Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows [Master Thread]
Jul 29, 2016, 1:16 am
#1
Company Representative - Starwood
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Singapore
Programs: SPG
Posts: 4,002
Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows [Master Thread]
Opening August 1, 2016
Main Beach Road, Vaisigano Apia
SPG Category 3
Facebook Fanpage
I would like to hear your views and questions about the resort.
More details to come on my end.
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Main Beach Road, Vaisigano Apia
SPG Category 3
Facebook Fanpage
I would like to hear your views and questions about the resort.
More details to come on my end.
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Jul 31, 2016, 8:45 pm
#2
Company Representative - Starwood
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Singapore
Programs: SPG
Posts: 4,002
- A total of 174 guest rooms including 2 bedroom suites(63-81 sqm), 1 executive suite(96 sqm) and 1 pool suite(173 sqm).
- A daily return shuttle service to the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Resort located in Mulifanua, by the international airport is available to all guests.
- A complimentary daily return shuttle service for Sheraton guests will operate between Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows in Apia and Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Resort in Mulifanua.
- Brand new restaurant Aggie Grey's By Peter Kuruvita allows you to experience true Samoan hospitality and cuisine.
Opening offers
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Last edited by Starwood Lurker II; Jul 31, 2016 at 9:12 pm
Apr 30, 2017, 3:47 am
#4
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 4,282
Review: April 2017
Hi,
I did a 3 nights stay recently at this property - Paid stay.
Location: There are 2 Sheraton's in Samoa, one of it is a pure resort that is 15 mins from the main airport (there are 2) of Apia or this, which is about 30-45 mins from the airport.
This property is located within Apia itself. It is about 15 mins by foot away from the center of the city (using the Clock tower as the reference point) which can be done easily along the waterfront boulevard passing the main cathedral. On the other side of the hotel, is the harbour which has a few good restaurants (therefore no need to go to the city for food).
Check-in: Arrived close to the check-in time, and was warmly welcomed by both concierge team and front desk. Was upgraded from the booked bungalow to a double room suite (more on this later). Was given a welcome drink of coconut juice. I was asked to take seat at the lobby bar area while finishing my drink and waiting for the duty manager to bring me to my room.
Lobby: Very nice area to wait around and very well integrated between new and old. It really gives you a feel that you are in a tropical island.
Room: The room was located in one of the newer wings. (the main hotel building has rooms above it too). Basically what is called a double room suite is just two normal rooms in one open space. In general, spacious with all the amenities. Other than that, the room was slighly on the bland side, not much characteristic about the room. For me personally, it worked out fine (since it was 3 of us), but I would imagine for others, this could be seen as a downgrade due to the blandness. There was 1 King and 2 double (queen size). Coffee and tea making facilities was available.
Selection of tv channels were limited - only 4-5 options. Internet was ok - albeit at times rather weak signal and speed.
From view point, not much to comment on as it was either towards the back up of the hotel or the lap pool on the other side.
Housekeeping: This was a minor setback - for all 3 days, for items consumed from the tea/coffee facility, they were not replaced. Some towels were never replaced.
Bathroom: Ok - nothing spectacular. Basic Sheraton items/amenities.
Breakfast: My room was with breakfast included. This was at the Feast restaurant close to the main pool. Selection was good with minor changes in selection every day. From all the days, it was only 1 day where food replenishment took sometime. Selection was mainly western style, with a couple of local dishes (do try the grilled bananas). They have also for breakfast a group of 3 local guys entertaining the guests (they are there for lunch, dinner too) - this for me is a nice touch.
Pools: Both the main and lap pool area was good - although for some reason, the lappool is slightly cooler compared to the main pool (at times this was much better for cooling off). At the main pool, the pool bar was good. Drink service is also provided at the lap pool area (slightly more private).
Staff: In general everyone was very friendly and helpful. Only slight improvement would be if all staff was informed appropriately of the F&B options and promotions - had situation where the pool staff did not know about promotions for drinks but was informed by lobby bar staff that it's valid also at the pool bar.
The hotel (F&B?) manager or someone of managerial role was always around (a Caucasian lady) and at times a Caucasian guy at the different part of the hotel. They seem to at time communicate with guests or checking up on things. Since I was not spoken too, not sure what it was about. If they are trying to improve service, this is a good step.
