we usually travel here during the off season), and it seems there are more staff there than previously. Front desk graciously provided a loaner Android phone charger after I discovered I packed the wrong one.
Only bummer, though not too big of a deal, was that every time we've stayed here before, we were granted a Platinum 4:00 PM checkout. Never really thought about it being a resort, but this time we were told 2:00 PM would be the latest. I don't necessarily have an issue with that, but the front desk manager couldn't just explain that, and gave some BS about full occupancy, which was an absolute lie - the place (and practically the entire Napa Valley) is absolutely deserted right now. First time we've ever experienced less than extra friendly service from anyone here.
Always treated very well here, and for the most part, this latest stay was no different. The parking valet service has improved considerably (though we usually travel here during the off season), and it seems there are more staff there than previously. Front desk graciously provided a loaner Android phone charger after I discovered I packed the wrong one.
Only bummer, though not too big of a deal, was that every time we've stayed here before, we were granted a Platinum 4:00 PM checkout. Never really thought about it being a resort, but this time we were told 2:00 PM would be the latest. I don't necessarily have an issue with that, but the front desk manager couldn't just explain that, and gave some BS about full occupancy, which was an absolute lie - the place (and practically the entire Napa Valley) is absolutely deserted right now. First time we've ever experienced less than extra friendly service from anyone here.
One reason why we have not returned to the Westin for 2 years was for the lack of late check-out. Being that this is a resort property, they technically don't have to offer late check out. Last time I asked, they would only give me 1pm and nothing later, even as an Ambassador level guest.
By contrast, Andaz Napa offers 4pm for Diamond members.
It's a basic continental breakfast: 1 juice, 1 coffee, 1 bread item, 1 bowl of yogurt, maybe a bowl of cereal from a box. It's confusing since our server didn't know either.
Apr 9, 2014, 10:19 pm
#183
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Greenacres,WA
Programs: Marriott Plat; Hyatt Globalist ; National Exe; Avis Preferred; Delta Diamond
Posts: 431
Just spent 3 nts here. . .April 5-8. We were on "paid" stay including breakfast but I had my son along and took Platinum breakfast voucher for him (since food in Napa is crazy spendy everywhere).
The items of the menu my husband and I got were very tasty. Son got continental but was way too much food for him & I returned the vouchers for next 2 days in exchange for points. He had choice of juice (also got him Hot coco instead of coffee), cereal, danish item, greek yogurt, and may have been fruit option but stopped with the other items.
Also as Plat the Resort/valet charge is only $10/day
Our stay was pretty darn nice really. . upgraded to 1 bedroom deluxe suite, so mom & dad got separate room while son on pullout couch, full kitchen and very large bathroom, and nice balcony over courtyard.
Just a relaxing Spring break getaway, we enjoyed the free poolside cabanas and pretty much empty pool during our stay which our 11 yr old boy keep busy for hours in. Rooms also include xbox system and free games at front desk (the just put deposit on room thats remove upon game return). It was also my Birthday and received card signed by staff and 2 containers of cashews in really neat Westin containers.
The items of the menu my husband and I got were very tasty. Son got continental but was way too much food for him & I returned the vouchers for next 2 days in exchange for points. He had choice of juice (also got him Hot coco instead of coffee), cereal, danish item, greek yogurt, and may have been fruit option but stopped with the other items.
Also as Plat the Resort/valet charge is only $10/day
Our stay was pretty darn nice really. . upgraded to 1 bedroom deluxe suite, so mom & dad got separate room while son on pullout couch, full kitchen and very large bathroom, and nice balcony over courtyard.
Just a relaxing Spring break getaway, we enjoyed the free poolside cabanas and pretty much empty pool during our stay which our 11 yr old boy keep busy for hours in. Rooms also include xbox system and free games at front desk (the just put deposit on room thats remove upon game return). It was also my Birthday and received card signed by staff and 2 containers of cashews in really neat Westin containers.
May 13, 2014, 2:09 pm
#185
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: California
Posts: 601
Just finished a stay this past weekend. Very disappointed in hotel. We have stayed here several times in the past.
