jechho's stats
- Review count116
- Helpfulness votes223
- First reviewOctober 25, 2011
- Last reviewOctober 10, 2015
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.9
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes1
- First review commentJanuary 31, 2015
- Last review commentJanuary 31, 2015
- Featured review comments0
The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood, Florida
The hotel will be leaving Starwood on October 29, 2014. Reservations after this date will not be eligible for SPG membership benefits.
Overall rating
3
out of
5
Room Comfort
4
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
2
out of
5
Cleanliness
4
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
2
out of
5
SPG Recognition
4
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:December 2013
Never again during the holidays
PostedJanuary 21, 2013
Stayed here during during christmas, and while I knew if would be a peak periode for the hotel, I was not prepared for a total chaos almost everywhere.
The club lounge was full of families with kids running around, and it was almost impossible to find a place to sit down. The food selection was worse than I ever seen, and it did not help that families was stocking up both at breakfast time and during the evening snack hours. It was so far from a realxing lounge - where you can grap some nice breakfast - that it is possible to come. The hotel must come up with more and better food, plus more space and places to sit, int their lounge. Periode. The nice view is not enough.
The gym was closed for renovation, and the placed they used at the other side of the street was terrible. No water, no earplugs, noone to remove used towels etc. Very disappointing.
Door-slamming is always a problem at this hotel. Every morning we were awoken by the early birds next door who showed no consideration when coming and going. Please, get some soft-lock mechanisms to your doors! It is just a question of costs, a lot of newer hotels get this!
The lines at front desk were enormous most of the day. God forbid if you needed help from them - like if you had los the tacky wristband they force you to wear in order to go to the beach and pool area. A lot of people where complaining about this - and the elite check in sign were mostly not respected.
We got no platinum suite upgrade, but that is what to expect during holidays. However, I did not expect a zoo, chaos and an extremely poor lounge. Doubt it if I will return in the near future.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:December 2013
+2points
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Located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River near Sanibel Island, our waterfront resort offers convenient access to Tarpon Point Marina.
Overall rating
4
out of
5
Room Comfort
5
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
5
out of
5
Cleanliness
5
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
5
out of
5
SPG Recognition
5
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:December 2012
Great property
PostedDecember 23, 2012
Stayed here for 2 days, a week after the hotel became a Westin. So there where some starting trouble, the TV in the living room did not work, and had some problems with the telephones. but this was minor details.
Was upgraded to a one bedroom suite, which was very nice. Had a fully equipped kitchen and washer and dryer. The suite was very quiet.
Chose breakfast as welcome gift. The breakfast was great, good service and very good food.
The only downside at this hotel is the location. It is a bit far from everything
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Above/Met ExpectationsService, Pool, Food and Beverage, Fitness Center
Below ExpectationsLocation
Month of Arrival:December 2012
+3points
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In Florida's High Tech Corridor, the hotel is a comfortable and relaxing environment with easy access to Orlando's attractions.
Overall rating
4
out of
5
Room Comfort
5
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
5
out of
5
Cleanliness
5
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
4
out of
5
SPG Recognition
3
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:December 2012
Good stay, good value
PostedDecember 23, 2012
Stayed one night.
Upgraded to club room, no suites available. A very nice lounge with good breakfast spread. One of the better lounges.
Nice room, quiet and comfortable. It is worth mentioning that the doors were very soundproof. To many hotels have a big gap between door and floor.
Stayed on cash and points, was very good value.
Upgraded to club room, no suites available. A very nice lounge with good breakfast spread. One of the better lounges.
Nice room, quiet and comfortable. It is worth mentioning that the doors were very soundproof. To many hotels have a big gap between door and floor.
Stayed on cash and points, was very good value.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Above/Met ExpectationsService, Location, Food and Beverage
Month of Arrival:December 2012
0points
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In London’s iconic West End, classic meets contemporary as our historic décor juxtaposes with our modern health club and meeting spaces.