General: A nice city hotel with a very large resort feel. I prefer much this to the other full resort sheraton (guests can either use the shuttle service (not sure if complimentary) or go on your own and use the facilities there). The only regret was that I did not get a chance to try the more formal restaurant of Aggie Grey which had a menu by Peter Kuruvita where the prices looks reasonable. Will certainly return to this property if I do return to Samoa.
Elite benefit: Besides the upgrade, I was granted a late check-out of 4 pm (but not more). I did get a welcome amenity of fruits. Other than that nothing more.
One strange thing did happen for my airport transportation. I had reserved a taxi for that evening to the airport. This was via the normal taxi. After leaving the hotel in the taxi, the driver got a call from the hotel that there was some mistake and we needed to get back to the hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, there was another (private) van to take us to the airport. It was quite surreal, we were suddenly given a farewell Samoan lei and told that the transportation to the airport was complimentary due to the mix up. Up to today, I have no idea what happened and why the complimentary shuttle. Still kudos for this. [spend my last money which was supposed to be for the taxi for getting some liqueur at the airport
]
Cheers!
I did a 3 nights stay recently at this property - Paid stay.
Location: There are 2 Sheraton's in Samoa, one of it is a pure resort that is 15 mins from the main airport (there are 2) of Apia or this, which is about 30-45 mins from the airport.
This property is located within Apia itself. It is about 15 mins by foot away from the center of the city (using the Clock tower as the reference point) which can be done easily along the waterfront boulevard passing the main cathedral. On the other side of the hotel, is the harbour which has a few good restaurants (therefore no need to go to the city for food).
Check-in: Arrived close to the check-in time, and was warmly welcomed by both concierge team and front desk. Was upgraded from the booked bungalow to a double room suite (more on this later). Was given a welcome drink of coconut juice. I was asked to take seat at the lobby bar area while finishing my drink and waiting for the duty manager to bring me to my room.
Lobby: Very nice area to wait around and very well integrated between new and old. It really gives you a feel that you are in a tropical island.
Room: The room was located in one of the newer wings. (the main hotel building has rooms above it too). Basically what is called a double room suite is just two normal rooms in one open space. In general, spacious with all the amenities. Other than that, the room was slighly on the bland side, not much characteristic about the room. For me personally, it worked out fine (since it was 3 of us), but I would imagine for others, this could be seen as a downgrade due to the blandness. There was 1 King and 2 double (queen size). Coffee and tea making facilities was available.
Selection of tv channels were limited - only 4-5 options. Internet was ok - albeit at times rather weak signal and speed.
From view point, not much to comment on as it was either towards the back up of the hotel or the lap pool on the other side.
Housekeeping: This was a minor setback - for all 3 days, for items consumed from the tea/coffee facility, they were not replaced. Some towels were never replaced.
Bathroom: Ok - nothing spectacular. Basic Sheraton items/amenities.
Breakfast: My room was with breakfast included. This was at the Feast restaurant close to the main pool. Selection was good with minor changes in selection every day. From all the days, it was only 1 day where food replenishment took sometime. Selection was mainly western style, with a couple of local dishes (do try the grilled bananas). They have also for breakfast a group of 3 local guys entertaining the guests (they are there for lunch, dinner too) - this for me is a nice touch.
Pools: Both the main and lap pool area was good - although for some reason, the lappool is slightly cooler compared to the main pool (at times this was much better for cooling off). At the main pool, the pool bar was good. Drink service is also provided at the lap pool area (slightly more private).
Staff: In general everyone was very friendly and helpful. Only slight improvement would be if all staff was informed appropriately of the F&B options and promotions - had situation where the pool staff did not know about promotions for drinks but was informed by lobby bar staff that it's valid also at the pool bar.
The hotel (F&B?) manager or someone of managerial role was always around (a Caucasian lady) and at times a Caucasian guy at the different part of the hotel. They seem to at time communicate with guests or checking up on things. Since I was not spoken too, not sure what it was about. If they are trying to improve service, this is a good step.
