Westin Key West (resort) [Master Thread]
Feb 5, 2014, 1:37 pm
#121
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP MM, HHonors Lifetime Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Ti, UA Silver
Posts: 5,037
You do get free transportation when you hold a reservation for the restaurant on Sunset Key (Lattitudes). However, with that you're supposed to only go to the retaurant and not explore the rest of the resort/cottages, the rest of Sunset Key, or use the beach.
Feb 5, 2014, 2:05 pm
#122
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: FLL
Programs: US Airways - Chairman, Delta - Platinum, Marriott - Platinum, Hilton - Diamond, SPG - Platinum
Posts: 78
Yes, the boat to Sunset Key is an additional $20 per person. The boat is very convenient and runs every 15 minutes. The trip takes about 5 minutes. IMO the fee is well worth it if you want a quiet day on a beach in Key West. The beaches in Key west are pretty mediocre so having the ability to go to a private one in a nice location with beach chairs, towels, and waiter service for drinks and food make the fee worthwhile.
The Concierge desk at the Westin sells passes to Sunset Key only to guests of the Westin and they're very strict about limiting the number of passes they sell each day. You cannot buy the passes in advance of the day you plan on visiting Sunset Key. They start selling them at 8:00 a.m. for that day only and when they're gone, they're gone. There's often a queue at the Concierge desk forming before 8 so don't be late.
As to alternate properties on KW, if you want to stick with SPG there's only the Sheraton. The beach there isn't really "on the property" it's across a busy road. The Sheraton is also quite far from the action on KW (Duval Street). IMO the hotel with the best "on property" beach in KW is the Casa Marina but that's a HH property not SPG.
The Concierge desk at the Westin sells passes to Sunset Key only to guests of the Westin and they're very strict about limiting the number of passes they sell each day. You cannot buy the passes in advance of the day you plan on visiting Sunset Key. They start selling them at 8:00 a.m. for that day only and when they're gone, they're gone. There's often a queue at the Concierge desk forming before 8 so don't be late.
As to alternate properties on KW, if you want to stick with SPG there's only the Sheraton. The beach there isn't really "on the property" it's across a busy road. The Sheraton is also quite far from the action on KW (Duval Street). IMO the hotel with the best "on property" beach in KW is the Casa Marina but that's a HH property not SPG.
Feb 5, 2014, 3:15 pm
#123
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: All Accor Plat, 1865 Voyager, AE E35K, HH Gold,Hyatt, Hrtz Gold, Marriott Gold, NEXUS
Posts: 1,670
We had no problem going much earlier than our reservation. YMMV
May 16, 2014, 7:01 am
#124
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: Bonvoy Amb LTT, HHonors Diamond, AA ExPlat, United Silver
Posts: 643
"Alternative" Amenity or waiver of resort fee for Plat?
On the property announcements page, it lists these amenities covered by the resort charge:
Resort Charge Policy
A daily 25 USD resort charge covers the following:
•Toll-free, local, and domestic long-distance phone calls
•Wireless High Speed Internet Access
•Lobby refreshments, including Starbucks® brewed coffee and fresh Florida orange juice in the morning and virgin Mojitos in the afternoon
•In-room bottled water on arrival and at checkout
•In-room coffee service
•In-room safe
•In-room umbrellas and ponchos for use during rain
•Two bathrobes and matching slippers in all guest rooms
•Pool towels for all watersports activities as needed
•Poolside refreshments daily, including fresh fruit kabobs and popsicles, as well as iced towels and sunglass polishing
•24-hour access to the business center and the fitness center
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Resort Charge Policy
A daily 25 USD resort charge covers the following:
•Toll-free, local, and domestic long-distance phone calls
•Wireless High Speed Internet Access
•Lobby refreshments, including Starbucks® brewed coffee and fresh Florida orange juice in the morning and virgin Mojitos in the afternoon
•In-room bottled water on arrival and at checkout
•In-room coffee service
•In-room safe
•In-room umbrellas and ponchos for use during rain
•Two bathrobes and matching slippers in all guest rooms
•Pool towels for all watersports activities as needed
•Poolside refreshments daily, including fresh fruit kabobs and popsicles, as well as iced towels and sunglass polishing
•24-hour access to the business center and the fitness center
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
May 16, 2014, 7:54 am
#125
Join Date: Jul 2003
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Starwood Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Diamond, Delta Platinum
Posts: 2,188
Jun 4, 2014, 11:11 am
#127
Join Date: Jul 2003
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Starwood Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Diamond, Delta Platinum
Posts: 2,188
Not to mentioned the possibility of upgrades..
