While my main destination in South Florida was the St. Regis Bal Harbour, I decided to make a one-night stopover at the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood, Florida, on the way down. It was available on Cash & Points, so cost only 4,800 SPG points plus $90.
Continue reading: Review: Westin Diplomat in Hollywood, Florida
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I've read alot about the Westin Diplomat in the FT forums, glad to be able to see some pictures...
i would be furious if I had saw the hotel had upgraded me to a suite pre-arrival and then saw that they've taken it away.. =/
@ Jamison -- At the end of the day I think we should be thankful for SPG's transparency in this regard rather than holding it against them. I understand operational circumstances can change (paid suite guest extending stay, suite out of service, etc.), and I'd hate for them to be less general with upgrades in advance because of it.
But again, it's frustrating nonetheless. 😉
They tried that tip trick on me the last two times I was there. I did not fall for it. They also do that at the Westin Cape Town.
I started staying at the Diplomat years ago, back around 2006 the evening service was amazing ... a first service with substantive food, and then a late dessert service with delicious treats. And they kept replenishing.
And they didn't always put out the $0 checks either.
(Although cocktails in the lounge have never been free, historically they have been MORE EXPENSIVE than the bar downstairs.)
The only time I failed to get a suite here was the week between Christmas and New Years.
Ben - also saw the gratuity/room number cards at the Sheraton Chicago this week. Obviously a new chain wide standard - wonder if they're researching lounge use.
Ben - I must be a bit dense, but how do you find out in advance if you've been upgraded? I've never noticed that on my SPG profile or when looking at my upcoming stay.
The Sheraton Hotel & Towers in Chicago does the same tip card thing in their club lounge too!
@ Scott -- When you look at your reservation online, the room type will update if you've been upgraded. So it showed me as being booked into a one bedroom suite in this instance.
The Atrium Club lounge at the Westin Times Square in NYC is aggressive about having you sign a card with your room number with a big entry for a gratuity
Nice trip report. This platinum also did not get a suite, but feel that platinum recognition is pretty good at this hotel. Got a nice view room.
I also agree that the lounge view is excellent but the spread is pathetic. I thought the $0 bill was them fishing for a tip... for that reason alone, I would not tip!