Jan 12, 2019, 12:28 pm
Vana Belle, Koh Samui, Thailand [Master Thread]
Dec 20, 2014, 5:24 pm
#136
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Earth ... for now
Programs: UA 2MM * Marriott Ambassador LT Titanium * IHG Diamond Ambassador * Hilton Diamond *
Posts: 1,787
For a stay of a few days, I would probably go for it. Not the worst value for that high season period.
http://www.vanabellekohsamui.com/rooms/classicpoolsuite
http://www.vanabellekohsamui.com/rooms/grandpoolsuite
http://www.vanabellekohsamui.com/rooms/classicpoolsuite
http://www.vanabellekohsamui.com/rooms/grandpoolsuite
Dec 20, 2014, 7:40 pm
#138
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 200
Dec 20, 2014, 7:42 pm
#139
Moderator, El Al and Marriott Bonvoy, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ*G, Mar LTT, Hyatt Glb, AA LTG, LY, HH, IC, BA, DL, UA SLV
Posts: 12,018
Jan 19, 2015, 8:41 am
#140
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 200
Post trip report on the VB:
I spent 5 nights at the VB for my honeymoon. The first night was in a standard suite (314 I believe) and the last 4 nights we paid the upgrade charges (4,000 THB) for a grand pool suite (upgrade wasn't available the first night).
First and foremost the property overall is pretty fantastic. Everything you need and still maintains some thai culture and has a good thai restaurant (italian restaurant wasn't so great fyi). The VB has a semi-private part of Chaweng beach off from the main strip of bars and restaurants and that makes for less partying but a much cleaner and calmer experience if that it was you are going for.
I think the upgrade charges were 100% well worth it. Going in it was a bit confusing on the differences between the classic pool suite and grand pool suite so here are the key things you get when upgrading:
- much much better view; panoramic ocean views (in of itself worth it IMO)
- larger patio area and pool; more seating outside so you could have a meal there if wanted
- much larger and more importantly separate bathroom for more privacy; bathroom also had a large tub that could fit two people and opened up to the pool / patio (classic only has a standard soaking tub for one person)
- private butler to help with any coordination needs you may require
Hope this helps! I would highly recommend the VB when visiting Koh Samui. We spent one night at the Le Meridien on the way out and there was a day and night difference between the two properties and the beaches.
I spent 5 nights at the VB for my honeymoon. The first night was in a standard suite (314 I believe) and the last 4 nights we paid the upgrade charges (4,000 THB) for a grand pool suite (upgrade wasn't available the first night).
First and foremost the property overall is pretty fantastic. Everything you need and still maintains some thai culture and has a good thai restaurant (italian restaurant wasn't so great fyi). The VB has a semi-private part of Chaweng beach off from the main strip of bars and restaurants and that makes for less partying but a much cleaner and calmer experience if that it was you are going for.
I think the upgrade charges were 100% well worth it. Going in it was a bit confusing on the differences between the classic pool suite and grand pool suite so here are the key things you get when upgrading:
- much much better view; panoramic ocean views (in of itself worth it IMO)
- larger patio area and pool; more seating outside so you could have a meal there if wanted
- much larger and more importantly separate bathroom for more privacy; bathroom also had a large tub that could fit two people and opened up to the pool / patio (classic only has a standard soaking tub for one person)
- private butler to help with any coordination needs you may require
Hope this helps! I would highly recommend the VB when visiting Koh Samui. We spent one night at the Le Meridien on the way out and there was a day and night difference between the two properties and the beaches.
Apr 24, 2015, 1:53 pm
#141
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 83
I am looking into using Starpoints to stay here next year (probably in the early fall) and I am trying to figure out how many points I will need. I keep coming across conflicting information. I called Starwood and they cited the category 6 redemption rates. However, I thought this property was subject to higher rates due to only having suites. I tried explaining that on the phone but the Starwood CSR insisted it was category 6 rates for redemption.
Is that correct? If not, does anyone know how what the starpoint redemption levels are for each type of room (pool suite, grand pool, and ocean view pool)?