Jun 13, 2014, 7:21 pm
#128
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: MR LT Titanium, SPG LT Plat & Plat 100, SWA A+ & CP
Posts: 1,093
I'm headed to KW for work but am bringing the wife and kids. Stayed at the Sheraton Suites last time I was there and I actually liked it... Decent room, good in-and-out, beach across street, shuttle to downtown. However, this time I may try the Westin only if I can get a suite. With that I've got a few questions...
1. What has your luck been with suite upgrades with and without SNAs?
2. What are the suites like there? Small, decent-sized, do they have a pull-out, is there enough "separation", how do they compare to the Sheraton?
I'd like to stay at the Westin but the suite is the game changer this time.
1. What has your luck been with suite upgrades with and without SNAs?
2. What are the suites like there? Small, decent-sized, do they have a pull-out, is there enough "separation", how do they compare to the Sheraton?
I'd like to stay at the Westin but the suite is the game changer this time.
Jun 13, 2014, 7:53 pm
#129
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta - Gold; Starwood - Platinum; HHonors - Diamond & Avis Preferred
Posts: 10,869
I'm headed to KW for work but am bringing the wife and kids. Stayed at the Sheraton Suites last time I was there and I actually liked it... Decent room, good in-and-out, beach across street, shuttle to downtown. However, this time I may try the Westin only if I can get a suite. With that I've got a few questions...
1. What has your luck been with suite upgrades with and without SNAs?
2. What are the suites like there? Small, decent-sized, do they have a pull-out, is there enough "separation", how do they compare to the Sheraton?
I'd like to stay at the Westin but the suite is the game changer this time.
1. What has your luck been with suite upgrades with and without SNAs?
2. What are the suites like there? Small, decent-sized, do they have a pull-out, is there enough "separation", how do they compare to the Sheraton?
I'd like to stay at the Westin but the suite is the game changer this time.
They have two bedroom suites at this property so that would work for you.
Jun 14, 2014, 9:59 pm
#130
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: MR LT Titanium, SPG LT Plat & Plat 100, SWA A+ & CP
Posts: 1,093
I'm at work on a government per diem. Can't deviate from that rate. I am guaranteed a suite at the Sheraton Suites. Just looking for input in thee Westin suites.
Jun 15, 2014, 9:40 am
#131
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta - Gold; Starwood - Platinum; HHonors - Diamond & Avis Preferred
Posts: 10,869
Jun 15, 2014, 1:35 pm
#132
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP MM, HHonors Lifetime Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Ti, UA Silver
Posts: 5,037
I'm headed to KW for work but am bringing the wife and kids. Stayed at the Sheraton Suites last time I was there and I actually liked it... Decent room, good in-and-out, beach across street, shuttle to downtown. However, this time I may try the Westin only if I can get a suite. With that I've got a few questions...
1. What has your luck been with suite upgrades with and without SNAs?
2. What are the suites like there? Small, decent-sized, do they have a pull-out, is there enough "separation", how do they compare to the Sheraton?
I'd like to stay at the Westin but the suite is the game changer this time.
1. What has your luck been with suite upgrades with and without SNAs?
2. What are the suites like there? Small, decent-sized, do they have a pull-out, is there enough "separation", how do they compare to the Sheraton?
I'd like to stay at the Westin but the suite is the game changer this time.
Be sure to take advantage of Sunset Key while you're there (even if it's just the wife and kids while you're working). Definitely worth the $20 pp fee for the day. Be sure to get to the concierge desk early...
