Westin Book Cadillac Detroit [Master Thread]
Jun 25, 2010, 8:26 am
#31
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: ALABAMA
Programs: STARWOOD PLAT, LT GOLD,WN A-LIST PREFERRED, NATIONAL EXECUTIVE
Posts: 267
stayed a few months ago. Treated Plats well was quick Sunday night trip. Do not think street parking was available. Parlking was Valet only. Ans base don my viws i would not suggest walkng around blindly around the Hotel. Upgraded to a nice suite two nice TV's. Would recoomend again to anyone.
Jun 25, 2010, 2:48 pm
#32
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,816
I also stayed there recently. It was my second stay. Platinum here and received no upgrade to speak of. Front desk mentioned that the hotel was filled with consultants for GM, if I remember correctly.
Parking is in a lot behind the hotel. You can choose valet or self park. If you choose self park, the signage to return to your car is horrendous, if it exists at all. In most parking lots, the pedestrian entrance/stairs are well marked and direct you AWAY from the oncoming vehicle traffic for safety. In this property, you actually have to walk directly toward the payment booth (basically like walking directly into the oncoming traffic) to get to the stairwell which is to the left of the payment booth. There are no signs, so I basically walked around the entire garage searching for the pedestrian entrance.
I grabbed lunch in the restaurant on street level. Service was incompetent, to be kind. They offered a "pouch lunch" (i.e., to go). The cold turkey sandwich took forever (for some reason). When I got to my destination, there was nothing in the bag other than the food. No napkin. No nothing. Part of the lunch was soup. You guessed it, no spoon. I am sorry I tipped the bartender for such lousy service. He also had the personality of a doorknob. With jobs being so tough in the area, I'd have to think the hotel could do better.
The area around the hotel is quite rundown.
The property has a very nice gym and pool...though the gym could use a bit more equipment. The gym is spacious and there are machines all around the outer walls of the gym...but it is weird that most of the floor space is empty. It just looks weird.
Parking is in a lot behind the hotel. You can choose valet or self park. If you choose self park, the signage to return to your car is horrendous, if it exists at all. In most parking lots, the pedestrian entrance/stairs are well marked and direct you AWAY from the oncoming vehicle traffic for safety. In this property, you actually have to walk directly toward the payment booth (basically like walking directly into the oncoming traffic) to get to the stairwell which is to the left of the payment booth. There are no signs, so I basically walked around the entire garage searching for the pedestrian entrance.
I grabbed lunch in the restaurant on street level. Service was incompetent, to be kind. They offered a "pouch lunch" (i.e., to go). The cold turkey sandwich took forever (for some reason). When I got to my destination, there was nothing in the bag other than the food. No napkin. No nothing. Part of the lunch was soup. You guessed it, no spoon. I am sorry I tipped the bartender for such lousy service. He also had the personality of a doorknob. With jobs being so tough in the area, I'd have to think the hotel could do better.
The area around the hotel is quite rundown.
The property has a very nice gym and pool...though the gym could use a bit more equipment. The gym is spacious and there are machines all around the outer walls of the gym...but it is weird that most of the floor space is empty. It just looks weird.
Last edited by JFKSFOLAX_friend; Jun 25, 2010 at 6:34 pm
Jun 27, 2010, 1:40 pm
#34
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: DL DM MM, Hyatt LT Globalist, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,141
A brief review of my one night stay:
One night, 6/26-6/27 2010
Check In: Checked in at 2:45pm. There were two agents working one of the three desks (the new podiums that allow them to walk around to present you you keys. Wow, how nice). I was offered a suite on the 11th floor. I asked if there was anything on a higher floor (there are 23 floors to the property), and was told no suites but there was a 'premium deluxe' room available on the 14th floor. Since it was early in the afternoon, I asked if anything would be available later in the evening, but was told they can only see what's available at the moment they look and cannot see what will become available later... hmm.
At any rate, I know that the residential part of the property is on upper floors, so I'm not sure the highest floor that guest rooms are on. I decided to just take the suite and go. Unfortunately the club is closed on the weekend, and no vouchers are provided.
Suite: 1133
The suite was on the southeast corner. It is kind of a shotgun layout- you enter the living room, go through to the bedroom, and then finally the bathroom. Our view was terrible- on one side was the roof of a parking garage, on the other a vacant lot.
As you enter the living room, there is a desk in front of you, with a leather sofa along the wall under the windows. There is a leather chair next to the desk. This living room has a large 42" TV with an ipod docking station and speakers.
