Many Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum members think that the benefits package for stays at W Hotels could be far better than it is today.
W Hotels don’t have club lounges (wouldn’t really fit the product at all), don’t provide club benefits at F&B outlets (this they easily could do) and the talent (read employees) sometimes have an attitude that they are there for the “show” rather than helping the guests.
I was, however, extremely satisfied with my recent stay at the new W hotel in Beiing.
1. Employees
I have written about the lack of English capability of many hotel employees working at the western brands in China but this wasn’t an issue here at all.
2. Platinum Corner
Hotel had a corner for Platinum (not sure if for Golds as well) that had soft drinks, one of the coffe machines and finger sandwiches/sweets/fruits. I have never seen anything like this at any of the W hotels that I have been to.
3. Happy Hour
This was even a greater surprise. The hotel had a happy hour (two hours) for complimentary Platinum member drinks. I believe I had three while doing some work at the same time. Never seen this a any other W hotel
4. Breakfast
Although my rate was breakfast inclusive, I understood that they offer this for all Platinum members.
Conclusion
I wouldn’t mind staying at W Hotels more often IF their benefit package was like the one I received at the W Beijing Chang’an. It was truly fabulous for a W.
So, if you are in Beijing anytime soon and have Platinum status with SPG, you should go and check it out.
Hotels and loyalty programs should always under promise and over deliver rather than the other way around that is usually the case.