Jul 12, 2014, 6:25 pm
#133
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: MR LT Titanium, SPG LT Plat & Plat 100, SWA A+ & CP
Posts: 1,093
I just finished 6 nights at the Westin - Key West. I was actually there for work but the wife came. Seeing there has not been a full report in a while, here it goes.
- Location... does not get any better on KW. Its right downtown, yet just a little off the beaten-path (less crowds) and right on the water. It's on a marina and yes, big cruise ships did show up for small periods of time. Lots of little shops and eateries on the marina or walk a few blocks to the heart of the action.
- Check-in... Check-in was very smooth. Very welcoming and friendly and they made mention of LT PLAT status. The front desk agent walked me outside the place and showed me around (there are a few bldgs).
- Room... I did use SNAs on this trip and was put in a 1br nice suite on the 4th floor. The room was perfect. Good sized, an awesome porch with rocking chairs overlooking the marina and water. Im not sure it was the best suite in the house location-wise as we were on the back-side of the hotel with a full view of the marina and looking down the coast vs directly across the water. However, no complaints at all. Good thing was when the cruise ships showed up, our view was not completely blocked.
Room was very comfortable and no wear noticed. The bathroom was very small but the sink was outside the bathroom in an alcove. Bed was a Westin bed. There was a fridge, it was stocked with MANY waters, and they supplied me with a ton of toiletries (tooth brushes, tooth paste, shavers, real shave cream, soaps, nail polish remover, etc.).
- The Place... I liked the place. No, its not your typical Westin (especially smell-wise) but your paying for location. Pool and pool area were a little small but no issues finding a spot. Its a little musty but you're on the ocean. Small work-out room. Great great location.
- Food... There are a few bars and a restaurant that is directly on the gulf. I took bfast as my amenity and it was phenomenal. The egg white omelete was too much. We only for $12/ea for bfast and that covered all but $5 of the meal. If you want to save a few bucks, grab a coffee or OJ from the lobby (free) and bring it in. I found that out by accident.
- Service... lots of people said the service was not great here but I found it stellar. Even though I opted for Green Choice, they still snuck in the room every day to give us waters (like 5 a day), towels, and to empty trash. Front desk, servers, housekeeping, all great.
My bday happened during the stay and when I walked in at night, I came in to a huge bottle of champagne and a beautiful plate of strawberries dipped in chocolate. Im not a champagne guy (need to add "likes beer" to my profile) but my wife put most of the bottle down during the week.
- Fees... they do whack you for a "resort fee" and a $20 parking fee. Parking is worth it but the resort fee does not get a plat much.
- Westin vs Sheraton... I have now stayed at both for a week and found them both to be fine hotels. The Westin is more upscale right in the heart of the action. The Sheraton is more casual right across from a beach and a solid 10 minutes from town. I loved the westin but if I were saving $100/nt at the Sheraton, I'd have to think about it. With the Sheraton, you'll either need a car or take the shuttle downtown. Westin way better for exploring (walking). Sheraton easier in-and-out.
- Area... My wife went nuts exploring while at work. Key things she said were great were a) Zachery Taylor State Park (about a mile away) was a great beach with a great sunset (pay a few bucks); b) she rented a bike and biked around island ($14/dy or $55/wk); c) we found best restaurants off Duval Street; d) if you like beer, hit Krawl off Duval and The Porch. When at Krawl we brought in Pizza from the pizza place across street; Wife liked KW Key Lime Pie Company for KL Pie.
- Final Comment... I had the luxury of my work paying for the hotel so that was a major bonus. I noticed that sometimes its 16k pts and other times 20k points. I think its well worth it for 16k points. For 20k, id have to think about it. However, my wife and I loved the place. Had we been in a smaller room the experience may not have been as great but overall it was a great stay. We will be back and searching for "bargains".
Oh... we were here in JULY! The hottest month of the year. Though it was 88-90 every day (83 for a low), there was always a little breeze making it nice. You can find shade by the pool.
