W Scottsdale [Master Thread]
Jun 17, 2009, 1:27 am
#46
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: All over
Programs: Most
Posts: 10,839
Bigbopper, would you be willing to help me learn to write a better letter? I was quite exhausted when I did it--traveling with my son I mainly have time for such things after he is asleep, and having endured a very poor sleep the prior night at the W I was pretty bleary eyed.
i.e.
- Air conditioning didn't work properly
- Extras promised by the bellman for the kid were not delivered
- Pool scene during the weekend prevented us from using it
Jun 24, 2009, 3:35 pm
#47
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Indianapolis, IN USA
Posts: 2,066
Quick trip (arrived PHX 1100a Thursday 06/18/09 and departed 700a Friday 06/19/09).
Terrific hotel.
Staff very friendly and helpful.
On 6/18/09 walked over to PF Chang for a quick bit to eat.
Room service around 300a evening of 06/18/09 was very good and the selection available 24 hours is excellent.
Room 427 - good size and the water pressure / temperature was the best. AC worked great.
Pool area 06/18/09 evening was crowded and interesting.
Terrific hotel.
Staff very friendly and helpful.
On 6/18/09 walked over to PF Chang for a quick bit to eat.
Room service around 300a evening of 06/18/09 was very good and the selection available 24 hours is excellent.
Room 427 - good size and the water pressure / temperature was the best. AC worked great.
Pool area 06/18/09 evening was crowded and interesting.
Aug 12, 2009, 8:55 am
#48
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: United- 1K, National-ExSelect, Hilton- Dia, Marriott- PlatPrem, Hyatt - Diamond
Posts: 87
Awesome!
Upon getting laid off, and hearing of my Uncles death, both within an hour, I booked a flight to Pheonix last weekend for the services. After some thinking, I decided to utilize my last free weekend night at the W just to get my worries out. I invited my brother and sister-in-law to come with.
The day before our arrivial I recieved a call welcoming me to the hotel and asking what was bringing me to town. I mentioned that my family was in town for a funeral, but would be utilizing the room as a break from everything.
We arrived Saturday night about 10 pm. The hotel is very much a "club" atmosphere. Lobby was pretty loud, but very cool. Service at the front desk was awesome. The front desk staff informed us that we had been upgraded to a Studio Suite.
Upon walking into the room, on the desk right by the room door was 3 yellow roses in a vase and a sympathy card that was signed by the whole front desk staff.. This was very, very, very appreciated! ^
We walked into the suite and it was very nice. Bose surround sound with a sub-woofer, 42 inch flat screen tv, receiver, and a doc to connect my iPhone to the Bose speakers. The room had a queen sized foam mattress pull out sofa, as well as a king size bed. I loved the design, colors, and furniture in the rooms!
The room also had two window panes that pulled open to enjoy the fresh air, and gorgeous views of Scottsdale. Location was very nice. We walked to Martini Ranch for a few drinks, brought back some Joes NY Pizza back to the room.
I had never stayed in a W hotel (stay in a Westin every week). I was very very very impressed and really enjoyed my stay! I am looking forward to my next W stay in South Beach on Labor Day Weekend!
The day before our arrivial I recieved a call welcoming me to the hotel and asking what was bringing me to town. I mentioned that my family was in town for a funeral, but would be utilizing the room as a break from everything.
We arrived Saturday night about 10 pm. The hotel is very much a "club" atmosphere. Lobby was pretty loud, but very cool. Service at the front desk was awesome. The front desk staff informed us that we had been upgraded to a Studio Suite.
Upon walking into the room, on the desk right by the room door was 3 yellow roses in a vase and a sympathy card that was signed by the whole front desk staff.. This was very, very, very appreciated! ^
We walked into the suite and it was very nice. Bose surround sound with a sub-woofer, 42 inch flat screen tv, receiver, and a doc to connect my iPhone to the Bose speakers. The room had a queen sized foam mattress pull out sofa, as well as a king size bed. I loved the design, colors, and furniture in the rooms!
