Booked King room not available, what's better...
Oct 3, 2017, 9:59 am
#16
Join Date: Feb 2004
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I dislike accessible rooms mostly due to the bathrooms as well. this is despite the fact that I have a parent in a wheelchair who absolutely can not travel without a fully accessible room. So I have been on the other side of this too.. booking and re confirming accessible.
Many have hospital-feel to them. Roll-in showers and even shower floors that continue to one uni-drain in the center of an old tile bathroom.. The type you would picture a 30 year old hostel having.
Forget about the heavenly shower head that Westin advertises, instead you get a low pressure hand held shower head. In some cases you get a lower-height standard mattress instead of a heavenly bed.
Hotels should really keep these rooms held back ONLY for those who request them. Not oversell a room category to force an unspecting guest, let alone a platinum, into one.
Using it for anything more than its intended purpose, or as a last possible room in case a guest needs a room change due to a plumbing problem etc on a sold out night, just seems greedy.
Many have hospital-feel to them. Roll-in showers and even shower floors that continue to one uni-drain in the center of an old tile bathroom.. The type you would picture a 30 year old hostel having.
Forget about the heavenly shower head that Westin advertises, instead you get a low pressure hand held shower head. In some cases you get a lower-height standard mattress instead of a heavenly bed.
Hotels should really keep these rooms held back ONLY for those who request them. Not oversell a room category to force an unspecting guest, let alone a platinum, into one.
Using it for anything more than its intended purpose, or as a last possible room in case a guest needs a room change due to a plumbing problem etc on a sold out night, just seems greedy.
Oct 3, 2017, 11:40 am
#17
Join Date: Jul 2008
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I dislike accessible rooms mostly due to the bathrooms as well. this is despite the fact that I have a parent in a wheelchair who absolutely can not travel without a fully accessible room. So I have been on the other side of this too.. booking and re confirming accessible.
Many have hospital-feel to them. Roll-in showers and even shower floors that continue to one uni-drain in the center of an old tile bathroom.. The type you would picture a 30 year old hostel having.
Forget about the heavenly shower head that Westin advertises, instead you get a low pressure hand held shower head. In some cases you get a lower-height standard mattress instead of a heavenly bed.
Hotels should really keep these rooms held back ONLY for those who request them. Not oversell a room category to force an unspecting guest, let alone a platinum, into one.
So, you want all the hotels to have several rooms always vacant? These accessible rooms are not booked as accessible rooms much of the time. My anecdotal experiences at the hotels I work - I maybe saw once a month someone specifically book an accessible room. There are cases (people have said they've done this on this forum) where people, looking to scam the system, will deliberately book the Accessible Room with points and then try to weasel out of that room and get a "regular'" room. Why should an entitled twit of a Plat not be "forced" into an available room with the requested bed type any more than any other guest?
Using it for anything more than its intended purpose, or as a last possible room in case a guest needs a room change due to a plumbing problem etc on a sold out night, just seems greedy.
And it smacks of elitism that you want a hotel to keep a room out of inventory just so you don't have to "suffer" a different bathroom. If you are so delicate the you don't want an accessible room, then call the hotel, email the hotel, or your Ambassador and say you want it in the reservation that you will NOT accept an accessible room.
Many have hospital-feel to them. Roll-in showers and even shower floors that continue to one uni-drain in the center of an old tile bathroom.. The type you would picture a 30 year old hostel having.
Forget about the heavenly shower head that Westin advertises, instead you get a low pressure hand held shower head. In some cases you get a lower-height standard mattress instead of a heavenly bed.
Hotels should really keep these rooms held back ONLY for those who request them. Not oversell a room category to force an unspecting guest, let alone a platinum, into one.
So, you want all the hotels to have several rooms always vacant? These accessible rooms are not booked as accessible rooms much of the time. My anecdotal experiences at the hotels I work - I maybe saw once a month someone specifically book an accessible room. There are cases (people have said they've done this on this forum) where people, looking to scam the system, will deliberately book the Accessible Room with points and then try to weasel out of that room and get a "regular'" room. Why should an entitled twit of a Plat not be "forced" into an available room with the requested bed type any more than any other guest?
Using it for anything more than its intended purpose, or as a last possible room in case a guest needs a room change due to a plumbing problem etc on a sold out night, just seems greedy.
And it smacks of elitism that you want a hotel to keep a room out of inventory just so you don't have to "suffer" a different bathroom. If you are so delicate the you don't want an accessible room, then call the hotel, email the hotel, or your Ambassador and say you want it in the reservation that you will NOT accept an accessible room.