Overall rating
4
out of
5
Room Comfort
3
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
4
out of
5
Cleanliness
4
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
4
out of
5
SPG Recognition
4
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:August 2012
Nice stay
PostedSeptember 15, 2012
Had a three night stay here in August, after the Olympics. As spg platinum members we were upgraded to a jr. suite that had a very small bed. Asked for a room with a king size bed, and was given another jr. suite . They seemed to be out of regular suites, but the jr. suite was rather big.
Pluses:
- location
- the room (facing courtyard) was surprisingly quiet
- bottle of wine was awaiting us on the second day, that is how to treat platinum members!
- location
- the room (facing courtyard) was surprisingly quiet
- bottle of wine was awaiting us on the second day, that is how to treat platinum members!
Minuses:
- the bathroom was old and dingy, and the aircon pretty noisey.
- the lounge could be rather crowded at times.
- windows were small, so not a lot of natural light
- the bathroom was old and dingy, and the aircon pretty noisey.
- the lounge could be rather crowded at times.
- windows were small, so not a lot of natural light
We snagged a great deal, and would stay here again - if we could find a similar bargain.
Month of Arrival:August 2012
+1point
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The landmark 1911 beaux arts Guardian Life building, re-invented by David Rockwell, is ringed by the essentials – shopping, music, art.
Overall rating
5
out of
5
Room Comfort
5
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
5
out of
5
Cleanliness
3
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
5
out of
5
SPG Recognition
4
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:July 2012
Location, location
PostedJuly 28, 2012
Second stay at this hotel. Had some issues the last time, and the excellent Ms. Baker (the welcome manager) made sure that everything went smooth this time. I must say that I am not very impressed by the front desk at this hotel (e.g. giving me different answers on the same questions regarding details of the virtuoso program and the spg platinum continental breakfast), but Ms. Baker saves the day.
However, the hotel need to figure out if spg platinums can use their breakfast amenity in Olives or via inroom dining only. Never got a clear answer on that one.
Had a nice platinum upgrade to a studio suite. Not a real suite as per se, but the great location on the 18th floor and high ceilings made this a terrific room. When it comes to noise outside, it was a huge different from the room on the 10th floor we had the last time. One big minus: The room was rather dusty. On the DVD there was a HUGE layer of dust.
This was a short stay, but we will be back.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:July 2012
+1point
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The most stunning views of New York unfold at W Hoboken, the hottest hotel dazzling with music, art and fashion this side of the Hudson.
Overall rating
4
out of
5
Room Comfort
4
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
4
out of
5
Cleanliness
5
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
4
out of
5
SPG Recognition
4
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:July 2012
Nice alternative to the Manhattan-madness
PostedJuly 22, 2012
If you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle at Manhattan, but still have it within easy reach, this is a very nice option. As others here have said: A short walk to the path train, 15 minutes or so on the train (for 2 dollars) and behold: You are next to Macys.
After reading much about the great starwood platinum treatment at this hotel, it was a bit let down that we did not get a suite on our one-night midweek stay. Of course, suite upgrades depend on availability, but it is nevertheless a let down not getting one. We did get a high floor, however, and the size of the room was good.
We did enjoy our stay, and agree with most reviewers here about the nice location and facilities. I am a bit surprised though, that noone has mentioned the noise from the elevators. We had to change room due to the very high and anoying noise from the elevators going up and down. My advice for lightsleepers is to ask for room as far away from the elevators as possible.
At breakfast I was informed that the continental breakfast (a platinum amenity) meant 15 dollars per person and that we could order anything from the menu. When I pointed out that those 15 dollars would not cover all the items that should be included in the continental breakfast package, the waiter responded "I guess you are right and that you could have a continental breakfast". We decided to order off the menu, but I am not sure why the hotel was not clear and without hesitation offered what is actually printed on the starwood breakfast voucher.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:July 2012
+1point
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The Fairfax at Embassy Row, Washington, D.C.
Experience the gracious service, magnificent décor, and spectacular location of this historic Massachusetts Ave. hotel, a legend since 1924.
Overall rating
4
out of
5
Room Comfort
3
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
3
out of
5
Cleanliness
4
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
4
out of
5
SPG Recognition
5
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:July 2012
The location can't be beaten!
