The Westin Phoenix Downtown — Hotel in Phoenix

I hadn't been to downtown Phoenix in many years but had a convention to attend at the Phoenix Convention Center. This hotel was close by so decided to book at the Westin. I was there for 5 nights/6 days. For those needing the Phoenix Light Rail, there is a stop directly across the street from the hotel. For those driving, the only parking offered is valet service. If you don't need to use your car much there were several parking garages in the area.

The hotel looks brand new and the staff were very professional. I was upgraded to a corner suite which was very nice. I can't complain about the accommodations. Everything was wonderful and I felt at ease. The floor to ceiling windows were great and with a corner suite the bathroom also has windows on two sides (with 2 sets of drapes to use as needed). It was great to have so much light and not feel as trapped in a dark room. The air conditioning also worked quite well (I like it on the cold side).

Most of my time was spent at the convention center or trying to get work done in my room. I very much appreciated that the desk in the room wasn't facing a WALL as so many other hotels tend to do. Since I was on my computer each day it was nice that I could at least look outside and let in some light.

They also have some interesting technology at this hotel. You can download an app from LodgeNet for your Smart phone and control the TV using that. Sometimes pressing the channel forward/reverse has such a delay but it was quick with this app. It was also nice that (for 0.99 cents for the year) the app would also show the grid of what was playing on each channel (TV Guide style). If you wanted to watch that program and change the channel you simply needed to touch that program on your smart phone and the tv would adjust the channel or volume.

They also had an input box on the desk so you could hook up your computer or accessories to the TV. I used that when I had to spend hours on my computer and get a lot of work done as I was able to use the large TV as a monitor.

Even though the staff were professional and the hotel room was great, the room service was the most inconsistent . Unfortunately, with working at the convention center and then having to finish other office work when I returned to the hotel, I ate most meals in my room. The menu seemed limited to me but at least room service was 24 hours. Since there wasn't a great variety I ended up having the same items twice over different days. However, each order was very inconsistent. Sometimes they forgot the silverware, or the sugar, or the condiments (all separate meals). I ordered the Caesar salad once and it came in a huge bowl but was completely saturated in dressing. I couldn't even eat it (and I generally don't mind a heavy hand with the dressing). Later that week I ordered the same salad and asked for dressing on the side. What I received was a plate of salad about half the size of the first order earlier in the week. I was charged the same price so I knew it was meant to the be the same item. There are many examples but another evening I ordered the strip steak which was to come with a chimichurri, potatoes and vegetables. The first night I received a steak, no potatoes at all, no chimichurri but with grilled red peppers and onions. Later in the week I ordered the same item and it arrived as described. Fortunately, if you don't have to be stuck in your room working, you may not need to experience the room service.

The greatest disappointment after working all week was the pool. I had stopped up to take pictures of the pool. It was on the small size, but a nice deck, pool towels, great looking chairs. After the conference ended on Saturday I went back to my room, ordered lunch and got slathered up on sunscreen to go enjoy the pool (finally after 5 days of work) and there was a sign stating that the pool would be closed starting at 2pm for a private event! Needless to say I was very disappointed and quite upset that on a Saturday they would close the pool at that time in the afternoon to all guests.

I would consider staying here again if I knew I didn't have to get so much work done and would be stuck ordering room service. I would also check to see if any private events would be closing the pool at 2pm on a bright, sunny, weekend day when it was 99...

