RTW1

You are kidding yourself to think they would allow a change of dates under the old cat 6 level after the cat 7 change is in effect.... If you book under one reservation ANY change will trigger a recalc for the whole 9 nights. So if you are unsure about a few nights at the beginning/end book wisely. Or better, fix your trip before the cat 7 change is made. You still have a month for that.

canyonleo

I paid zero for any upgrade, I merely booked using two CC nights and used points for seven nights (GP Escape Pkg). Granted, that was like two years ago, it was different management, the place was relatively (seven months?) new and just figuring it out and trying to make a name for itself, was only around 50% occupancy for most nights of my stay, and I had communicated my preferences well.

I agree, not a great data point, but one that helps avoid use of words like "never" I would think... and still a data point at that. I would guess that if the house is less than 50% and one is a Diamond (or better yet let's say - what's it called (I'm not one) - Concierge Key?) and the property has many OW villas unbooked for one's entire stay, one might be able to score one without paying for an upgrade. One shouldn't plan on it, but it could happen I might guess.

tsolin01

You're right, I need to plan for the worst case. Only reason i would change it is because of the flights. I'm planning to book EK first but they don't have award availability that far out right now and probably won't in Jan. Only thing I can do I guess is maybe book it with my 2 free night certs in the beginning but I'll only be limited to move 2 nights out.

taipeiflyer

Book youself as many one night reservations as you can to give yourself maximum flexibility. If there are cash+points available, your points will give you the ability to book at least a couple weeks worth of one night reservations, and then cancel unused nights as your travel plans firm up.

Atlantico

How far out can u book actually awards? 365 days or even more?

kawaii

I got used to having at least one tuna curry for breakfast.

nsmn4945

Less than two weeks then the wait will be over. Can't wait!

For those of you who have been, and have also snorkeled elsewhere, do you recommend purchasing a snorkeling vest? I know you can rent a lifevest/jacket from the resort, but those difer from a snorkeling vest, correct?

I'm not a strong swimmer, but can manage and survive. Just thought it'd be nice to have some assistance while snorkeling. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

skunker

I guess it depends on where you plan on snorkeling. If you walk out from the beach and just swim around the reef there then its not necessary as the water is shallow. But, if you get in from the dock then you might want to consider it as it drops off very fast. I loved it as I could dive down and really look at the coral but it might freak out those that aren't strong swimmers.

dtwdoc

I did some snorkeling off our water villa during this last visit. Generally, the water was extremely calm and at no point did I feel like I needed support. When the water did get rough, it was bad enough that I would not have considered going in even with support. Going back, I wouldn't consider a snorkel vest.

All that said, if it will make you feel better/safer and makes the experience more enjoyable, the small cost of a vest will be well worth it, especially considering the overall cost of your trip.

One other thing - have you contacted the diving center? They may have a snorkel vest for you to use/rent.

Disclosure - I am a strong swimmer

TC610

I stayed there for 5 towards the end of September 2014 for part of my honeymoon. Weather was pretty good - a storm had just finished about 3 hours before we arrived, and one hit while we were on the late evening Maldivian fishing excursion, but aside from that we had maybe 30 minutes total of rain during the week.

My wife and I aren't strong swimmers or scuba people either. For us, 5 nights/6 days was the exact right amount of time for us. Four of our days had one planned activity. If you're concerned about spending too much time on one small island that doesn't have very many activities outside of scuba, have you considered breaking up your honeymoon by going to two different locations? Rather than spending 9 nights at the PH Maldives, we spent 3 nights at the PH Vendome followed by 5 nights in the Maldives.

hakzai

Just received a reply from the hotel regarding paid upgrades and diamond benefits as a well as half and full board.
Prices are for July, not sure if they're the same all year round.
We are pleased to offer below special supplements for villa upgrade from Park Villa;
Park Pool Villa USD 235 per night
Park Water Villa USD465 per night
Park Sunset Water Villa USD 701 per night.

Above given rates are subject to 23.2% service charge and TGST.

As a valued Diamond Card Holder, you are entitled to the following benefits:
· A Welcome Amenity and Fresh Fruit on Arrival Day

· Daily ‘A La Carte’ Breakfast at our All Day Dining Restaurant

· A choice of one Daily Sundowner Beverage from our Cocktail Menu between the hours of 17:00-19:00


Please find below meal plans we offer;
- Half Board supplement USD 120 per night for adult
§ Include 3 course a la carte dinner in The Dining Room. Excluding Chef’s Specials. All drinks are chargeable.


- Full Board supplement USD 170 per night for adult
§ Includes dinner & 3 course a la carte lunch in The Dining Room. Excluding Chef’s Specials. All drinks are chargeable



Premium All Inclusive supplement (min 5 nights stay) USD 320 per night for adult
The supplement includes:
§ Alcoholic beverages including a selection of premium brand spirits & liqueurs, beers and house wines in both restaurants and the bar.

§ The Dining Room” – open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and servicing only A la Carte menu, excluding Chefs Specials.

§ “The Island Grill” – open for dinner only. All menu items, excluding Chefs Specials.

§ Complimentary inclusion to in-house BBQ’s and Maldivian Night.

§ Includes one private beach dinner (excluding signature menus) to be available on the evening of guests choice during stay, 24 hours’ notice for reservations is required.

§ Complimentary Mini Bar – all mini-bar items available and restocked once daily.

§ Reef Exploration Tour

tsolin01

thanks for the feedback! were already planning to spend 3 nights in Dubai but paris would be pretty awesome

jayzee

my understanding is that you can use hyatt gift checks for this property. however, i just contacted them and they indicated that I can only use the gift checks for dining and activities and not for the cost of the room. They also said that the cost of the transport to the hotel will be charged 1 month ahead of arrival and therefore not part of the folio. This contradicts some of the previous posts and the wiki. Do you think the person responded may have been mistaken and that i should ask again.

Thinking about buying a large sum of gift checks to get the discount but the amount will vary largely on how they can be used.

sam_goh

Iirc, gift checks were not usable on transfers, whether or not they were on your folio. There's clearly a mixed response on whether or not you can get it added to your folio or if it's precharged, in my case it was folio.

This is however, the first time I've heard that gift checks cannot be used for rooms though. We were on a points stay and used checks for incidentals, so I can't directly comment to this.

guppies

Hi everyone. Just got a response from PH Maldives for Fall 2015 travel.

Park Sunset Water Villa with an additional charge of USD 701+Taxes (23.20% Service Charge & GST)
Park Water Villa with an additional charge of USD 465+Taxes (23.20% Service Charge & GST)
Park Pool Villa with an additional charge of USD 235+Taxes (23.20% Service Charge & GST).

Also, they added an addition $6 Green Tax, per person, per night (starting November 1, 2015)

Transportation is $510/pp round trip.

Happy New Year, everyone!