The Westin Chicago River North, Chicago, IL [Master Thread]
Aug 9, 1999, 8:11 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Central New Jersey
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Posts: 6,238
The Westin Chicago River North, Chicago, IL [Master Thread]
As a very frequent traveller to the windy city, I usually stay at either the Hyatt Printers Row or the Sheraton Towers. After reading how 'upscale' the Westin's are I thought I would try this one out. WRONG MOVE! Checking in on Sunday about 1 pm at an empty reception desk, staffed by 2. The first reservation's agent looked over at me waiting, then continued her paperwork. The other one walked over, sighed and said the other one should help me, but she would do it (really nice of her--NOT). She then told me due to being full the night before, my room would not be ready till after 3pm. I made sure she had my gold preferred number and checked in, leaving my bags at the bellman's desk.
Upon arrival at 3 pm (still an empty desk), I was lucky enough to get Ms. Friendly again who checked me in. I asked about an upgrade due to my gold status and she said it was done. Then went to get my bags---no one around, waited 5 minutes & finally was on my way to my room.
Small & dark was the room I was assigned, (I am here only one night so I didn't want to change). But if this was an upgraded room, I shudder to think what the regular rooms are like. My window faced a high rise corporation with dark tinted windows, so I kept my drapes closed and turned on all the lights. When I went to get ice, no one seemed to know where it was. (Not listed in the hotel directory). I was advised it is available on the 7th & 16th floors (I was on 12). On the 16th floor, I asked around (cleaning personnel were still at work). I finally found it behind an unmarked door, in a dirty room.
The rest of my stay was uneventful, I did fill out the suggestion card, detailing my displeasure.
Is this the norm for Westin's in Chicago--or did I just get a bad apple?
Upon arrival at 3 pm (still an empty desk), I was lucky enough to get Ms. Friendly again who checked me in. I asked about an upgrade due to my gold status and she said it was done. Then went to get my bags---no one around, waited 5 minutes & finally was on my way to my room.
Small & dark was the room I was assigned, (I am here only one night so I didn't want to change). But if this was an upgraded room, I shudder to think what the regular rooms are like. My window faced a high rise corporation with dark tinted windows, so I kept my drapes closed and turned on all the lights. When I went to get ice, no one seemed to know where it was. (Not listed in the hotel directory). I was advised it is available on the 7th & 16th floors (I was on 12). On the 16th floor, I asked around (cleaning personnel were still at work). I finally found it behind an unmarked door, in a dirty room.
The rest of my stay was uneventful, I did fill out the suggestion card, detailing my displeasure.
Is this the norm for Westin's in Chicago--or did I just get a bad apple?
Aug 9, 1999, 11:15 pm
#3
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: SFO/JFK
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In Chicago, my favorite is the Sheraton Hotel & Towers, followed by the Marriott Downtown. The Westin on Michigan Avenue is decent, but too plain.
I avoid the Hyatt Regency ... you would think Hyatt would have a nicer hotel in its hometown.
I avoid the Hyatt Regency ... you would think Hyatt would have a nicer hotel in its hometown.
Aug 10, 1999, 9:30 am
#4
Original Member and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Kansas City, MO, USA
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rocky ~ Hyatt does have a nice hotel in its hometown, try the Hyatt on Printers' Row! There are a lot of Hyatt's in the Chicagoland area actually ... including the brand new Hyatt McCormmick Place and I believe they are building a new Park Hyatt too ...
Aug 10, 1999, 10:53 pm
#5
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Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
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Your problem is that you chose the wrong Westin. The Westin on Michigan avenue is the place to go. I always get upgraded to a very nice room and always have an interesting time. This is the hotel where most all visiting sports teams stay.
The last time I was there the Detroit Red Wings were there as they were playing the Blackhawks. Also the entire Womens NBA was there for summer tryouts. I had a hard time keeping my mouth shut in the lobby.
The last time I was there the Detroit Red Wings were there as they were playing the Blackhawks. Also the entire Womens NBA was there for summer tryouts. I had a hard time keeping my mouth shut in the lobby.
Aug 13, 1999, 4:00 pm
#6
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Los Angeles
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The worst single hotel incident I have ever had was at the Westin O'Hare. This was about 2 years ago, and the access number for my ISP was in the same area code as the hotel, but a different calling area (as I later learned).
They added phone charges to my bill of, and I am not kidding, over $300. It was a 4 night stay. I was very polite, and got absolutely nowhere with anyone up to the duty manager when I checked out. They told me that had I taken the "business plan" for an extra $10 a night, the calls would have been included. And no, they wouldnt back bill for that plan.
