OK, met with the GM (he previously closed out the Courtyard Cha Am but has a new "adventure" in opening a property - at least Marriott isn't as nit-picky as Hyatt or one of my current clients) on Tuesday and he gave us a tour of the hotel and we discussed opening (soft or otherwise) and a few issues as follows:

since johnaalex already posted pics I won't add any more

Opening Date : as everyone is already aware the opening date has recently been changed from September to October........... although the GM will not confirm an opening date, from being in the business for over 25-yrs, October is not realistic...............alot of work that has already been done needs to be redone (ie. exterior stairs not sealed so stair "leaks" when it rains; concrete work without any expansion joints so concrete already cracking - sawtooth concrete and install resin, or other material; room floors need to be replaced because they were installed with water based glue making the floors buckle)........... if I had to guess, I'd say early next year........

Exec Lounge - there is no executive lounge (hotel only has 206-rooms)

Perks - as a resort, no breakfast required for gold/plats, however plats (only) will get full breakfast in the restaurant; upgraded rooms based upon availability

Rooms - basic rooms were 40SM (was shown mini-suite and delux rooms but don't recall the size). Hotel has 2 wings - one with all sea view and the other sea & mountain view............... sea view room all have wrap-around windows for unbelievable views (especially at night). The rooms all have balconies, however the basic rooms have door opening onto the balcony (I'd say about 1.5SM) so no table or chairs can be placed on the balcony making its use "zero" functional - I suggested that they could put a towel rack outside to be used to dry swimming suits - taken under advisement. The larger room have 3-4SM balconies and although door still opens outward and it has room for table chairs - not contemplated.

Pools - lap pool by the beach (similar to Renaissance Samui only wider). Big sun chairs down by the beach. A childrens pool and kiddy room also down by the beach. Two additional pools, one with water slide, with depth of max 1.5M. Near the set of pools that seperate the hotel from the next door condo is a large acquarium bar.

Marriott Gold/Club Marriott vouchers - they'll accept the ones you couldn't use at the Cha Am, Phuket and Hua Hin props that closed, but due to the date of this props real opening I'd think most of these vouchers will have already expired.

Also - There are water features throughout the hotel & planted gardens - think a mini version of the Hyatt Sharm el Sheikh (which I helped build a few yrs back so can compare). 2 lobbies - ground floor for bus groups (probably from Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong) with 1st floor lobby for regular checkins. For locals driving in from Bangkok, etc., don't think they'll have sufficient parking. Artificial rocks (previous experience had us bring rock maker in from West Palm Beach, but locals did these) really look artificial and having them painted black really made them look dull. Restaurant chairs sized for asians so "farangs" will think they're sitting on the floor with no place to put their longer legs. No other restaurants/ facilities nearby so if you don't have a car, forget it - think 3 squares/day at the hotel, but being that there's nothing in the neighborhood it's very quiet and the beaches are quite clean.

If anyone has an questions, please PM them to me...........