General: A nice city hotel with a very large resort feel. I prefer much this to the other full resort sheraton (guests can either use the shuttle service (not sure if complimentary) or go on your own and use the facilities there). The only regret was that I did not get a chance to try the more formal restaurant of Aggie Grey which had a menu by Peter Kuruvita where the prices looks reasonable. Will certainly return to this property if I do return to Samoa.
Elite benefit: Besides the upgrade, I was granted a late check-out of 4 pm (but not more). I did get a welcome amenity of fruits. Other than that nothing more.
One strange thing did happen for my airport transportation. I had reserved a taxi for that evening to the airport. This was via the normal taxi. After leaving the hotel in the taxi, the driver got a call from the hotel that there was some mistake and we needed to get back to the hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, there was another (private) van to take us to the airport. It was quite surreal, we were suddenly given a farewell Samoan lei and told that the transportation to the airport was complimentary due to the mix up. Up to today, I have no idea what happened and why the complimentary shuttle. Still kudos for this. [spend my last money which was supposed to be for the taxi for getting some liqueur at the airport
]Cheers!
Jun 1, 2019, 9:25 pm
#5
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,720
I recently spent a couple of nights here and found the place greatly exceeded my (admittedly low) expectations.
The review above provides the basics, but Aggie’s Grey’s is a historic hotel in the centre of Apia. Perhaps because of the separate beach-front Sheraton, the hotel was blissfully quiet and didn’t suffer from the terrorism of Aussie children that I’ve faced elsewhere in Marriott Group hotels on my trip through the South Pacific.
Very good recognition as an Ambassador guest with key members of staff knowing me by name from the beginning. No need to hand over card or passport at check in and immediately upgraded to a one bedroom suite from the cheapest room type. Ambassador benefits included a lovely little cheesecake and four bottles of beer (though I wish the Marriott Salesforce system would one day kick in and pass on my preferences to properties).
The GM clearly keeps a tight ship and the staff were all super friendly and competent. I appreciated little things like my invoice being ready for me at check-out because they knew i’d arrive then as I had booked an airport transfer. During lunchtime a couple old guys play local Polynesian music by the pool which I thought was lovely.
The hotel is recently refurbed to a fairly standard non-US (I.e. 4/5 star) Sheraton style. No complaints.
If you have to be in Apia, Aggie Grey’s is a pretty good choice.
The review above provides the basics, but Aggie’s Grey’s is a historic hotel in the centre of Apia. Perhaps because of the separate beach-front Sheraton, the hotel was blissfully quiet and didn’t suffer from the terrorism of Aussie children that I’ve faced elsewhere in Marriott Group hotels on my trip through the South Pacific.
Very good recognition as an Ambassador guest with key members of staff knowing me by name from the beginning. No need to hand over card or passport at check in and immediately upgraded to a one bedroom suite from the cheapest room type. Ambassador benefits included a lovely little cheesecake and four bottles of beer (though I wish the Marriott Salesforce system would one day kick in and pass on my preferences to properties).
The GM clearly keeps a tight ship and the staff were all super friendly and competent. I appreciated little things like my invoice being ready for me at check-out because they knew i’d arrive then as I had booked an airport transfer. During lunchtime a couple old guys play local Polynesian music by the pool which I thought was lovely.
The hotel is recently refurbed to a fairly standard non-US (I.e. 4/5 star) Sheraton style. No complaints.
If you have to be in Apia, Aggie Grey’s is a pretty good choice.
Jun 2, 2019, 6:24 pm
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,110
Thanks for the update. I've now added this property to the exec lounge sticky thread. Can you post what the breakfast situation is since there's not an exec lounge? Thx!
Cheers.
Cheers.
Jun 2, 2019, 7:17 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,720
I got free access to the large and oddly eclectic breakfast buffet. An omelette stand and a giant selection of food, up to curry, chilli and aubergine parm.
Jun 5, 2019, 9:30 am
#9
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: EDI/GLA
Programs: DL 2 MM Unobtainum | UA 1.1MM Gold | MR Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 2,272
I stayed there last September and had an excellent stay as I had originally planned to split between the Aggie Grey and the Samoa Beach Sheratons but the Aggie Grey hadn't reopened yet.
Let me see if I can find a FT thread on the Samoa Beach Resort so that I can post a review.
Let me see if I can find a FT thread on the Samoa Beach Resort so that I can post a review.