So, I voted with my feet. I stay in hotels close to 100 nights a year... anyone want to guess how many are in a Westin?
Sure hope they spent my extra $300 wisely.
[This message has been edited by Brian (edited 08-13-1999).]
They added phone charges to my bill of, and I am not kidding, over $300. It was a 4 night stay. I was very polite, and got absolutely nowhere with anyone up to the duty manager when I checked out. They told me that had I taken the "business plan" for an extra $10 a night, the calls would have been included. And no, they wouldnt back bill for that plan.
So, I voted with my feet. I stay in hotels close to 100 nights a year... anyone want to guess how many are in a Westin?
Sure hope they spent my extra $300 wisely.
[This message has been edited by Brian (edited 08-13-1999).]
Feb 6, 2001, 7:34 pm
#7
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Westin River North Parking Problems
I had a recent stay a the Westin River North in Chicago that was fine in every way but one - the valet parking operation experienced a Chernoybl.
On a Saturday evening, I called for my car at 6:25, needing to be at a site a couple of miles away for a 7:30 curtain (I needed the car as I was driving a group to an after-performance dinner).
However, a gridlock condition occurred at the entrance, with taxis and private cars coming to the hotel for a Simon and Schuster book party pretty much bringing movement to a standstill. Realizing that my car would probably never get there in time, I walked around the corner in 10-degree (Farenheit) weather (remember I'm a thin-blooded lightweight Floridian)
and luckily was able to snag a crusing taxi, getting to the theatre with 5 minutes to spare.
The parking operation at the WRN is apparently an outside concession. I was shocked to hear some of the interaction between customers and the parking employees - let's just say that the customer service level does not exactly match the ambience of the hotel, and that sailors would blush at some of the language heard (and believe me I'm being as diplomatic as possible).
Although I myself was spared a verbal assult, I and another gentleman did nearly get run over by a valet parker running a Ford Expidition over the sidewalk in his attempt to get around the blocked cars!
OK, if any of the Lurkers care to forward a suggestion to the GM of the WRN, here's a specific method to fix the problem (I'm sure it happens often): There is a block-long alley that allows entrance from both Dearborn St. (northbound) and also from Clark St. (southbound). This alley feeds into the hotel's very narrow U-shaped entrance driveway. To fix the problem, do NOT allow cars and taxis to enter from Dearborn - make then go up a block and then back around to the Clark entrance. After dropping off or picking up their passengers, the vehicles exit onto Dearborn. Making the alley one-way (all it takes is a few strategically-placed signs and orange traffic cones) prevents the situaton where vehicles from TWO directions are fighting to thread through that single narrow driveway entrance point.
Bottom line: Be sure to allow plenty of extra time at the WRN if you're wanting access to your car!
On a Saturday evening, I called for my car at 6:25, needing to be at a site a couple of miles away for a 7:30 curtain (I needed the car as I was driving a group to an after-performance dinner).
However, a gridlock condition occurred at the entrance, with taxis and private cars coming to the hotel for a Simon and Schuster book party pretty much bringing movement to a standstill. Realizing that my car would probably never get there in time, I walked around the corner in 10-degree (Farenheit) weather (remember I'm a thin-blooded lightweight Floridian)
and luckily was able to snag a crusing taxi, getting to the theatre with 5 minutes to spare.The parking operation at the WRN is apparently an outside concession. I was shocked to hear some of the interaction between customers and the parking employees - let's just say that the customer service level does not exactly match the ambience of the hotel, and that sailors would blush at some of the language heard (and believe me I'm being as diplomatic as possible).
Although I myself was spared a verbal assult, I and another gentleman did nearly get run over by a valet parker running a Ford Expidition over the sidewalk in his attempt to get around the blocked cars!
OK, if any of the Lurkers care to forward a suggestion to the GM of the WRN, here's a specific method to fix the problem (I'm sure it happens often): There is a block-long alley that allows entrance from both Dearborn St. (northbound) and also from Clark St. (southbound). This alley feeds into the hotel's very narrow U-shaped entrance driveway. To fix the problem, do NOT allow cars and taxis to enter from Dearborn - make then go up a block and then back around to the Clark entrance. After dropping off or picking up their passengers, the vehicles exit onto Dearborn. Making the alley one-way (all it takes is a few strategically-placed signs and orange traffic cones) prevents the situaton where vehicles from TWO directions are fighting to thread through that single narrow driveway entrance point.
Bottom line: Be sure to allow plenty of extra time at the WRN if you're wanting access to your car!