The room also had two window panes that pulled open to enjoy the fresh air, and gorgeous views of Scottsdale. Location was very nice. We walked to Martini Ranch for a few drinks, brought back some Joes NY Pizza back to the room.
I had never stayed in a W hotel (stay in a Westin every week). I was very very very impressed and really enjoyed my stay! I am looking forward to my next W stay in South Beach on Labor Day Weekend!
Sep 11, 2009, 1:19 am
#49
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: DL PM, AA PLT, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime PLT
Posts: 206
Free Weekend Night Upgrades
Heyo FT,
I’m headed down to the W Scottsdale this weekend and I’m wondering if any other Platinums have used their free weekend nights there and what their upgrade success has been.
I have only stayed at a W once before, W ATL-Buckhead, and I have to say the experience was a mixed one. I felt as if the staff really talked a good service game, but did not follow through (many service missteps including being lied to about an upgrade, escorted to my room by two bouncers when I misplaced my wallet and didn’t have keys or id, only to be told that they would not issue me a new key, etc.). I was asked about my stay (unsolicited) by the front desk manager who was very nice and gracious (and offered up some points, again unsolicited), so I am going to try the W brand again. I guess I fall into the demographic they are trying to attract (20s, relatively successful, looking for more of a party atmosphere), but with all of the time I spend on the road, I have pretty high expectations for hotels and service. My buddy who is travelling with me and I are hoping to have a good experience in Scottsdale as we are both due for some r&r…and perhaps a little partying. I’ll report back after my stay.
I’m headed down to the W Scottsdale this weekend and I’m wondering if any other Platinums have used their free weekend nights there and what their upgrade success has been.
I have only stayed at a W once before, W ATL-Buckhead, and I have to say the experience was a mixed one. I felt as if the staff really talked a good service game, but did not follow through (many service missteps including being lied to about an upgrade, escorted to my room by two bouncers when I misplaced my wallet and didn’t have keys or id, only to be told that they would not issue me a new key, etc.). I was asked about my stay (unsolicited) by the front desk manager who was very nice and gracious (and offered up some points, again unsolicited), so I am going to try the W brand again. I guess I fall into the demographic they are trying to attract (20s, relatively successful, looking for more of a party atmosphere), but with all of the time I spend on the road, I have pretty high expectations for hotels and service. My buddy who is travelling with me and I are hoping to have a good experience in Scottsdale as we are both due for some r&r…and perhaps a little partying. I’ll report back after my stay.
Oct 24, 2009, 9:18 am
#50
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/20...s-foreclosure/
paid off their mortgage, and must have plan to pay off any other debts
will be interesting to see what happens with residences
paid off their mortgage, and must have plan to pay off any other debts
will be interesting to see what happens with residences
Nov 1, 2009, 2:46 am
#51
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 284
My wife and I stayed here recently on a Sunday night. It was our first time at a W and since we are around 50, didn't know quite what to expect. We loved it! Checking was fine but when we got to our room my wife noticed that it smelled like cigarette smoke! As Tyler was getting us some ice, my wife spotted the culprit: a plastic Fiji bottle with a half dozen cigarette butts in it poking out from under the bed! Luckily, Tyler had just returned and he apologized profusely and saw to it that we got another room immediately. I was hoping for a suite since it was kind of gross but wasn't that big of a deal. Anyway he offered to pick up dessert for us later which was nice.
Awhile later a girl from the front desk called and apologized again and said they would like to send some chips and salsa up (which never materialized). I didn't pursue it because we were going to Sushi Roku downstairs anyway. My wife had never had sushi before and really had no interest in it. That changed at the Sushi bar and I think we have a new devotee now. Tyler made good on the desert which I was impressed with because he had left for the day and there were just so many potential breakdowns-in-communication possible. It's not something that we need (free food), I just like it when someone follows through on what they say they are going to do. And he did, much to his credit. Shows great ownership.
