UPDATE: Lounge access now gtd for plats at Le Meridien as well as Sheraton/Westin
#16
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It is no different from wisely checking to see the property has a heated pool, when traveling with children.
The OP's logic is inverted. Lounge access is not restricted, it is granted. It is granted by paying a qualifying rate. It is granted as an SPG elite benefit at Sheraton/Westin/LeMeridien. Sometimes it's granted by properties that think there's a business case for broader access - but which can change policy at any moment. Lounge access has a cost: opportunity cost for space, staff, consumables. Do guests routinely ask why they're asked to pay for phone charges, spa treatements, or laundry?
#17
Original Poster
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Or by being in a room where lounge access comes as an accessory to the room type, at least this is what I take from William's reply.
The hotel property's policy cannot deviate from that overall SPG policy. If they want to grant less non-Plat people lounge access by upgrading less people to rooms where lounge access would be an accessory, this is where they can make up their own policy.
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May I repeat the question if a suite should always have lounge access, as it is "more" than a club level room? (Except for that one experience at the Arion hotel) I have never been in a suite where lounge access would not be included while it would be included for a club level room. Or is this logic false? Any "official" feedback on this? Thanks.
#18
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...May I repeat the question if a suite should always have lounge access, as it is "more" than a club level room? (Except for that one experience at the Arion hotel) I have never been in a suite where lounge access would not be included while it would be included for a club level room. Or is this logic false? Any "official" feedback on this? Thanks.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
#19
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Yes, not all suites come with lounge access.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
But with this lot... perhaps not.
mike
#20
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MIKESILV, what do you mean by "with this lot"?
The other part of the question is still open - the part that asks "why these three brands - historical reasons? anything different about lounges in differently branded hotels within the chain?" Just trying to follow the logic of the distinction being made.
#21
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Just trying to follow the logic of the distinction being made.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
#22
Join Date: Oct 2001
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I'd hazard a guess that it's simply based on competitive traditions. Westin, Sheraton, and LM essentially compete in the midrange to higher-end midrange of business/leisure properties.
In the broad sense, that puts these brands on global par with competitive brands such as Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt. Each of those brands has traditionally (for many decades) offered some type of executive or club lounge for those willing to pay for access to a "concierge" or "club" floor. Over time, those privileges were extended to the most loyal patrons, as well.
I feel sure that's why the Sheraton brand still has club lounges as one of its cornerstone offerings in MOST properties.
Why Westin felt compelled to drop it as a brand standard, I can't tell you. Especially since I think they compete head on with Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton more often than not.
I can fully understand why Four Points, Element, and aLoft have nothing like a club lounge. I think everyone can appreciate why it would be impractical given that their competitive brands don't offer it, either/.
And, for the highest end St Regis and LC brands, I think it's fair to say that while many of their competitive brand standards (Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, etc) offer club lounges, they are almost always PAID FOR by the guest. They also tend to be extravagant in their offerings and generally liberal with alcohol. In short, it's never been a standard of that class of hotel to routinely "comp" access to their exclusive lounges. Thus, the LC and StR brands choose not to, as well.
And, I guess that leaves W. W is just too hip to have anything other than lobby lounges and rooftop bars. Sorry, no club lounges!
For me, the greatest mystery is the decision around Westin. Westin used to have GREAT lounges back in the day. IME, the offerings were exceptional and memorable. In the last 10 years, Westin lounges have disappeared left and right.
#23
Company Representative - Starwood
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...Why Westin felt compelled to drop it as a brand standard, I can't tell you. Especially since I think they compete head on with Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton more often than not.
<snip>
For me, the greatest mystery is the decision around Westin. Westin used to have GREAT lounges back in the day. IME, the offerings were exceptional and memorable. In the last 10 years, Westin lounges have disappeared left and right.
<snip>
For me, the greatest mystery is the decision around Westin. Westin used to have GREAT lounges back in the day. IME, the offerings were exceptional and memorable. In the last 10 years, Westin lounges have disappeared left and right.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
#24
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I would like to return to Attorney28's original point about the inconsistencies in Starwood Properties, and point out that not all Sheratons, Westins, and LM have access for SPG Platinums, as some of these hotels do not have lounges. The Westin Chicago, Westin Portland, Westin Excelsior Roma, Sheraton Bahamas and the LM Sunny Isles Beach do not have lounges. In contrast the St. Regis Shanghai and the Luxury Collection's Nines in Portland do have lounges that have offered me as a Platinum admission.
Bottom line is that I am never sure if one of the SPG properties has or does not have a lounge.
