Any way to book the flight so that this addl leg is included in the price of the flight from whereever coming from? $300pp is steep for a 30 min ride
There is another operator, but they work primarily with Maldivian Air Taxi.
Think of it this way - $150 pp each way and yes it's less than 30 minutes, and it's only about 70+ kms, but there's a high cost to running a remote seaplane fleet.
Believe me, once you get your bill, the seaplane transfer will be the least of your worries
Programs: AA Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hertz 5*, WN A-List
Posts: 612
If the email I just got from the Conrad is correct, it just got worse. In the email they are quoting $325 for the seaplane transfer, although the original emails I got indicated $300. I will confirm with them and post back here.
Location: SYD, Australia......Hotels: PC Plat Royal Amb, Hyatt Plat, HHon Gold, SPG Gold...Airlines: LH SEN (*Gold), BD (*Gold), UA 1P (*Gold), QF Gold (OW Sapphire)
Posts: 1,638
Award availability removed for 2009
I just noticed while checking for award availability today that they have pulled all award availability for 2009 now...
It was still there two days ago but now it's all gone. I haven't checked whether they still have standard rooms available or not...might have a case with HH then.
Actually, I just checked and the hotel also doesn't seem to sell any rooms in 2009 now. That would explain why there are no award rooms bookable. Now, if we could only find out why they have blocked all rooms bookings for 2009...
Last edited by Sydfly; Apr 21, 08 at 10:47 pm..
Reason: Checked website for paid rates
Programs: AA Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hertz 5*, WN A-List
Posts: 612
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sydfly
I just noticed while checking for award availability today that they have pulled all award availability for 2009 now...
It was still there two days ago but now it's all gone. I haven't checked whether they still have standard rooms available or not...might have a case with HH then.
Actually, I just checked and the hotel also doesn't seem to sell any rooms in 2009 now. That would explain why there are no award rooms bookable. Now, if we could only find out why they have blocked all rooms bookings for 2009...
I don't think it's real, I think something funky is going on. For paid stays, the availability calendar shows that a room is available, but if you try to book a night out in March or April, you can't. It tells you "No rooms available".
Location: SYD, Australia......Hotels: PC Plat Royal Amb, Hyatt Plat, HHon Gold, SPG Gold...Airlines: LH SEN (*Gold), BD (*Gold), UA 1P (*Gold), QF Gold (OW Sapphire)
Posts: 1,638
Quote:
Originally Posted by jasonvr
I don't think it's real, I think something funky is going on. For paid stays, the availability calendar shows that a room is available, but if you try to book a night out in March or April, you can't. It tells you "No rooms available".
That's interesting. I can't even see availability using the availability calender. It says each day is unavailable. Let's hope that they will fix it soon. I called HH and they had no clue. The best thing they came up with is that the hotel might have an unexpected demand for that period...for four months!!!.....
I just noticed while checking for award availability today that they have pulled all award availability for 2009 now...
It was still there two days ago but now it's all gone. I haven't checked whether they still have standard rooms available or not...might have a case with HH then.
Actually, I just checked and the hotel also doesn't seem to sell any rooms in 2009 now. That would explain why there are no award rooms bookable. Now, if we could only find out why they have blocked all rooms bookings for 2009...
Management told me that they are making a "number of changes'. Some of these involve room upgrades and refurbs as well as other pysical plant. They are adding a new pool among other things.
However, they also hinted at "changes in how we work with Hilton and HHonors". They already feel they have exceptions from many of the Hhonors rules - something Hilton corporate doesn't necessarily share. My issue is there should be consistency with communciation and policies.
If the email I just got from the Conrad is correct, it just got worse. In the email they are quoting $325 for the seaplane transfer, although the original emails I got indicated $300. I will confirm with them and post back here.
I would guess that this is one of the effects of the declining $US. I am sure that all other prices will increase soon.
I had noticed the same availability issue last night as well. Perhaps they have gotten tired of us (and by "us" I mean me ) calling all the time to bring up the issues with the availability.
I should have take my screen shot when I had the chance.
Programs: AA Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hertz 5*, WN A-List
Posts: 612
Quote:
Originally Posted by jasonvr
If the email I just got from the Conrad is correct, it just got worse. In the email they are quoting $325 for the seaplane transfer, although the original emails I got indicated $300. I will confirm with them and post back here.
Well, it's been confirmed. The seaplane rate is up to $325 per person now (just got an email back from the Conrad). They have agreed to keep it at $300 for me since that is the rate I was originally quoted.
