Westin Monache, Mammoth Lakes, CA [Master Thread]
Jan 9, 2016, 2:34 am
#151
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
My second stay at this property in a few weeks and while there is great value in points redemptions and it is the only "resort" in town, there is just so much lacking. I'll stay here again because I love Mammoth, but it's not even close to a true first class ski resort. Much of it is due the physical layout and design of the place itself and cannot really be improved upon, but some better training and other amenities would go a long way.
Take the below simply as observations and not whining. For 12k points I'm just happy to be here. If I was paying the going rate of $500/nt maybe I'd be less than thrilled
The good:
Clean, comfortable rooms and well maintained facilities
Friendly staff
Free shuttle around town and to the airport
Free parking
Free ski check at the town gondola
Points redemption if you can get them
Misses:
Why is there no real lobby? A couple couches and a fake fireplace right next to an automatic door (freezing!) is all there is. The area is packed with front desk and bell traffic, luggage carts, ski rental returns, etc. It is in no way conducive to gathering or relaxing.
I have the heat off in the room and it is still 70 degrees - same as last room. Front desk suggested I open a window
Great until I wake up freezing.
Why just one free bottle of water? Two people staying here. I can get more, but for a $500/nt room would it kill you to put 2 there.
Inconsistent staff - tough to get right in a mountain town no doubt. First day we were told the plat breakfast is only good for the continental. Second day we were told that the $15 could be used for anything. Third day told only continental. Front desk was hit or miss as well. Was told nothing about ski check or any activities at check in and there is no literature or info in the room. Just heard from a friend there are free yoga and fitness classes - wasn't told of that on either stay.
Only 2 elevators and they are packed! When the ski crowd is heading out or coming in - good luck!
All rooms (except 2BR suites) only have one bed. They do have pull out sofas, but clearly an optional for a 2nd bed would be preferable.
75 serious steps from the gondola and village to the Westin. I'm sure they would drive you up if you called, but it's a good hike in ski boots after a full day on the mountain.
Complimentary hot chocolate in the lobby almost winds up being a negative. One day it's good the next it's watered down and terrible. Sometimes it's orderly and sometimes a complete mess. And why only from 4-6pm? What would it cost to add a few hours?
Take the below simply as observations and not whining. For 12k points I'm just happy to be here. If I was paying the going rate of $500/nt maybe I'd be less than thrilled
The good:
Clean, comfortable rooms and well maintained facilities
Friendly staff
Free shuttle around town and to the airport
Free parking
Free ski check at the town gondola
Points redemption if you can get them
Misses:
Why is there no real lobby? A couple couches and a fake fireplace right next to an automatic door (freezing!) is all there is. The area is packed with front desk and bell traffic, luggage carts, ski rental returns, etc. It is in no way conducive to gathering or relaxing.
I have the heat off in the room and it is still 70 degrees - same as last room. Front desk suggested I open a window
Great until I wake up freezing.Why just one free bottle of water? Two people staying here. I can get more, but for a $500/nt room would it kill you to put 2 there.
Inconsistent staff - tough to get right in a mountain town no doubt. First day we were told the plat breakfast is only good for the continental. Second day we were told that the $15 could be used for anything. Third day told only continental. Front desk was hit or miss as well. Was told nothing about ski check or any activities at check in and there is no literature or info in the room. Just heard from a friend there are free yoga and fitness classes - wasn't told of that on either stay.
Only 2 elevators and they are packed! When the ski crowd is heading out or coming in - good luck!
All rooms (except 2BR suites) only have one bed. They do have pull out sofas, but clearly an optional for a 2nd bed would be preferable.
75 serious steps from the gondola and village to the Westin. I'm sure they would drive you up if you called, but it's a good hike in ski boots after a full day on the mountain.
Complimentary hot chocolate in the lobby almost winds up being a negative. One day it's good the next it's watered down and terrible. Sometimes it's orderly and sometimes a complete mess. And why only from 4-6pm? What would it cost to add a few hours?
Apr 12, 2018, 9:24 am
#153
Join Date: May 2017
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Amb
Posts: 38
Since there haven't been any recent posts in this thread, I figured I'd chime in since I stayed there a couple weekends ago.
I had booked a studio suite and was upgraded to a one-bedroom suite, which was a pleasant surprise after reading others' results on this thread. We arrived about 9am on a Friday, hoping for the outside chance we could check-in then and then head to the mountain. Unfortunately our room wasn't ready, but they provide access to the small locker room in the fitness center/pool area for you to change into your ski gear and the valet/bell staff was very cooperative in letting us shuttle our clothes and luggage back and forth to/from the car while we were changing.
Our room was ready by about 2pm, but we didn't check in until after skiing around 4:30pm. Check-in was smooth, but the lobby and elevators are very busy late afternoon as everyone is returning from the slopes. There are a lot of steps to access the gondola, but we didn't find it to be too inconvenient. You can store your gear overnight for free at the base of the gondola, which is very nice. Breakfast amenity was $15/person credit to anything on the menu in the restaurant.
Overall I thought the property and room were very nice, well located, clean, etc. The staff was all very pleasant and helpful. My only gripe, and it is obviously pretty minor, is that they could use a couple more elevators to handle the traffic in the morning and late afternoon. I would stay here again.
