Conrad Koh Samui {THA}
Feb 12, 2004, 1:50 pm
#1
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Conrad Koh Samui {THA}
Posts older than 2018 for this OPEN THREAD can be found in the
ARCHIVE THREAD for Conrad Koh Samui
Links to moved posts should still work.
Kiwi Flyer
Hilton HHonors forum moderator
ARCHIVE THREAD for Conrad Koh Samui
Links to moved posts should still work.
Kiwi Flyer
Hilton HHonors forum moderator
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Jan 2, 2020 at 1:37 am
Jan 6, 2018, 1:02 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 385
Great overall time. Highly recommend. TIPS/THOUGHTS beyond that was already posted:
- Alternative transportation options: there is a Samui specific ride share app called Navigo that actually has relatively fair prices to get around the island. There are very few drivers that use the app (usually about four at a given time) and they usually cluster around the airport. If you know in advance when you want to leave the Conrad, definitely check them out and plan accordingly.
- Before I had Navigo settled I asked the concierge to arrange local taxis for me. These taxis were never really taxis (much nicer) but still cheaper than what their hotel-sanctioned limo service was charging. Navigo was still much cheaper.
- Food: Never made it to Jahn, but the food was generally good (never mind-blowing). We usually overordered in case there were a few misses (which did happen). If you like spicy food you need to plead with the server or you won't get it. Service at Zest was generally not good - especially if you eat outside. I went during peak season and they seemed understaffed and not as fluent in English as other areas of the resort. I went to breakfast there twice and twice I never received the coffee that I ordered. By contrast the service at the pool was much better, friendlier and more confident.
- Off-site:
- The snorkel/beach excursion is not a must, but nice for a change of scenery/zippy boat ride.
- Highly recommend both Bang Por Takho and Sabeinglae. Walk over to Four Monkeys for solid coffee after Bang Por. .
- Tamarind Springs - came highly recommended to me from neighbor who travels the world (her husband is a commercial airline pilot). I booked a 2.5 hour massage/springs combo, which was decadent. Definitely a unique experience that you cannot find beyond Samui.
- Manufacturered Spending Hounds: There is no ATM on-site, rather you can withdraw from the conceirge and they will charge your room or cc. Great way to earn Hilton and cc points.
- Spa: Amazing. Do it. Yes, it is insanely priced for Thailand, but rationalize it via what it would cost back home.
- Alternative transportation options: there is a Samui specific ride share app called Navigo that actually has relatively fair prices to get around the island. There are very few drivers that use the app (usually about four at a given time) and they usually cluster around the airport. If you know in advance when you want to leave the Conrad, definitely check them out and plan accordingly.
- Before I had Navigo settled I asked the concierge to arrange local taxis for me. These taxis were never really taxis (much nicer) but still cheaper than what their hotel-sanctioned limo service was charging. Navigo was still much cheaper.
- Food: Never made it to Jahn, but the food was generally good (never mind-blowing). We usually overordered in case there were a few misses (which did happen). If you like spicy food you need to plead with the server or you won't get it. Service at Zest was generally not good - especially if you eat outside. I went during peak season and they seemed understaffed and not as fluent in English as other areas of the resort. I went to breakfast there twice and twice I never received the coffee that I ordered. By contrast the service at the pool was much better, friendlier and more confident.
- Off-site:
- The snorkel/beach excursion is not a must, but nice for a change of scenery/zippy boat ride.
- Highly recommend both Bang Por Takho and Sabeinglae. Walk over to Four Monkeys for solid coffee after Bang Por. .
- Tamarind Springs - came highly recommended to me from neighbor who travels the world (her husband is a commercial airline pilot). I booked a 2.5 hour massage/springs combo, which was decadent. Definitely a unique experience that you cannot find beyond Samui.
- Manufacturered Spending Hounds: There is no ATM on-site, rather you can withdraw from the conceirge and they will charge your room or cc. Great way to earn Hilton and cc points.
- Spa: Amazing. Do it. Yes, it is insanely priced for Thailand, but rationalize it via what it would cost back home.