The only thing I didn't like was the size of the rooms. if you have a couple good size pieces of luggage it can get quite cramped. Liked the LCD TV a lot- I really hate the crappy old CRT's that are still in so many rooms in other hotels. Loved the background music in the lobby and the general feel of the place even though it was kind of dead (which was fine with us - it was Sunday after all). We'd definitely stay here again.
Awhile later a girl from the front desk called and apologized again and said they would like to send some chips and salsa up (which never materialized). I didn't pursue it because we were going to Sushi Roku downstairs anyway. My wife had never had sushi before and really had no interest in it. That changed at the Sushi bar and I think we have a new devotee now. Tyler made good on the desert which I was impressed with because he had left for the day and there were just so many potential breakdowns-in-communication possible. It's not something that we need (free food), I just like it when someone follows through on what they say they are going to do. And he did, much to his credit. Shows great ownership.
The only thing I didn't like was the size of the rooms. if you have a couple good size pieces of luggage it can get quite cramped. Liked the LCD TV a lot- I really hate the crappy old CRT's that are still in so many rooms in other hotels. Loved the background music in the lobby and the general feel of the place even though it was kind of dead (which was fine with us - it was Sunday after all). We'd definitely stay here again.
Nov 8, 2009, 9:45 pm
#52
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: United Gold, BA Plat, Starwood Plat, Hilton Silver
Posts: 238
Suggestions for First-Timer at W Scottsdale
I will be there only 1 night, a Sunday. Suggestions on upgrades? Anyway to not get charged the valet fee if you have a buddy stop by -- i.e. free, safe parking on the street, nearby, etc.?
Bars at the hotel on Sunday night?
Restaurants near the hotel, walking distance, etc.? I know the mall is across the street.
Anything else, people would like to suggest.
Bars at the hotel on Sunday night?
Restaurants near the hotel, walking distance, etc.? I know the mall is across the street.
Anything else, people would like to suggest.
Feb 24, 2010, 12:28 pm
#54
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: UK (Sheffield)
Programs: UA 1K,VS Gold, PC Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 44
Not sure where to post, but thought here would be "almost" in the right place..
I'll be in Phoenix pretty much constantly from March 15th until the end of May. I've stayed at this W 8 or 9 times in the past and enjoy the feel of the place.
My questions:
What would be the most effective way to get a "rate" for the entire time?
Phone the hotel or call SPG?
I'd want to ensure that I maximise *Wood points/stay earnings
I'll be in Phoenix pretty much constantly from March 15th until the end of May. I've stayed at this W 8 or 9 times in the past and enjoy the feel of the place.
My questions:
What would be the most effective way to get a "rate" for the entire time?
Phone the hotel or call SPG?
I'd want to ensure that I maximise *Wood points/stay earnings
Feb 24, 2010, 1:28 pm
#55
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,747
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...thly-rate.html
Feb 24, 2010, 1:29 pm
#56
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Tucson, AZ
Programs: Marriott LTT, Hilton Dia, Hyatt Expl, Avis Pres, Hertz Pres, National EE, AA Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 871
Not sure where to post, but thought here would be "almost" in the right place..
I'll be in Phoenix pretty much constantly from March 15th until the end of May. I've stayed at this W 8 or 9 times in the past and enjoy the feel of the place.
My questions:
What would be the most effective way to get a "rate" for the entire time?
Phone the hotel or call SPG?
I'd want to ensure that I maximise *Wood points/stay earnings
I'll be in Phoenix pretty much constantly from March 15th until the end of May. I've stayed at this W 8 or 9 times in the past and enjoy the feel of the place.
My questions:
What would be the most effective way to get a "rate" for the entire time?
Phone the hotel or call SPG?
I'd want to ensure that I maximise *Wood points/stay earnings
Apr 22, 2010, 7:47 am
#57
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Tit, Hilton Diamond, BA Gold, Carlson Gold, UA*S,
Posts: 1,363
I am staying here at the weekend but rather reluctant to pay the $26 a day parking charge. Are there any other nearby self-park options?
