moulder3

This hotel has certainly fallen from its perch of being a Plat favorite and my recent stay will likely be my last as the resort fees are beyond absurd and I was reminded of some other problems (like terrible soundproofing) that I always seemed to forget/overlook.

I'd argue that for most people the benefits of this hotel are:
1. Its proximity to the strip (without being on it)
2. being a smaller hotel (by Vegas standards) with convenient parking garage & free parking.
3. Small casino in lobby with $5 blackjack (soon to be closed)

A few years ago this hotel was fantastic to Platinum members, likely realizing their loyalty was essential to the hotel. They used to give a 'gift' at check-in (like a Vegas coffee mug) and 500 extra SPG points but the hotel was probably best known for also offering plats free buffet breakfast before it was a Platinum benefit and my guess is that's what got them a lot of love here on FT. They also didn't charge resort fees to Plats and the staff was great (IMO), too.

These perks helped many overlook the dated rooms, terrible wall & window soundproofing (especially facing E Flamingo Ave), lack of a club lounge (this is Vegas, after all!) and practically zero suite inventory.

Now they're no longer removing the resort fee for plats (a pure $ grab that, for some reason, SPG is allowing) despite having increased competition from Marriott hotels.

IMO, if you want off-strip, then Marriott has several good hotel options in the area including:
1. A Marriott Vacation Club about two blocks away that has NO resort fees
2. A Courtyard down near Mandalay Bay (with free shuttle) and
3. A Residence Inn in Hughes Center (about two blocks east of the Westin) that has a lot of good, reasonably-priced food options around it such as: Panera, Chipotle, a local pizza place, McCormick & Schmick's and Fogo de Chăo.

Goodbye Westin!

P.S. The irony that SPG is siding with this hotel and allowing them to charge $30/day resort fee for literally zero benefits above what a standard Westin hotel offers is even more laughable because the hotel has a massive banner in their lobby saying they are now some new hotel group (and no Westin signage). When I asked if that meant they're leaving SPG, I was told no, it's just owned by a new group. Apparently they don't know/care that SPG has brand standards regarding signage around check-in?!?

mvarghese84

Nope, no begging. Simply pointed out that premium internet is included in status benefit and he reduced the fee. I didnt even have to request a reduction.

Frindle

I stayed here on a short overnight layover before heading to Japan. After Caesars left the SPG partnership, I've been trying to figure out where to stay when in Vegas for a one night stop. Definitely won't be this place.

TravelinSperry

I wrote this place off after a stay a year and a half ago. Much better options in Vegas imo

Score8

Yep, almost stayed here recently and opted to go to the Cosmo. If you are a Platinum, Cosmo OK for business travel as there is an option for quick check in and, assuming you are in the first tower, quick access to your room. They have a resort fee as well, though, and I had a couple of back and forths with my expense department over it. Further, many of their rates require a deposit far before check-in and my expense folks had a few questions about that as well. I'm guessing that if it wasn't Vegas, there wouldn't have been any questions.

davidw70

Just to note the amenity fee has now increased to $29 from $24.99. I was charged the higher fee despite my reservation being made before the change - after a discussion, reception was able to reduce but only after having to go into the back office to get approval.

Thought the hotel was fine - decent parking; nicely renovated room; good to have a coffee maker and fridge; good buffet breakfast. I just didn't get that Vegas feel - it could have been a Westin anywhere.

Bravada04

I just finished my reservation that I had booked for a few months ahead! Was not going to do it but ended up there.

I'm not sure if it is just me or I am letting my recent bad experience make me find negative things to say ..........but I won't get into it deeply as it will just turn into a rant but I can say I had a numerous service failures this trip - Not necessarily requests that didn't come through but just simple overall service failures.

1. Rant - Amenity fee goes up during my stay which I knew - no reduction. I guess they do give it for some - just depends on the day I guess. Just a regular Amenity Fee rant for this place as their is no benefit!!

2. Tub would not drain nor could be fixed during my stay. Even a quick shower would end up having water well over my ankles let alone if I actually wanted to take a normal shower!

