#10

The easiest way to answer this question would be to pick up the phone, but I will learn far more about the questions that I am not asking but should, here. On a cash + points offer, I am offerred various duplicative rooms. Any ideas why? Don't want to pick the wrong, seemingly same, choice. Thanks!

1 QUEEN 2 SPG AWARD ROOM NON-SMOKE Redeem
1 KING 2 SPG AWARD ROOM NON-SMOKE Redeem
1 KING 2 SPG AWARD ROOM NON-SMOKE Redeem
1 QUEEN 2 SPG AWARD ROOM NON-SMOKE Redeem

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Earlier reports can be found at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...er-thread.html

/mod

cpicard

I'll have to let you know later in the week. I am taking advantage of the cash and points at this property tomorrow night. I chose the first listed King option.

sbtinme

I would also appreciate an explanation on why this sort of option screen comes up for on line award bookings. I presume its because standard rooms can still be subclassified (high floor, low floor, city view, garden view, etc.) However, if that's the case, one wonders why the detail screen wouldn't make some of that info available.

I booked an award this week at the U S Grant in SAN and noticed in the fine print, it appeared to have pulled out of ADA compliant inventory. WOW!! I'm certain that will change when I arrive (or long before), but interesting to note nonetheless. That info was in no way available to me throughout the booking process. Weird.

#10

Very much look forward to what you learn about this, specifically, and the property, generally. Have a great stay!!!

sc flier

This has been true for a long time with online award bookings. Here's a similar thread from 2005...
Duplicate(?) rooms when redeeming - which to choose?

The codes that the OP asked about in this other thread is known as the Room Type Code, I think. And I think that this is just a selection from a sequential list of codes that have been used to group all of the rooms into their different classifications. I don't that there is any consistent meaning of the codes from one property to the next, though.

I could be wrong, but my understanding is that the hotels don't really follow these award assignments into ADA vs regular rooms. If they did, I would think that there would be a rash of complaints about how awards often get assigned irregular rooms. My understanding is that the ADA classification is ignored for online awards. If that's true, I don't know how SPG handles ADA awards in which a customer actually needs an ADA room.

OTOH, my own experience is jaded by the fact that I usually expect to get upgraded to a non-standard room (or hopefully the best available standard room) anyway because of my Plat status. For non-elite members, I don't know if the room type assignment is usually left as is. If so, then these codes may be important. Unfortunately, there is some work involved to search the code in order to determine which room type is which at a particular property. One can, for example, usually find these same room type codes over in the paid reservations search area to match them up with their more detailed room descriptions.

I know that this question has been asked some other times, but I couldn't find the threads with my few search attempts.

KathyWdrf

The reality is that most hotels don't really make room assignments until the night before, or even the day of arrival.

There are too many variables that make it difficult or impossible to assign a specific room, or even a very specific room category, way in advance. People check out early, or extend their stay unexpectedly, etc. In other words, it's a dynamically changing situation and you really are not getting an advance room assignment (except perhaps in certain specific situations).

So the notion that it really makes much difference which line you select is just absurd. Usually you are only expressing a room type preference; the exact type of room is not necessarily even guaranteed.

sc flier

Yes, but the hotel would theoretically assign rooms based on the room type preferences that were expressed in the reservation. If a room is actually available in both the ADA and non-ADA category on the day of arrival, would the hotel assign the guest to the ADA or non-ADA room type that they (randomly) selected? If not, then is the visible selection of bed type given any more regard than the hidden options of standard rooms such ADA, view, or high/low floor? Or are these preferences equally ignored?

cpicard

So, we stayed at the W Montreal on Sunday night on the points and cash basis. I will preface this by saying that due to the Nor'easter that was hitting the region on Sunday and Monday, we arrived earlier than originally planned to out run the weather. Also, I am a brand new Starwood gold, only earning the status a week ago based on a promotion.

We arrived on Sunday at the W around 1 pm. We parked alongside the hotel on St. Antonie since there were ample meters on a Sunday afternoon.

This is my first W experience but knew enough about the concept. Anyway, check in was very smooth and there was no issue with checking in early. Evidently, the room I chose with the King bed was classified as a "wonderful" room. It was room 315 and faced out to the Victoria Square.

Room was as promised, king bed, funky furnishings and a huge glass wall shower that faced the main room. So, overall a typical room that was fine.