Oct 3, 2017, 1:21 pm
#18
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As I pointed out in an earlier thread, I found out recently that this no longer applies. However, bed type discrepancies on paid rates can still be reported to give local management a heads up that their inventory controls may need to be tweaked.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts LLC
[email protected]
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts LLC
[email protected]
Oct 3, 2017, 1:50 pm
#19
Join Date: Jan 2009
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Oct 3, 2017, 8:16 pm
#20
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ask what else is available.. (and offer to pay..) FT does not represent the average traveler. average traveler preferences can easily be different, and can vary by property and who stays there.
thanks for doing the updates!
thanks for doing the updates!
Oct 4, 2017, 5:25 am
#21
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Busy day, now just catching up on my thread I started 
Yes, I get that "which is better" is subjective - precisely why I asked the general question, all other points being equal, which room type is preferred.
I did so because I THOUGHT the general consensus was that accessible rooms would be considered a downgrade (not an upgrade) for most, despite what this hotel manager said. FWIW the room was 40 sq. ft. bigger, ~14% larger.
You're missing the point that this should be disclosed at check-in AND in the app (which I confirmed with internal Starwood that this should have reflected in the app right after check-in, contrary to what the hotel manager said).
Maybe you missed the part where I (and others) basically said, Yes we know their function, and respect their function - this is a separate discussion besides that. No need to be on a high horse here.
Exactly! Thank you. To me it was bad enough that I wasn't blocked in a regular room, but IF they had told me at check-in of the issue and proactively offered something in return, I would have been fine with that. Instead, it was "hidden" from me.
All I wanted to do with this thread was to get a sense of what's preferred, 1) ADA King or 2) regular 2 Queens. As I suspected, all other things being equal, it was the latter.
Would you have been fine with this room not being disclosed to you?
"Which is better" questions are purely subjective. There are people who hate accessible rooms, high floors, sunny / dark rooms and so on. There is no accounting for taste.
If the bed size is King, that's what you've got. If you care about other features, ask at check-in or send a note to the property (or call) in advance.
Accessible rooms get assigned late in the process because they are kept open for possible handicapped bookings, so last to go for general use.
If the bed size is King, that's what you've got. If you care about other features, ask at check-in or send a note to the property (or call) in advance.
Accessible rooms get assigned late in the process because they are kept open for possible handicapped bookings, so last to go for general use.
I did so because I THOUGHT the general consensus was that accessible rooms would be considered a downgrade (not an upgrade) for most, despite what this hotel manager said. FWIW the room was 40 sq. ft. bigger, ~14% larger.
You're missing the point that this should be disclosed at check-in AND in the app (which I confirmed with internal Starwood that this should have reflected in the app right after check-in, contrary to what the hotel manager said).
A few people are showing a distinct lack of empathy. One is not unduly burdened by needing to bathe in an accessible bathroom, nor to study at work table that is wheelchair-accessible. The Americans with Disabilities Act was intended to ease lives for the disabled. You've had 27 years to get used to it.
I don't see anyone saying there should not be ADA rooms. ADA rooms should be last given away unless requested in the booking. I think it's reasonable that a Plat100 would be closer to the top of the list for blocked rooms.
If all other kings had been assigned, then matching bedding type is a priority. I can see them not disclosing having been assigned an ADA room hoping the guest will not object. However, letting the guest know at check-in that room matches their bedding type (and meets the guarantee) and asking if they would prefer a double room instead seems in order. Personally, I'd prefer the double over the ADA king.
If all other kings had been assigned, then matching bedding type is a priority. I can see them not disclosing having been assigned an ADA room hoping the guest will not object. However, letting the guest know at check-in that room matches their bedding type (and meets the guarantee) and asking if they would prefer a double room instead seems in order. Personally, I'd prefer the double over the ADA king.
Starwood guarantees bed type as per this thread: FAQ: Starwood policy: guarantee bedding and smoking preference on paid/award stays
You received the bed type booked. Yes? It's seems like your discussing two different topics. In the title you ask about a king bedroom, then you went into discussing the bathroom. I dont like accessible rooms, as I feel guilty I could be taking a room from someone who really needs it. But I put faith in the property that they have done the necessary research to ensure the room is not needed.
I don't view the rooms as larger, or any different with exception to the bathroom. Most have showers which is a plus to me.