Programs: UA 1k (1 more month :-( / HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, Starwood Gold
Posts: 260
Frustrating HHonors Policies + Info
We booked a 9 night award stay for this June/July at the Maldives; needless to say we are very excited about getting to the resort and the ability to book the stay. Any guidance on recent stays would be appreciated. However here are some thoughts, experiences, and info:
--We have now confirmed out flight details and seaplane transfers...325/pp for the RT transfer. This is steep, but so is everything else (given the value of the USD), and is similar to other inter-island small aircraft transfers in the Caribbean.
--The Conrad has also booked the overnight stay in Male for us and gave us an option of the airport hotel or the Male hotel--despite some grumblings on tripadvisor regarding the Male hotel we chose to save some $$ and experience Male.
--The Conrad has also confirmed they are charging 30/pp/day for the breakfast "supplement" although all other paid stays have bfast included. This is ridiculous considering the lack of availability of award stays....there could be 149 units getting the included bfast, with the two of us the only people paying for bfast. Seems like this is just punishing guests on awards....not even considering the Diamond benefits also should include bfast. I could understand the property not including bfast for Diamonds (as this is also occurring at other high-end places), but not at a place that includes the buffet for all other stays.
--The email correspondance with the hotel also confirmed the Diamond benefits include 1 bottle of water in the room/day, upgrade (if available), and a bottle of champgane upon arrival. It seems as if Diamond doesn't really mean anything---also considering the Diamond desk can't force into the property---so basically an award stay is next to impossible, anyone can reserve one if available, and you are singled out at the resort.
--I am happy we are going to such a nice resort, but after spending almost every week throughout the year in nasty airport area DTs and Hamptons (without any benefit given as a Diamond), I would expect some sort of benefit when we use up the points to go on vacation. Makes one wonder if Marriott treats their high-end guests better and the type of treatment Starwood Plats get at their Maldives property.
--The DD was absolutely no help today regarding this stay; they couldn't find the reservation, put me on hold to ask about the bfast benefit (or lack of), and then hung up on the call. The second call back ended with the DD rep telling me I should stop asking about and Diamond benefits because some properties just do their own thing and any benefits are between me and the resort. He told me "it would be better for my health to just stop worrying about the policies, and just pay the 60/day for breakfast---the DD can't do anything for you." So far the DD has been of very little help for any of my stays.
--The hotel also forwarded price lists for dining and excursion options--needless to say very expensive as the Koko Grill, Beach Dinner, etc. are basically just as pricey as the underwater restaurant. I guess it is what you pay for out there and is expected---looks like we are packing snacks out there with us.
Programs: CO PLAT, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold, PC Gold, MR Gold
Posts: 688
PLTHOO,
I have an e-mail confirmation from the hotel that states that as a gold, I will receive either an upgrade or free breakfast. I would imagine it would be at least as good for diamond's.
The problem with the hotel is the amount of points required and the location. It costs the same as the hilton in New York. If you look at Starwood, the W in Maldives costs 70k points a night, vs a hotel in NYC at 12-20k points a night. I think this hotel will stop accepting award reservations or increase the number of points required sooner or later, so I am just happy to have my 7 night award stay in November 2008.
Programs: UA 1k (1 more month :-( / HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, Starwood Gold
Posts: 260
I completely agree with some of the reasoning as to why things are different out at the Maldives...I stay in the NYC area for business every week...one Hampton I am in out on Long Island is a Cat 5....so it doesn't make much sense on how the Hampton on LI is about the same as the Maldives. It would be good for Hilton to get the program figured out, although the DD did say the Waldorf Maui property (which takes a lot more points for a week than a Cat 6) also makes up their own rules and doesn't provide much benefit for Diamonds.
I hope things sort out....nontheless the property is top of the line and one of the most beautiful places on Earth....if some points get me there and back I should be happy.
We booked a 9 night award stay for this June/July at the Maldives ... looks like we are packing snacks out there with us.
BUT .. remember that there are severe weight restrictions on what you can take on the air taxi.
In answer to one of your earlier posts: Male is "dry" and you cannot buy or import any booze (the resorts must have a special license). all of your luggage is scanned by X-ray when you arrive.
Where are you staying in Male, and at what price. I made my own arrangements thru a local travel agent and my room (not great, or even memorable) was less than $100. The big advantage was that the hotel was only about 12 yards from the ferry landing.
Have fun, it is a great place but you are either going to be completely broke or bored after 9 days.
Programs: UA 1k (1 more month :-( / HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, Starwood Gold
Posts: 260
Thanks for the reminder on the weight restriction...we have made note of the weight limitations and the "dry" country entry requirements. I even looked at what FedEx showed for shipping booze....lots of $$$ and lots of warnings.
I think we'll be OK for 9 night as we haven't had the time to just relax and we plan on diving a decent amount. We are staying at the Mookai (sp?) hotel in Male. Appreciate any more tips/tricks on enjoying the island resort.
) calling all the time to bring up the issues with the availability.
