The hotels were picked for us by the Convention Bureau in Long Beach. By far the first choice for everyone was the Long Beach Hyatt, which connects to the Convention Center and is just across the street from the water. The next choice was the Westin. I guess I was on the "B" list, as I got into the Westin. However, I was actually quite glad, as I am a huge Westin fan.
First off, all the maps show the Westin just across the street from the Convention Center. It looked very simple. Our airport van let us off at the Convention Center and the Hyatt people went a few feet, but we found we had to walk around the Convention Center and up a steep hill, and it was several blocks away, as you can not enter and exit the area that is indeed across the street.
However, once we got in, I was very happy with the hotel. It has a large, open, and clean lobby. The check-in staff was Westin quality: helpful, professional, and friendly. My room was ready and waiting.
My room was on the 5th floor and faced Ocean Boulevard, but I could not see the ocean from my room. The room was a little beyond average size and had a nice full window. The bathroom was large and well stocked, as I had a robe and lots of space. However, best of all, was the bed. All Westins have what is called a heavenly bed. If you have not stayed in a Westin, I urge you to book one - the beds are truly heaven. They are soft and come with an extra thick duvet cover. You literally sink into the bed. It's hard to get up in the morning because they are SO darn comfortable. There it was my heavenly bed - I was one happy conventioneer!
The Westin has a nice pool - it's a bit small, but it has a hot tub and plenty of chairs. Fresh beach towels are stocked by the pool. The pool is just off a very nice health club. Both the pool and the health club were on the fifth floor, the same floor I was on. The hotel also offers features like a great concierge and 24-hour room service.
The Westin is a great choice. It's a little walk to the doors of the convention center, and it does not have an ocean view. However, I think it's far more comfortable and luxurious than the Hyatt that everyone was hoping for.
I stayed here a whole week and the staff was friendly and helpful. I got a newspaper each morning, and the room was always kept clean (I get a bit sloppy in hotel rooms). However, what I love are those beds. My stay in Long Beach was truly heavenly.