You received the bed type booked. Yes? It's seems like your discussing two different topics. In the title you ask about a king bedroom, then you went into discussing the bathroom. I dont like accessible rooms, as I feel guilty I could be taking a room from someone who really needs it. But I put faith in the property that they have done the necessary research to ensure the room is not needed.
I don't view the rooms as larger, or any different with exception to the bathroom. Most have showers which is a plus to me.
Would you have been fine with this room not being disclosed to you?
Oct 4, 2017, 6:15 am
#22
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,461
A few people are showing a distinct lack of empathy. One is not unduly burdened by needing to bathe in an accessible bathroom, nor to study at work table that is wheelchair-accessible. The Americans with Disabilities Act was intended to ease lives for the disabled. You've had 27 years to get used to it.
Someday they will be old and NEED that bathroom and they won't be able to get one because hotels build only the minimum to avoid the whining!
Oct 4, 2017, 8:51 am
#23
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I hate playing the guessing game to see what you end up with. I checked in at one property. I confirmed that I was assigned to a king room. When I got there it had two queens. When I called down to ask if they had a king room available I was told the room where I was standing between the two beds was indeed a king! I got them to meet me halfway with new keys to a new room and it did have a king bed. Most times, I really don't care and like to have the extra pillows.
I will also admit there have been times when I've booked an ADA room being the last available or significant rate difference. I've also added notes that ADA was not required if they needed the room for someone else and restated that at check-in.
Oct 4, 2017, 10:32 am
#24
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I did so because I THOUGHT the general consensus was that accessible rooms would be considered a downgrade (not an upgrade) for most, despite what this hotel manager said. FWIW the room was 40 sq. ft. bigger, ~14% larger.
You're missing the point that this should be disclosed at check-in AND in the app (which I confirmed with internal Starwood that this should have reflected in the app right after check-in, contrary to what the hotel manager said).
You're missing the point that this should be disclosed at check-in AND in the app (which I confirmed with internal Starwood that this should have reflected in the app right after check-in, contrary to what the hotel manager said).
'level' of hotel should have some impact on expectations
but yes, i think all agree re service and procedures
some like the space, if roll in shower some like the space of that
(many dislike smaller rooms, most often comes out outside US)
Oct 7, 2017, 9:21 pm
#25
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: United 1K, *wood LT Plat
Posts: 825
As I pointed out in an earlier thread, I found out recently that this no longer applies. However, bed type discrepancies on paid rates can still be reported to give local management a heads up that their inventory controls may need to be tweaked.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts LLC
[email protected]
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts LLC
[email protected]
If I'm interpreting this post and the linked post correctly, you're saying that Starwood no longer guarantees room type for paid stays?
Since I'm a firm believer that its a bad idea to shoot the messenger, can you recommend the best way to inform Marriott/SPG that this is a very unfortunate policy change? This was a key benefit of Starwood / SPG-affiliated hotels (along with the complimentary bottled water) and very disappointed to see that it is no longer a benefit. I still remember the stay 6 years ago where I swore off Marriott hotels after they put me in a 2 double room. While I considered switching to the nearby Westin at the time, decided against only because it nearly midnight.
Thanks!
And in regards to the original post, when it was still a benefit, I always expected at least a free night equivalent in points for being downgraded to an accessible room.
Oct 7, 2017, 9:36 pm
#26
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Marriott Rewards Benefits/Guarantee.
Oct 7, 2017, 11:17 pm
#27
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: United 1K, *wood LT Plat
Posts: 825
Don't blame Marriott. Bed type is part of the Marriott guarantee for Golds and Plats at US and Canadian properties. If they don't meet it, they pay cash comp.
Marriott Rewards Benefits/Guarantee.
Marriott Rewards Benefits/Guarantee.
Oct 8, 2017, 12:23 pm
#28
Join Date: Jul 2008
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Are you serious? A free night because your room with the bed you requested also has accessible amenities???? Maybe a free dinner. But a night is over the top.
Oct 8, 2017, 2:11 pm
#29
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: United 1K, *wood LT Plat
Posts: 825
If it wasn't (formerly) a stated benefit of booking a Starwood hotel, I would agree. But since it was a stated benefit - and completely within the hotel's control through appropriate revenue management and pre-blocking rooms - it needs to be punitive to actually affect change.
Oct 8, 2017, 6:34 pm
#30
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IIRC the Marriott Ultimate Guarantee pays the (elite) guest $100 cash at most brands.