Jan 6, 2018, 12:06 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: AC Altitude SE100K, HH Diamond
Posts: 254
Thanks for these tips, NYCRachel. Can you give me some sense of how much lead time you need to arrange a ride both with Navigo and through the concierge? And, where you able to easily get rides back to the hotel? Thanks
Jan 6, 2018, 2:14 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 385
A local taxi via the concierge usually took 15-20 minutes to arrive. Concierge taxis were usually about double what Navigo was charging.
Going home, again, I powered up the app about 20 minutes before I needed to leave and strategically called for a cab based on where they were in the map in the app. This was much easier than the pain of having to bargain with local taxis, which is a total pain and still wouldn't be as cheap as Navigo.
Last edited by NYCRachel; Jan 6, 2018 at 2:21 pm
Jan 10, 2018, 7:24 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 385
If I remember correctly it is three times a day. Departures are (I think) late morning, mid-afternoon and early evening. Never took it though.
Jan 11, 2018, 8:38 am
#8
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,481
My next stay will be mid of March and I've made a reservation for a rental car. For me it's worth the THB 13.300 for a Toyota Fortuner for a 5 nights stay. Easy to drive to restaurants, beaches, shopping, night life and from/to the airport. Of course it comes with the restriction not to drink and drive, but that doesn't bother me.
Jan 11, 2018, 12:45 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: AC Altitude SE100K, HH Diamond
Posts: 254
My next stay will be mid of March and I've made a reservation for a rental car. For me it's worth the THB 13.300 for a Toyota Fortuner for a 5 nights stay. Easy to drive to restaurants, beaches, shopping, night life and from/to the airport. Of course it comes with the restriction not to drink and drive, but that doesn't bother me.
Jan 13, 2018, 11:35 am
#10
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: London
Posts: 878
We have a 6-night stay at CKS in early February and I was wondering if you could help with a couple of questions:
1. Those of you who have rented a car, do you recommend any company? It's just a couple of us and we are not looking for anything fancy - but it sounds like we might need a SUV to get to the hotel?
2. What I am missing out on as a Gold member? Is it worth trying to do a Diamond challenge for this? I can see that Diamonds get two more drink coupons, any other differences?
Thanks!
1. Those of you who have rented a car, do you recommend any company? It's just a couple of us and we are not looking for anything fancy - but it sounds like we might need a SUV to get to the hotel?
2. What I am missing out on as a Gold member? Is it worth trying to do a Diamond challenge for this? I can see that Diamonds get two more drink coupons, any other differences?
Thanks!
Jan 13, 2018, 1:20 pm
#11
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ft Worth, TX
Programs: AA, HH
Posts: 451
We rented from Hertz for our stay at CKS. I got the SUV because small car with people plus luggage does not work out so well. Of course you only need this to and from the airport but I also prefer the comfort. A nice SUV will also be the bigger car on the road in a place like Thailand. I have found driving in a country like this bigger is better. When renting the vehicle and doing the walk around with the rental agent take pictures of every part of the vehicle and make sure they see you doing this. This will keep them from trying to charge you for any damage no matter how small when returning. Of course this will not apply to any damage you might do but this will also protect you from the valets at CKS.
We had two villa's for our stay, 4 adults 1 child and I am a Diamond. Not really a big difference in perks from Diamond to Gold at CKS. They did give us free breakfast for all 4, I guess we got this since I had both villa's in my name.
We had two villa's for our stay, 4 adults 1 child and I am a Diamond. Not really a big difference in perks from Diamond to Gold at CKS. They did give us free breakfast for all 4, I guess we got this since I had both villa's in my name.
Jan 14, 2018, 3:44 pm
#12
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: PHX
Programs: AS MVP, HH Diamond
Posts: 3,259
We have a 6-night stay at CKS in early February and I was wondering if you could help with a couple of questions:
1. Those of you who have rented a car, do you recommend any company? It's just a couple of us and we are not looking for anything fancy - but it sounds like we might need a SUV to get to the hotel?
2. What I am missing out on as a Gold member? Is it worth trying to do a Diamond challenge for this? I can see that Diamonds get two more drink coupons, any other differences?
Thanks!
1. Those of you who have rented a car, do you recommend any company? It's just a couple of us and we are not looking for anything fancy - but it sounds like we might need a SUV to get to the hotel?
2. What I am missing out on as a Gold member? Is it worth trying to do a Diamond challenge for this? I can see that Diamonds get two more drink coupons, any other differences?