Oct 7, 2001, 7:49 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Illinois
Posts: 53
ripped off by valet pkg at Westin River North
Used 1 of my 4 free weekend nights at the Westin River North (Chicago) - a nice hotel and a nice promotion, but after paying $30+ to valet park, discovered $5 in change was taken from my ashtray. The amazing thing is I have called twice & left msgs for the manager - with no response. Any thoughts on how best to get their attention? Since I didn't discover until after I left, don't expect comp, but would like courtesy of a call back,
Oct 7, 2001, 7:54 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 7,149
Kepp calling. If that doesn't work, call Corporate services. And don't keep ANYTHING of value in a car you leave with a valet.
I'm 99% certain that the hotel contracts with an outside agent to handle parking. I'm also 99.8% sure that the ticket has a disclaimer absolving everyone in humanity from anything wrong that may happen to you, your car, its belongings, or anything else while in or out of their posession.
That being said, you do deserve a call back.
I'm 99% certain that the hotel contracts with an outside agent to handle parking. I'm also 99.8% sure that the ticket has a disclaimer absolving everyone in humanity from anything wrong that may happen to you, your car, its belongings, or anything else while in or out of their posession.
That being said, you do deserve a call back.
Oct 8, 2001, 8:29 am
#11
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 7,149
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by QuietLion:
No disclaimer waives your right to take action against theft. But the legal fees to recover $5 might be excessive.
</font>
No disclaimer waives your right to take action against theft. But the legal fees to recover $5 might be excessive.
</font>
Sure there is. Just find one of the several Arbitration companies that rules 98% or more of time in favor of the retaining/drafting party.
. Oh, and include a provision about pursuing claims on an individual basis only -ie., no class actions.Voila- You have a practical license to steal/commit fraud up to a certain amount.
. The inaliable right to contract. A major social problem that will rear its ugly head more in future years.
Oct 8, 2001, 8:51 am
#12
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: YVR
Programs: AA 1MM, Delta Gold, Marriott Plat, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 560
Hi. We have a co-branded complaint resolution service available free of charge. Check out: http://flyaow.com/feedback.htm
You can enter "Starwood" and it will help you formulate the complaint and also send it direct to corporate for you. Very high success rate with complaints with Starwood.
Cheers!
------------------
Check Inventory Availability without a password by fare inventory code at http://flyaow.com/class.htm
You can enter "Starwood" and it will help you formulate the complaint and also send it direct to corporate for you. Very high success rate with complaints with Starwood.
Cheers!
------------------
Check Inventory Availability without a password by fare inventory code at http://flyaow.com/class.htm
Oct 8, 2001, 2:35 pm
#13
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
illinikevin, I agree with BoSoxFan45 that there is probably a 99.9% chance that the parking is provided by another vendor, but that should not be a factor in letting the hotel management know about this or expecting a call back in regard to the situation. It is always best to contact Corporate Services instead of trying to call the hotel directly. This way a permanent record is kept of the occurrence and how the hotel responded.
You can contact them by calling 1-800-328-6242 if you are in the U.S. or Canada. You may also send an e-mail to Corporate Services by accessing whichever branded web site is appropriate and clicking on 'Contact Us'. Your information will be forwarded to them. Please give as many details as possible as well as a way for them to contact you. Letters may be either mailed or faxed to the following address or fax numbers:
Starwood Corporate Services
Post Office Box 141609
Austin, Texas 78714-1609
Fax numbers: 512-835-9374 or 512-835-4417
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
You can contact them by calling 1-800-328-6242 if you are in the U.S. or Canada. You may also send an e-mail to Corporate Services by accessing whichever branded web site is appropriate and clicking on 'Contact Us'. Your information will be forwarded to them. Please give as many details as possible as well as a way for them to contact you. Letters may be either mailed or faxed to the following address or fax numbers:
Starwood Corporate Services
Post Office Box 141609
Austin, Texas 78714-1609
Fax numbers: 512-835-9374 or 512-835-4417
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Dec 16, 2001, 3:48 pm
#15
Join Date: Nov 2001
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Westin River North Chicago
Wrapped up my first stay at the Westin River North this morning. Loved the convenient location; heavenly bed; updated, comfy rooms; great work area; Starbucks in the room; friendly and platinum amenity-adept front desk staff, etc, etc. Now if they'd just offer hi-speed internet ...
Also caroused late-night in the "W" City Center's lobby. Just like LA & San Francisco, packed with beautiful people clad in black leather, drinking colorful, expensive martinis. I go back to the gym tomorrow ...
Also caroused late-night in the "W" City Center's lobby. Just like LA & San Francisco, packed with beautiful people clad in black leather, drinking colorful, expensive martinis. I go back to the gym tomorrow ...