- Location... does not get any better on KW. Its right downtown, yet just a little off the beaten-path (less crowds) and right on the water. It's on a marina and yes, big cruise ships did show up for small periods of time. Lots of little shops and eateries on the marina or walk a few blocks to the heart of the action.
- Check-in... Check-in was very smooth. Very welcoming and friendly and they made mention of LT PLAT status. The front desk agent walked me outside the place and showed me around (there are a few bldgs).
- Room... I did use SNAs on this trip and was put in a 1br nice suite on the 4th floor. The room was perfect. Good sized, an awesome porch with rocking chairs overlooking the marina and water. Im not sure it was the best suite in the house location-wise as we were on the back-side of the hotel with a full view of the marina and looking down the coast vs directly across the water. However, no complaints at all. Good thing was when the cruise ships showed up, our view was not completely blocked.
Room was very comfortable and no wear noticed. The bathroom was very small but the sink was outside the bathroom in an alcove. Bed was a Westin bed. There was a fridge, it was stocked with MANY waters, and they supplied me with a ton of toiletries (tooth brushes, tooth paste, shavers, real shave cream, soaps, nail polish remover, etc.).
- The Place... I liked the place. No, its not your typical Westin (especially smell-wise) but your paying for location. Pool and pool area were a little small but no issues finding a spot. Its a little musty but you're on the ocean. Small work-out room. Great great location.
- Food... There are a few bars and a restaurant that is directly on the gulf. I took bfast as my amenity and it was phenomenal. The egg white omelete was too much. We only for $12/ea for bfast and that covered all but $5 of the meal. If you want to save a few bucks, grab a coffee or OJ from the lobby (free) and bring it in. I found that out by accident.
- Service... lots of people said the service was not great here but I found it stellar. Even though I opted for Green Choice, they still snuck in the room every day to give us waters (like 5 a day), towels, and to empty trash. Front desk, servers, housekeeping, all great.
My bday happened during the stay and when I walked in at night, I came in to a huge bottle of champagne and a beautiful plate of strawberries dipped in chocolate. Im not a champagne guy (need to add "likes beer" to my profile) but my wife put most of the bottle down during the week.
- Fees... they do whack you for a "resort fee" and a $20 parking fee. Parking is worth it but the resort fee does not get a plat much.
- Westin vs Sheraton... I have now stayed at both for a week and found them both to be fine hotels. The Westin is more upscale right in the heart of the action. The Sheraton is more casual right across from a beach and a solid 10 minutes from town. I loved the westin but if I were saving $100/nt at the Sheraton, I'd have to think about it. With the Sheraton, you'll either need a car or take the shuttle downtown. Westin way better for exploring (walking). Sheraton easier in-and-out.
- Area... My wife went nuts exploring while at work. Key things she said were great were a) Zachery Taylor State Park (about a mile away) was a great beach with a great sunset (pay a few bucks); b) she rented a bike and biked around island ($14/dy or $55/wk); c) we found best restaurants off Duval Street; d) if you like beer, hit Krawl off Duval and The Porch. When at Krawl we brought in Pizza from the pizza place across street; Wife liked KW Key Lime Pie Company for KL Pie.
- Final Comment... I had the luxury of my work paying for the hotel so that was a major bonus. I noticed that sometimes its 16k pts and other times 20k points. I think its well worth it for 16k points. For 20k, id have to think about it. However, my wife and I loved the place. Had we been in a smaller room the experience may not have been as great but overall it was a great stay. We will be back and searching for "bargains".
Oh... we were here in JULY! The hottest month of the year. Though it was 88-90 every day (83 for a low), there was always a little breeze making it nice. You can find shade by the pool.
Last edited by jb3t; Jul 12, 2014 at 6:31 pm
May 27, 2015, 9:16 am
#134
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: Bonvoy Amb LTT, HHonors Diamond, AA ExPlat, United Silver
Posts: 643
I just finished 6 nights at the Westin - Key West. I was actually there for work but the wife came. Seeing there has not been a full report in a while, here it goes.