PostedJuly 19, 2012
I love this area, and when you are finished doing all the touristy things in the DC, the Dupont Circle is a great area for dining and just hanging out. This hotel is close to the action, but also good for a walk to Georgetown and the downtown area.
As a platinum member, we had been upgraded to a nice suite. I had requested courtyard view (to avoid noise from the Mass aveneue) and high floor, and that was exactly what we got. Best platinum treatment I have gotten in a long time!
Room for improvement:
- the windows were not doubleglassed (and in the bedroom, we were not able to close the rather old window properly), and there was noise from the courtyard too (deliverys to other buildings early in the morning). Please upgrade your windows!
- front desk messed up our bill during check out, as they did not understand the best rate guarantee program. This was however VERY quickly solved by Mr.Colan, the front desk manager. Great service! he even credited us some extra points for the inconvinence.
- the valet parking is just too expensive.
- the bathroom was a little small for a luxurious suite.
- the windows were not doubleglassed (and in the bedroom, we were not able to close the rather old window properly), and there was noise from the courtyard too (deliverys to other buildings early in the morning). Please upgrade your windows!
- front desk messed up our bill during check out, as they did not understand the best rate guarantee program. This was however VERY quickly solved by Mr.Colan, the front desk manager. Great service! he even credited us some extra points for the inconvinence.
- the valet parking is just too expensive.
- the bathroom was a little small for a luxurious suite.
All in all a great stay. We will be back.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:July 2012
0points
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A re-imagined historic landmark situated two blocks from The White House on the corner of 16th and K Streets.
Overall rating
5
out of
5
Room Comfort
4
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
5
out of
5
Cleanliness
5
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
4
out of
5
SPG Recognition
5
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:July 12
Great experience!
PostedJuly 7, 2012
Perfect platinum treatment at check in, front desk manager was a true gem and went above and beyond to get us a nice suite even though we were there on a bargain rate - and only for one night. This is the way to treat you most loyal customers!
Room was clean, quiet and comfortable. We choose a smaller room/suite facing the courtyard instead of a bigger suite facing the main and busy street.
Not many minuses here, but:
The champagne happening in the lobby at 6pmn was a little let know, very few show up to watch and we did only get half a glass of something bubbly that NOT was real french champagne.
The upper parts of the curtains in the room did not cover the windows entirely, so it was impossible to get the room completly dark.
All in all highly recommended. Great location for first time visitors to DC.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:July 12
+1point
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Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, we offer a lush oasis for vacationers and a full-service conference center with ample meeting space.
Overall rating
4
out of
5
Room Comfort
4
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
4
out of
5
Cleanliness
4
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
4
out of
5
SPG Recognition
5
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:July 12
A nice surprise!
PostedJuly 5, 2012
I sure did not expect such a nice and modern Sheraton in Roanoke. The hotel looks newly refurbished and the common areas were wonderful. At the cash and point rate we got, we felt this was a real bargain! Great place to spend starpoints!
We were assigned a nice suite as platinum members, without having to fight about it. Always a major plus! The layout of the suite could have been better, though. The bedrom was adjacent to the entrance to the neighboring room, which meant that coming and going (read: door slamming) was very noticable from bed.
Other room for improvements
- the service at breakfast could have been better. The male waitor looked bored and was borderline rude, e.g. he just poured us orange juice without asking if we prefered something else and barely said a word to us (except "uh-hu")
- i saw several pets on our floor, which was the spg floor/top floor. I am an allergic, and I would prefer to know that I am placed on a pet-floor and/or in a petroom. I suspect that even the suite we had, previously had been occupied by pets, luckily any smell etc. was barely noticable. However, as a customer, I would like to be informed about it if I get a room that is regularly used by a pet owner.
- there were sigarettes and beer cans lying around the pool area. Not very tempted to take a swim.And they were out of fresh towels, and the old ones had not been removed.
