Westin vs Sheraton at LAX - pre 2008 discussion
May 28, 2004, 5:15 pm
#1
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Westin vs Sheraton at LAX - pre 2008 discussion
Can anyone compare/contrast these two hotels? A search turned up nada on the Westin.
The Sheraton is Category 1, but the rate is about $30 higher than the Westin for the particular day in August I am looking. Is that perhaps because the renovations are done and the ADR hasn't increased enough yet for them to change the category designation?
Also, what is the definition of a "weekend" in terms of the save 1000 points on Cat 1 & 2 free nights? I can't find it on spg.com.
Shouldn't it include Sunday night?
The Sheraton is Category 1, but the rate is about $30 higher than the Westin for the particular day in August I am looking. Is that perhaps because the renovations are done and the ADR hasn't increased enough yet for them to change the category designation?
Also, what is the definition of a "weekend" in terms of the save 1000 points on Cat 1 & 2 free nights? I can't find it on spg.com.
Shouldn't it include Sunday night?
May 28, 2004, 7:08 pm
#2
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Originally Posted by ijgordon
Can anyone compare/contrast these two hotels? A search turned up nada on the Westin.
The Sheraton is Category 1, but the rate is about $30 higher than the Westin for the particular day in August I am looking. Is that perhaps because the renovations are done and the ADR hasn't increased enough yet for them to change the category designation?
Also, what is the definition of a "weekend" in terms of the save 1000 points on Cat 1 & 2 free nights? I can't find it on spg.com.
Shouldn't it include Sunday night?
The Sheraton is Category 1, but the rate is about $30 higher than the Westin for the particular day in August I am looking. Is that perhaps because the renovations are done and the ADR hasn't increased enough yet for them to change the category designation?
Also, what is the definition of a "weekend" in terms of the save 1000 points on Cat 1 & 2 free nights? I can't find it on spg.com.
Shouldn't it include Sunday night?
May 28, 2004, 7:19 pm
#3
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You have a couple of questions in your post, but I'll address the Westin LAX.
Of my 63 nights this year in Starwood hotels, 21 of them have been at the Westin LAX. This mostly because of the $119.00 room rate my company gets there.
I've never had a bad experience when staying there. I'm always given a large room on an upper floor. The rooms all have new furniture, enormous desks and large THICK windows to keep out the airplane noise as the south runways are directly behind the hotel.
The hotel is often very full, so suite upgrades don't happen too often, but when they do, the suites are great - end rooms with balconies and large screen TVs... great for watching the planes land.
Of my 63 nights this year in Starwood hotels, 21 of them have been at the Westin LAX. This mostly because of the $119.00 room rate my company gets there.
I've never had a bad experience when staying there. I'm always given a large room on an upper floor. The rooms all have new furniture, enormous desks and large THICK windows to keep out the airplane noise as the south runways are directly behind the hotel.
The hotel is often very full, so suite upgrades don't happen too often, but when they do, the suites are great - end rooms with balconies and large screen TVs... great for watching the planes land.
May 29, 2004, 10:00 am
#4
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The Westin is a pretty tired hotel, which is often full, but the two times I stayed there a jazz band was playing in the "lobby", and the music couldn't be beat. The bar is tired, uninteresting, and staff is plainly uninterested in their job.
I'll echo the above: soundproofing is good, better than at the Hilton or Mariott nearby. The rooms were fine, but certainly not deluxe.
My plan: If you're in for a couple days, if it's cheap, use it. If it's not, go elsewhere. The Mariott and Hilton both have a more stimulating lobby to be in, and the lounge in the Hilton is far preferable if you have to kill a few hours than the one at the Westin. But if you're in late and just need a drink, I certainly enjoyed the jazz, followed by the Heavenly Bed. Perhaps this was a coincidence--- anyone know if there's acts every night, or was I just lucky? I'll be interested to see what somebody has to say about the Sheraton lately, but I haven't stayed there in enough years to make sure my comments are valid.
