JW Marriott at LA Live

The JW Marriott LA Live is located with the LA Live complex, so there is ample entertainment and dining options right at your doorstep.

Valet parking is rather slow.  When I pulled up to the hotel, there were 4 or 5 valet attendants but only one of them was working.  The other 3 or 4 were just standing around.  The supervisor was there as well, and he didn’t seem that concerned that cars were starting to get backed up into the street.  At $40, you would think, and hope, that not only would valet parking be very efficient but they should also throw in a free car wash.

Upon entering the hotel, there is a large atrium with a staircase on the right.  The hotel is mainly white, with splashes of bright neon colors throughout.  It almost has a South Beach feel to it.

The front desk is to the right and can be easily overlooked.  There are only a couple of kiosks.  Like valet parking, one front desk agent was more interested in looking at her nails, while the front desk agent who helped me very pleasant and efficient.  All Marriott Platinum benefits were clearly explained.  I was asked if I wanted 500 points or a $10 food/beverage credit.  He also explained that the lounge was closed on the weekends, but breakfast could be had at LA Market.  There was a $24 credit per person for breakfast, which I felt was rather generous.

I had booked a junior suite, since it was only $30 more than a regular room.  I have read that Platinum members often got upgraded to a junior suite, but with the cost minimal it wasn’t that big of a deal.  I had also booked a package where I received a $50 credit, so in essence I got free breakfast for being a Platinum member, and free lunch with the $50 credit.

Junior Suite

Sad View from Room

My room was located on the top floor in a corner room with views from two sides.  Unfortunately, the view from each window was of the 110 freeway.

Coffee Maker & Water

Upon entering the room, the coffee maker and two complimentary bottles of water are waiting.

Sitting Area

There is a small foyer with a bench that can sit three people next to it along with a small table.

Bathroom

Bathroom

The bathroom is rather large, with only a walk-in shower, however counter space is at a premium.  Water temperature in the shower is great, but water pressure is somewhat lacking.

There is a large closet that contains the safe, iron, ironing board and several drawers

Desk/TV

The desk area is wide enough to hold the flat screen TV, a few drawers and a small refrigerator.  The thing I don’t like about Marriott’s is that the desk is at a height that makes working on it almost impossible unless you are Manute Bol.  There is a small pull out table that you can use as a work surface but seems to defeat the purpose of the desk.  There are multiple outlets on the side of the desk that makes plugging in multiple devices easy.

Sitting Area

There is a sitting area with a chair, sofa and large ottoman and coffee table, perfect for having a small get together.

Bed

The bed is super comfortable as are the pillows.  At first glance, there does not appear to be any outlets in sight, but underneath the small lights mounted on the wall, there is an outlet underneath the fixture.  It is close enough to the bed that you are still able to use your phone while it is plugged in.

Breakfast in LA Market was rather good.  Service was great, and our server Jason was very accommodating.  The breakfast buffet is $26 but you can also have cooked to order eggs or omelet, pancakes or French Toast in addition to the buffet for the same price.  The pancakes are light and fluffy, and come loaded with blueberries, as well as blueberry or regular butter and real maple syrup.

My dining companion order the French Toast but indicated that she wanted it very soggy which is rarely done by restaurants.  When the French Toast came out rather dry, Jason happily exchanged it for her second choice, the Eggs Benedict which were very good according to her.

Entrance to Pool/Bar

Rooftop Pool

View from Rooftop Pool

There is a “rooftop” pool and bar, but it is on the fourth floor.  No great view of the city, but you can see the action happening down in the LA Live area.

The one thing I do not like about Marriott is that although it is indicated that late check-out for Silver, Gold and Platinum members, if available, there is nothing set in stone, like with Hyatt or Starwood where a 4:00 PM check-out is guaranteed with the exception of resorts.

I asked for a late check-out and was told they best extend it to 1:00 PM.  I then asked, even for Platinum members.  After doing some digging, I was then given an extension to 3:00 PM, COMPLIMENTARY which was highly stressed.

Overall, this was a great stay and would not hesitate to stay here again if I needed to be in the area.  Check rates early and book them if possible.  As my stay was nearing I kept a casual eye on rates, and it more than doubled in the week of the stay.

The Westin South Coast Plaza

The Westin South Coast Plaza is conveniently located across the street from South Coast Plaza, and next to Segerstrom Concert Hall and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

As you enter the hotel, the front desk is located to the right.  Although there were three front desk agents, and only one other guest checking in, the other two front desk agents weren’t very proactive in helping customers.  One front desk agent walked away while the other was helpful once the check-in process began.

