wudaokouan

thanks. i'm looking for something a little more recent. have any platinum members received upgrades other than to an ocean view? also, if one stays on a award night or cash/points option, is boat transportation included? is it recommended to take the hotel boat to the hotel or is it possible to go to the pier and find a boat taxi. the cost quoted from the hotel for the boat transfer is fairly expensive. cheers.

piratejo

Received an pre-check in e-mail from Naka Island yesterday quoting transfer costs.

"For a smooth travel on arrival, please advise guest to inform us regards the arrival and departure flight detail. Limousine transfer from Phuket International Airport to Ao Po Grand Marina by a luxury BMW liousine transfer to be charged at THB1,800 per car per way, maximum 3 person. Return speedboat transfer from Ao Po Grand Marina to the resort on arrival and departure is THB2,500 per boat, maximum 4 person."

If I'm reading this correct, it sounds like THB2,500 each way -- for what is a very short ride! Considering this high cost, it should be disclosed on the website prior to booking...

Hmm... I'm starting to think maybe we will just stay with the Le Meridien Khao Lak instead.

blueline7

This is VERY concerning. I hope that they clarify this ASAP.

piratejo

Here's the reply from the resort:

So no apology or discussion regarding why this very high boat transfer cost (THB2500 each way(?)) isn't disclosed when booking which is what I had mentioned heavily in my e-mail to them. Heck, the Six Senses Yao Noi transfer cost is only THB6000 total (includes arrival and departure) and includes transportation to/from airport. Considering the distance of the Naka Island resort from Ao Po Grand Marina, its transfer costs should be much lower.

I'm not sure how I shall respond to the Naka Island resort regarding boat transfer costs... I'm going to mull it over tonight and decide. With a fee that high, it should absolutely be disclosed when booking.

Also, I asked about using Starpoints for Breakfast like you can do at Khao Lak. 3,000 SPG points per meal? Talk about a rip off! For those of you that have stayed here so far, how pricey is food once you arrive at the resort?

blueline7

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY BLOODY OUTRAGEOUS AND MUST BE A MISTAKE!

I booked my in-laws there and was hesitant enough about the car service, but I had believed that price INCLUDED the 5 minute speed boat. It is absolutely unacceptable that they do not specify the price on their website. I just checked, and all it says is there is an additional charge, without the amount. I do not even recalling seeing anything about this prior.

blueline7

Just doing the math here, return transfers to this FACILITY WHICH IS LOCATED NEAR THE AIRPORT, appears to total 5600 Baht, or nearly $200,! I hope someone from SPG looks into this, because if this is the case, there will be A LOT OF VERY PISSED OFF PEOPLE. It is really taking advantage of people to hold them to ransom for that 5 minute boat ride.

piratejo

Actually blueline, they way I was doing the math, it comes out to 8600. (2500 x2 for boat + 1800 x2 for car). The car transfer price I am less worried about since I can just taxi it, but the boat price seems absurd. I'll contact the resort again but its original email made it sound like 2500 each way (ie per boat).

I also asked about excursions to the bay and they didn't have an answer for that and were gping to refer my email to someone else.

But yes, at this point I think costs are looking outrageous. Maybe I just need to upgrade to a pool villa at khao lak and be done with Naka. I was truthfully expecting much better service even before arrival.

blueline7

From the current version of the website (i.e. I do not recall seeing this when I booked...):

Hotel Car Service
Fee: 1,800 THB; Fee covers car transfer to marina. Additional fee applies for speedboat transfer.
Hours: 24 hours
Travel Time: 25 minutes
About: Please contact the hotel to arrange a car transfer via BMW 7 series sedan from the airport to Ao Po Grand Marina Bay. From the bay; the only way to get to the hotel’s island is via a speedboat.
Port.

Ao Po Grand Marina
Travel Distance: Approximately 3.0 km/1.86 miles
Options for getting to and from the hotel include:
Speedboat
Fee: 2,500 THB; Net per room per round trip
About:The only way to get to the resort’s island is via speedboat.

blueline7

Just went back and reviewed Starwood Lurker II's report on this property

There is a mention of the car being chargeable, but no mention at all of the boat costing 2500 baht ($85!). Maybe Starwood Lurker II will follow up with the manager and get to the bottom of this. I cannot imagine that this supposed charge is accurate, especially if one also retains the car.

Starwood Lurker

Could you make that Starwood Lurker II? Thanks.

I'm sure that Thyetus is more than willing to clarify any issues for you.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

blueline7

Whoops - sorry!

SensFan

If you want to avoid the boat transfer fee, check out the specials page. Some of the specials include the boat transfer. It is pretty ridiculous but at least that is one way to avoid it.

Does anyone know how easy it would be to get a taxi from the pier for the return to the airport? Would it have to be pre-arranged or are there some waiting there? While it would be nice to be chauffeured in a BMW 7 series I think I can just wait until I get to the FCT in FRA for my luxury ride.

blueline7

True enough, but how about an award booking...Sure takes the value out of those if paying a hundred bucks with tip for the 5 minute boat alone, not including car transfer....

mario33

Don't understand what you meant by 'tip' ....

blueline7

You're right...Forget the tip lol...