- Location... does not get any better on KW. Its right downtown, yet just a little off the beaten-path (less crowds) and right on the water. It's on a marina and yes, big cruise ships did show up for small periods of time. Lots of little shops and eateries on the marina or walk a few blocks to the heart of the action.
- Check-in... Check-in was very smooth. Very welcoming and friendly and they made mention of LT PLAT status. The front desk agent walked me outside the place and showed me around (there are a few bldgs).
- Room... I did use SNAs on this trip and was put in a 1br nice suite on the 4th floor. The room was perfect. Good sized, an awesome porch with rocking chairs overlooking the marina and water. Im not sure it was the best suite in the house location-wise as we were on the back-side of the hotel with a full view of the marina and looking down the coast vs directly across the water. However, no complaints at all. Good thing was when the cruise ships showed up, our view was not completely blocked.
Room was very comfortable and no wear noticed. The bathroom was very small but the sink was outside the bathroom in an alcove. Bed was a Westin bed. There was a fridge, it was stocked with MANY waters, and they supplied me with a ton of toiletries (tooth brushes, tooth paste, shavers, real shave cream, soaps, nail polish remover, etc.).
- The Place... I liked the place. No, its not your typical Westin (especially smell-wise) but your paying for location. Pool and pool area were a little small but no issues finding a spot. Its a little musty but you're on the ocean. Small work-out room. Great great location.
- Food... There are a few bars and a restaurant that is directly on the gulf. I took bfast as my amenity and it was phenomenal. The egg white omelete was too much. We only for $12/ea for bfast and that covered all but $5 of the meal. If you want to save a few bucks, grab a coffee or OJ from the lobby (free) and bring it in. I found that out by accident.
- Service... lots of people said the service was not great here but I found it stellar. Even though I opted for Green Choice, they still snuck in the room every day to give us waters (like 5 a day), towels, and to empty trash. Front desk, servers, housekeeping, all great.
My bday happened during the stay and when I walked in at night, I came in to a huge bottle of champagne and a beautiful plate of strawberries dipped in chocolate. Im not a champagne guy (need to add "likes beer" to my profile) but my wife put most of the bottle down during the week.
- Fees... they do whack you for a "resort fee" and a $20 parking fee. Parking is worth it but the resort fee does not get a plat much.
- Westin vs Sheraton... I have now stayed at both for a week and found them both to be fine hotels. The Westin is more upscale right in the heart of the action. The Sheraton is more casual right across from a beach and a solid 10 minutes from town. I loved the westin but if I were saving $100/nt at the Sheraton, I'd have to think about it. With the Sheraton, you'll either need a car or take the shuttle downtown. Westin way better for exploring (walking). Sheraton easier in-and-out.
- Area... My wife went nuts exploring while at work. Key things she said were great were a) Zachery Taylor State Park (about a mile away) was a great beach with a great sunset (pay a few bucks); b) she rented a bike and biked around island ($14/dy or $55/wk); c) we found best restaurants off Duval Street; d) if you like beer, hit Krawl off Duval and The Porch. When at Krawl we brought in Pizza from the pizza place across street; Wife liked KW Key Lime Pie Company for KL Pie.
- Final Comment... I had the luxury of my work paying for the hotel so that was a major bonus. I noticed that sometimes its 16k pts and other times 20k points. I think its well worth it for 16k points. For 20k, id have to think about it. However, my wife and I loved the place. Had we been in a smaller room the experience may not have been as great but overall it was a great stay. We will be back and searching for "bargains".
Oh... we were here in JULY! The hottest month of the year. Though it was 88-90 every day (83 for a low), there was always a little breeze making it nice. You can find shade by the pool.
- Location... does not get any better on KW. Its right downtown, yet just a little off the beaten-path (less crowds) and right on the water. It's on a marina and yes, big cruise ships did show up for small periods of time. Lots of little shops and eateries on the marina or walk a few blocks to the heart of the action.
- Check-in... Check-in was very smooth. Very welcoming and friendly and they made mention of LT PLAT status. The front desk agent walked me outside the place and showed me around (there are a few bldgs).