Bottom line is that I am never sure if one of the SPG properties has or does not have a lounge.
#25
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I would like to return to Attorney28's original point about the inconsistencies in Starwood Properties, and point out that not all Sheratons, Westins, and LM have access for SPG Platinums, as some of these hotels do not have lounges. The Westin Chicago, Westin Portland, Westin Excelsior Roma, Sheraton Bahamas and the LM Sunny Isles Beach do not have lounges. In contrast the St. Regis Shanghai and the Luxury Collection's Nines in Portland do have lounges that have offered me as a Platinum admission.
Bottom line is that I am never sure if one of the SPG properties has or does not have a lounge.
Bottom line is that I am never sure if one of the SPG properties has or does not have a lounge.
Few and far between - a good link was started outside here - if there's better info than here, I haven't come across....
http://members.shaw.ca/twallis/starwood.xls
But - Independence, OH - free, and a decent lounge
Would be good to have more....... (Independence, OH no longer a property)
#26
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From my googling some time ago - it would nice if SPG had this info available too....
Few and far between - a good link was started outside here - if there's better info than here, I haven't come across....
http://members.shaw.ca/twallis/starwood.xls
But - Independence, OH - free, and a decent lounge
Would be good to have more....... (Independence, OH no longer a property)
Few and far between - a good link was started outside here - if there's better info than here, I haven't come across....
http://members.shaw.ca/twallis/starwood.xls
But - Independence, OH - free, and a decent lounge
Would be good to have more....... (Independence, OH no longer a property)
I hope starwood/spg web folks move to require that each property include lounge information on its web page. That would solve the "mystery".
#27
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#28
Company Representative - Starwood
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#29
Join Date: May 2005
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LeMeridien Lounge access for PLT added to T&C
Just noticed a change to T&C
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/prefer...spg_terms.html
4C.5. In addition to all the benefits of Gold Preferred Guest Membership, Platinum Preferred Guests also receive the following benefits:
d. Access to the Club Level Lounge when staying at Sheraton hotels or access to the Executive Level Lounge when staying at Westin or Le Méridien hotels, even when not staying on the Club Level or Executive Level floor(s). At Sheraton properties, access to the Club Level Lounge does not mean access to the Towers Level Lounge, even if there is no Club Level Lounge in the hotel and there is a Lounge of any kind in the Towers. Access to Towers Level is determined by each individual property. These benefits are limited to the member and one guest IF that guest is in the same room as the member. Lounge access is not available if a lounge is at maximum capacity or if a lounge is closed for any reason.
The former version was:
d. Access to the Club Level when staying at Sheraton hotels or access to the Executive Level when staying at Westin hotels, even when not staying on the Club Level or Executive Level floor(s). At Sheraton properties, access to the Club Level does not mean access to the Towers Level, even if there is no Club Level in the hotel and there is a Club Level in the Towers. Access to Towers Level is determined by each individual property. These benefits are limited to the member and one guest IF that guest is in the same room as the member. Lounge access is not available if a lounge is at maximum capacity or if a lounge is closed for any reason.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/prefer...spg_terms.html
4C.5. In addition to all the benefits of Gold Preferred Guest Membership, Platinum Preferred Guests also receive the following benefits:
d. Access to the Club Level Lounge when staying at Sheraton hotels or access to the Executive Level Lounge when staying at Westin or Le Méridien hotels, even when not staying on the Club Level or Executive Level floor(s). At Sheraton properties, access to the Club Level Lounge does not mean access to the Towers Level Lounge, even if there is no Club Level Lounge in the hotel and there is a Lounge of any kind in the Towers. Access to Towers Level is determined by each individual property. These benefits are limited to the member and one guest IF that guest is in the same room as the member. Lounge access is not available if a lounge is at maximum capacity or if a lounge is closed for any reason.
The former version was:
d. Access to the Club Level when staying at Sheraton hotels or access to the Executive Level when staying at Westin hotels, even when not staying on the Club Level or Executive Level floor(s). At Sheraton properties, access to the Club Level does not mean access to the Towers Level, even if there is no Club Level in the hotel and there is a Club Level in the Towers. Access to Towers Level is determined by each individual property. These benefits are limited to the member and one guest IF that guest is in the same room as the member. Lounge access is not available if a lounge is at maximum capacity or if a lounge is closed for any reason.
Last edited by ehud; Sep 9, 2009 at 4:04 am
#30
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That's terrific! That you, Starwood Lurker, for bringing this to the attention of the powers that be.