The lobby is somewhat small, and missing was the flavored water located in most Westin hotels.

Bathroom

Upon entering the room, the bathroom is located to the right.  The bathroom is on the smaller side, but there is ample counter space.

Shower/Tub Combo

They must have taken leftover tile from the Brady Bunch to tile the bathroom as it is rather outdated.  There was no “Heavenly Shower” but there is a rainfall shower head in addition to the normal shower head, providing an impromptu Heavenly Shower.

The bedroom is fairly large with ample space to walk around and maneuver around the bed.

Dresser/TV

There is a small dresser with flat screen TV with a small sitting area.

Desk

The desk is fairly wide, but does not have very much depth to it.

Heavenly Bed

The Heavenly Bed was just that.  It is nice that the lamps next on the nightstands each have 2 outlets, which makes plugging in electronics easy and convenient.

I wouldn’t say that Customer Service is a strong point of this hotel based upon this stay.

Parking options are rather limited, either valet or there is covered garage parking.  However, at $20 a day, it is rather steep.  Since there are no other parking options, the hotel certainly have you by the “short hairs” when it comes to this property.Howevdfs

SPG Best Rate Guarantee - How To Boost Your Starpoints Balance

Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) is the hotel loyalty program for properties including Sheraton, Westin, W, The Luxury Collection, element, St. Regis, Four Points, Le Meridien, and aloft.

SPG points are considered one of the most valuable of all loyalty points including those from both hotels, airlines and credit cards.  Mainly because they are so versatile.  They can be used for hotel room redemptions, cash & points hotel room redemptions, or transferring those points into airline miles.  In fact, SPG has an extra bonus of 25% when redeeming 20,000 Starpoints into many airline programs that results in 25,000 airline miles.

Because Starpoints are so valuable, they are very difficult to earn by hotel stays alone.  Preferred Members of the SPG program get 2 Starpoints for every dollar spent at a Starwood property, Gold and Platinum members receive 3 Starpoints for every dollar.

However, there is a relatively easy way to rack up a bunch of Starpoints quickly at no cost and with a little effort.  Enter the Best Rate Guarantee program of SPG.  If you can find a lower rate on a competing website, Starwood will either offer you an extra 2,000 Starpoints or 10% off the lower hotel rate.

The 10% is rather low compared to other hotel programs, such as Marriott which provides a 25% rate reduction or Hyatt which provides a 20% rate reduction for finding a lower rate on a competing website.

In order for a Preferred Member to get 2,000 Starpoints one would need to spend $1,000, whereas a Gold or Platinum Member would need to spend nearly $700 for 2,000 Starpoints.

Below are some examples of recent stays I have at Starwood properties where I found lower rates on competing websites.  Not only did I get a lower rate than what Starwood was offering directly from their website, I also got an extra 10,000 Starpoints for a little bit of research.

Hotel Name: Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport

Starwood Brand Web Site Room Rate : 139.00

Other Company room provider :www.kayak.com

Actual Confirmed Rate : 114.00

BRG Reward : points

Hotel Name: W San Diego

Room Type : Wonderful Room

Starwood Brand Web Site Room Rate : 229.00

Other Company room provider :www.onhotels.com

Actual Confirmed Rate: 176.63

BRG Reward : points

Hotel Name: Sheraton Cerritos Hotel

Starwood Brand Web Site Room Rate : 110.00

Company room provider : travelocity.com

Actual Confirmed Rate : 93.73

BRG Reward : points 

Hotel Name: The Phoenician

Starwood Brand Web Site Room Rate : 189.00

Other Company room provider :www.olotels.com

Actual Confirmed Rate : 161.86

BRG Reward : points

 

Hotel Name: The Westin South Coast Plaza

Starwood Brand Web Site Room Rate : 165.00

Company room provider : Hotels.com

Actual Confirmed Rate : 132.94

BRG Reward : points 

The other great thing about the SPG Best Rate Guarantee program is that if you find a lower rate on a pre-paid or non-refundable rate, you can submit a claim first before having to commit a booking.  Once the pre-paid or non-refundable rate has been confirmed by SPG then you can book the room, email them back the Confirmation # and the rate change will be made to your reservation.

This is significantly different and more advantageous than Marriott in which you must make the booking first and then submit your claim after, hoping that the claim will be approved.

