ckg1999

How thin were the walls? Was it worse than the street noise at the US Grant?

Was this a regular room or a suite?

michellemck99

Another factor you might consider is location, given your desire to have a romantic weekend. Of the five hotels you mention, the US Grant and Westin Gaslamp are going to be closer to the Gaslamp Quarter where there are restaurants, bars, and shopping.

In my opinion, the other 3 hotels (Westin San Diego, W, and especially Sheraton Suites) are less favorable from a "romance" perspective as they are more closely surrounded with office buildings and the like. Mind you they are all in the downtown area which by no means is that diverse and spread out, but if you're the type who will want to walk outside the hotel and wander around the immediate surroundings, the US Grant and Westin Gaslamp are going to be a bit more consumer-friendly in the immediate area than the other three.

stevens397

Bumping

Going to San Diego next July for three nights. Down to the Westin Gaslamp or the US Grant.

Please help by giving me a comparison of the two. Where do I have the best chance of getting a great Platinum upgrade?

Greatly appreciate any help here! Thanks.

Windward Side of Life

Neither! The Sheraton Marina is your best bet. Very nice place, especially since the recent refurbishments, and exceptional staff. At least based on the 3 visits I've had there this year. And I've had nice upgrades even as a lowly Gold. Tawny and Maureen, the SPG specialists, staff the SPG elite desk and do an excellent job. And the club at the Marina is outstanding, again with great staff, and stellar views from atop the hotel. The grounds are almost more like a resort than a downtown hotel with a large pool great for kids/adults, fire pits for hanging around outside at night, tennis courts (fairly run-down though), etc.

Though to be fair - and honest - I haven't stayed at the US Grant (unfortunately) and it's been quite a while since I've been at the Westin so they could be just as nice. Just don't count out the Marina unless you absolutely need to be downtown for walking proximity to restaurants/bars.

hillrider

Their room description (from a Terms & Details click-through on the availability page) reads "Newly Renovated Spacious Room With Contemporary Design, Work Desks, High Speed For A Fee, And Refreshment Center". I don't see any other mention of a renovation in 2008 elsewhere on the website.

Does anyone know if "newly" means "within the last century" or if socalplat's comments have been superseded by an actual spruce up?

sc flier

There is a Master Thread for the Westin San Diego which I'm sure was refurbished in some fashion when it reflagged from Wyndham on April 19, 2007.

hillrider

Uh, I posted here because search didn't pull one up...and still doesn't (search term Westin San Diego Master Thread).

Thanks for the history on the reflagging!

KENNECTED

Search? No need to search.

Did you look in the FAQ sticky thread? Master Threads are organized by country then city.

ederemer

The rooms have been recently renovated - I'd say with in the last couple of years. I stayed there in September and had a very pleasant stay. I was Gold at the time - actually, that may have been my first stay as plat... Got a decent room on a high floor overlooking the city and the bay.

I would caution you on this hotel for only a couple of reasons: its a decent walk to the Gaslamp district, probably 10 - 15 minutes. I didn't find it to be much of a hassel, but if you're looking for something right in the middle of the action, the Westin Gaslamp or US Grant would be better. Also, the pool at this hotel is pretty small. It's more of a long narrow lap pool than a lounging pool. Just fyi in case you are looking for that sort of thing...

Have a good stay!

SanDiego1K

For reference:

Stickied at the top of the forum:
SPG Forum FAQ and Hotel Master Thread

Within that thread is this link:
Westin San Diego [Master Thread]

sc flier

I couldn't decide whether to post this in a thread regarding category changes or in this "city thread." Mods, please reposition, if desired.

I was told this week by someone from Starwood who should know...
The W San Diego and The US Grant will both be changing categories in the upcoming annual recategorization. Moving down from Cat5 to Cat4. This employee believes that these are the only changes among the San Diego properties.

barhowl

Just back from a 5 night stay at the Sheraton Marina. Awesome!
Usually, I am not too picky about the room but this time it really mattered to me to have a nice room. Based on your experience with the SPG staff, I called ahead of time and asked them to help me secure a nice room. With the three different building options, and view options, I wasn't sure what to go with. They were very helpful and recommended the marina tower, which was a good choice because it is the main tower with the nicest amenities. I was upgraded to the club floor (I have gold status), which was great. The room looked clean and new and also had a beautiful view of the marina and the bay. BTW, I think either side of the hotel has great views.

The club room is beautiful and huge! The views from up there are amazing. The breakfast was pretty good and it wasn't very crowded at all. The staff were very courteous and professional everywhere on the property, but Anthony, who staffs the club lounge in the evenings deserves extra commendation. He was very pleasant and provided attentive service.

Ordered meals from room service twice. Both times, the food was very good.

Used the fitness center, pool and whirlpool lots. They were all very nice.
If you like to jog, the paths along the bay and marina nearby are perfect.

Self parking was easy and convenient to the main entrance of the hotel.

Location was good, but it's not walking distance to any major attractions. Airport proximity was not a factor at all. Never heard the planes as they don't seem to fly over the hotel at all with the orientation of the runways.
It's very convenient to get around by car from the hotel because it is close to Hwy 5, so you can get out north or southbound very easily. Also, getting back is easy - just follow signs for the airport. Gaslamp district is only 5 min by car.

Overall, I highly recommend this hotel.

Some small issues:
1. Bathtub had peeling non-slip surface that was pasted to the bottom.
Would be better to remove that and have a rubber mat that people can optionally use.
2. Dirty, black floor mat in pool area between pool and whirlpool is unnecessary. Gross! I tried to step around/over it.
3. Lobby was strongly perfumed near the entrance. Not good for people with allergies. I tried to zip through as quickly as possible.

zhuyanfei

Which Starwood hotel is the best in San Diego? I am trying to use what I earned from the 2 stays = 1 free weekend night promotion. Could you please share your valuable experience if you have any? Thank you!

sc flier

There are Master threads that cover this.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/7838120-post3.html

jayzee9

Looking for following qualities in San Diego for a small family gathering (In order of importance):
1. Walkable to restaurants and other things
2. Kid Friendly (Will have a 4 month old baby)
3. Affordable Parking Nearby
4. Upgrades Given
5. Have adjoining rooms (for another family member)
6. Executive Lounge?

Any recommendations? All *woods seem to be available for good prices the weekend we are planning on going.