Is that correct? If not, does anyone know how what the starpoint redemption levels are for each type of room (pool suite, grand pool, and ocean view pool)?
Last edited by JaytheBarber; Apr 24, 2015 at 1:59 pm
Apr 24, 2015, 2:51 pm
#142
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
I am looking into using Starpoints to stay here next year (probably in the early fall) and I am trying to figure out how many points I will need. I keep coming across conflicting information. I called Starwood and they cited the category 6 redemption rates. However, I thought this property was subject to higher rates due to only having suites. I tried explaining that on the phone but the Starwood CSR insisted it was category 6 rates for redemption.
Is that correct? If not, does anyone know how what the starpoint redemption levels are for each type of room (pool suite, grand pool, and ocean view pool)?
There are three other redemption possibilities, subject to availability:
Deluxe Pool View Suite - 50,000 low season/62,500 high season per night
Grand Pool View Suite - 60,000 low season/75,000 high season per night
Tropical Pool View Villa - 80,000 low season/100,000 high season per night
Ocean View Pool View Suites are not a redemption possibility.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Apr 24, 2015, 11:09 pm
#143
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,755
I am looking into using Starpoints to stay here next year (probably in the early fall) and I am trying to figure out how many points I will need. I keep coming across conflicting information. I called Starwood and they cited the category 6 redemption rates. However, I thought this property was subject to higher rates due to only having suites. I tried explaining that on the phone but the Starwood CSR insisted it was category 6 rates for redemption.
Apr 24, 2015, 11:19 pm
#144
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: SPG,HH,IHG
Posts: 786
I am looking into using Starpoints to stay here next year (probably in the early fall) and I am trying to figure out how many points I will need. I keep coming across conflicting information. I called Starwood and they cited the category 6 redemption rates. However, I thought this property was subject to higher rates due to only having suites. I tried explaining that on the phone but the Starwood CSR insisted it was category 6 rates for redemption.
Is that correct? If not, does anyone know how what the starpoint redemption levels are for each type of room (pool suite, grand pool, and ocean view pool)?
Is that correct? If not, does anyone know how what the starpoint redemption levels are for each type of room (pool suite, grand pool, and ocean view pool)?
May 13, 2015, 9:28 am
#145
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,472
I just finished up a stay here - lots has already been said, so here is a brief summary...
- One of my best SPG stays (My guess is that I've stayed at 80+ properties)
- I don't know how often they upgrade, but my suggestion is to book the room you want rather than hope for an upgrade and perhaps be disappointed. You don't want the tropical view rooms
- Overall I had a fantastic time. I'm glad that I booked here over the Sheraton and W
- One of my best SPG stays (My guess is that I've stayed at 80+ properties)
- I don't know how often they upgrade, but my suggestion is to book the room you want rather than hope for an upgrade and perhaps be disappointed. You don't want the tropical view rooms
- Overall I had a fantastic time. I'm glad that I booked here over the Sheraton and W
May 15, 2015, 7:03 pm
#146
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: PHX
Programs: AS MVP, HH Diamond
Posts: 3,259
Just stayed here 2 nights in a tropical view classic pool suite.
The only upgrade available was an ocean view villa which was an additional 10,000+++ THB, too rich for us.
We actually ended up liking our room and lack of view. (For context, we had just come from the Conrad where every room has an unbelievable ocean view) They put us in 404 which was 'ground floor' of building 4, but was high enough that people walking by on the path in front of the building were not able to see our pool/deck. Many of the other ground floor suites lack this privacy.
Somehow they thought it was our honeymoon. We tried to clarify at checkin that it was not, but everything was already set into motion. They sent a bottle of prosecco, chocolates, fruits to our room, just married sign stuck to our door, complimentary mocktail with dinner at Kiree.
The staff here are absolutely great-warm and genuine. Teep the greeter/bellman, Whaen at the front desk, Mike the chief concierge. Whenever they would get our rental for us they would proactively place cold water bottles in it for us. Prepackaged cold towels also placed in the car when we checked out.
The soft shell crab salad at Kiree was pretty tasty.