 

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa - Palm Desert

The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is the only JW Marriott in the Palm Springs area.  The property boasts two 18-hole golf courses and is a beautiful property.

Upon entering the hotel there is a huge open, atrium style lobby.  The front desk is located to the left.  Check-in was rather slow, as there were only two front desk agents.  The front desk agent was very thorough in explaining the features of the property.  I had booked a room package that included the resort fees, and a $50 resort credit.  The package also included 2 rounds of golf, but at 110 degrees golf is the last thing on most peoples mind.

Signature Room

I was upgraded to a Signature Room with a balcony that overlooked the lake at the back of the property, looked over the pool and golf courses. 

Bathroom

Bathroom

Bathroom

Upon entering the room, the bathroom is to the right.  The bathroom is rather large with a separate shower and tub.  Oddly, there is only one sink but there is ample counter space.

Bed

The bedroom area itself is fairly large with a king size bed with plenty of room to maneuver around.

Desk

The desk is rather small despite there being two chairs.  It was hard to get a lot of work done without rearranging the chair set-up.

Dresser & TV

There is a small dresser with a flat screen TV.

Sitting Area

There is a small couch with a coffee table, which is a nice detour from the normal sitting chairs that probably never get used. 

View from Room

The view from the room is spectacular, especially on a clear day despite the scorching heat.

The resort has a lake with boat rides available in the afternoon.  It’s a good way to get to see the property, and would come in especially hand with kids.

While very nice, the property could use a refresh as it has shown signs of age over the years.  I would definitely stay at this property again, given the great rate and benefits.

Torrance Marriott South Bay

Located next to the Del Amo Fashion Center, the TorranceMarriott South Bay Hotel is conveniently located next to a plethora of shopping choices and restaurants.  The hotel itself is located on a side street off of the main drag, Hawthorne Boulevard.

Considering the location, parking is somewhat expensive at $15 day, but there is some street parking available.

Upon entering the hotel, the front desk is located to the left.  Check-in was smooth and directions to the elevators and hotel amenities were clearly explained.

Bathroom

Bathroom

            After entering the hotel, the bathroom is directly to the right.  It is fairly spacious, with a shower/tub combo.  Water temperature is excellent, but water pressure leaves something to be desired.  There is ample counter space as well. 

Sitting Area

            The bedroom is on the larger side, as there is ample space to walk around.  There is a small sitting area.  The desk is on the smaller side, and work was difficult due to the amount of desk space.

Bed

 The    The bed is rather firm, and it felt like sleeping on a rock with a thin covering over it.

The hotel is starting to show signs of age, and could use some new carpet, furniture and a paint job.  Although not a luxurious property, it was quiet and good for a short stay.

Marriott "Taste of Platinum" Challenge

I have an upcoming trip to Europe this fall, and although I have Hyatt Diamond Status, Hyatt does not have a big global footprint.

With the negative changes to the Hilton HHonors program, and a somewhat limited footprint with SPG, I was looking for other options.

Marriott has a large footprint globally, and I had already had plans for several stays with them during my upcoming trip, primarily due to the Virtuoso benefits with some of their properties.

Add to that the recent promotion from Ritz Carlton, in which you get one free night for every two stays, up to two free night from a Tier 1-3 property, and I thought this was good time to take the plunge.

I have had several stays with Marriott this year, due to their promotion along with having the Taste of Platinum Challenge in mind.

I called up Marriott Rewards and asked for the Taste of Platinum Challenge.  I was asked how many stays I had planned in the upcoming year.  I had also signed up for a Ritz Carlton Rewards number previously, but per the Terms and Condition of the program, you cannot have both a Marriott number and a Ritz Carlton number.  You can switch between the two as often as you like, but can't have concurrent enrollment.

I explained to the customer service representative my desire for the challenge along with my interest in the Ritz Carlton promotion.  He merged my Marriott and Ritz Carlton accounts, and switched me over to the Ritz Carlton program since I was interested in the Ritz Carlton promotion.  He ensured me that I had enrolled in the Ritz Carlton promotion, and told me that I had to complete 9 stays in the current month and the following 3 months in order to qualify for Platinum status until February 2015.

My status was changed online in a matter of hours, and my Platinum status was recognized on my first stay the following day.

Although the benefits of Marriott Platinum status seems lacking compared to Hyatt Diamond status, I was most interested in the extra 50% point bonus per dollar spent since the Hotel & Air package makes the best use of Marriott points.