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Introduction & Booking
Two weeks ago, I took my first trip to Brazil. It was a four-night work stay in São Paulo with meetings concentrated in Vila Olímpia. I booked only three weeks out, which meant hotels in that neighbourhood, such as the W São Paulo, were running above $700 USD per night. The Westin was a 10-minute Uber away and considerably more affordable, so I went with it.
The Westin sits in Marriott’s Premium tier, below Luxury brands like the Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis, but a step above Select properties like Courtyard or Sheraton, so I had reasonably high expectations.
I booked a Deluxe Guest Room, 2 Double (the most economical option) directly through my Marriott Bonvoy account. The nightly rate was $610 CAD. After taxes and fees, the total came to 10,566 BRL ($2,855 CAD), charged to my company card. I would have preferred to pay with my Marriott Bonvoy Amex, but company policy didn’t allow it. I still earned 28,170 Marriott Bonvoy points on the stay: 18,113 base + 9,057 elite bonus + 1,000 as my welcome gift selection.
The Entrance of the Hotel
Arrival & Check-In
When my cab pulled up to the hotel entrance, staff greeted me warmly, opened the car door for me, and took my luggage straight away. They then ushered me inside.
The Lobby at The Westin São Paulo
The lobby is lovely. Small, but filled with plants, huge windows, and a lot of natural light that gives it a garden-like feel. There’s also a café and bar with lots of seating.
The Lobby at The Westin São Paulo
The Lobby Seating
I arrived at 12:40pm, just over two hours before the 3pm check-in time. As a Platinum Elite member, I’d hoped to get in early, as I’ve always been able to do so at other Marriott properties, but I was told nothing was available. I told them I’d take any available room (i.e. one bed instead of two) as I was exhausted and just wanted to rest. I was assured that I could have a seat and someone would let me know when a room was ready. I waited for an hour and a half before I finally went back to the desk myself to find out there was a room available. After a long, 18-hour sleepless travel day on two Air Canada Economy flights (YVR – YYZ – GRU), that felt like a drop in service, particularly for a Platinum Elite guest.
Check-In Desk
Room: Deluxe Guest Room, 2 Double
Entryway in Room 802 at The Westin São Paulo
I was shocked by how small the room was. Two double beds in that space left almost no room to move around. If it had been a single king, it would have felt considerably more manageable. Travelling with a large suitcase made it wore because there was nowhere convenient to put it without it ending up in the way. It was an inconvenience I didn’t expect at this price point or tier.
Deluxe Guest Room, 2 Double
Deluxe Guest Room, 2 Double
That said, the room had everything I needed. It was a corner room with large windows on two walls, with decent views, plus window seating along one side, a closet, a desk, and a chair. The window blinds had two layers: both blackout and sheer options, controlled by a switch beside the bed. The bathroom featured a standup shower, vanity and a sliding mirrored door.
The Bathroom in Room 802
The Shower
Food & Service
I ordered room service a few times: breakfast most mornings and dinner once. The food was bland. Not bad in any specific way, just lacking in flavour across the board. I’ve eaten at the Westin in Whistler, where the food was exceptional, so I came in with some expectations and this didn’t meet them.
The service, on the other hand, was consistently good: friendly, attentive, and professional every time.
The hotel has an on-site restaurant, a pool, and a gym, none of which I had time to use.
Location
The hotel is well-situated. It’s walkable to a good number of restaurants and shops, and close to Paulista, a popular neighbourhood with lots to do and see. One evening I walked back with two colleagues from a bar and restaurant about 600 metres away, which was easy and convenient. That said, I wouldn’t do that walk alone at night, so it’s worth keeping in mind depending on your comfort level and schedule.
Takeaway
The Westin São Paulo is a functional, well-located hotel with a beautiful lobby and solid service. The room was smaller than I’d like, the food was a letdown compared to other Westins I’ve been to, and the check-in experience could have been handled better. It did the job for a work trip, but it didn’t feel like a Westin. I’d return if I was spending time in this part of the city again and the rate made sense, but I wouldn’t seek it out over other options.
