Spotlight on Starwood: the Westin brand.

I’ve been really enjoying learning about all of the different Starwood brands. What I’ve found is that understanding the brand message – or personality – of each hotel is helping me to be a more savvy guest. I am now really looking forward to staying at some brands (because I connect to their vision and mission), and will probably avoid others in the future (because I don’t jibe with their vibe).

For the third post in my Spotlight on Starwood series, I’ll be focusing on the Westin brand.

In case you’d like to read the first two posts in the series, you can find them here:

• Spotlight on Starwood: the Element brand.
• Spotlight on Starwood: the Aloft brand.

Here’s the scoop on the Westin…

Westin wants to be your partner in well-being.

Westin’s goal is to “indulge guests in elements of well-being” by providing “a stay that leaves you feeling better than when you arrived.”

Westin’s focus is on six pillars of well-being: sleep, food, exercise, healthy work habits, play, and rejuvenation. To this end, they have crafted some pretty unique offerings in each category.

Sleep Well.

In 1999, Westin introduced the Heavenly Bed. This bed was actually the inspiration for the brand’s wellness strategy.

According to Westin:

The Heavenly® Bed features ten layers of pure comfort that add up to one exceptional sleep experience. Beginning with the Heavenly®  Mattress, then the layer of sumptuous linens, followed by five pillows that range from fluffy to firm. No bed is complete without a cozy blanket, and the assortment of Westin duvets and duvet inserts are crafted with premium fills.

Westin sells 100 beds per day at check out in its Asian Properties. Amazing!

From what I could tell, the rooms at most Westin properties look pretty basic…but maybe the beds make up for it.

Eat Well

Westin partnered with SuperfoodsRx to put together a menu that cultivates “food synergy,” the pairing of certain foods to increase their nutritional value (like when you put cinnamon on oatmeal, or eat salmon with avocado).

Here is a sample of their breakfast menu:

Their offerings do sound pretty delicious, and I always appreciate when a hotel has healthy options.

Move well.

All Westin guests have access to Westin Workout, which are the on-property fitness studios.

However, participating properties offer the special option of booking a room equipped with a treadmill or stationary bike, dumbbells, fitness DVDs, resistance bands and stability balls. How cool is that?

Westin offers a signature running program called RunWESTIN. Many properties offer a designated RunWESTIN running concierge that leads scenic runs throughout the area, touring landmarks throughout the city.

Westin has also partnered with New Balance to create custom 3-mile and 5-mile jogging and walking routes from each hotel. For $5, guests can participate in a gear-lending program. You can borrow running shoes with disposable insoles, as well as a variety of men’s and women’s New Balance apparel.

Work Well.

How many times have you been to a meeting or conference at a hotel where the food was terrible (and also not very healthy)? Westin hopes to change that. One example is the SuperFoods Meeting Breaks package, which offers foods based on the nutritional concepts that encourage productivity.

Samples of items offered include:

• ‘Uplift’ with pomegranate and pineapple juice
• ‘Renew’ with oven-baked pithivier with spinach, shitake and mozzarella, chocolate cones with orange and green apple salad and cinnamon yoghurt
• ‘Revive’ with caramelized onion, Roma tomato and brie tart
• Body Balance’, ‘Tranquility’ and ‘Skin Glow’ enhancements with carrot and tomato elixir
• A Superfoods energizer bar containing dried fruit and nuts as well as chopped fruit

Play Well.

If you’ve got kids, you will appreciate the this: at check-in, the concierge will greet your kids with complimentary welcome bags full of treats. These are themed, and vary by property. For example, The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood, Florida packs their bags with stuffed animals, sand toys, and a hat.

Parents of infants and toddlers will get their own special bag with all of the care items kids need.

Guests can sign up for family-friendly activities such as fireside storytelling, sand castle competitions and movie nights.

If you’re looking for city tips, Westin Finds from AFAR provides guests thoughts on what to see, and where to eat, drink and shop. These tips are updated on a regular basis.

Feel Well.

I have to say that when I first read this, I wondered if Westin had a doctor on-call. However, it refers to helping guests to feel “pampered and invigorated.”

It starts with a sensory welcome in the lobby, which contains flower arrangements, the scent of White Tea, and atmospheric lighting and music. This is designed to help you shift modes and feel balanced and inspired.

Another “feel well” feature is that you can get an in-room spa treatment at many properties. When you book the treatment, you receive a signature spa basket which contains flowers, a nutritious snack, a bottle of water, music, and aromatherapy oils. A spa bed is also placed in the rooms.

Where are the Westins?

There are 243 Westins located around the world. You can use this interactive map to find out more.

As usual, it was really interesting to learn all of this background info. I have yet to stay at a Westin, so I don’t have any direct experience…I would love to hear from people who do!

Have you ever stayed in a Westin? What did you think? If you haven’t stayed at a Westin yet, is the brand compelling to you? I would love to hear why!

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