The staff were great and very friendly. I used the wireless in the lobby which is free. I had a little problem connecting, but a staffer had come over to help (without even knowing I had a problem). She also asked if I wanted water or the like.

The scented candles throughout the lobby are a little overwhelming, but we don't spend much time there so no biggie.

We did not use the valet parking since I heard on Flyertalk that it is expensive - $35 CAN I believe. We parked at the meter for the day and then put the car in a lot for the night nearby.

I did not ask for an upgrade, nor was one offered. We did take advantage of the 4 pm Gold benefit check out which was great.

Since we were staying only one night at the W and the the other night at the Sheraton Centre-Ville(see other post on that topic), I have a good perspective of both properties. I would stay at either again although the Sheraton is a bit more covenient to some great restaurants and other activites, but Montreal is easy to get around anyway.

I hope this helps and you enjoy your upcoming stay!

C

Machiavelli

I booked 3 nights for June using points...a few days back I did get an email from the GM saying that they were looking forward to having me, the ADA room will be reserved for me, and did I need anything else.

A quick email back requesting a regular room and they responded affirming the change...

I am really looking forward to the trip...nice things have been said about the W Montreal and the city is supposed to be great...

fly co to see the yanks

returned from a weekend stay at this property. i hadn't stayed at a W in a couple of years. my favorite W is Seattle and i haven't been there in a while.

after this stay, i remembered why i generally dislike W's.

cons:
1) i hate coming back to the hotel at night and having to show a key so that one of the huge bouncers can open the velvet rope. this is montreal, mind you...not exactly NYC, LA, or London. once you enter, more velvet ropes guide people to either the "club" or the elevator banks for room access. i got back 1 AM'ish saturday night (primetime for clubs) and, from what i could see as i passed, there were about six people in the "club" and there was no line to enter. as with most "things W," this "scene" was more flash than substance.

2) the gym was pretty pitiful. the room itself was tiny and under-equipped. if i had time to work out, i would have had to go to a private gym.

3) there are only two elevator banks and no staff elevators (or, as they call them, "lifts"). so, elevator waits could get pretty bad.

4) the rooms were small with virtually no drawers for clothing, etc.

5) there were no coffee pots in the room.

6) way too much room was designated for bars. there were three freestanding bars and a restaurant with a bar area in the first two floors of the hotel.

7) the business center has two computers and a printer. even though the front desk knew the toner cartridge was out on friday, the hotel couldn't replace it until monday even though there was a computer store about two blocks from the hotel. the mouse on one of the two computers needed a battery and was basically inoperable during my entire stay.

8) i generally don't like rain showers. i prefer speakman showerheads. it's really tough to direct the showerhead when it's on the ceiling. you get much better pressure and versatility from the westin speakman set-up. if a hotel is going to have a rainshower, they should also have a speakman, as i have seen at some properties.

9) the room set-up had the bathroom as soon as you enter the room on the right....then the see through shower....then the bedroom. you could see all the way through the shower to the bathroom from the bed (i.e., the wall between the bed and the shower was glass and there was only a curtain blocking the toilet. so, if someone gets up in the middle of the night, it's hard to block the light. again, fun to look at but not super practical (the calling card of the W).

10) the bed is platform style and is dark wood to match the basically pitch dark nature of the room. even with all of the lights on, the room is very dark. but, the corners of the platform bed stick out. so, given the small size of the room, it is very easy to stub one's toe (as i and my companion did several times) walking around the bed.

11) for such a hip hotel, the TV was gargantuan tube style. how old fashioned.

12) no wifi in the rooms. how old fashioned.

13) the hotel tries too hard to be cool....and rarely succeeds. but, simple things like room service fail to deliver. my saturday morning delivery was a disaster. i ordered two omelettes, one with cheddar and ham. well, the omelette came up without cheddar even though the order was repeated back to us. also, we received an english muffin instead of the requested bagel. and, the coffee came up without cream. and, there was no cream cheese which was requested and repeated when the order was read back. a call to Service Express resulted in the bagel and cream appearing in about 15 minutes....but no eggs. the agent had no idea that the eggs were wrong. 15 more minutes resulted in the egg delivery. but, at that point, the bagel was cold. and the coffee wasn't super hot after having to wait for the cream. and, the first person had to eat alone or the other omelette would have been cold. so, all-in-all, i took about an hour and twenty minutes for the full order to arrive from placement to final delivery. and, mind you that this was an $80+ breakfast order.

pros:

1) the concierges were nice and helpful...particularly hugo.

