Alex P.
Yelp
Depressing yet comfortable, bland but welcoming, dated yet relevant. There are places that provoke emotions, and there are places that simply give a good night's sleep. The Westin, is without doubt, the latter, as the only emotions to be provoked would correspond with mediocrity, loneliness and blandness. In other words, it's a pretty typical Westin.
In a contrast to this everpresent sadness in design, there is an element of Art Deco style of provoking emotion. It is the glass finished, eighteen wheeler sized chandelier as the focus point in the lobby. It feels grand, light, and thought provoking. In the continuation of this industrial inspiration, initially introduced to us by the chandelier, people working the checkin counter are focused on efficiency, cranking out guest checking rapidly and ensuring that the bankers coming back from long days of work have no complaints and proceed to their rooms momentarily. It's a smooth running operation.
Despite being an Ambassador guest with Marriott, there was no noticeable upgrade. The room design is contemporary, with some dated areas such as the bathroom with a 90s style bathtub, aging wallpaper and is of average size. However, it is comfortable. The bedding has feather pillows expected at a Westin, an oil next to the bed to help one fall asleep and a great view of downtown Charlotte. It's far from being a spa feel that Westin has attempted to project, but it is comfortable. It is of little doubt, that this comfort, along with the efficiency of service, the core reason that many business travelers pick this hotel. Good sleep is important and this is where Westin excels.
Life is a choice, filled with an abundance of micro selections that result in decisions and outcomes. If the preference is to have efficient service and a comfortable night's sleep, Westin is the place. If the preference is to have a character of the place in a hotel, probably best to go elsewhere. This a comfortable, dated, yet generally descent Westin that sits in the average area of life.