- the service at breakfast could have been better. The male waitor looked bored and was borderline rude, e.g. he just poured us orange juice without asking if we prefered something else and barely said a word to us (except "uh-hu")
- i saw several pets on our floor, which was the spg floor/top floor. I am an allergic, and I would prefer to know that I am placed on a pet-floor and/or in a petroom. I suspect that even the suite we had, previously had been occupied by pets, luckily any smell etc. was barely noticable. However, as a customer, I would like to be informed about it if I get a room that is regularly used by a pet owner.
- there were sigarettes and beer cans lying around the pool area. Not very tempted to take a swim.And they were out of fresh towels, and the old ones had not been removed.
Front desk was really lovely and chatty, and all in all I would highly recommend this hotel.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:July 12
-1point
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Steps from top shops and sites, we offer simple comforts–including a pool and free Wi-Fi—against a relaxing Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop.
Overall rating
3
out of
5
Room Comfort
2
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
4
out of
5
Cleanliness
3
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
3
out of
5
SPG Recognition
4
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:July 12
Good value, room for improvement
PostedJuly 4, 2012
First of all, if you are looking for something close to Asheville downtown at a reasonable price, this hotel is an ideal pick. We snagged a decent cash and points rate, and redeeming starpoints at this property seems to be a good deal.
The room itself was clean and pretty modern. The bedding was also of good quality.
However, we encountered a few minuses at this property.
First of all: Noise. Even though we had secured a room on the top floor not facing the highway, the windows AND the roomdoor out to the hall were both so thin that they almost did not block out any noise at all. When the neighboors were coming and going, slamming their doors, it was almost as they were IN the room. And we could easily hear the icemachine, even though it was a way down the hall.
Second: This hotel is pet-friendly. For some this is a pro, but not for my partner who were awoken by a dog barkin at 7am. I thought that the spg floor had no pet rooms (I had asked for that too), but I seemed to be wrong.
Thirdly: We arrived at 1pm, and asked when the room was ready. Was told one hour. At 230pm the room was not ready. We sat outside waiting and waiting, and finally at 330pm the room was ready. Why not tell us at 1 pm that this would take about three - and not one - hours? We know the rule of check-in time, so instead of over-promising, stick with a neutral estimate of check-in time.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:July 12
+1point
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jechho's Review Comments
Located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River near Sanibel Island, our waterfront resort offers convenient access to Tarpon Point Marina.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5Just average this time
By jechho
from Norway
Stayed here over New Years. This was our forth visit to the hotel. All in all an average experience.
Usually the rooms here are quiet, but this time the family above us was so noisy I almost had to ask for a room change (but we had a nice suite + they seemed fully booked). Most of the noise comes from chairs and other furniture being moved around on the tiled floor in the rooms and/or on the balcony. They should really consider carpets here. After listening to chair scratching for a while, it just gets maddening.
We had the spg platinum breakfast, and like on our last visit, the waiter decided to automatically add a 20% service charge on the bill + plus leave a tip space open. It made us really uncomfortable. Please let your guests decide what amount they want to tip. This policy will not work in your favor in the long run, it will only create irritation. (Besides, this hotel already has enough of those annoying add-ons. You want pancakes for breakfast? Great. You want blueberries in your pancakes? That’s an extra dollar. And don’t get me started on the resort fee.)
The hotel is pet-friendly, and there are a lot of dogs there. I like dogs, but not on holiday. I have learned my lesson, and asked for a room that did not have dogs as neighbors (barking) or had recently been in it (smell). However, if you want to have your breakfast outside in the restaurant, you just have to tolerate the dogs. In my opinion, they should have one of the sides out sides dog-free.
The hotel is still a fine one, with mostly greatly service (love Anna Marie at front desk) and a reasonably good hard product. But the location is isolated, and without a beach nearby, I need it to be perfect to make it worth a visit. This time it was not, and we will probably not be back for a while.
jechho
Norway
Regarding the GMs reply
Posted January 31, 2015
Dear Mr. Ashton,
Thank you for taking the time to comment upon my review. It would however be nice if you would comment on the issues raised in the review (noise from furniture above due to no carpet, and the auto-tipping in restaurant) and not on something that I did not bring up at all (the resort fee).
Best regards, jechho
+1point
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