The Westin Sydney

This Westin in Sydney has a problem with the way taxis are handled by hotel staff. It is clear that there is a SCAM run by the staff (the supervisors in charge) at the baggage section when you ask them for a taxi. This happened TWICE during my 2 separate stay at this Westin in Sydney (I stayed there on 2 separate occasions in January). The first time I asked for a cab to go to the airport, I was offered (by the man in charge of the baggae section), a private car (parked separately just outside the hotel). I refused, and asked for a cab, so he called a cab (there was a long line of cabs available, the trip cost $50 as usual. The second time (on January 30, 2013 at 2:30 PM), I asked for a cab to go to the airport, the person who was in CHARGE of the baggage section AT THAT SPECIFIC time took my luggage to a cab (again parked separately outside the hotel, totally away from the taxi queue where tens of cabs were available). There was a 5 minutes conversation between this particular cab driver and the hotel employee: they seem to be friends or whatever). I was in a rush and did not pay attention or suspect anything. But at the airport, I was surprised that there was an additional $15 charge added to the fare for a total of $68 (usually it is $50). The driver told me that there was an additional booking fee because the cab was booked by the hotel (I never asked the hotel to book a cab: you can check the hotel records !). I asked him for a receipt, and he was ready with what looked like a pre-made receipt for $70 (more than I paid), which actually showed a trip FROM the airport to Sydney (and not from Sydney to the hotel). Because of time constraints, I did not pursue this further with the driver (it was a waste of time to argue about $15). And by the way, the Westin in Melbourne (which I stayed in during that visit offered an OUTSTANDING service), which makes me believe this problem is specific to the Westin in Sydney. I am confident that there is a kickbak scam going on between some cab drivers and your luggage personnel / supervisors in Sydney.

After arriving from a 16 hour flight from the US, our room wasn't ready, despite having arrange for early arrival. Ana at the front desk was particularly unhelpful, and lied to us, suggesting we had the "best room in the house" despite that not being the case. When Demitri (the manager) got involved it only got worse, as he said if he provided a day room to change and shower he would be unable to move us to the suite we had booked. I WOULD NEVER STAY HERE, AND IN FACT CANCELLED A STAY FOR LATER THIS SAME MONTH, STAY AWAY!!! This is how they treat their VIPs, imagine someone walking in without status.

Fantastic hotel, one of the best accomodation quality in Sydney

Great location (convenient to the Airport Link train) and walking distance to everything else. Very friendly staff (Australians are just friendly). Great bed -- just as advertised-- and wonderful breakfast (try to get a bed and breakfast rate). A little expensive but Sydney is an expensive city. Not sure one could do better anywhere else. I would stay there again.

wow, awesome location, room, amenities and everything you could ask for . . and more. Only flaw was they mistakenly charged me for someone else's carpark, but the fee was removed.

Simply the best hotel we stayed in out of the seven places we stayed during our 3-week Australian holiday. Significantly better experience than we had (a week prior) at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel down the block, and I'd have no reservation recommending that place too...but the Westin was better. We got upgraded to their Heritage room, and the room had everything. Great fitness center. Great location. Loved this place....we'll be coming back.

We love the old world charm of the old post office and the location is hard to beat. center of everything. The staff is very friendly and helpful , also very cosmo from all over the world.

lovely hotel on the heart of CBD. Walk to everything. Expensive but competitive. Room was lovely but those prefering privacy might want to take a look

5 nights. Excellent location near Circular quay. Excellent bed (but Sofitel seems to better) Two thumbs up for Breakfast Excellent choice

We enjoyed an outstanding stay at the Westin in Sydney - our room, the service, the bar and restaurant were all fabulous!