Thanks!
I don't think you're missing out on much as gold. We were fairly happy with our treatment as gold. I fancied the breakfast, and that was the primary gold perk for me. As always, meter expectations- This is Thailand.
Jan 25, 2018, 6:02 am
#15
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 41
I would like to preface this as stating "Damn you Jet Lag!"
I am from South Dakota where it is currently colder than cold. I am traveling as a single traveler on my 40th Birthday trip due to wife back home being a teacher. Arrived at the Conrad at Koh Sumai yesterday late morning after 36 hours in Bangkok. I booked a car via Mr Sumai and FB literally a hour before I was flyng out from Bangkok (incredible service and well worth the $30 price tag for a one way or $56 rt). and was picked up in a full service leather seated lux SUV. On the drive to the Conrad I spoke with Mr. Sumai via the drivers phone and was able to stop off at a gas station to allow me to buy my "daddy drinks" so I wouldn't have to buy that much alcohol here at the resort.
As I arrived here at the Conrad I was led into the open aired reception parlor during a downpour under the umbrella of a porter who genuinely cared for my well being. I was given a really nice tea and a cold towel that literally smelled delicious. I then met with the Director of Operations and had a genuine conversation about being a Diamond, world experiences, travel and so forth.
I booked the lowest category room here two or so months ago using Points, the Retreat Villa. When I arrived today I was "hoping" to be upgraded into a larger suite vs the base that I had booked. When I was spoke with Thomas who is ihead of Operations he preceded to inform me that I was upgraded to a Two Bdrm Villa and they genuinely want to show their appreciation to Diamonds. On a side note, I am fully aware of upgrade policy within the Hilton Portfolio and definitely did not expect this, maybe one cat or two higher but not all the way to the top. This resort makes me actually want to keep my Diamond status purely for the Diamond treatment. *side note* other Hilton Resorts, you need to seriously take a step back and reevaluate your Diamond policy, maybe hire Thomas as a consultant. Conrad KS has its upgrade policy spot on, "If and when upgrade availability allows".
Anyone have any questions I can answer for them while I'm here? I am moving today into a Conrad Royal One Bdrm Villa that I booked via points to enjoy the best of the bes while here in CKS.
Anyone on FT by chance currently at this property and would like to meet up for a drink, I'll buy first round!
I am from South Dakota where it is currently colder than cold. I am traveling as a single traveler on my 40th Birthday trip due to wife back home being a teacher. Arrived at the Conrad at Koh Sumai yesterday late morning after 36 hours in Bangkok. I booked a car via Mr Sumai and FB literally a hour before I was flyng out from Bangkok (incredible service and well worth the $30 price tag for a one way or $56 rt). and was picked up in a full service leather seated lux SUV. On the drive to the Conrad I spoke with Mr. Sumai via the drivers phone and was able to stop off at a gas station to allow me to buy my "daddy drinks" so I wouldn't have to buy that much alcohol here at the resort.
As I arrived here at the Conrad I was led into the open aired reception parlor during a downpour under the umbrella of a porter who genuinely cared for my well being. I was given a really nice tea and a cold towel that literally smelled delicious. I then met with the Director of Operations and had a genuine conversation about being a Diamond, world experiences, travel and so forth.
I booked the lowest category room here two or so months ago using Points, the Retreat Villa. When I arrived today I was "hoping" to be upgraded into a larger suite vs the base that I had booked. When I was spoke with Thomas who is ihead of Operations he preceded to inform me that I was upgraded to a Two Bdrm Villa and they genuinely want to show their appreciation to Diamonds. On a side note, I am fully aware of upgrade policy within the Hilton Portfolio and definitely did not expect this, maybe one cat or two higher but not all the way to the top. This resort makes me actually want to keep my Diamond status purely for the Diamond treatment. *side note* other Hilton Resorts, you need to seriously take a step back and reevaluate your Diamond policy, maybe hire Thomas as a consultant. Conrad KS has its upgrade policy spot on, "If and when upgrade availability allows".
Anyone have any questions I can answer for them while I'm here? I am moving today into a Conrad Royal One Bdrm Villa that I booked via points to enjoy the best of the bes while here in CKS.
Anyone on FT by chance currently at this property and would like to meet up for a drink, I'll buy first round!