Just wanted to let you know about our stay. We usually stay at the Renaissance in West Hollywood. Comparing The W to the Renaissance, I would give the W a C- and the Renaissance an A+.
This was our very first time using Starwood points…we have been loyal Marriott Rewards people for many years
.
• When we arrived at the W the bellman encouraged me to go check in and leave my bags there for him. I was concerned that the luggage and the loose bag and sweatshirts would get separated with several guys doing the work. Sure enough, as I was checking in I saw the cart come in and the loose items weren’t with my luggage. He said “Oh, I was wondering who they belonged to?”

• We checked in on points. The reservationist gave us a room directly across from the elevators which we heard loud and clear from our room. To Compare…on our points at the Renaissance or any Marriott, they usually upgrade us and always make sure that we have a fabulous location and room.

• The Bellman was not busy, but I was told to go ahead to the room and wait for my bags. Wait is just what I did. Feeling that there was absolutely no reason to wait since it wasn’t busy at all downstairs, I called the front desk to request that the bags be brought up soon. At the Renaissance, the bellman waits while you check in and then follows you in the same elevator to your room with your bags. No waiting necessary!

• The rooms were very inadequate for traveler’s needs. It’s as if the hotel never did an analysis of basics that traveler’s need. There was no place around the sink to put anything except a toothbrush and the toothpaste. There was no makeup table and mirror. The closets were tiny and there were no dresser drawers big enough to lay more clothes in them, except for the small ones in the closet. At the Renaissance, in fact, at every Marriott, there is always a makeup area with a mirror. There are always large dresser drawers. The sink area has plenty of room to lay out your toiletries.

• I called for the concierge and the operator put me on hold (with my permission), but then she came back on the line sounding very flustered and asked if she could take a message for the concierge. Surprise, the Concierge never called me back. At the Renaissance the operators never get flustered, in fact, they always say “Delighted”.

• When we went down to the pool late Sat. afternoon it was crowded and there wasn’t a seat to be had. We let the guy there know of our predicament. I think he had several options…First, he could have let us use one of the cabanas that were free since it was so late in the afternoon and there were no signs of it being occupied. Second, he could have watched us go to the bar and come and got us when some chairs became free. There was no follow up.

• Needless to say, we won’t be back.