2) the staff was very helpful.

3) free wifi in the lobby and (tiny) business center.

4) free bottled water as we were leaving.

i guess i am much more of a westin guy. but, i find W's to be LOTS of show and little substance. i wouldn't race back to this property.

p8riotsfan

I am currently on my third of four nights at the W Montreal and am very much enjoying the stay. As a gold I was automatically upgraded to a large room...by W standards and situated on floor 9 of 10 with a beautiful view...all on points. Front desk and concierge staff all warm and very helpful and support you through any language challenges. The rooms are well appointed and we have not been in need for anything. We havent utilized restaurants and were not even encouraged by concierge to avail ourselves due to the amazing local choices. Parked at a garage around the corner for 16,00$ per day. Have yet to use my car, so the valet option is not worth it if you plan on staying local. The have an small internet room or kiosk which eliminates the need for 15,00$ daily room fee, unless you need frequent access. I was happy to discover on a side note that I get free texting and data access from my Verizon Blackberry, even though calls are 39 cents per minute. The night life is quite rich at the hotel with a bar for all types and modern lounge appointments. Great place to hang after you go out on the town, or even stay onsite. I am an infrequent traveler, using AMEX points everywhere I go, but I would say that this is well worth the pointage. Hope this helps whomever whenever.

100,000miler

Great report to read. I have been considering a stay there sometime.

Machiavelli

Just returned from a 3 night stay at the W Montreal...came over from the Ritz...what a nice change.

First the downsides...the robes were too small (Only Vegas has been able to help me with that), the ice bucket was tiny, the drawers were almost non-existent, the rain shower was fun to look at, but not super functional and the drink on the patio was expensive.

If it sounds like I am reaching, it is because I am. I thought the W was a beautiful place once you walked through the doors. Certainly not created for big groups, but since it was just me and a friend, it was perfect. I even thought that the lack of privacy in the bathrooms was unique. I did have a door separating the shower/tub/sink area from the toilet, but otherwise everything was open.

I was staying on points, so my expectations were set accordingly, but the hotel treated me as if I were a king. An email showed up 2 weeks before my stay asking if there was anything that they could help me with. Within hours we had arranged time at the spa, dinner reservations, an upgraded room, concert tickets, and late check-out. I have to say that the service before I showed up was amazing, topped only by the service after I arrived.

Every need was attended to and the hotel even provided some nice touches...like roses, 1/2 bottle of Champagne, truffles, and chocolate covered strawberries in the room upon my return from dinner and the concert. Every recommendation from the Concierge was great! Every restaurant they steered us to was top notch and they gave us great directions.

I could see how a business traveler would not be as happy, but for a nice weekend with a good friend, this is the only place I will stay in Montreal!

fly co to see the yanks

why? you paid for those points...and spg points are hard earned points.

and, while i thought the service was very strong, i didn't understand why the hotel couldn't fix problems in the business center from friday until monday (i.e., no toner for the printer (even though a computer store was two blocks away) and a broken mouse).

on a one to five star scale, i still would only give this property 1.5 stars. i guess i am a westin guy. i thought the property was pretty weak overall (again, other than the service).

p8riotsfan

[QUOTE=fly co to see the yanks;7954538]
cons:

2) the gym was pretty pitiful. the room itself was tiny and under-equipped. if i had time to work out, i would have had to go to a private gym.


10) the bed is platform style and is dark wood to match the basically pitch dark nature of the room. even with all of the lights on, the room is very dark. but, the corners of the platform bed stick out. so, given the small size of the room, it is very easy to stub one's toe (as i and my companion did several times) walking around the bed.


3) free wifi in the lobby and (tiny) business center.

QUOTE]

LMAO on the platform bed. I smashed my toe twice. My wife never seemed to get enough of that! Why is it that she never laughs that loud at my jokes? Revenge? Turnaround was fair play. I howled at her mangled fourth toe. We're a couple of cruel .......s. Holy crap! How did those geniuses miss that deal? Closed circuit TV's in the room with a private casino: "Ok, ok: the over-under on this pathetic couple...two and a half. Who's in?"

Agree about gym. One damn weight bench? One measly dumbell rack? C'mon.

NOTE: As per the free wifi in lobby....LOG IN IN THE LOBBY AND YOU GET 24 HOURS TO TAKE YOUR LAPTOP TO THE ROOM. IT WOIKED! NYUK NYUK NYUK!