I had booked a studio suite and was upgraded to a one-bedroom suite, which was a pleasant surprise after reading others' results on this thread. We arrived about 9am on a Friday, hoping for the outside chance we could check-in then and then head to the mountain. Unfortunately our room wasn't ready, but they provide access to the small locker room in the fitness center/pool area for you to change into your ski gear and the valet/bell staff was very cooperative in letting us shuttle our clothes and luggage back and forth to/from the car while we were changing.
Our room was ready by about 2pm, but we didn't check in until after skiing around 4:30pm. Check-in was smooth, but the lobby and elevators are very busy late afternoon as everyone is returning from the slopes. There are a lot of steps to access the gondola, but we didn't find it to be too inconvenient. You can store your gear overnight for free at the base of the gondola, which is very nice. Breakfast amenity was $15/person credit to anything on the menu in the restaurant.
Overall I thought the property and room were very nice, well located, clean, etc. The staff was all very pleasant and helpful. My only gripe, and it is obviously pretty minor, is that they could use a couple more elevators to handle the traffic in the morning and late afternoon. I would stay here again.
Feb 20, 2019, 8:01 pm
#154
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Atlanta
Programs: Delta PL, Hilton Diamond, past AA Gold
Posts: 167
Westin mammoth updates and alternatives close by?
Heading to Mammoth and the Westin group rate sold out and hotel full except for one night. I would like to be close to meet with Friends. I understand that regardless of where one stays you have to walk to the Gondola. Would appreciate recs for other hotels and comments on Westin, if it's worth it to switch hotels for the one night that is avail (and deal with storing luggage while we ski and move hotels) or pay high rates (500-750) if rooms open. Just skiing two of the days. Just returned from park city at a very comfortable hotel with the shuttle so not my first ski rodeo but don't know what to expect and how much effort to be "close" and what that means in Mammoth. Thank you in advance for suggestions!
Feb 20, 2019, 9:09 pm
#155
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 1,394
We tend to stay in a condo when we go to mammoth. if you want convenient, i'd suggest finding a condo between the village and canyon lodge. There's a bus that that will take you to the village where the Westin is. Alternatively, investigate other locations that are convenient to the bus system.
Mar 12, 2019, 11:42 am
#156
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: San Fran CA
Programs: UA 1K, Cathay G, A3 Gold, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Platinum
Posts: 12
Any information on benefits / what is complimentary at this hotel post-merger? For example I'm staying on points this weekend and my reservation is showing up with a "$25 resort fee will be applied".
How about breakfast, still $15 credit per person? I have 2 adults and 2 kids, Platinum Elite.
How about breakfast, still $15 credit per person? I have 2 adults and 2 kids, Platinum Elite.
Apr 19, 2019, 1:22 pm
#157
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: berkeley, Ca, USA
Programs: Hyatt globalist, Alaska mvp gold, Marriott platinum, ihg diamond
Posts: 438
Any information on benefits / what is complimentary at this hotel post-merger? For example I'm staying on points this weekend and my reservation is showing up with a "$25 resort fee will be applied".
How about breakfast, still $15 credit per person? I have 2 adults and 2 kids, Platinum Elite.
How about breakfast, still $15 credit per person? I have 2 adults and 2 kids, Platinum Elite.
Aug 7, 2019, 1:32 pm
#158
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: San Francisco & London
Programs: UA1k, Oneworld Sapphire, Hyatt Globalist, IHG DiamondAmb, Hilton Diamond, Marriott LTP,
Posts: 1,785
How does this hotel fare as a base to explore Yosemite National Park?
First time going to Yosemite and thinking between this or Tanaya Lodge.
First time going to Yosemite and thinking between this or Tanaya Lodge.
Aug 7, 2019, 2:52 pm
#160
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: On a plane or a beach
Programs: Yes
Posts: 3,152
Aug 8, 2019, 9:00 am
#161
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: San Francisco & London
Programs: UA1k, Oneworld Sapphire, Hyatt Globalist, IHG DiamondAmb, Hilton Diamond, Marriott LTP,
Posts: 1,785
Aug 8, 2019, 1:06 pm
#162
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: Marriott Ti/LTP
Posts: 1,329
As a base for multiple days? Pretty terrible. This hotel is at least 2 hours from the valley, and a hour to Tuolumne Meadows. Tenaya Lodge is much closer to the most popular areas.
Aug 8, 2019, 3:50 pm
#163
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Somewhere between SFO and LAX...FYI aka FAT
Programs: BAEC - back to lowly blue. Marriott - Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 466
Best advice above. I live in Fresno and have driven through the park to Mammoth and back a number of times. I would estimate it's at the very least a 45 minute drive from Mammoth to the park entrance which would not be convenient for daily sightseeing in Yosemite. I suppose the Ahwahnee hotel is out of the question?
Aug 18, 2019, 12:44 pm
#165
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: On a plane or a beach
Programs: Yes
Posts: 3,152
I wouldn’t say likely given the new loyalty program (Gold, Priority 2PM). Even as an Ambassador Elite and frequent guest we have had to remind them on several occasions (50%+ occupancy) that we had a guaranteed 4PM late checkout and they would negotiate up from 1 to 2 to 4PM.
Last edited by anteater; Aug 18, 2019 at 4:24 pm