- Room... I did use SNAs on this trip and was put in a 1br nice suite on the 4th floor. The room was perfect. Good sized, an awesome porch with rocking chairs overlooking the marina and water. Im not sure it was the best suite in the house location-wise as we were on the back-side of the hotel with a full view of the marina and looking down the coast vs directly across the water. However, no complaints at all. Good thing was when the cruise ships showed up, our view was not completely blocked.
Room was very comfortable and no wear noticed. The bathroom was very small but the sink was outside the bathroom in an alcove. Bed was a Westin bed. There was a fridge, it was stocked with MANY waters, and they supplied me with a ton of toiletries (tooth brushes, tooth paste, shavers, real shave cream, soaps, nail polish remover, etc.).
- The Place... I liked the place. No, its not your typical Westin (especially smell-wise) but your paying for location. Pool and pool area were a little small but no issues finding a spot. Its a little musty but you're on the ocean. Small work-out room. Great great location.
- Food... There are a few bars and a restaurant that is directly on the gulf. I took bfast as my amenity and it was phenomenal. The egg white omelete was too much. We only for $12/ea for bfast and that covered all but $5 of the meal. If you want to save a few bucks, grab a coffee or OJ from the lobby (free) and bring it in. I found that out by accident.
- Service... lots of people said the service was not great here but I found it stellar. Even though I opted for Green Choice, they still snuck in the room every day to give us waters (like 5 a day), towels, and to empty trash. Front desk, servers, housekeeping, all great.
My bday happened during the stay and when I walked in at night, I came in to a huge bottle of champagne and a beautiful plate of strawberries dipped in chocolate. Im not a champagne guy (need to add "likes beer" to my profile) but my wife put most of the bottle down during the week.
- Fees... they do whack you for a "resort fee" and a $20 parking fee. Parking is worth it but the resort fee does not get a plat much.
- Westin vs Sheraton... I have now stayed at both for a week and found them both to be fine hotels. The Westin is more upscale right in the heart of the action. The Sheraton is more casual right across from a beach and a solid 10 minutes from town. I loved the westin but if I were saving $100/nt at the Sheraton, I'd have to think about it. With the Sheraton, you'll either need a car or take the shuttle downtown. Westin way better for exploring (walking). Sheraton easier in-and-out.
- Area... My wife went nuts exploring while at work. Key things she said were great were a) Zachery Taylor State Park (about a mile away) was a great beach with a great sunset (pay a few bucks); b) she rented a bike and biked around island ($14/dy or $55/wk); c) we found best restaurants off Duval Street; d) if you like beer, hit Krawl off Duval and The Porch. When at Krawl we brought in Pizza from the pizza place across street; Wife liked KW Key Lime Pie Company for KL Pie.
- Final Comment... I had the luxury of my work paying for the hotel so that was a major bonus. I noticed that sometimes its 16k pts and other times 20k points. I think its well worth it for 16k points. For 20k, id have to think about it. However, my wife and I loved the place. Had we been in a smaller room the experience may not have been as great but overall it was a great stay. We will be back and searching for "bargains".
Oh... we were here in JULY! The hottest month of the year. Though it was 88-90 every day (83 for a low), there was always a little breeze making it nice. You can find shade by the pool.
Check-in has always been smooth and seamless, pool staff is readily available for food service, housekeeping is pleasant and pro-active and restaurant staff is efficient.
The restaurant, Bistro 245, is excellent and priced similar to most in-town similar type restaurants.
The fitness rooms (one two room facility) are more than adequate and have never been crowded. Equipment is well maintained.
Comparison to the Sheraton Suites is easy. Suites is near the airport. Shuttle needs to be reserved for trips to and from town, very long walk otherwise. Restaurant in the Suites is just okay, so if you want a choice you need to get into town. Suites does have a beach across the street, but I am not sure I would want to swim in the water there.
Both properties have a resort fee now, but you get very little for it at the Suites. The Westin provides fresh squeezed OJ and coffee in the morning, fresh fruit, cold towels and ice pops or smoothies at the pool as well as several other little things for their fee.
May 27, 2015, 7:17 pm
#135
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153