Mar 30, 2019, 11:08 am
Last edit by: helvetic
Other threads:
- W: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1873459-best-w-world-what-your-favorites.html
- Le Méridien: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1874601-favorite-le-meridien-property-worldwide.html
- St. Regis: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1873977-favorite-st-regis-worldwide.html
- Luxury Collection: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1874737-best-luxury-collection-hotel-world-what-your-favorites.html
- Tribute Portfolio: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1874739-best-tribute-portfolio-hotel-world-what-your-favorites.html
- Four Points: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1874857-best-four-points-world-what-your-favorites.html
- Westin: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1874858-best-westin-world-what-your-favorites.html
- Sheraton: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1874860-best-sheraton-world-what-your-favorites.html
- Design Hotels: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1874863-best-design-hotel-world-what-your-favorites.html
- Aloft: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-starwood-preferred-guest/1874918-best-aloft-world-what-your-favorites.html
- Renaissance: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1963254-best-renaissance-world-what-your-favorites.html
- W: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1873459-best-w-world-what-your-favorites.html
- Le Méridien: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1874601-favorite-le-meridien-property-worldwide.html
- St. Regis: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1873977-favorite-st-regis-worldwide.html
- Luxury Collection: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1874737-best-luxury-collection-hotel-world-what-your-favorites.html
- Tribute Portfolio: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1874739-best-tribute-portfolio-hotel-world-what-your-favorites.html
- Four Points: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1874857-best-four-points-world-what-your-favorites.html
- Westin: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1874858-best-westin-world-what-your-favorites.html
- Sheraton: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1874860-best-sheraton-world-what-your-favorites.html
- Design Hotels: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1874863-best-design-hotel-world-what-your-favorites.html
- Aloft: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-starwood-preferred-guest/1874918-best-aloft-world-what-your-favorites.html
- Renaissance: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1963254-best-renaissance-world-what-your-favorites.html
Best Westin in the world -- what are your favorites?
Oct 30, 2017, 12:44 pm
#1
Original Poster
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
Best Westin in the world -- what are your favorites?
Looks like I started somewhat of a trend with the W thread, but I'm curious to hear what the best of each brand is, even as we get into the lower-end ones.
Other threads:
- W: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...favorites.html
- Le Méridien: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...worldwide.html
- St. Regis: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...worldwide.html
- Luxury Collection: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...favorites.html
- Tribute Portfolio: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...favorites.html
- Four Points: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...favorites.html
- Westin: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...favorites.html
- Sheraton: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...favorites.html
- Design Hotels: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...favorites.html
- Aloft: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/star...favorites.html
---
Alright, so this is where it gets tough for me. Westins tend to be pretty mediocre and I struggle to think of any that really stood out. I can list many that were "just fine," and according to the SPG Promos Dashboard's brand explorer, it's my most visited brand. They were all very… unmemorable (Snowmass, San Diego, Sydney, Melbourne, Kyoto… where else?)
I'm going to declare that, if there are any "best" Westins, I have yet to find it.
Other threads:
- W: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...favorites.html
- Le Méridien: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...worldwide.html
- St. Regis: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...worldwide.html
- Luxury Collection: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...favorites.html
- Tribute Portfolio: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...favorites.html
- Four Points: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...favorites.html
- Westin: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...favorites.html
- Sheraton: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...favorites.html
- Design Hotels: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...favorites.html
- Aloft: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/star...favorites.html
---
Alright, so this is where it gets tough for me. Westins tend to be pretty mediocre and I struggle to think of any that really stood out. I can list many that were "just fine," and according to the SPG Promos Dashboard's brand explorer, it's my most visited brand. They were all very… unmemorable (Snowmass, San Diego, Sydney, Melbourne, Kyoto… where else?)
I'm going to declare that, if there are any "best" Westins, I have yet to find it.
Last edited by helvetic; Dec 17, 2018 at 1:55 pm
Oct 30, 2017, 1:00 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Programs: UA-1k, 1mm, Marriott-LT Platinum, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,355
One of the best lounges in the world is at a Westin believe it or not.
