My Stay at the Westin Hotel - City Center in Washington, D.C.

I stayed in the Westin Hotel – City Center in Washington D.C. last week for the 119th Annual APA (American Psychological Association) Convention. I enjoyed my stay and would like to comment on several small “impressive touches” added by the hotel staff.

Upon check-in, the Front Desk Agent asked me if I wanted to take part in the “make a green choice” program that I once discussed in February 2010. This program allows me to choose to opt out the housekeeping service during my stay. In return, the hotel will reward me either a $5 F&B (food & beverage) voucher or 500 SPG (Starwood Preferred Guest) points. The reward is very small, but it lets guests get involved in a “feel-good” program. I like it.

I participated in the “make a green choice” program, and I put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on my door. When I came back from the Convention Center, I found additional refreshments (e.g. Starbucks coffee, tea bags, mouth wash, etc.) and extra sets of fresh towels in my room even though I opted out the housekeeping service. How nice!

I stayed on the SPG Guest Floor. Free bottle water and apples are included. It is another small nice touch.

The workout facility was nice. The hotel provides cleaned ear plugs and collects the used ones for guests. The ear plugs are those “cheap” ones and do not cost much for a hotel, but I feel very nice of the hotel’s thoughtfulness. I have found that a few nice hotels do that for guests.

The only thing I do not like is that the hotel charges everyone $12.99 per day or $39.99 per week for the WiFi service. Here, I have to ask the same question again --- when will full service hotels offer free WiFi service?

To see more pictures of the hotel, please visit my Facebook page.

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Linchi Kwok, Ph.D.

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