Service has definitely gone downhill throughout - front desk, pool area, bar, housekeeping. Valet was quick and friendly - but that was the exception.
Pool was overcrowded. We had to wait 30 minutes to get a single chair. The pool towels were thin, faded, more Holiday Inn than Westin. That's when there were towels. We had to call to request pool towels after waiting about an hour and not seeing any staff out in the pool area.
Dirty towels, food, and trash were strewn all around pool area.
Our room was not as bad, but there was leftover trash from the previous guest in the room and bathroom trash cans. Room small. Bed uncomfortable and visibly saggy in middle. We had liked the hotel very much in the past but was very disappointed.
Service has definitely gone downhill throughout - front desk, pool area, bar, housekeeping. Valet was quick and friendly - but that was the exception.
Pool was overcrowded. We had to wait 30 minutes to get a single chair. The pool towels were thin, faded, more Holiday Inn than Westin. That's when there were towels. We had to call to request pool towels after waiting about an hour and not seeing any staff out in the pool area.
Dirty towels, food, and trash were strewn all around pool area.
Our room was not as bad, but there was leftover trash from the previous guest in the room and bathroom trash cans. Room small. Bed uncomfortable and visibly saggy in middle. We had liked the hotel very much in the past but was very disappointed.
May 13, 2014, 5:17 pm
#186
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Manhattan NV
Programs: Hilton LTD, Hyatt Glob, Marriott LTTE, AA LTP, Avis PC, National EE, Seabourn DE
Posts: 3,030
Yes, this place has slipped since last visit two years ago. Full kitchen with no paper towels/liquid dish soap. A one packet use of dishwasher soap provided. Cheap pots/pans, incomplete set of flatware, nearly expired sofa.
The entire living space could use a makeover. Much different from two previous stays.
No complaints as we were happily upgraded to a 1 bedroom suite w/full kitchen while paying points for standard room. Continental breakfast as described two posts ago. Good quality and most modern treadmills I've seen in a hotel.
Too many dogs locked in rooms without a sitter. Not cool.
The entire living space could use a makeover. Much different from two previous stays.
No complaints as we were happily upgraded to a 1 bedroom suite w/full kitchen while paying points for standard room. Continental breakfast as described two posts ago. Good quality and most modern treadmills I've seen in a hotel.
Too many dogs locked in rooms without a sitter. Not cool.
Jul 21, 2014, 8:40 am
#187
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 148
We were upgraded to a premium one bedroom room suite. Pretty nice overall. Nice property overall, smaller than expected (which is good).
Since we're going to be here for a number of days, opted for the breakfast amenity instead of 500 points, but did go for the Green Choice (who can pass up 500 points daily!).
So at breakfast, the breakfast amenity is good for the continental breakfast, which on the menu is a $16.50 option. However, they will NOT allow you to substitute lower priced options, such as an omelette or almost anything else. I was told that they'd only allow oatmeal substitute (at first it was going to be for everything, but I pressed and they allowed the oatmeal to be substituted for the breads and cereal). So breakfast was coffee, V8, oatmeal and yogurt. Free, but I'd had preferred the omelette. Can't complain about it too much. Will see if the server tomorrow does the same thing
Since we're going to be here for a number of days, opted for the breakfast amenity instead of 500 points, but did go for the Green Choice (who can pass up 500 points daily!).
So at breakfast, the breakfast amenity is good for the continental breakfast, which on the menu is a $16.50 option. However, they will NOT allow you to substitute lower priced options, such as an omelette or almost anything else. I was told that they'd only allow oatmeal substitute (at first it was going to be for everything, but I pressed and they allowed the oatmeal to be substituted for the breads and cereal). So breakfast was coffee, V8, oatmeal and yogurt. Free, but I'd had preferred the omelette. Can't complain about it too much. Will see if the server tomorrow does the same thing
Aug 24, 2014, 5:58 pm
#188
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
Any reports on how they did in the earthquake? There's nothing on the hotel's website and the first date with room availability is September 1, but being sold out might not be surprising at this time of year. Or maybe the place is packed with media.
Some CNN pictures of quake damage looked to me like OxBow market, almost next door to the hotel.
The Andaz in downtown Napa apparently evacuated guests and seems to be closed for the next several days.
