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===Official W Bed FAQ======================================
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by Yoshi Makino et al.
(thanks to all who contributed to the FAQ on: http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/expired-deals/756780

** I have edited some factual information in the FAQ to reflect what I have VERIFIED by actually purchasing my mattress in October 2008. Subjective information such as bed comfort is from the original FAQ. Further edits and refinements by the FatWallet community are greatly appreciated. - Yoshi

First, pictures speak a thousand words...
* Image of actual Bed Tag
* Image of actual Bed End

This is visual proof that the W Bed is a Beautyrest World Class bed. Now... where this bed ranks within the World Class series is still open to debate. EDIT: the number of coils indicates that it belongs to the Classic line. Simmons uses the coil count in the Queen sized mattresses(here is a link to Simmons' website, which confirms this) to assign it to the Classic versus Worldclass lines. As such, a Queen W mattress has 825 coils, which puts it 25 coils above the Classic line (and 155 coils below the Worldclass line). To confirm, just take a look at this Simmons Beautyrest Classic "Adrian" Plush Mattress Set sold at Macy's -- it is a Beautyrest Classic with 800 coils.

As you can see from this link taken directly from Simmons' website, a Simmons Worldclass mattress has 980 coils in queen sized mattresses. W Hotels have the "worldclass" label on them because their queen mattresses have 825 coils, which puts them ever so slightly above the Classic line (by 25 coils). In other words, in this case the label is somewhat of a marketing trick to cause people to think that they are getting more mattress for their money.

** CAUTION!!! ** The FAQ contains info on the Westin Heavenly Bed as well. Contrary to what may have been discussed previously, none of the mattresses from the W website are the Westin Heavenly bed. Instead, they are "Beautyrest World Class" models made by Simmons especially for W Hotels . There are no returns accepted for any purchases, and the quoted 10 year warranty requires that you mail the mattress back to them. (** need to mail the mattress for warranty service is unverified... my reading of my own warranty card suggests I may have other local alternatives. - Yoshi)

Q: What is the difference between the two Heavenly Beds being offered?
A: To answer this question, lets first start with a bit of history so in case you draw upon any personal experience with any of our beds, you can better understand what is being offered here and now.

The Heavenly Beds installed in our Westin Hotels right now are from two different generations. The majority of Westin Hotels have the original Beautyrest? bed from Simmons, equipped with a two-sided pillow top mattress, circa 1999 -2001. These particular mattresses are characteristically known to feel springy with a soft pillow top underneath and a medium-soft supporting foundation. The mattress height is 10.5" with a foundation (box spring) of 7.0". Given this is a two sided mattress, during its normal lifespan it requires a quarterly rotation (just like your car tires, this keeps the bed evenly worn). As wonderful as these beds are, they are no longer available as bed technology has changed.

The next generation of Heavenly Beds appeared circa 2001-2005. These mattresses have a taller profile height of 12.5" and taller foundation of 8.75". With new technology in fabrication and construction, these beds are single-sided, which basically means no rotation is required during its normal life. Their comfort zone is soft to firm. Soft being right under your immediate backside (2 - 3" inches deep) from the top side (pillow top), to firm support from the individual coil pocketed construction underneath. Both, the original Heavenly Bed and this newer model have hotel fire retardant ticking otherwise deeming these beds as commercial products. This model is one of the two Heavenly Beds available for purchase in this program.

In 2005 the Retail ~ Heavenly Bed joined the family of Westin beds. This model is purely a retail bed not found in our hotels, however it is made available for associate purchase. Designed for a very discerning customer, this model provides that residential look and feel for the home application. In a recently formed partnership with the Nordstrom Department Store, along with Hotels@Home, Westin sells thousands of these beds to our guests. This particular mattress has additional foam layering in the pillow top bringing the total profile height up to 13.25", while the foundation remains at 8.75". The fabric (ticking) is upgraded to a residential design with a softer hand, which clearly distinguishes it from the hotel / commercial versions in our hotels. Aside from the new profile height, its ticking and retail emblem these beds are of similar construction and specification of the popular single-sided hotel mattress. This particular Heavenly Bed proudly displays a beautifully designed Heavenly Bed Emblem at the foot of the bed. Perfect for a little show and tell with your friends.

Q: What is the difference between the Heavenly Beds and the W Hotel bed?
A: The three available beds from Simmons are all Beautyrest models. The difference (besides what is noted in the previous question) is not performance, but layers....in that the two Heavenly Beds are pillow top applications, whereas the W Hotel bed is not. They all have individual coil pocketed construction and single sided, no flip technology. All three beds are simply great beds, but for you, it will be a matter of much softness your back prefers. Read question # 5, which may help your decision.

Q: What is the difference between the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper and the Four Points by Sheraton ~ Four Comfort Bed?
A: The simple answer is nothing more than the label representing the two different brands. These two beds are identical with the exception of their individual branded soft goods package they use (e.g. ensembles: duvet, pillows and blankets - each sold separately by Hotels@Home).

Q: Are these the same beds found in the department stores?
A: Yes and No. Not to make things more difficult to understand, both manufacturers offer similar retail product in stores. Simmons has their successful Beautyrest line, while Sealy has the highly regarded Posturepedic line. Outside of the purpose built Heavenly Bed (at Nordstrom), you may find similarities to the retail products. Although, our beds do have some slight differences from coil counts, fabric ticking, profile height and construction, designed to meet our custom criteria in beds. This fact does not necessarily make one bed better or worst, just different.

Q: Which bed is better (Westin / Sheraton / Four Points / W Hotel)?
A: Of all the questions, this is the most difficult to answer. Being mindful of the fact we think all our beds are great, this question and answer becomes subjective. It really depends more upon your personal sleeping habit and need. In other words "what is good for me may not be good for you". To define the comfort of these beds, I often use a non-scientific judgment. Basically taking into account what your back might feel laying on the mattress (facing up) for the first 2-3" inches of mattress depth, and then what support lies thereafter. Avoid getting too technical on count coils, type, gage, layers, thickness, and materials... while they are all important, Starwood already made sure we had enough of everything important in our beds. What is really important is how you feel on the bed. The best approach is for you to personally test the bed when staying at one of our hotels, if possible. If not, then for what its worth use my simple rating. Caution...remember my opinion is subjective!

RATING: Topside: first 2" - 3" / Support: in mattress (box spring is considered here as well)

Westin Heavenly Bed - Original Two Side Mattress / Pillow top (No longer available)
Rating: Soft Topside, Medium-Soft Support (almost to the point of being springy)

Westin Heavenly Bed - Single Sided Hotel Commercial Version / Pillow top
Rating: Soft Topside, Firm Support

Westin Heavenly Bed - Retail Version / Pillow top
Rating: Very-Soft Topside, Firm Support

W Hotel Bed - Original Two Sided Mattress / Plush Top (No longer available)
Rating: Medium-Soft Topside, Medium-Soft Support (almost to point of being springy)

W Hotel Bed - Single Sided Hotel Commercial Version (Plush Top)
Rating: Medium-Soft Topside, Firm Support

Sheraton Sweet Sleeper - Original Two Sided Version / Plush Top (No longer available)
Rating: Medium-Soft Topside, Medium-Firm Support

Sheraton Sweet Sleeper - Single Sided Hotel Version / Plush Top
Rating: Medium-Soft Topside, Firm Support

Four Point by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed - Original Two Sided Version / Plush Top (No longer available)
Rating: Medium-Soft Topside, Medium-Firm Support

Four Point by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed - Single Sided Hotel Version / Plush Top
Rating: Medium-Soft Topside, Firm Support