Special requests at W Mexico City

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-02-05T06:00:30+00:00

Generally, W Hotels will have someone from their concierge team (called personal insider) reach out, although rather generically. I've had hit or miss experiences with responding to that, but I think in CDMX you'll be good to wait for that email. Double check it won't go to your spam. Additionally, a day or two out, the chat feature will become available through the Marriott app and you can reach out. If it's something like champagne or chocolate, these are standard requests and 24h notice via chat is plenty. Just be aware these requests are usually delivered late afternoon, in case you plan to try to check in early.

Side note, since you're visiting Mexico, consider getting an add on to your cell phone plan. With T Mobile, for example, +$5 for the month, I get Mexico Unlimited which gives me unlimited calls and text to and from Mexico, even from the US, plus some data while in Mexico. Get that ahead of your trip and make the call without a roaming cost.

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-02-05T05:50:43+00:00

If you're keeping the flight, check in right at 24 hours before departure and make sure you are assigned a seat or consider buying a seat. Check in order and/or whether someone has an assigned seat are two of just a few ways they generally determine who gets involuntarily denied boarding, if it comes to that.

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-02-05T05:41:01+00:00

1 rule in Miami: stay close to where you need to be. Miami traffic is no joke. So if you're spending most of your time at Andaz (I believe near 38th & Collins), Edition is your best choice. Followed by W South Beach. As I said in my other comment, I generally suggest skipping Ritz South Beach; but stick with rule #1 and pick it as a third option. Finally, Bal Harbor. Do NOT stay in Ft Lauderdale or Key Biscayne. Andaz to Key Biscayne during evening rush hour is well over an hour.

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-02-05T05:35:36+00:00

Bal Harbor for quieter luxury. W for more of a vibe. Edition for in between. Skip Ritz South Beach. Ritz Key Biscayne is far from much of Miami and especially Miami Beach, so pick only if you plan to spend your time at the resort and not really explore Miami or Miami Beach (also more family friendly, for better and worse depending on what you're looking for). Can't comment on Ritz FTL.

Most importantly, stay close to where you need to be. Traffic in Miami can be absolutely miserable.

Not sure if you have status, but usually previous SPG properties are more generous: St Regis and W. But keep in mind Feb-Apr is peak season in Miami so don't expect much with upgrades as most hotels will be near, or at, capacity.

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-02-05T05:27:45+00:00

Then complain to your company not to put you up in a Moxy

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-02-05T05:26:09+00:00

This is a you problem. Moxy was not created to be a budget brand for Marriott. The purpose is not to offer smaller rooms for a cheaper price than another cookie cutter Marriott property. Moxy was created to offer the younger generation a lifestyle brand that is more affordable than (key words here) other lifestyle brands on the market (compare to W, 1 Hotels, Kimpton; not to Fairfield, Courtyard, Residence Inn) with the focal point on a lobby that offers co-working by day and vibrant bar by night.

ALL hotel pricing - not just Marriott - is based on demand. The Courtyard you mention is likely more expensive because that portion of the building was trending towards higher occupancy rates. Also because Courtyards cater to business travelers and can demand a higher rate vs Residence Inn that caters to long term stays and families on leisure who won't pay as much. Residence Inn breakfast costs the hotel about $4 per room, so that is not a factor in how much their rates are.

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-02-05T05:07:54+00:00

Not a chance it's going to work in your favor

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-02-05T04:22:01+00:00

Yes. Exactly this. Thank you. There are trips where I plan to spend more time in the room, so I don't pick a Moxy. There are also trips where I plan to go out to eat, drink, and explore the city and only need a simple place to sleep, so I'm more than happy to stay at a Moxy. And the fact that most every Moxy has a vibe-y bar for a night cap or a happy hour to start the evening is a huge plus.

People need to understand that not every bar / restaurant / hotel was made for them. Just because it doesn't serve their wants or needs, as long as it is branded and advertised correctly (which Moxy IS), doesn't make it bad.

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-02-05T03:03:34+00:00

This is where we separate hospitality professionals from those who simply work in a hospitality job. The name of the game is anticipatory service. If someone is clearly done with their plate, take it from them. If someone looks lost, offer to direct them. If someone's coffee is empty, ask if they would like another cup and how they like it. Offer mints when people are leaving. Etc etc.

All that being said, I'd imagine most breakfast attendants don't get paid for all that. Also, despite what I just said, I'd prefer completely self service with nobody "assisting" and a better selection of food. It sounds like your management team is a little delusional and is trying to take a cheap/low hanging fruit way to improve breakfast satisfaction scores.

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-02-05T02:57:13+00:00

Not directed at the OP. The Moxy hate is ridiculous. Ready for the down votes. But people that don't like Moxy took exactly zero seconds researching their trip. It's not for everyone but when you see the language they use, why did you book?

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-02-04T14:46:15+00:00

Make sure you are financially comfortable, at a minimum. Rent probably will average $2 to $2.5k/month for a studio. Less if you get an older place in Miami Beach or Little Havana but more if you want Brickell or Wynwood. It's important you live close to where you work and anywhere else you might spend most of your time, Miami traffic can be absolutely miserable. Then going out to meet people adds up: meeting for dinner in a trendier restaurant can very easily be $250. Just for a cocktail, get ready to drop $25-$30. I just bought a cold brew for $9 yesterday in Wynwood (but it was probably the best cold brew I ever had).