The Westin Beijing Chaoyang is a GREAT hotel and my favorite Westin certainly. Very modern with a terrific physical plant. Yes it is expensive as heck, but the lounge is spectacular.
The Westin Beijing Chaoyang is a GREAT hotel and my favorite Westin certainly. Very modern with a terrific physical plant. Yes it is expensive as heck, but the lounge is spectacular.
Oct 30, 2017, 1:07 pm
#3
Original Poster
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
Interesting, I hear good things about various Beijing hotels (St. Regis / W / Westin / Park Hyatt), will be hard to pick one on my next visit. I stayed at the CHO last night, which is not affiliated with a brand, but had a wonderful room with a free minibar.
Oct 30, 2017, 4:39 pm
#6
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,369
In the USA, the Westin Edina Galleria (suburbs of Minneapolis) wins lots of awards, including for service.
I've had a love/hate relation with the Westin Chosun, but I'm sad to see it leave. One nice feature was banning kids from the lounge. Good location with frequent airport bus service right at the door.
I also have mixed feelings about Singapore.
I know some will disagree, but I've liked the Westin Tokyo despite never having been given a suite there.
The worst Westin: Chicago North Michigan.
I've had a love/hate relation with the Westin Chosun, but I'm sad to see it leave. One nice feature was banning kids from the lounge. Good location with frequent airport bus service right at the door.
I also have mixed feelings about Singapore.
I know some will disagree, but I've liked the Westin Tokyo despite never having been given a suite there.
The worst Westin: Chicago North Michigan.
Oct 30, 2017, 8:18 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,166
Wow - bold statement (and it's Michigan Ave, no North in the title). Lobby not ideal (too narrow, lots of crowding) but I find it's a great property post-room renovation (more stylish than just about any Westin rooms domestically) and addition of a good club lounge. Great location & lake views.
My good list:
- Dublin, for the great layout, unique building, and really cool two-story suites
- Dallas Galleria - rooms are among the nicest in the US IMO, just a cut above. And a lounge w/free Shiner Bock! And a great gym.
- STL - love the historic brick buildings, just unique
- Beaver Creek - nice slopeside resort
- Phoenix Downtown and Kierland - Downtown is IMO the nicest urban Westin in the country; Kierland is like a resort paradise
- Cleveland - surprisingly stylish
The worst:
- Columbus - rooms are NYC-sized, just an old building that shouldn't be used as a Westin
- Boston Seaport - convention center next door means too many people, limited service, and jacked-up prices. For a new build, nothing special.
- Seattle - just beat up and old, the rare market where the Sheraton >>> Westin
My good list:
- Dublin, for the great layout, unique building, and really cool two-story suites
- Dallas Galleria - rooms are among the nicest in the US IMO, just a cut above. And a lounge w/free Shiner Bock! And a great gym.
- STL - love the historic brick buildings, just unique
- Beaver Creek - nice slopeside resort
- Phoenix Downtown and Kierland - Downtown is IMO the nicest urban Westin in the country; Kierland is like a resort paradise
- Cleveland - surprisingly stylish
The worst:
- Columbus - rooms are NYC-sized, just an old building that shouldn't be used as a Westin
- Boston Seaport - convention center next door means too many people, limited service, and jacked-up prices. For a new build, nothing special.
- Seattle - just beat up and old, the rare market where the Sheraton >>> Westin
Oct 30, 2017, 9:33 pm
#8
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,369
Let's not forget the Westin DTW, right in the terminal with it's own TSA security checkpoint (PreCheck light, no CLEAR). I've had at least a small one bedroom suite every time as a Plat upgrade or SNA when I have one about to expire.
