From the moment we checked in for four nights to the moment we checked out we were 100% happy with the Westin. Every single employee we encountered was polite, helpful and eager to please. We had 3 rooms reserved and each one was clean as was the hallway on our floor. We left a request for the maid (with a $5 tip) for more shampoo and towels and not only did we have our request fulfilled each day, she straightened our shoes too! We felt pampered and appreciated. Our children are young adults who took advantage of the "happy hour" every day with free beer and unwind massages. The staff was always smiling and consistently asked us if there was anything we needed. There are two points I want to address- first, the location of the hotel. Many were upset because they found out the hotel is not DIRECTLY on the strip and they were expecting a huge property like other mega casinos on the strip. But you can see the strip from the hotel- its only a block away! This is our 19th trip to Vegas and we have stayed at just about all of the mega casinos. We liked the Westin because it didn't have the shoulder to shoulder crowds, the beds really are heavenly and the staff was so likeable. We had other family members staying at Paris, New York New York, Caesars Palace and Trump Tower who came to the Westin to meet up for various excursions ( because it is centrally located- another plus) and they all said the same thing- what a cool, quaint casino and hotel. They ended up hanging around gambling and most had good luck. It was nice to get away from the crowds and retreat to the Westin (many other comments say the same thing). The black jack dealers were funny as hell and we enjoyed many laughs(thanks "Heather"). We also "discovered" Ellis Island Casino from others comments and we had a blast going there. The $4.99 steak and egg breakfast and the $6.99 steak dinner were a huge hit with all of us.
Second, I want to address the resort fee. We flew Delta and for the first time we were charged $15 per bag each way. Family members who stayed at Trump Towers told us they were charged a $15/day resort fee and they don't even have a casino or restaurant. I think this is becoming a sign of the times for many businesses, not just Westin. We used their parking, we used the pool, we used the workout room and we enjoyed the daily happy "unwind" hours so I must say I didn't feel cheated. I still feel I got a great deal even with the resort fee added on.
I saved the best for last. I had the pleasure of meeting Erin Padigos, the service express manager for the Westin. She was so sweet, kind and helpful that I just wanted to give her a bear hug for all she did for us. All the employees were wonderful but she was "extra-special."
So if you will be staying there go in with a positive attitude and give them a fair chance. They deserve it.