The bedroom is separated from the living room by two doors. In the bedroom there is the usual king Heavenly bed, a nice bench at the foot of the bed, and an armoire with another 42" tv. The tv is HD, and most stations come in HD, which is a really nice change from the widescreen/hd tvs that don't have HD programming.
The bathroom is large and is on the corner, with two windows. There is a shower stall with the double showerheads, and beside it a standard size tub. I don't understand why they didn't put in a larger soaking tub, because there is definitely space for it. The bathroom gets pretty hot and doesn't have good circulation.
Service express was fairly responsive- had my shoes shined in a about two hours at no charge, had more water delivered pretty quickly, and towels came up pretty quickly too. The one thing I found odd was that I was told that the property doesn't offer turndown service.
4pm checkout was not a problem, though I didn't use it. Parking was $10 cash at the structure next door; the walkway is for members of the residences only.
Overall it was an okay stay; I had contacted the property in advance to ask about a room on a high floor with a view (not an upgrade, just a location). I got the standard 'rooms are assigned at check-in' response. I felt like the staff didn't really care that much, as they had the opportunity to be proactive and prebook something for a PLT member, but just kind of blew me off. Unfortunately its the only property in downtown Detroit, but then again, what's really downtown?
One night, 6/26-6/27 2010
Check In: Checked in at 2:45pm. There were two agents working one of the three desks (the new podiums that allow them to walk around to present you you keys. Wow, how nice). I was offered a suite on the 11th floor. I asked if there was anything on a higher floor (there are 23 floors to the property), and was told no suites but there was a 'premium deluxe' room available on the 14th floor. Since it was early in the afternoon, I asked if anything would be available later in the evening, but was told they can only see what's available at the moment they look and cannot see what will become available later... hmm.
At any rate, I know that the residential part of the property is on upper floors, so I'm not sure the highest floor that guest rooms are on. I decided to just take the suite and go. Unfortunately the club is closed on the weekend, and no vouchers are provided.
Suite: 1133
The suite was on the southeast corner. It is kind of a shotgun layout- you enter the living room, go through to the bedroom, and then finally the bathroom. Our view was terrible- on one side was the roof of a parking garage, on the other a vacant lot.
As you enter the living room, there is a desk in front of you, with a leather sofa along the wall under the windows. There is a leather chair next to the desk. This living room has a large 42" TV with an ipod docking station and speakers.
The bedroom is separated from the living room by two doors. In the bedroom there is the usual king Heavenly bed, a nice bench at the foot of the bed, and an armoire with another 42" tv. The tv is HD, and most stations come in HD, which is a really nice change from the widescreen/hd tvs that don't have HD programming.
The bathroom is large and is on the corner, with two windows. There is a shower stall with the double showerheads, and beside it a standard size tub. I don't understand why they didn't put in a larger soaking tub, because there is definitely space for it. The bathroom gets pretty hot and doesn't have good circulation.
Service express was fairly responsive- had my shoes shined in a about two hours at no charge, had more water delivered pretty quickly, and towels came up pretty quickly too. The one thing I found odd was that I was told that the property doesn't offer turndown service.
4pm checkout was not a problem, though I didn't use it. Parking was $10 cash at the structure next door; the walkway is for members of the residences only.
Overall it was an okay stay; I had contacted the property in advance to ask about a room on a high floor with a view (not an upgrade, just a location). I got the standard 'rooms are assigned at check-in' response. I felt like the staff didn't really care that much, as they had the opportunity to be proactive and prebook something for a PLT member, but just kind of blew me off. Unfortunately its the only property in downtown Detroit, but then again, what's really downtown?
Jun 27, 2010, 3:09 pm
#35
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,816
Not sure if I mentioned it earlier, but my last stay was midweek. The lounge is normally opened at night for whatever (I am assuming snacks, etc.). But, the hotel was having a private function and the lounge was closed. When I asked the front desk if vouchers were given for apps/whatever in the lounge, I was told negative.
I would say that staff at the hotel is pretty poor overall.
Jul 1, 2010, 7:58 am
#36
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 498
I stayed here several times last year for work on Priceline rates (and without status), but even the most basic rooms are pretty nice and spacious.
As far as hotel restaurants go, Roast is quite good. And their happy hour deal (if it still exists, $3 for small plates and certain drinks) is a steal. You can have a full meal just by ordering three of them.