Apr 22, 2010, 10:05 am
#58
In memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Chicago, IL (ORD), Phoenix AZ (PHX)
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Starwood Platinum, a nothing in several others
Posts: 5,176
Oct 28, 2010, 8:29 am
#59
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Fort Worth TX
Programs: Earned status with AA, DL, SPG, HH, Hyatt, Marriott, Seabourn, NCL, National, Hertz...I miss my bed!
Posts: 10,927
Just got back from a two night stay here. My business partner and I were sharing a double room and she needed the stay credit so I have no evaluation of how Plats are treated (she is no status at present) but the staff was friendly.
Monday-Wednesday are clearly off days - the hotel was quiet and relatively empty. The night we dined at Sushi Roku, we were one of maybe 4-5 tables seated in the entire restaurant. Breakfast in the morning was similarly barren. The only other guests I saw around were like us - consultants working on decks in the lobby lounge.
I like the decor of the rooms - it reminds me of my bedroom at home (similar bedding on my own W bed) so I slept well except for the air conditioning continuing to cycle off all night. The bathroom set up is chic and loft like, but not ideal for two people sharing a room who don't want to know each other's business.
Food was excellent from both the restaurant (breakfast and dinner) as well as room service.
The staff was exceedingly friendly - possibly the friendliest W staff I have encountered.
We wanted a spa appointment but were unable to obtain a reservation during our 48 hours there even with quite a bit of flexibility in our schedule - they only had one or two slots open despite looking like they had no business whatsoever.
I was disappointed in not having water (I'm spoiled as a Platinum) especially in a dry desert environment. $6 for a 12 oz bottle of Fiji is insane.
We were annoyed by how hard it seemed (in a noncrowded hotel) to get into the valet area... both times we came in for the day, the entrance was being blocked by two Execucars parked side-by-side having a conversation with each other. We had to honk several times to get them to move their conversation - once, the guy merely pulled up to let us in and then circled back and resumed blocking the entrance. There seemed to be 4-5 cars Execucars parked down there every time we came down.
I'd definitely stay here again... hopefully as a Platinum it would be great!
Monday-Wednesday are clearly off days - the hotel was quiet and relatively empty. The night we dined at Sushi Roku, we were one of maybe 4-5 tables seated in the entire restaurant. Breakfast in the morning was similarly barren. The only other guests I saw around were like us - consultants working on decks in the lobby lounge.
I like the decor of the rooms - it reminds me of my bedroom at home (similar bedding on my own W bed) so I slept well except for the air conditioning continuing to cycle off all night. The bathroom set up is chic and loft like, but not ideal for two people sharing a room who don't want to know each other's business.
Food was excellent from both the restaurant (breakfast and dinner) as well as room service.
The staff was exceedingly friendly - possibly the friendliest W staff I have encountered.
We wanted a spa appointment but were unable to obtain a reservation during our 48 hours there even with quite a bit of flexibility in our schedule - they only had one or two slots open despite looking like they had no business whatsoever.
I was disappointed in not having water (I'm spoiled as a Platinum) especially in a dry desert environment. $6 for a 12 oz bottle of Fiji is insane.
We were annoyed by how hard it seemed (in a noncrowded hotel) to get into the valet area... both times we came in for the day, the entrance was being blocked by two Execucars parked side-by-side having a conversation with each other. We had to honk several times to get them to move their conversation - once, the guy merely pulled up to let us in and then circled back and resumed blocking the entrance. There seemed to be 4-5 cars Execucars parked down there every time we came down.
I'd definitely stay here again... hopefully as a Platinum it would be great!
Nov 22, 2010, 4:43 pm
#60
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: ORD LAS HKG
Programs: Bonvoy LTT; IHG DiamondAmb; WoH Globalist; UA1K2MM; NationalEE; AvisPC; HertzPC
Posts: 703
Planning to spend a short weekend in mid-December. From reading the previous posts, I noticed that this property is pretty crowded during weekends, I'm just curious what is the chance of getting a studio suite or better upgrade on Fri night at this property? I don't mind spending a little bit more at the Westin Kierland Resort/Villas if I have a better chance getting a better upgrade over there.