I'll echo the above: soundproofing is good, better than at the Hilton or Mariott nearby. The rooms were fine, but certainly not deluxe.
My plan: If you're in for a couple days, if it's cheap, use it. If it's not, go elsewhere. The Mariott and Hilton both have a more stimulating lobby to be in, and the lounge in the Hilton is far preferable if you have to kill a few hours than the one at the Westin. But if you're in late and just need a drink, I certainly enjoyed the jazz, followed by the Heavenly Bed. Perhaps this was a coincidence--- anyone know if there's acts every night, or was I just lucky? I'll be interested to see what somebody has to say about the Sheraton lately, but I haven't stayed there in enough years to make sure my comments are valid.
May 29, 2004, 2:16 pm
#5
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I stay at LAX about every 3 weeks, and the Hilton has 2 advantages over the other hotels - the club upstairs and the fact that you can return your Hertz rental there.
OTOH, the rooms at the Hilton are absolutely pathetic and almost depressing, even on the Honors floors. This alone usually pushes me to the Westin if the price is even close to the same. I stopped staying at the Sheraton when they escorted two really ugly hookers out along with a drunk guest who got really nasty with security.
The 4 Points is a decent place, as it was completely renovated a couple of years ago, and the beer selection is nice. The rates are usually around $90.
OTOH, the rooms at the Hilton are absolutely pathetic and almost depressing, even on the Honors floors. This alone usually pushes me to the Westin if the price is even close to the same. I stopped staying at the Sheraton when they escorted two really ugly hookers out along with a drunk guest who got really nasty with security.
The 4 Points is a decent place, as it was completely renovated a couple of years ago, and the beer selection is nice. The rates are usually around $90.
May 29, 2004, 5:11 pm
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I like the Hilton most don't but I find the Westin better! I thought the service and room at the Westin were very nice. Its an airport hotel, high volume, lots of turns,ect but as airport hotels go its very nice. The rates are also pretty reasonable considering its a Westin. I think the Sheraton is a step down from both the Hilton and the Westin.
May 30, 2004, 2:30 am
#7
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The Westin LAX rooms are SOOOO comfortable with the Heavenly Bed & thick glass. The hotel itself is nothing special but I stay there whenever the rate is low enough. Also, their room service food is some of the best I've had ^ . The Hilton LAX is just a tragedy - amazingly uncomfortable rooms and shockingly for a hotel that must be >90% business travellers they didn't even have hi-speed internet the last time I was there (within the last year). I haven't stayed at the Sheraton in >5 years probably, and I don't remember it being very nice at all, but again that was a while ago.
May 30, 2004, 2:19 pm
#8
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Ah, decisions, decisions... I have an early morning flight on a Sunday morning in a couple of week's time. Normally, I would book the Hilton for the Gold free breakfast and likely upgrade to the Towers as a mid-tier elite. However, as I will not have time for breakfast, and will get to the hotel sometime in the evening after drinks and hors d'oeuvres [were I to be upgraded at the Hilton], and I can use another SPG stay for the 5K for 5 nights bonus, one of their three LAX properties becomes an option.
I can get a changeable rate of $89 at the Four Points, and know it has a reasonably good reputation, particularly for its microbrew selection. I can also get the Westin for a pre-paid rate of $10 more for the apparent extra comfort a Westin room affords. [I will be at the Bonaventure for a couple of nights prior to my LAX one.] Haven't checked the rate at the Sheraton, but it really isn't a contender in this dilemma.
Were I still a Plat, the decision would be easy, as I'd get a Plat Amenity of 500 versus 250 at the Four Points. I guess I can always walk over to the Four Points for a pint or two...
Ah, decisions, decisions...
I can get a changeable rate of $89 at the Four Points, and know it has a reasonably good reputation, particularly for its microbrew selection. I can also get the Westin for a pre-paid rate of $10 more for the apparent extra comfort a Westin room affords. [I will be at the Bonaventure for a couple of nights prior to my LAX one.] Haven't checked the rate at the Sheraton, but it really isn't a contender in this dilemma.