As far as hotel restaurants go, Roast is quite good. And their happy hour deal (if it still exists, $3 for small plates and certain drinks) is a steal. You can have a full meal just by ordering three of them.
Aug 6, 2010, 1:55 pm
#37
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 1,685
Air Conditioning
TripAdvisor has a pretty scathing review of the hotel's air conditioning system, and I have to agree.
I recently stayed at this property to find my room at over 80 degrees. The front desk says that the air conditioner isn't programmed to start until the guest is checked in, and then it's default setting is 72 degrees.
Additionally the thermostat settings offer, "OFF" and "AUTO," no fan selections, and judging from how low the numbers go, it seems the thermostat the guest sees is really only a dummy display and not a true control of the system.
My guess is that this is the hotel being cheap and masquerading as green.
I have to thank the folks in engineering for not fixing and replacing my deadbolt as I requested. Reminds me of the old days of being sentenced by my company to the Crowne Plaza Detroit.
I recently stayed at this property to find my room at over 80 degrees. The front desk says that the air conditioner isn't programmed to start until the guest is checked in, and then it's default setting is 72 degrees.
Additionally the thermostat settings offer, "OFF" and "AUTO," no fan selections, and judging from how low the numbers go, it seems the thermostat the guest sees is really only a dummy display and not a true control of the system.
My guess is that this is the hotel being cheap and masquerading as green.
I have to thank the folks in engineering for not fixing and replacing my deadbolt as I requested. Reminds me of the old days of being sentenced by my company to the Crowne Plaza Detroit.
Oct 27, 2010, 6:32 am
#38
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat, AMEX Centurion (And All That Goes With It)
Posts: 393
The absolute worst experience I have ever had at any SPG property worldwide. I only wish I was exaggerating. (And for reference, I have stayed at the Sheraton in Uganda, and Le Meridiens in Congo, etc.)
Booked my room through spg.com; noticed that this hotel eagerly billed me right away. I usually always do the stupid pre-pay rates through spg.com, but most hotels aren't so eager to swipe your card.
I check in as a Platinum. I see no one in the lobby, hallways, anywhere. I ask for a room upgrade and they tell me they have no suites available. Suspicious. Literally, I have never seen an emptier hotel in my life. Clearly, they were lying.
As seems to have been previously mentioned, the rooms are HOT. This place has completely inadequate air conditioning. I was sweating. I couldn't sleep. I was suffocating under the duvet. Apparently the in-room thermostats are dummies, so adjust it how you want, nothing will happen.
I get the folio under the door. It says you have earned 0 Starpoints for this stay. Hmm...
Go to the front desk at check out. They assure me they have my Plat SPG # and they have no idea why this would be the case. Save my folio because I know this will be an issue getting my points.
Two weeks pass, no points. I call the hotel's revenue manager, he never returns my calls. Call the hotels manager, same thing. The staff was very poorly trained in every regard from check in to check out to afterward (and there should be no afterward).
Stay away from this hotel. I guess life is so bad in the Detroit area, that they have absolutely no concept of service.
Booked my room through spg.com; noticed that this hotel eagerly billed me right away. I usually always do the stupid pre-pay rates through spg.com, but most hotels aren't so eager to swipe your card.
I check in as a Platinum. I see no one in the lobby, hallways, anywhere. I ask for a room upgrade and they tell me they have no suites available. Suspicious. Literally, I have never seen an emptier hotel in my life. Clearly, they were lying.
As seems to have been previously mentioned, the rooms are HOT. This place has completely inadequate air conditioning. I was sweating. I couldn't sleep. I was suffocating under the duvet. Apparently the in-room thermostats are dummies, so adjust it how you want, nothing will happen.
I get the folio under the door. It says you have earned 0 Starpoints for this stay. Hmm...
Go to the front desk at check out. They assure me they have my Plat SPG # and they have no idea why this would be the case. Save my folio because I know this will be an issue getting my points.
Two weeks pass, no points. I call the hotel's revenue manager, he never returns my calls. Call the hotels manager, same thing. The staff was very poorly trained in every regard from check in to check out to afterward (and there should be no afterward).
Stay away from this hotel. I guess life is so bad in the Detroit area, that they have absolutely no concept of service.
Nov 14, 2010, 9:21 pm
#39
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA Platinum, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 345
Just completed a weekend stay here. I was upgraded to a suite (didn't even have to ask the front desk, I guess they put me into it ahead of time). The front desk was very friendly. Unfortunately I asked about the club lounge and they said it's not open on weekends.