3. Battery Safe low on arrival then went dead - Just an inconvenience.

4. Did Green Choice - was told they don't use the door catchers anymore for it as I prefer just deciding. ( yet they are in the room? ) - Was told just to call down the morning I decide I want it. I did call down at 09:00 a.m. - got back at 5:00 p.m. an no service to my room. Called again and was told sorry they will send somebody right away! Thanks but I preferred to have it done while I was away hence my call in the morning before I left.

5. Gym was joke this time around in the new area. If anyone (there was two) is actually using the weight area or while I was there they were doing lunges etc., good luck trying to use a mat anywhere or the machines in that area. No room whatsoever. I ended up sitting on a piece of equipment to the left when you walk in just cause there was nothing else to use - another gentleman walks in and walks out saying this is ridiculous! Just poorly set up - I thought the old area was bad but this is worse.

6. At the pool on the Wednesday mid morning - Four really drunk young adults in a cabana area drinking whiskey out of the bottle. One guys decides to continually jump in the pool with all his clothing on - jeans, socks, shirts , shoes - everything!! Staff does absolutely nothing the entire time!

7. Checking out early in the a.m. and no desk agent. Wait around , wait around - finally.

8. Walk out to grab a cab and nobody out there - Need a cab so looking for a phone out there or the light switch that I have seen them turn on to attract cabs. Nothing and nobody around so decide to start lugging my luggage back in when luckily a cab pulls up to drop someone off.

I think this place is just playing with me now!! LOL

UGH.........I continue to be a sucker for punishment especially the Amenity fee now running around $34.00 with taxes!!! It's actually hilarious because I can get a BRG for this place whereas the amenity fee now is 50%+ of the actual cost of the room!

Ok... done my rant I guess again for this place. I know - it's very simple - If I don't like it I have a choice! Yes, I know.

djkyyc

Just finished a quick 2 night stay here this week. I was upgraded to a premium executive city view suite. Very nice size with a living room area separated from the bedroom by a TV / desk unit. Both rooms spacious and comfortable with a very nice view.

The resort fee was charged at $15 per night.

KENNECTED

Any pictures of the room?

djkyyc

Bravada04

Doesn't look like this place is accepting Suite Night Award Requests anymore. Had one last BRG accepted awhile back for a stay in August. The web site wouldn't allow me to as it kept saying cannot request SNA for this reservation. I have never had a problem before so I called BRG desk asking them to put the request in...........nope it couldn't happen.
Not a big deal for me but I had 6 left so thought I would throw them in.......just an FYI. I tried other dates just to see and even in November it wouldn't let me?

Starwood Lurker

This hotel is participating, so my best guess is that there is a systems issue. If you would like for me to look into this further, send me the confirmation number via PM.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
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Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, LLC

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deac83

At the end of April we were upgraded to one of those suites on a 5 night award stay.

We were a little apprehensive before going there but the location was ideal for the events we had going on.

Check in was fine and they got us in earlier than the regular check in time.

The only issue with the room is that since the divider between the living room and bedroom is not an actual wall the TV on the living room side was actually louder in the bedroom than in the living room.

No fees charged on the award stay.

Sallycat

Husband and I are here for an impromptu Vegas trip and on a BRG. The Max Casino is closing as of Tuesday (7/4) - the dealers said it was going to be a steakhouse. The Westin did not renew the casino's lease. The dealers think it was due to the fact that the property was the only Westin that allowed smoking with the casino located on the first floor. No word on timing for the steakhouse, nor any word on what happens to folks with Max Rewards, but wanted to pass on the scuttlebutt.

Bravada04

Very curious what will happen with the outstanding points - probably nothing?
I think this is a horrible move to make this area into a Steakhouse - it is very large and most people did not stick around here to eat. The restaurant was usually dead!
Maybe I am wrong.
I sure did like the option of a few slot machines on the floor or a little BJ. Too bad they wouldn't have kept a few machines. I'm surprised they didn't do any proper communication on the closure and points etc.,
Well, after Feb.2018 my usual business here of probably 3-4 weeks / year I guess will be going elsewhere. It was going elsewhere regardless of the Casino closure - I thought customer service went downhill and the $30.00/night resort fee!!!!
I just took a peek at the website and there is absolutely nothing stating that the Casino is closing on July 04. It still advertises the Casino plus there is nothing in the announcement section.
Wondering if the Lurkers could confirm on the closure and any information on outstanding Max Rewards?