Note that a new GM started here 5/14. Hopefully this place will continue to excel under new leadership.
We did try the off property restaurant recommended in this thread(and TA), Phensiri. The food is great and much much cheaper. It isn't air conditioned and even with the fan blowing right on us, we were both drenched in sweat at the conclusion of dinner. Not a complaint, just an FYI.
The only upgrade available was an ocean view villa which was an additional 10,000+++ THB, too rich for us.
We actually ended up liking our room and lack of view. (For context, we had just come from the Conrad where every room has an unbelievable ocean view) They put us in 404 which was 'ground floor' of building 4, but was high enough that people walking by on the path in front of the building were not able to see our pool/deck. Many of the other ground floor suites lack this privacy.
Somehow they thought it was our honeymoon. We tried to clarify at checkin that it was not, but everything was already set into motion. They sent a bottle of prosecco, chocolates, fruits to our room, just married sign stuck to our door, complimentary mocktail with dinner at Kiree.
The staff here are absolutely great-warm and genuine. Teep the greeter/bellman, Whaen at the front desk, Mike the chief concierge. Whenever they would get our rental for us they would proactively place cold water bottles in it for us. Prepackaged cold towels also placed in the car when we checked out.
The soft shell crab salad at Kiree was pretty tasty.
Note that a new GM started here 5/14. Hopefully this place will continue to excel under new leadership.
We did try the off property restaurant recommended in this thread(and TA), Phensiri. The food is great and much much cheaper. It isn't air conditioned and even with the fan blowing right on us, we were both drenched in sweat at the conclusion of dinner. Not a complaint, just an FYI.
May 23, 2015, 11:16 pm
#148
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 154
I am looking into using Starpoints to stay here next year (probably in the early fall) and I am trying to figure out how many points I will need. I keep coming across conflicting information. I called Starwood and they cited the category 6 redemption rates. However, I thought this property was subject to higher rates due to only having suites. I tried explaining that on the phone but the Starwood CSR insisted it was category 6 rates for redemption.
Is that correct? If not, does anyone know how what the starpoint redemption levels are for each type of room (pool suite, grand pool, and ocean view pool)?
Is that correct? If not, does anyone know how what the starpoint redemption levels are for each type of room (pool suite, grand pool, and ocean view pool)?
I recall having to call a couple of times to get this rate. The first rep quoted me 160k or 200k points for the stay.
May 24, 2015, 2:45 pm
#149
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 1
Terms and conditions
I was able to redeem 5 night stay (in July '15) with classic pool suite for ~100k points. There are other reports of similar redemption in this thread.
I recall having to call a couple of times to get this rate. The first rep quoted me 160k or 200k points for the stay.
I recall having to call a couple of times to get this rate. The first rep quoted me 160k or 200k points for the stay.
(3) Free Night Awards at the following locations require higher Starpoint redemption amounts either because the hotel does not have standard rooms or the standard rooms it offers have a mandatory Full Board requirement in peak seasons: Sheraton Denarau Villas, Nadi, Fiji; Canyon Suites at The Phoenician; Scottsdale, Arizona; St. Regis Resort Bora Bora, and Le Méridien Bora Bora, Bora Bora, French Polynesia; The St. Regis Bali Resort, Bali, Indonesia; W Retreat & Spa - Maldives, Maldives; Sunset Key Guest Cottages, A Westin Resort, Key West, Florida; The Westin Resort and Spa, Playa Conchal, Playa Conchal, Costa Rica; Mystique, Santorini, Greece; Pine Cliff Residences, Albuferia, Portugal; and Cala Di Volpe, Hotel Pitrizza, and Hotel Romazzino, Porto Cervo, Italy; W Retreat Koh Samui, Koh Samui, Thailand; and Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The minimum number of Starpoints required for a free night at the Sheraton Denarau Villas, which is a category 3 hotel, is 14,000 Starpoints; Pine Cliff Residences and Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, which are Category 6 hotels, require 40,000 to 100,000 Starpoints; and the minimum number of Starpoints required for a free night at the other listed properties, which are all Category 7 properties, ranges from 60,000 to 140,000 Starpoints depending on the hotel, its category, its room types, the time of year, and/or its mandatory requirements. Redemptions at these hotels must be booked through your local customer contact center.