Oct 31, 2017, 12:12 am
#11
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
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Posts: 29,649
Oct 31, 2017, 12:20 am
#12
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: DL DM, Marriott Amb, Hertz PC, Natl EE
Posts: 285
Wow - bold statement (and it's Michigan Ave, no North in the title). Lobby not ideal (too narrow, lots of crowding) but I find it's a great property post-room renovation (more stylish than just about any Westin rooms domestically) and addition of a good club lounge. Great location & lake views.
My good list:
- Dublin, for the great layout, unique building, and really cool two-story suites
- Dallas Galleria - rooms are among the nicest in the US IMO, just a cut above. And a lounge w/free Shiner Bock! And a great gym.
- STL - love the historic brick buildings, just unique
- Beaver Creek - nice slopeside resort
- Phoenix Downtown and Kierland - Downtown is IMO the nicest urban Westin in the country; Kierland is like a resort paradise
- Cleveland - surprisingly stylish
The worst:
- Columbus - rooms are NYC-sized, just an old building that shouldn't be used as a Westin
- Boston Seaport - convention center next door means too many people, limited service, and jacked-up prices. For a new build, nothing special.
- Seattle - just beat up and old, the rare market where the Sheraton >>> Westin
My good list:
- Dublin, for the great layout, unique building, and really cool two-story suites
- Dallas Galleria - rooms are among the nicest in the US IMO, just a cut above. And a lounge w/free Shiner Bock! And a great gym.
- STL - love the historic brick buildings, just unique
- Beaver Creek - nice slopeside resort
- Phoenix Downtown and Kierland - Downtown is IMO the nicest urban Westin in the country; Kierland is like a resort paradise
- Cleveland - surprisingly stylish
The worst:
- Columbus - rooms are NYC-sized, just an old building that shouldn't be used as a Westin
- Boston Seaport - convention center next door means too many people, limited service, and jacked-up prices. For a new build, nothing special.
- Seattle - just beat up and old, the rare market where the Sheraton >>> Westin
Oct 31, 2017, 5:34 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
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Posts: 21,166
YMMV - both good locations, just different. But the Aloft is still an Aloft and the Westin is to me (IMO) an above-average Westin.
Oct 31, 2017, 5:59 am
#14
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: YOW
Programs: AC-SE100K, AC-3MM, Marriott- LT Titanium, SPG RIP
Posts: 2,958
Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul...
And maybe the Westin Ottawa (but I may be biased
) . Get a room overlooking Parliament Hill and the Chateau Laurier and its hard to beat- but they need a Lounge and better Platinum recognition.
And maybe the Westin Ottawa (but I may be biased
) . Get a room overlooking Parliament Hill and the Chateau Laurier and its hard to beat- but they need a Lounge and better Platinum recognition.
Oct 31, 2017, 6:02 am
#15
Suspended
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Location: Here & There
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Posts: 45
FWIW, not a huge fan of the Westin brand, so take this with a grain of salt, but my favorite Westin thus far - by a mile - is the Westin Palace Madrid.
To me, the hotel feels much more like a St. Regis than a Westin. The building alone is killer, as is the breakfast, service, and overall vibe.
The bar is a must-visit, even if you´re not a guest at the hotel. Many famous authors, poets, and painters have spent quite a bit of time here getting a tad drunk
I don´t think there´s a lounge here, but I´m not really a lounge-goer.
Redemption options are very reasonable last time I checked...I think around 20k points per night?
So yeah - not sure if it´s the history, the bar, or the hard product itself - but this has been my favorite Westin to date (been staying at Westins across the globe for the past 4 years, FYI).
To me, the hotel feels much more like a St. Regis than a Westin. The building alone is killer, as is the breakfast, service, and overall vibe.
The bar is a must-visit, even if you´re not a guest at the hotel. Many famous authors, poets, and painters have spent quite a bit of time here getting a tad drunk
I don´t think there´s a lounge here, but I´m not really a lounge-goer.
Redemption options are very reasonable last time I checked...I think around 20k points per night?
So yeah - not sure if it´s the history, the bar, or the hard product itself - but this has been my favorite Westin to date (been staying at Westins across the globe for the past 4 years, FYI).