I recently completed my first stay since hitting the Starwood Platinum level in the Starwood Preferred Guest Program. This happened to be a one night stay at the Westin Washington National Harbor to celebrate Mrs MJonTravel’s 29th (ahem) birthday. I booked a special rate that included in-room breakfast for $209 per night. I had inserted into the comments section of the reservation that I would like a river view room as we were celebrating my wife’s birthday.
Arriving at 3 pm on the dot, we were warmly greeted by the front desk agent who immediately noted my Starwood Platinum status and thanked me for my loyalty. And in the next second, wished my wife a happy birthday, so I guess they can see those comments. đŸ™‚
She noted I was staying one night, and said let me see what kind of room I can find for you. She placed me in room 235, and said see if that room “suits your fancy.” I was jazzed! The word suite was never mentioned, but I had high hopes. And trust me, I was not disappointed.
Room 235 was a gynormous suite on the 2nd floor of the hotel. Not a high floor, but the room was just fantastic. The living area had a view of the retail shops, while the huge bedroom had a view to the north of the shops, and better yet, to the east of the harbor and the Potomac River. Needless to say, I’m off to a good start as Starwood Platinum. Here a few photos for your review.
Suite 235 - Living Room
Suite 235 - Living Room 2
Suite 235 - Bedroom
Suite 235 - Bedroom 2
Suite 235 - Bath
Suite 235 - Bath 2
SPG does have some nice properties and suite upgrades, but I’m turned off by their fees for local and toll free calls. I prefer to use a land line even when I have my cell as I think the call quality tends to be better and its more comfortable to talk on the land line phone. The iPhone is more a computer and less a phone. Also SPG underwhelms at the levels below Platinum, eg Gold & Corporate Preferred do not even get club level upgrades. I found this out the hard way in PHX. Other programs like Hilton and… Read more »