W Hong Kong [Master Thread]
#676
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
Posts: 3,319
I've got ~30 nights coming up and am going for a Plat challenge… so I have a slight bias towards SPG.
I've got Hilton Diamond too, but the Conrad looks old and lousy.
The one hotel that looks really nice and aspirational is of course the Ritz… but the cost is a bit prohibitive.
Perhaps booking the Tower Room at the Sheraton is the way to go? Can anyone compare that experience with the W standard rooms as a Gold. The price would be similar—even a bit cheaper. If it ensures a nice view, then that'd fit the bill.
I've got Hilton Diamond too, but the Conrad looks old and lousy.
The one hotel that looks really nice and aspirational is of course the Ritz… but the cost is a bit prohibitive.
Perhaps booking the Tower Room at the Sheraton is the way to go? Can anyone compare that experience with the W standard rooms as a Gold. The price would be similar—even a bit cheaper. If it ensures a nice view, then that'd fit the bill.
#677
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1K 2MM / Marriott LTP
Posts: 5,071
From my prior experience the Sheraton upgrades to both the city view suites and the harbour view rooms. There are harbour view suites, but those are not part of the upgrade pool.
#678
Moderator: Mileage Run, InterContinental Hotels
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,916
I've got Hilton Diamond too, but the Conrad looks old and lousy.
Perhaps booking the Tower Room at the Sheraton is the way to go? Can anyone compare that experience with the W standard rooms as a Gold. The price would be similar—even a bit cheaper. If it ensures a nice view, then that'd fit the bill.
Perhaps booking the Tower Room at the Sheraton is the way to go? Can anyone compare that experience with the W standard rooms as a Gold. The price would be similar—even a bit cheaper. If it ensures a nice view, then that'd fit the bill.
There are a bunch of HK comparison threads -- perhaps check those. The bottom line is that SPG is rather weak in HK and there are few international chain standouts ... the IC has a spectacular view, HR TST and CP Causeway Bay are very good in their respective class.
The Sheraton is a disappointment in standard rooms, and booking Towers makes it a little better, but not hugely. You'll be ok there, but compared to dozens of other HK hotels, it's weak. The view of the HK island skyline will probably impress a first-timer, but it's partially obstructed by construction and other buildings.
#679
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: check swarm
Programs: DL DM & 2MM, SPG/Bonvoid LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, $tarbucks Titanium
Posts: 14,404
I really wanted to LOVE this hotel...
Recent 2 night stay here. Upgraded to a Fab Room with a view of the 'harbor' and tunnel entrance. Room was perfect and well designed, all the tech controls and easy bluetooth hook-ups I needed. ALL requests for extra Bliss, bottles of water, etc. honored. Agents at check-in were engaging and sincere. Loved the breakfast; from great service to the food selection and quality. They even offered to help me with my luggage down to Airport Express upon departure.
However, I couldn't get past what was a sewage-like smell in my bathroom, the 6th floor lobby and even the Kitchen restaurant. That smell was made worse by a really strong scent in the lobby that likely was some sort of chemical based agent being used to clean or mask the sewage smell. Closing the door to my bathroom made that smell go away, but the lobby was bad and it made me not want to spend time there.
Curious if anyone else has experienced this? Hopefully it's a one-time issue? Everything else about W Hong Kong makes me want to come back.
However, I couldn't get past what was a sewage-like smell in my bathroom, the 6th floor lobby and even the Kitchen restaurant. That smell was made worse by a really strong scent in the lobby that likely was some sort of chemical based agent being used to clean or mask the sewage smell. Closing the door to my bathroom made that smell go away, but the lobby was bad and it made me not want to spend time there.
Curious if anyone else has experienced this? Hopefully it's a one-time issue? Everything else about W Hong Kong makes me want to come back.
#680
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Programs: UA-1k, 1mm, Marriott-LT Platinum, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,355
Recent 2 night stay here. Upgraded to a Fab Room with a view of the 'harbor' and tunnel entrance. Room was perfect and well designed, all the tech controls and easy bluetooth hook-ups I needed. ALL requests for extra Bliss, bottles of water, etc. honored. Agents at check-in were engaging and sincere. Loved the breakfast; from great service to the food selection and quality. They even offered to help me with my luggage down to Airport Express upon departure.