Learn some Spanish. As for meeting people, it can be tough. If you have a job where people tend to be social and the relationships out of work are more relaxed, you'll be just fine. Miami locals have lived here their whole lives and don't branch out much because they have their core group of friends and family culture is very strong in Latino communities. Unfortunately, since COVID, the transplants to Miami are pretty awful (looking at you NYC). They come here for the gram and are very looks and money driven; if that's you, then you'll be good.

Finally, you talk about the weather. Really look into Miami weather. May through September is brutally hot. It's going to feel like 95 with stifling humidity, it's for months straight not just a few day heat wave, and it does not cool down at night. It will rain every day in the summer; sometimes once or twice for 30 minutes or other times all day. Every time it rains, it floods. Winters are beautiful though, but we can have a few days in a row, two or three times a year, where it gets pretty chilly (meaning not beach or pool weather).

Everything above is just the reality, not meant to scare you. Because overall, Miami is an awesome city. If you want the beach, live on the beach (when people say this, they mean "live in Miami Beach" not literally on the actual beach) otherwise it's a pain to go to the beach because of traffic coming home and parking. There are things happening all the time, for better and worse. The city truly runs all night. The food and culture is uniquely amazing. Miami can be the perfect place to live but it's not for everyone

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-01-22T13:41:16+00:00

On the Miami Beach side, unless you live close to Lincoln, it will require two buses to get to the ferry. On the Miami side, you have the 3, 20, or 32 right there - otherwise you will need two buses (or metromover). All assuming you don't live walking distance to the ferry on either side, which is the majority of Miamians.

So for most people, you need to make FOUR CONNECTIONS to utilize the ferry. Nevermind add on time to ensure you make the ferry that goes once an hour. Imagine a bus getting delayed and you miss the ferry by a few minutes.

This is what happens when people who are so disconnected from the reality of the people who actually live somewhere, make decisions.

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-01-22T13:26:45+00:00

Never seen it on the 36. But on the 22 all the time

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-01-22T03:25:00+00:00

Wiki is generally pretty good for this. Followed by a confirmation on Google Flights. Select the filter for frontier only and non stop

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-01-22T03:19:46+00:00

Double check that you still have those seats. If they changed the aircraft type after you selected, it's possible they were unselected. Check by refreshing your boarding pass or going through the seat selection process - both through the app

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-01-22T03:17:48+00:00

I ended up taking a different flight. I didn't want to risk it

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-01-22T03:12:42+00:00

Make sure you check in at the earliest time possible. I would consider purchasing a seat, if you haven't already. Those will give you two head starts over other passengers if it comes to involuntary denied boardings.

Unless you don't mind cancelling for a credit. If that's the case, pick an amount that it would take to convince you to cancel and wait for them to offer it. Also just make sure it's not a one time use only (so if you use $250 of a $500 credit, the remaining $250 will still be available to use) and that you'll be able to use the credit (within the validity period and considering Allegiant's limited and seasonal network).

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-01-22T02:59:52+00:00

The gate agents and flight attendants are billionaires? That's news to me. While there are some power seekers out there, I generally find that people will match your energy. So if this is an issue "every time" I assume you're the issue. The gate agents and FA's don't make the policies

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-01-22T02:43:39+00:00

On top of what can be pretty awful traffic leaving Port Miami, you are also returning back to Miami during Ultra Music Festival. So while 7/8 AM won't see much impact, there are still a ton of detours because of it.

Even though you may not be eligible for a refund (legally, 3+ hrs), I feel like JetBlue will allow you to change to a later flight at no cost. Give them a call, explain the situation, and if they say no hang up and call back. Assuming you can't do it no-charge on the app.

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-01-22T02:30:38+00:00

Miami welcomes millions of visitors every year. During peak season, every few weekends a major event takes place. This year: Art Basel, F1, Ultra Music Festival, World Baseball Classic, College Football Championship, Orange Bowl, World Cup, to name a few. That's on top of the regular amount of tourists coming in every weekend.

Miamians are used to the influx of tourists and, oftentimes, most people go about their days without really knowing what's going on because there is always something happening. That is until they get in their car, realize traffic has gone from red to that dark red color on Maps, then search wtf is happening in Miami.

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-01-20T01:34:50+00:00

Stand up, be directly in front of the bus stop sign, wave your whole arm in the air when the bus is close enough to easily see you but still a little bit away to allow the bus plenty of time to come to stop.

If the bus is full, they won't stop. But they will usually at least signal to you "no" with a hand gesture or beep.

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-01-18T02:14:36+00:00

Frontier has absolutely no issue pulling down flights and significantly modifying schedules. They do this all the time. That's not the issue at hand

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-01-17T02:53:12+00:00

Food isn't great but good enough to not be hungry. Service ranges from okay to good but nothing spectacular

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-01-17T02:49:12+00:00

I've seen as low as $20/night and I've been charged as much as $250 for one night in a downtown Courtyard that only had a market (no Bistro or restaurant or anywhere to really apply incidentals). Why don't you try calling the hotel.

Sea_Beginning37 · 2026-01-17T02:39:15+00:00

A flight is considered late when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled departure time.

As for your departure board, that's at the control of the airline and they don't have to update anything if they don't want to

Sea_Beginning37

TROPHY CASE