Booked the Westin for what looks like a good rate of 97.00/night. Has anyone been there recently and tried to upgrade to the Beach club? How much more was it? Does being a Starwood Pref Gold member help any? Also, any good or bad comments in general on the property? How long does the bus ride take to downtown? Thanks in advance.

I don't have any comment on the property itself as I've only stayed at Le Meridien in Cancun. Regarding an upgrade, I'm Gold with Starwood as well and have ALWAYS received upgrades at Westin's while on vacation and Sheraton's on business. If you don't automatically get an upgrade upon check-in....just politely ask.

ttt

trying again

I've stayed at Westin Cancun twice and stayed at the Beach Club on my first trip. I am a corporate member, which like a gold member, entitles you to an automatic upgrade. Being a Starwood member means nothing in Westin Cancun. If you want to upgrade to beach club using points, try to do it through Starwood customer service in the US before you get to Cancun. The Westin staff no comprendo points or upgrade policy. I confirmed the Beach Club upgrade my first trip at the published point level before I left and the front desk almost did not honor it (I had to complaint and demanded to see the manager). My second trip, the front desk demanded 5,000 points for the upgrade to beach club (should have been only 1,500). It was pretty funny how their own forms on display showed that 1,500 points are needed for the upgrade and how the front desk staff explained that it was inaccurate.

The beach club is worth if it includes breakfast and evening drinks (must check). The club rooms also have balconies which is nice.

As for the gengeral condition of the hotel, it is only good to fair. Be prepared for leaking water everywhere if it rains. The hotel itself is in bad shape but is in a quiet isolated location (which I prefer). If you want to be near the action, Westin is a poor choice. Bus ride to the main town is 30 minutes and to the main tourist zone around 15 minutes. The beach is not as nice as in the main tourist zone but makes up for it by being within walking distance to the main snorkeling spot in Cancun in front of Club Me. Whatever you do, avoid the Sheraton Cancun which is an absolute dump. Try avoid eating at the hotel. It is overpriced and pretty bad.

My subjective view is that $97.00 is high for a room at Westin Cancun (fair value $70-75). The Le Meridien is a much better bet (a real 5* hotel that is usually priced below the Ritz and JW Marriott). I realize that it costs more but you get what you pay for.

I have stayed at the Westin in Cancun several times (most recently in March).

I have found it very nice and my Starwood's Preferred Card has always gotten me an upgrade without using points or additional charges- just ask

Have a great stay

It is amazing the differing stories you get on this website. One person thinks the hotel is below average and had trouble with upgrades and the other likes it with no trouble. All opinions appreciated though. Thanks.