However, I couldn't get past what was a sewage-like smell in my bathroom, the 6th floor lobby and even the Kitchen restaurant. That smell was made worse by a really strong scent in the lobby that likely was some sort of chemical based agent being used to clean or mask the sewage smell. Closing the door to my bathroom made that smell go away, but the lobby was bad and it made me not want to spend time there.
Curious if anyone else has experienced this? Hopefully it's a one-time issue? Everything else about W Hong Kong makes me want to come back.
However, I couldn't get past what was a sewage-like smell in my bathroom, the 6th floor lobby and even the Kitchen restaurant. That smell was made worse by a really strong scent in the lobby that likely was some sort of chemical based agent being used to clean or mask the sewage smell. Closing the door to my bathroom made that smell go away, but the lobby was bad and it made me not want to spend time there.
Curious if anyone else has experienced this? Hopefully it's a one-time issue? Everything else about W Hong Kong makes me want to come back.
#681
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: DEN
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Titanium, CX DM, SQ Gold
Posts: 1,607
But most of my rooms do not have this issue. The few times I had a room with strange sewer smell I called down and asked for room-move and they moved me to a room that was not affected.
Overall it's still my fav Starwood in HK. ^^
#683
Had a very nice meal at Sing Yin during my stay last week. Nothing mind blowing - just a good solid quality meal. Currently 20% off for in house guests. Likewise the Kitchen Buffet has a 25% discount for in house guests. Sadly neither restaurant allows the discount to stack with the 15% SPG discount.
#684
Join Date: Jun 2007
Programs: UA 1K MM, AGR SE, SPG Platinum, HH Gold, MR Gold
Posts: 504
It's my 2nd time at this hotel. I really like it esp. on a short 1-2 day layover because it is very convenient from airport. Service is great, and we like the rooms. Downside is it takes a walk to the MTR.
#685
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
Posts: 3,319
We're gold and stayed here last week-end with pts (which is likely "lowest category room"). We were put on the top floor (38th fl) facing the harbor. It's probably as good as it gets but as I believe others have pointed out the view is blocked by other buildings. This is what it looks like.
It's my 2nd time at this hotel. I really like it esp. on a short 1-2 day layover because it is very convenient from airport. Service is great, and we like the rooms. Downside is it takes a walk to the MTR.
It's my 2nd time at this hotel. I really like it esp. on a short 1-2 day layover because it is very convenient from airport. Service is great, and we like the rooms. Downside is it takes a walk to the MTR.
#688
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Switzerland
Programs: BA Gold, LH Sen, Bonvoy Plat
Posts: 844
More often than not, we split our HK stays between 1-2 nights at the W and the rest elsewhere such as the Sheraton (but always Towers there). For early morning departures from HK, W is stress free because you can time your trip back to the airport reliably, without risks. For midnight departures, however, hotels with lounges have a clear advantage because you can enjoy pool+fitness+lounge beyond your late checkout time.
#689
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: Delta Diamond, Bonvoy something good; sometimes other things too
Posts: 5,050
Also note that I believe the JWM costs fewer points? I like the W HKG a lot, but the number of points required can sting, especially relative to Marriott options which tend to be a relatively good deal with the current SPG-Marriott exchange setup. If you really enjoy the style of Ws--and are interested in experiencing one that is better-executed than most of the ones in the US--then maybe there is an argument for it, or if you highly value a suite upgrade (which is fairly likely at the W, though not guaranteed). But if you just want somewhere to stay using points, the JWM is probably a better value.
#690
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: San Francisco
Programs: AA EXP; Marriott BonVoy Titanium Elite, Marriott LT Plat.
Posts: 1,717
After reading several of the reviews on SPG, I opted to cash in on points to stay here for an upcoming stay in what's sure to become my next home base. Will have a King Wonderful to look forward to. But am Secretely hopeful some sort of upgrade is in my future up upgrading. But I am "confused" about one thing thought and that the MTR.
Im taking the airport express and know to get off at Kowloon station. The hotel is above the station correct? Why is there a not to far upstream post about there being a walk to the MTR. I thought the MTR was Kowloon for it and the Airport Express.
Thanks!!
Im taking the airport express and know to get off at Kowloon station. The hotel is above the station correct? Why is there a not to far upstream post about there being a walk to the MTR. I thought the MTR was Kowloon for it and the Airport Express.
Thanks!!