Overall it was a comfortable stay except there was no bottled water available in my room when I arrived. I'm accustomed to getting it at practically every property I've stayed at so this was a little surprising.
Overall it was a comfortable stay except there was no bottled water available in my room when I arrived. I'm accustomed to getting it at practically every property I've stayed at so this was a little surprising.
Jan 7, 2011, 7:05 am
#40
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Michigan
Programs: Starwood and NWA Plat
Posts: 257
I just stayed there and got royally screwed. My wife and I stayed on New Years Eve, went to the bar and the Red Wings game, then went back to the bar, walked back to hotel and went to bed.
All was great in the beginning. Received a Plat upgrade to an exec suite, received a fridge for my wife's medicine, seemed to be going good... Just checked my Amex today and have a $50 charge from the honor bar! Normally I turn down the key but wasn't offered it at check in. We brought out own liquor that we never even opened because we stayed at the bar.
Net of it is, I have no leg to stand on other than telling them "I didn't use the honor bar". I don't know what to do in the future either, I'm two days short of 365 nights spent in SPG hotels and have not figured out a way to avoid 'finding the charge on my Amex"... What ticks me off the most is, they have my phone number, they have my email address and they have my home address, do you think they would have ever told me that they charged my card? NOPE! Probably hoping I didn't see it.
All was great in the beginning. Received a Plat upgrade to an exec suite, received a fridge for my wife's medicine, seemed to be going good... Just checked my Amex today and have a $50 charge from the honor bar! Normally I turn down the key but wasn't offered it at check in. We brought out own liquor that we never even opened because we stayed at the bar.
Net of it is, I have no leg to stand on other than telling them "I didn't use the honor bar". I don't know what to do in the future either, I'm two days short of 365 nights spent in SPG hotels and have not figured out a way to avoid 'finding the charge on my Amex"... What ticks me off the most is, they have my phone number, they have my email address and they have my home address, do you think they would have ever told me that they charged my card? NOPE! Probably hoping I didn't see it.
Jan 7, 2011, 8:03 am
#41
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,816
I ignore the calculation at the bottom of the bill 100% of the time. It is usually wrong.
Jan 7, 2011, 8:07 am
#42
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,816
Why? Laziness? Who knows. Regardless, Starwood simply doesn't care. It's basically "tough sh*t".
I recently received an erroneous $80+ post check-out charge from the W Austin. I know for a fact the hotel had my contact information since I filled out a form when I checked in. The amount appeared on my Mastercard bill. There was no follow-up bill or any type of contact from the property even though I gave them my contact information.
Very poor. Very lazy.
Jan 23, 2011, 6:23 pm
#43
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Programs: AA EXP(4mm), DL Gold, UA Gold (1mm), HH Diamond, Bonvoy Amb(l/t Titanium). Former EA/PA elite
Posts: 994
Just stayed at the Westin Book Cadillac for two nights during the auto show in January. Perfectly pleasant stay. No real upgrade to speak of that I could tell......but the room was very nice. Everything about the hotel inside was fresh and new.
Overall, the service was splendid from most staff. Biggest surprise was with the food. Dining at 24 was supurb. Excellent steak. Didn't even need to go to Roast Restaurant. Also, spent time in the bar one evening and it was busy and very lively.
Walked to and from the Auto show at Cobo Center with no problems. This was during the day however.
I fully recommend the Westin Book Cadillac for anyone needing accomodation in downtown Detroit. This one's a winner.^
Overall, the service was splendid from most staff. Biggest surprise was with the food. Dining at 24 was supurb. Excellent steak. Didn't even need to go to Roast Restaurant. Also, spent time in the bar one evening and it was busy and very lively.
Walked to and from the Auto show at Cobo Center with no problems. This was during the day however.
I fully recommend the Westin Book Cadillac for anyone needing accomodation in downtown Detroit. This one's a winner.^
Sep 24, 2011, 9:38 am
#44
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Miami Beach - Copacabana Beach
Posts: 125
Just finishing a night here....standard rate = upgrade to a nice corner executive suite overlooking the bridge to Canada. Separate living area, tub, and large shower. 2+ large HDTVs, love watching my movies in HD!
Nov 15, 2011, 8:37 am
#45
Moderator: GLBT travelers, India-based Airlines and India; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Asia
Programs: Yes!
Posts: 15,512
Any recent stays or input? Especially regarding the opening hours of the lounge, especially on the weekend... I have an upcoming Thurs-Sun night stay here, (and am debating between here and the Hyatt.)