Due to a cancelled flight, I found myself in need of a airport hotel in which to overnight. A call to local friends got me a recommendation of the Westin over the Sheraton. They claim the Sheraton is huge, outdated, and old. I called the Westin directly and they could not have been more helpful, sympathetic, and friendly. They directed me to find the shuttle from the airport and said they'd have a room ready although it was before check-in time.

The hotel is located five minutes from the airport and the shuttle runs every 15 minutes, serving the Westin and an adjoining but non-SPG property. It sits right on the bay, and there's a water-front trail just outside the entrance for walkers/runners. It's an older property but whose outside entrance and lobby have undergone a beautiful and successful renovation and upgrade. Warm light and dark wood in the lobby make for stunning first impression. The huge Christmas tree all lit up certainly helped!

Check in was immediate and most helpful, friendly, welcoming and kind. They were able to meet my various needs and did so willingly, although the mall they sent me to for some overnight supplies was pathetic; I later found out a better one was not much further away. I was given a standard room but one on the top floor (5th) that overlooked the bay and the runways of SFO. Great views!

The age of the hotel which was so well disguised by the lobby was a bit more evident in the room. It was a bit outdated in its design and layout although with modern appointments and furnishings. The chair was quite comfortable and the bed indeed heavenly. The bath was only half-so, lacking both the bathsheet and the bathrobe. The turndown service that came while I was at dinner wasn't terribly impressive: they didn't even actually turndown the bed! It seems to consist of a chocolate and closing your drapes for you.

There was a small bar that looked nice although I didn't stop there and a small but overpriced restaurant that I also didn't stop at so can't comment further. The business center was sufficient because there was no demand but I could see with only two computers that it could get backed up quickly.

Pushing mid-$200's, this hotel probably banks on its location for convenience to the airport. If comparable hotels were similarly priced, I'd come back in a heartbeat for the incredible front desk staff and the views from my room. It's an airport hotel, albeit a nicer one, but an airport hotel nonetheless.

Review by Drew.

Posted at December 24, 2006 4:49 PM