Some CNN pictures of quake damage looked to me like OxBow market, almost next door to the hotel.
The Andaz in downtown Napa apparently evacuated guests and seems to be closed for the next several days.
Aug 24, 2014, 8:29 pm
#189
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Programs: SVO - WKORV, WPORV, WKV, WSJ
Posts: 117
Aug 24, 2014, 8:58 pm
#190
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Guangzhou
Programs: SPG
Posts: 1,021
Any reports on how they did in the earthquake? There's nothing on the hotel's website and the first date with room availability is September 1, but being sold out might not be surprising at this time of year. Or maybe the place is packed with media.
Some CNN pictures of quake damage looked to me like OxBow market, almost next door to the hotel.
The Andaz in downtown Napa apparently evacuated guests and seems to be closed for the next several days.
Some CNN pictures of quake damage looked to me like OxBow market, almost next door to the hotel.
The Andaz in downtown Napa apparently evacuated guests and seems to be closed for the next several days.
The Westin Napa has sustained relatively minor damage, which required evacuation. Guests that were not checking out today were relocated while those with upcoming reservations will be contacted with alternate arrangements and may cancel or change reservations without penalty.
There were no reported injuries to guests or associates. Thank you for your concern during this difficult time.
Best Regards,
Christina Zhou
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Aug 25, 2014, 6:50 am
#191
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 100
Can you please elaborate on that? I am arriving on 9/1 do i need to look at alternatives?
thanks,
Lenny
thanks,
Lenny
Hi MSPeconomist,
The Westin Napa has sustained relatively minor damage, which required evacuation. Guests that were not checking out today were relocated while those with upcoming reservations will be contacted with alternate arrangements and may cancel or change reservations without penalty.
There were no reported injuries to guests or associates. Thank you for your concern during this difficult time.
Best Regards,
Christina Zhou
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
The Westin Napa has sustained relatively minor damage, which required evacuation. Guests that were not checking out today were relocated while those with upcoming reservations will be contacted with alternate arrangements and may cancel or change reservations without penalty.
There were no reported injuries to guests or associates. Thank you for your concern during this difficult time.
Best Regards,
Christina Zhou
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Aug 25, 2014, 9:10 am
#192
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,753
From the hotel website:
Minor Earthquake Damage
The Westin Verasa Napa sustained relatively minor damage to Sunday's earthquake and as a result required evacuation. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries to guests or associates. Guests have been relocated. Cancellation fees will be waived and guests with upcoming reservations will be contacted with alternate arrangements and may cancel or change reservations without penalty. The hotel is expected to open again on August 28, 2014.
Minor Earthquake Damage
The Westin Verasa Napa sustained relatively minor damage to Sunday's earthquake and as a result required evacuation. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries to guests or associates. Guests have been relocated. Cancellation fees will be waived and guests with upcoming reservations will be contacted with alternate arrangements and may cancel or change reservations without penalty. The hotel is expected to open again on August 28, 2014.
Aug 25, 2014, 9:26 am
#193
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: SPG
Posts: 713
The hotel will be closed until this Friday, August 29th because of damage sustained from Sunday's earthquake, but currently has plans to reopen to accommodate guests for Labor Day weekend. We are advising guests call Starwood's local call center (888) 627-7169 for assistance with upcoming reservations.
Isabel Arboleda
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Aug 25, 2014, 10:45 am
#195
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
If you have to stay elsewhere, there's a very pleasant Sheraton along the way if you drive up to Napa from SF/SFO over the Golden Gate and through Marin, on the way to Sonoma. It's not a typical Sheraton but is a white wooden structure with California style rooms. The hotel has good elite recognition as well as a pretty good lounge with some outdoor deck space. IMO this is a very reasonable Starwood alternative for trips to the wine country although it's obviously not as nice as the Westin Verasa in Napa. I had a Plat upgrade into a corner room that was called deluxe but was really a junior suite with a small kitchen, including a refrigerator for wine. The room had an outdoor deck with views of a small marina. I also remember a wine bar and convenience store in the lobby that sells wine by the bottle, plus some outdoor fire pits in the courtyard.