My wife and I recently spent three nights at the Westin hotel in downtown Phoenix. We were there to attend a wedding and selected it based on its location near the wedding events. We booked our stay with Bonvoy points so I can’t comment on the room rate. ||However, I can comment on a $25 Destination Fee that was charged for each day of our stay. This fee includes “thoughtful upgrades to enhance your stay”. (see pic) We had no interest in any of the upgrades and my request to have the fee waived was denied. I found this cash grab to be very off-putting and colored my impression of the Westin during our stay.||The hotel is located in downtown Phoenix in what appears to be the business district. (The hotel itself occupies the top nine floors of an office building.) A ASU satellite campus is nearby as well as various convention and entertainment venues. A Valley Metro light rail stop is directly across the street on Central Avenue. While there are restaurants in the area, the general area was somewhat desolate during our visit.||The actual lobby is quite small with minimum seating, however, there is more seating off to the side of the lobby in the Jacy & Dakota’s restaurant. Check-in staff were friendly and efficient. A dog-leg walk along a corridor brings you to the elevator bank, where you need your room keycard to ascend.||Our room (1827) was very spacious and had a contemporary decor. Behind the four (!) closet doors were: a few drawers, safe, refrigerator, iron/ironing board and fixings for coffee/tea. ||Furniture in the room included wingback chair with ottoman, sofa with C-shaped sofa table, desk with rolling chair and another chair. A large flat screen tv was on a long three-drawer credenza.||The king-size Heavenly® Bed came with four pillows. A padded bench was at its foot. With its pillow top, the bed lived up to its name - it was very comfortable. Flanking the beds were two nightstands, each with drawers and table lamps. A clock on one table had plugs and USB ports.||TIP: If you’re a light sleeper, you may want to avoid rooms numbered XX22 - 29. They face the Van Buren/Central light rail stop and you will be subject to the periodic bell clanging and announcement tones as the trams approach the station.||The AC in the HVAC system worked fine||The bathroom was also very spacious with adequate counter space. There was a separate makeup mirror and hair dryer. (Only) one robe was provided. |Bar soap and body lotion by Westin’s White Tea toiletries were provided.||The large walk-in shower had hand-held and rain shower options. Water pressure and temperature were fine once I figured out how to use them. Wall-mounted bottles of White Tea body wash and shampoo/conditioner were provided.||The hotel also has an outdoor pool, fitness center and business amenities, none of which we used.||We did eat breakfast twice in Jacy & Dakota’s in order to use two of the three $25 credits that were included in the three Destination Fees. But the credits barely made a dent. We visited J & D’s on two mornings for a total of four breakfasts, which came to about $132, including tax and tips. That left us with one $25 credit that we never used.||The food was tasty, but the coffee was a bit too bitter to my taste. The fruit cup was delicious and big enough to share.||Overall, we found our room to be well-appointed and comfortable. However, the Destination Fee cash grab really irked me, so much so that I would not return to the Westin Phoenix Downtown if we were to return to the area.||For more specific details and pictures, visit the...

Let's start at the front door. While I am not usually one to select valet parking, It is a must in Phoenix. It is wonderful to come out to your car and it is cool and comfortable when you get in.

The relaxation starts as soon as you exit your can. The path from the valet drop off to the check in desk weaves thru a wonderful garden with soothing water feature that drips relaxation. Once inside, the desk is easy to find and staffed with attentive staff (we will come back to this). While checking in, they politely strike up a conversation with you see if their are any forgotten needs they can cater too. I was in town looking for a place to live before moving and the front desk staff gave me some pointers. This hotel has some green features in the rooms and if you have never stayed here before the staff are sure to cover these features otherwise they may frustrate you. Once I got up to my room, My jaw dropped. The Deluxe Room is massive. From the height of the ceiling to the floor space in the room, no dimension in this room was too small. The bathroom was just as generous with space as the bedroom. A large walk-in shower with a rain shower head was wonderful thing to stand under after a day of flying from Miami and house hunting. In the evening, I decided to turn in early to get an early start and if you have stayed at a Westin or Element hotel, you know how fantastic the bed is. If not, stay here and discover what you are missing

The next morning, I brewed some Starbucks coffee to give my room the wonderful wake up smell while I knocked out a little bit of work then I made my way downstairs to the restaurant for breakfast. The route to the restaurant has you pass the check-in desk. While walking by the staff were busy working, but both representatives looked up, gave me their full attention and wished me a wonderful morning. Once at the restaurant, I was greeted immediately and seated just as quickly and had a glass of apple juice and water on the table in less than ~3 minutes. I looked over the menu and spotted my breakfast weakness...Eggs Benedict. I had to try them. The hotel was great thus far, so the Eggs Benedict had to be just as good... No, they were better. Best Eggs Benedict I have ever had. The portion size was perfect and left me content and ready to face my second day of house-hunting. I made my way back to my room to pack up my belongings and on the way, the same check-in representatives asked how my breakfast was and if their was anything they could take care of for me this morning. I didn't need their assistance, but was glad to know they were there ready and willing to help me if needed.

To summarize, this property will take care of you from the moment you pull up to the door until you step foot back in your car, Whether you are a part of the SPG rewards program or not, or have a status, the staff will always be available to assist you. I have never received such excellent customer service at any...