Were I still a Plat, the decision would be easy, as I'd get a Plat Amenity of 500 versus 250 at the Four Points. I guess I can always walk over to the Four Points for a pint or two...
Ah, decisions, decisions...
May 30, 2004, 10:03 pm
#9
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Lets all NOT forget the Dog pound on the backside of the Westin. They start barking at 6am........go to the Hilton. 
Jun 1, 2004, 3:34 am
#10
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Sheraton?
No one has really mentioned the Sheraton... The sheraton has been totally redone, the rooms have a nice blue carpet/gray wallpaper combo and sweet sleeper bed (about 80% as good as heavenly). The rooms are also very well insolated from noise. The lobby is so-so, but almost all the major airlines send their crew to this hotel for overnights, no no doubt they're tired and just want to goto bed. Infact, the majority of check-ins seem to be pilots and flight attendants.
Jun 1, 2004, 8:10 am
#11
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Westin LAX
I stayed at the Westin LAX this weekend -- in my opinion, nothing to write home about...probably the least inspired Westin I've experienced (although I'm sure some can name others.)
Disappointment started at check-in, where there were two people to handle 10 or so arriving guests.
When I finally got the front of the line, my room type request was not honored -- no kings were available, so I was given a room with two "queens." (The "queens" looked awfully small -- as was confirmed when I checked my reservation when I returned home -- the room really had two doubles.) I'll admit that I didn't follow up on this the following night, but still found it disappointing -- one would think that at hotel would prioritize room assignment to assure that elite members receive their reserved room type. (and, we didn't arrive that late...around 10 or so.)
In terms of the room -- the double-size heavenly beds were comfy (as always), but I thought the room was pretty worn...clearly someone had had a party in the room, because the remnants of taped up decorations were on the wall. The remnants looked like they'd been there for some time. How can someone not notice that?
In terms of soundproofing -- I wasn't impressed (although I didn't have trouble sleeping) -- the planes and yelping kids in the pool were very easy to hear from the top floor of the hotel.
Sure...the hotel was satisfactory...but I'd rather spend my points or dollars elsewhere.
Sheraton Gateway LAX
We stayed at this hotel last fall...as mentioned above, the redecorated rooms are nice, the environment seems quieter than the Westin, and the staff was a little warmer than those at the Westin -- with one exception in the restaurant:
We went down to redeem our coupons for breakfast. No one seemed to be working as host, and when we finally flagged someone down, we were directed to a dirty table (which was never cleaned). When our server finally arrived, he directed us to the buffet. When we started to approach the buffet, the attendant advised that it was closed (even though it was before closing time.) So, we returned to the server, and asked whether it was open or closed -- and after a discussion with the attendant, the server sent us back to the buffet.
When we asked the attendant for serving utensils, he literally hurled the serviing utensils back onto the assorted trays (of very aged breakfast foods), swearing the whole time.
We may stay at the hotel again, but I don't think we'll be visiting the restaurant...
I stayed at the Westin LAX this weekend -- in my opinion, nothing to write home about...probably the least inspired Westin I've experienced (although I'm sure some can name others.)
Disappointment started at check-in, where there were two people to handle 10 or so arriving guests.
When I finally got the front of the line, my room type request was not honored -- no kings were available, so I was given a room with two "queens." (The "queens" looked awfully small -- as was confirmed when I checked my reservation when I returned home -- the room really had two doubles.) I'll admit that I didn't follow up on this the following night, but still found it disappointing -- one would think that at hotel would prioritize room assignment to assure that elite members receive their reserved room type. (and, we didn't arrive that late...around 10 or so.)
In terms of the room -- the double-size heavenly beds were comfy (as always), but I thought the room was pretty worn...clearly someone had had a party in the room, because the remnants of taped up decorations were on the wall. The remnants looked like they'd been there for some time. How can someone not notice that?
In terms of soundproofing -- I wasn't impressed (although I didn't have trouble sleeping) -- the planes and yelping kids in the pool were very easy to hear from the top floor of the hotel.
