St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort [Master Thread]
#46
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
.....the terms and conditions of SPG program, 2.1.a.ii or Section 2.1.a.iii. Eligible Charges do not include any complimentary services,
One less reason to join SPG I suppose, considering I spend anywhere from $300 to 1K on treatments for my girlfriend each time we visit the Maldives.
Last edited by yosithezet; Nov 26, 2016 at 9:27 am Reason: Removed foreign language
#47
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: SF
Programs: UA MM, AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTP, HH Dia
Posts: 1,128
FWIW, I stayed at the W 5 years ago, and received points for hotel room, restaurants, and minibar only. No points for diving, plane, spa, or excursions.
On the other hand, I have 3 separate trips booked to Vommuli, and I'm really hoping to use at least one.
Last edited by ps9a; Nov 25, 2016 at 3:43 pm
#49
I wonder if you can give a USD card to preauth, and a different card to pay? I suspect that should be doable.
#50
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,758
What difference does it make? The pre-auth is not real spend, provided it never actually crystallises as a charge the amount of it is fairly irrelevant unless you are eking out a marginal credit limit.
#51
The preauth is not the problem, the eventual payment is, since you might not realise it until you've left the hotel or whatnot. At least now with the preauth you can remember to flag this as a problem.
#52
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,758
Difficult not to remember to pick up a bill presented in a third currency.
#53
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 286
I get into Male at 9:30 PM on the 4th, so I will not be able to take a seaplane to the StR at that point. Any of you have a recommendation for a convenient and quality stopover hotel for that night? Also, what are the StR airport lounge hours?
#54
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
We always stay at Hotel Octave. Reasonably priced. Clean and good service. Here are the links to their website and TripAdvisor review.
Website: http://www.hotel-octave-maldives.com/
TripAdvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...tave-Male.html
Website: http://www.hotel-octave-maldives.com/
TripAdvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...tave-Male.html
Last edited by MaldivesFreak; Dec 1, 2016 at 4:33 pm
#55
We always stay at Hotel Octave. Reasonably priced. Clean and good service. Here are the links to their website and TripAdvisor review.
Website: http://www.hotel-octave-maldives.com/]Hotel Octave
TripAdvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...tave-Male.html
Website: http://www.hotel-octave-maldives.com/]Hotel Octave
TripAdvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...tave-Male.html
#56
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 786
Crystal Beach Inn was ok - clean room, bed not so great, but only for 1 night. Edible breakfast in the morning, and free airport shuttle.
StR butler will still meet you at the airport to ensure you get to your stopover hotel, and they will work with the hotel directly to arrange your transfer times.
Unfortunately the Bentley isn't ready yet
I'm told the Bentley is in Male, but awaiting paperwork before being put in use, which they expect will occur around December 15th.
The seaplane terminal lounge is quite basic - they're building a new lounge, but it is also not ready.
Cargo is not yet open either...not sure when that will be open, but I was looking forward to that as a dining option.
StR butler will still meet you at the airport to ensure you get to your stopover hotel, and they will work with the hotel directly to arrange your transfer times.
Unfortunately the Bentley isn't ready yet
I'm told the Bentley is in Male, but awaiting paperwork before being put in use, which they expect will occur around December 15th.
The seaplane terminal lounge is quite basic - they're building a new lounge, but it is also not ready.
Cargo is not yet open either...not sure when that will be open, but I was looking forward to that as a dining option.
#57
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 786
I'll likely see you on the 5th - we will be departing on the latest possible seaplane that day. Hopefully it is towards the end of the day, as our flight isn't until 23:55!
#58
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 786
They've assured me they will release the pre-auth at checkout and bill me in whichever currency I would like...
#59
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Marriott LT Platinum+Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, AA EXP, Delta Plat, United Silver, AX Biz Cent
Posts: 705
We always stay at Hotel Octave. Reasonably priced. Clean and good service. Here are the links to their website and TripAdvisor review.
Website: http://www.hotel-octave-maldives.com/
TripAdvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...tave-Male.html
Website: http://www.hotel-octave-maldives.com/
TripAdvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...tave-Male.html
Octave was definitely reasonable for one night -- clean, decent breakfast, reliable transport to/from the airport -- but I am still opting for the Crystal Beach Inn this time for one main reason, Octave is in Male, and Crystal Beach Inn is on Hulhumale, the same island as the airport.
Compare:
Airport -> Walk -> Ferry -> Car -> Octave -> Car -> Public Ferry -> Walk -> Bentley/Car/SUV -> Seaplane Terminal
Total time: One hour each way
Transfers: 9
Airport -> Bentley/Car/SUV -> Crystal Beach Inn -> Bentley/Car/SUV -> Seaplane Terminal
Total time: 15 minutes each way
Tranfers: 4
Yes, the 'Airport Butler' and the overnight's hotel staff will help, but it's still an extra hassle dealing with going to the main island.
If you'd like to actually spend time walking around Male, I suppose there might be a reason to deal with all of that hassle, but if it's just "I'd like to sleep and then be on my way", I don't see the point.
I'll be landing at Male in the late evening, and I'd certainly rather not add an extra hour of travel time, just so I can head to the Sealplane terminal first thing in the morning.
#60
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: YVR
Posts: 640
Okay is a perfect way to describe it. I tried to take a shower after arrival and one in the morning but both times there was no hot water. Also the sheets were very poor quality (I know, true first world problem). Place was clean and everyone working there was very nice. Shuttle service was excellent considering our luggage didn't arrive and we left the terminal probably 30 minutes after the last passenger from our flight. The breakfast included sausage, egg, toast and some sliced oranges. I only spent 7 hours at the property but this time around I'm going to try the Rivethi Beach hotel which is located in the same area. Staying on the same island as the airport I prefer for these quick stops before hitting paradise.