The shuttle to the Westin runs from Dulles Airport at 15 and 45 minutes after the hour, so we had about a 20 minute wait for the shuttle. The shuttle bus was populated mostly by overpaid employees of a low cost carrier that shall remain nameless (I think there’s only one airline in this country where you can make six figures as a flight attendant), and it was kind of funny because the first officer was met at the hotel by his family, as he lived only 30 minutes away.
Check-in was located to the left of the entrance, and we were promptly helped. Upon asking we were upgraded to an accessible suite, which was the only type of suite they had available. While I selected 500 Starpoints as the Platinum amenity I was also offered vouchers for the breakfast buffet, which seems generous.
Lobby
The suite was located on the second floor not far from the elevators.
Hallway
Through the entrance was the living room, consisting of a couch and a couple of chairs.
Living room
The bathroom was also right by the entrance and not connected to the bedroom. I suspect this is because it’s an accessible room, though it’s always a bit odd to not have the bedroom connected to the bathroom.
Sink
Toilet
The bathroom featured both a shower tub and a separate shower.
Shower tub
Shower
Connected to the living room was the bedroom, which featured a king sized Heavenly Bed, desk, and chair with ottoman.
Bedroom
Desk
Chair with ottoman
The room featured views of the nearby office park.
Office park
The hotel also has a decent gym and indoor pool on the second floor, though I didn’t have a chance to use either of them.
Gym
Pool
The hotel’s restaurant, Padella, serves breakfast daily from 6:30AM till 11AM. I’ve never been the only person in such a big restaurant, though it was completely deserted the entire time I was there.
Padella Restaurant
The breakfast spread was actually great, and included pastries, fresh fruit, lox and bagels, and several hot options. Unfortunately despite the fact that I was the only guest and that there were three waiters, they couldn’t be bothered to remove my plates or offer me something to drink.
Buffet
Buffet
Buffet
Buffet
Anyway, on the whole the Westin was a perfectly nice airport hotel. I certainly appreciated the suite upgrade, breakfast vouchers, and Heavenly Bed, and wouldn’t hesitate to return if I were overnighting at Dulles Airport.
Looks like a low-end Westin to me.
Not the case at all. I've stayed here at least 5 times and it's a great property. The pool/gym area is very nice, the breakfast is great and the hotel lobby/bar area typically is pretty active at night.
Hey Lucky - "there’s only one airline in this country where you can make six figures as a flight attendant"...which one is that?
@ John -- A certain airline known for their 20 minute turns. Does that answer your question?
@ Lucky - Got it - thank you.
Not sure, though, that I agree with your (resentful?) description of the bus being "populated mostly by overpaid employees of (unnamed airline)". The vast majority of employees of that airline couldn't be described as being "overpaid". And if there are some cabin crew that earn six figures because they've been there a long time, well, good for them. The airline is profitable - why should the...
@ Lucky - Got it - thank you.
Not sure, though, that I agree with your (resentful?) description of the bus being "populated mostly by overpaid employees of (unnamed airline)". The vast majority of employees of that airline couldn't be described as being "overpaid". And if there are some cabin crew that earn six figures because they've been there a long time, well, good for them. The airline is profitable - why should the executives get all the reward?
It generally makes more sense to me to pay six figures to someone who might be required for their particular skills during a life / death emergency, than millions for acting in a TV episode, or millions for working in an advertising agency.
In the airline industry, I think that the only truly overpaid ones are those that have earned millions while their airlines collapses into bankruptcy protection.
For those us living overseas...which airline is that?
@ John -- I said it entirely tongue in cheek. I have several friends at that airline, and they're all hardworking and deserve every cent they make. But that doesn't stop me from joking that they're overpaid camp counselors (just look at their uniform). Southwest is profitable for a reason.
@ Lucky - Thanks for clarifying. Their uniform designer is definitely overpaid.
Never got to the Westin though had a $79 weekend rate at the Sheraton Dulles which was a nice hotel too - got a corner room as a gold. Park and fly package was the same price which was nice.
Hi Ben,
first of all thank you for your amazing blog and for flying your ass off to get to create the content.
I was wondering, have you never stayed at the Ritz-Carlton, Bali?
We went for it instead of the St. Regis since it was a much better deal on points and its a blast.