The Vana Belle, isn't included. I then emailed them to point this out and they still said no. Should I escalate this?
May 25, 2015, 3:46 am
#150
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Guangzhou
Programs: SPG
Posts: 1,021
I've called several times in the last couple of months with this request but they keep quoting me 160 or 200k as well. But when you look at their terms and conditions under the free nights it states:
(3) Free Night Awards at the following locations require higher Starpoint redemption amounts either because the hotel does not have standard rooms or the standard rooms it offers have a mandatory Full Board requirement in peak seasons: Sheraton Denarau Villas, Nadi, Fiji; Canyon Suites at The Phoenician; Scottsdale, Arizona; St. Regis Resort Bora Bora, and Le Méridien Bora Bora, Bora Bora, French Polynesia; The St. Regis Bali Resort, Bali, Indonesia; W Retreat & Spa - Maldives, Maldives; Sunset Key Guest Cottages, A Westin Resort, Key West, Florida; The Westin Resort and Spa, Playa Conchal, Playa Conchal, Costa Rica; Mystique, Santorini, Greece; Pine Cliff Residences, Albuferia, Portugal; and Cala Di Volpe, Hotel Pitrizza, and Hotel Romazzino, Porto Cervo, Italy; W Retreat Koh Samui, Koh Samui, Thailand; and Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The minimum number of Starpoints required for a free night at the Sheraton Denarau Villas, which is a category 3 hotel, is 14,000 Starpoints; Pine Cliff Residences and Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, which are Category 6 hotels, require 40,000 to 100,000 Starpoints; and the minimum number of Starpoints required for a free night at the other listed properties, which are all Category 7 properties, ranges from 60,000 to 140,000 Starpoints depending on the hotel, its category, its room types, the time of year, and/or its mandatory requirements. Redemptions at these hotels must be booked through your local customer contact center.
The Vana Belle, isn't included. I then emailed them to point this out and they still said no. Should I escalate this?
(3) Free Night Awards at the following locations require higher Starpoint redemption amounts either because the hotel does not have standard rooms or the standard rooms it offers have a mandatory Full Board requirement in peak seasons: Sheraton Denarau Villas, Nadi, Fiji; Canyon Suites at The Phoenician; Scottsdale, Arizona; St. Regis Resort Bora Bora, and Le Méridien Bora Bora, Bora Bora, French Polynesia; The St. Regis Bali Resort, Bali, Indonesia; W Retreat & Spa - Maldives, Maldives; Sunset Key Guest Cottages, A Westin Resort, Key West, Florida; The Westin Resort and Spa, Playa Conchal, Playa Conchal, Costa Rica; Mystique, Santorini, Greece; Pine Cliff Residences, Albuferia, Portugal; and Cala Di Volpe, Hotel Pitrizza, and Hotel Romazzino, Porto Cervo, Italy; W Retreat Koh Samui, Koh Samui, Thailand; and Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The minimum number of Starpoints required for a free night at the Sheraton Denarau Villas, which is a category 3 hotel, is 14,000 Starpoints; Pine Cliff Residences and Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, which are Category 6 hotels, require 40,000 to 100,000 Starpoints; and the minimum number of Starpoints required for a free night at the other listed properties, which are all Category 7 properties, ranges from 60,000 to 140,000 Starpoints depending on the hotel, its category, its room types, the time of year, and/or its mandatory requirements. Redemptions at these hotels must be booked through your local customer contact center.
The Vana Belle, isn't included. I then emailed them to point this out and they still said no. Should I escalate this?
Hi roofus241,
As William posted here, this is an all-suite property so the lowest standard redemption is 40,000 Starpoints per night for a Classic Pool View Suite in low season/50,000 Starpoints per night in high season.
You may check the high/low season period of the hotel clicking this link.
Best Regards,
Christina Zhou
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]