Sure...the hotel was satisfactory...but I'd rather spend my points or dollars elsewhere.
Sheraton Gateway LAX
We stayed at this hotel last fall...as mentioned above, the redecorated rooms are nice, the environment seems quieter than the Westin, and the staff was a little warmer than those at the Westin -- with one exception in the restaurant:
We went down to redeem our coupons for breakfast. No one seemed to be working as host, and when we finally flagged someone down, we were directed to a dirty table (which was never cleaned). When our server finally arrived, he directed us to the buffet. When we started to approach the buffet, the attendant advised that it was closed (even though it was before closing time.) So, we returned to the server, and asked whether it was open or closed -- and after a discussion with the attendant, the server sent us back to the buffet.
When we asked the attendant for serving utensils, he literally hurled the serviing utensils back onto the assorted trays (of very aged breakfast foods), swearing the whole time.
We may stay at the hotel again, but I don't think we'll be visiting the restaurant...
Last edited by snorkmaster; Jun 1, 2004 at 8:28 am
Jun 1, 2004, 8:30 am
#12
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I have an upcoming one-nighter at the Sheraton LAX. Bid $34, and this is what Priceline gives you. All incl. with the Priceline vigorish and taxes, the Sheraton is under fifty bucks a night.
Nearly all airport hotels are bleak, dreary places. I'm staying there solely because of a ridiculously early AM departure from LAX. I will report back here if this one somehow breaks that depressing mold.
Nearly all airport hotels are bleak, dreary places. I'm staying there solely because of a ridiculously early AM departure from LAX. I will report back here if this one somehow breaks that depressing mold.
Jun 1, 2004, 9:19 am
#13
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Normally I would like to stay with Sheraton than Westin. Simply because I can always be upgraded in Sheraton, though I am just gold. But in Westin, there is two many Plat. 
Jun 1, 2004, 11:32 am
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Originally Posted by iwareboy
No one has really mentioned the Sheraton... The sheraton has been totally redone, the rooms have a nice blue carpet/gray wallpaper combo and sweet sleeper bed (about 80% as good as heavenly). The rooms are also very well insolated from noise. The lobby is so-so, but almost all the major airlines send their crew to this hotel for overnights, no no doubt they're tired and just want to goto bed. Infact, the majority of check-ins seem to be pilots and flight attendants.
I'd highly recommend the Sheraton.
Jun 1, 2004, 11:50 am
#15
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With about 15 stays/yr. in the LAX area, I've come to prefer the Sheraton Gateway for these reasons:
1) Free street overnight parking behind (north of) the hotel almost every night.
2) Most frequent Plat. recognition to one of the many corner suites. My last stay, the staff was deeply embarassed when no upgrades were available (hotel was full with spillover conventions/displaced pax) so offered free full bkfst and club lounge access. Found the 9th fl. redone room to be much better than the Hilton.
3) Great club lounge for breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres.
4) Nice pool and fitness complex.
5) Sweet Sleeper Bed almost as good as Heavenly Bed.
6) Breakfast buffet reasonably priced (if you're not comped) and quality and staff great, unlike the experience of a disappointed guest, posting above.
7) Seems quieter from airlplane noise than the Westin LAX.
It all depends on what services/facitilites work for you. For me, the best pkg. is at the Gateway.
1) Free street overnight parking behind (north of) the hotel almost every night.
2) Most frequent Plat. recognition to one of the many corner suites. My last stay, the staff was deeply embarassed when no upgrades were available (hotel was full with spillover conventions/displaced pax) so offered free full bkfst and club lounge access. Found the 9th fl. redone room to be much better than the Hilton.
3) Great club lounge for breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres.
4) Nice pool and fitness complex.
5) Sweet Sleeper Bed almost as good as Heavenly Bed.
6) Breakfast buffet reasonably priced (if you're not comped) and quality and staff great, unlike the experience of a disappointed guest, posting above.
7) Seems quieter from airlplane noise than the Westin LAX.
It all depends on what services/facitilites work for you. For me, the best pkg. is at the Gateway.