Fiji Starwood hotels

[cmon0005]

I've started experiencing "island time" already and I'm not even there yet.

Emails to/from reservations to organise pre-payment of package, airport transfers.. Not only are the replies slow to come back, but I have to keep correcting the inaccuracies in them.

Like the Airport transfer email, it mentioned that I am arriving from Brisbane and an hour earlier than I really am, so replied saying that I am actually coming from MEL and an hour later, they then replied with correct time, a different date altogether and still saying Brisbane, I just hope the transport is there on the correct day to pick us up!

Also their phoneline quality when calling the Westin/Sheraton switchboard or directly to reservations is so shocking, it's hard to hear and static..

Anyways I'm not complaining, I am very much looking forward to my first Fiji holiday just a bit frustrating thats all to organise simple things!
I guess I should stop worrying and just go with the flow :mrgreen:

 

[bigjobs]

I have only stayed at the Westin but the rooms have been renovated.

The staff are brilliant at both resorts.

Francis is wonderful in the Meki Lounge and Penni and Si at concierge are also awesome at the Westin.

The Westin does have a adults only pool.

The Westin does? Where is this adults only pool at the Westin?

Based on your experiences, what type of currency is best for Fiji?

1)Exchange in AUS before leaving to FJD
2)Exchange in Fiji
3)Use ATM card to withdraw money in Fiji
4)Pre-purchase some type of travel money card
5)Something else?

at $1.82 FJD to AUD does it matter ...? We used the Westpac ATM at the resort shop out the front of the Sheraton (I think) just in front of the Golf Club and also the Westpac ATM at the port. We are Westpac customers.

I've started experiencing "island time" already and I'm not even there yet.

Emails to/from reservations to organise pre-payment of package, airport transfers.. Not only are the replies slow to come back, but I have to keep correcting the inaccuracies in them.

Like the Airport transfer email, it mentioned that I am arriving from Brisbane and an hour earlier than I really am, so replied saying that I am actually coming from MEL and an hour later, they then replied with correct time, a different date altogether and still saying Brisbane, I just hope the transport is there on the correct day to pick us up!

Also their phoneline quality when calling the Westin/Sheraton switchboard or directly to reservations is so shocking, it's hard to hear and static..

Anyways I'm not complaining, I am very much looking forward to my first Fiji holiday just a bit frustrating thats all to organise simple things!
I guess I should stop worrying and just go with the flow :mrgreen:

I've never had a challenge with the phone lines to their resort. As for transfers, just get a yellow taxi from the airport when you come out. Will be about 30 FJD. Just confirm the price prior to leaving. They won't turn the meter on. Tell them you're heading to Westin at Denarau.

Most of all, have a great time. Take your watch off as soon as you land. This is a truly liberating thing to do.

 

[Simo]

The adults pool at the Westin is just near the day spa.

 

[bigjobs]

Isn't that just a lap pool?

 

[Simo]

Isn't that just a lap pool?

I have a four year old daughter so not sure what sort of pool it is. There are lounge chairs to lay around it and when I walked passed it there was a qty of people enjoying a kid free holiday.

 

[cmon0005]

Is anyone else a SPG Gold and if so did they upgrade your room at checkin at Westin Denarau?

Everytime I have stayed at Westin properties as a SPG Gold I've got upgraded to Executive room and once to a suite.

 

[Anna]

As for transfers, just get a yellow taxi from the airport when you come out. Will be about 30 FJD. Just confirm the price prior to leaving. They won't turn the meter on.

We paid FJD 20 on Saturday morning on the meter from the airport to Sheraton Denarau in a yellow taxi.

It was FJD 30 on the return journey to the airport on Sunday evening in an airconditioned hotel 4WD.

 

[bigjobs]

Is anyone else a SPG Gold and if so did they upgrade your room at checkin at Westin Denarau?

Everytime I have stayed at Westin properties as a SPG Gold I've got upgraded to Executive room and once to a suite.

yep, we were bumped up. We also had a problem with our room during our stay. Explained the problem and without hesitation or questioning, we were moved immediately.

We paid FJD 20 on Saturday morning on the meter from the airport to Sheraton Denarau in a yellow taxi.

It was FJD 30 on the return journey to the airport on Sunday evening in an airconditioned hotel 4WD.

Sounds about right.

 

[Simo]

We paid FJD 20 on Saturday morning on the meter from the airport to Sheraton Denarau in a yellow taxi.

It was FJD 30 on the return journey to the airport on Sunday evening in an airconditioned hotel 4WD.

Yep that is correct as the Denarau Cabs can not pick up in Nadi but the Nadi cabs can just drive over the bridge and can do pick ups.

 

[cmon0005]

yep, we were bumped up.

What room type were you bumped to?

 

[Timtammi]

We were SPG Gold when we stayed at the Westin and they denied us an upgrade even when we asked, saying it was only for plats. It wasn't school holidays and the resort was not busy so I'm not sure why they wouldn't do it, maybe just having a bad day that day.
Room was fine though.
I'm sure there is an ATM at the Westin itself. From memory it was an ANZ ATM and was in the little alleyway where the resort shops are.
Have a great trip!

cheers

Timmi

 

[cmon0005]

We were SPG Gold when we stayed at the Westin and they denied us an upgrade even when we asked, saying it was only for plats. It wasn't school holidays and the resort was not busy so I'm not sure why they wouldn't do it, maybe just having a bad day that day.

Have a great trip!

I must print out the Gold Benefits sheet then to take along (yes I know its subject to availability) the hotel itself looks lightly loaded they even have 20% off for pre-purchasing any room type, so can't be that full..

 

[Timtammi]

Yes I think they said "no availability" - the standard fob-off. But I didn't believe it for a second. Then when we pushed a bit further they said "only for plats". We gave up at that point.. too hot, too tired
In Fiji you just have to learn to roll with the punches, dont expect good or timely service and expect to be told something different by everyone you ask. If you can just go with the flow and relax it will all be good!

 

[bigjobs]

What room type were you bumped to?

I think we were in an Ocean View room originally and they moved us to an Ocean Front room. This happened at check in and they explained that it was because of my SPG status and they thanked me for being loyal.

 

[cmon0005]

I think we were in an Ocean View room originally and they moved us to an Ocean Front room. This happened at check in and they explained that it was because of my SPG status and they thanked me for being loyal.

I'll report back in a few weeks to let you know how I went on the upgrade front.

 

[cmon0005]

I think we were in an Ocean View room originally and they moved us to an Ocean Front room. This happened at check in and they explained that it was because of my SPG status and they thanked me for being loyal.

Forgot to report back! I booked a Deluxe Garden view room, was upgraded at checkin without asking to an Ocean Front room, was a very nice room and great view!

 

[bigjobs]

was it a renovated one? they have white tiles on the floor and the bathrooms are redone. unrenovated rooms have red tile/brown tile floor.

 

[cmon0005]

was it a renovated one? they have white tiles on the floor and the bathrooms are redone. unrenovated rooms have red tile/brown tile floor.

Yes it was renovated, all the furniture and fixtures were new in the room, (except for the Fijian antiques on the wall)

 

[bigjobs]

nice. makes me want to go back there. very relaxing place and nice with the port down the road so you can have some variety with where to eat and drink. golf club is good too