Westin Hotels: Focus On Business And Families

The Westin Hotel chain has a history spanning over 70 years, with over 120 hotels in more than 20 countries. This hotel chain started over breakfast in a diner in Yakima Washington on August 27, 1930. Two hotel competitors were both having breakfast in this diner and one gathered up the courage to talk to the other about creating a new company. This alliance gave way to the creation of the Western hotels. Opening properties in Canada caused the evolution to Western International, and in 1980, this company celebrated its 50th birthday by changing its name to Westin Hotels & Resorts. One of the Westin Hotel’s prime focuses is on the business traveler. Their Guest Office services are keyed specifically for businesspersons away from their offices. This room doubles as an office at a rate just $20 dollars above their basic room rate. For this charge, the room includes a comfortable work area complete with ergonomic chair, a laser printer/fax/copier, a speakerphone with data port, printer cables, voice mail and free unlimited local calls and long distance access. Along with these features, late checkout is included as well. Express checkout is another feature for the business traveler, allowing credit card billing enabling the guest to drop their payment in the express checkout box, and having their receipt mailed to them. The Westin Hotel chain also offers assistance in planning small meetings through their one call service. One call and a Westin meeting planner checks for the availability of rooms, and meeting areas at the hotel of your choice, as well as negotiating rates and handling contracts and banquette services. For the leisure traveler, the Westin Hotels offer features for the family on vacation. The Westin Vacation Club offers villas with spacious floor plans, full kitchens, and amenities such as fireplaces and whirlpools. In addition, activities such as snorkeling and sailing, things that one expects at a world-class resort provide a perfect vacation spot. The Westin Kid’s Club is another reinforcing the family oriented mindset of this chain. This features a Westin Kids Club sports bottle or sippy cup at check-in, which is filled with a complementary beverage at mealtime. The younger visitors also receive bath toys and coloring books. The Westin Story line allows children to hear stories simply by dialing a four digit code on the

in room phone. The club also provides parents with a kit including bandages, outlet covers, ID bracelets, and a list of emergency phone numbers. Additional items, including jogging strollers, are available at no additional cost. For guests with children, their rooms are set up with cribs, high chairs, and other necessary items before arrival. Families with children also can enjoy ease in their dining experience. Reservations can be placed so that the food is ready upon arrival, and special children’s menus are available through both the restaurants and room services. The Westin line is one of the top chains in the world, providing world-class services to all their guests.