I recently completed a 4 night stay at the JW PQ on award points. I am usually a little apprehensive about resort stays, being isolated and sort of “under house arrest”. However, the JW immediately put that concern to rest. The resort was great. Designed by Bill Bensley and everything he touches turns to magic. I’ve stayed at 3 other wonderful Bensley designed properties and this is a masterpiece.

It is a themed resort, and while some others up thread ridicule it, I personally thought it was cleverly and thoughtfully done and not the least bit Disneyesque. The tasteful design and attention to detail and decorative interiors represent a significant investment.

First, a note about transportation. Metered taxis are readily available at the airport curbside and the hotel is about a 20-minute ride on a very uncongested highway. The meter clicks away at a pretty good clip, but the 17-km trip was only 280,000 VND (about $12.50 USD). The hotel offers car service at 900,000 ++ VND (about $48 USD). Not knowing what to expect, pre-arrival I checked a taxi booking service which offered a “rock bottom” price of $52.00 o/w. Curbside metered taxi is the way to go.

Check-in was fast and efficient at a table in the lobby and as a Plat I was extended a double upgrade to a 3rd floor Bay Front Room—an ocean view which also overlooked a huge adults only pool. Two other large family oriented pools are also available, and of course the long pristine white sand beach is beautiful. Also of note is that the off-shore water is fairly shallow pretty far out.

After check-in, we were provided a buggy ride tour of the expansive grounds and transported to the building where our room was located. The good-sized room was absolutely beautiful, with unique custom made furniture. The main room consisted of the bed, couch at the foot of the bed, a small but very serviceable desk, mini bar piece with all the usual items (glasses, hot water kettle, pull out drawer fridge, etc). Fresh fruit was provided each day. And Internet service was reasonably good and reliable.

There was a huge bath/shower room with two separate lavs and vanities on each side of the room. Free standing tub and open shower. The toilet (with a lav) was in a separate room across a hallway.

There was also a very large balcony with a good sized lounging couch. The balcony was five steps down from the main room. Ceiling fans in both the main room and on the balcony.

The hotel has about 245 rooms, but spread out over something like 8 multi-story, uniquely themed and decorated buildings. Most will have some sort of ocean view, except perhaps the ground level garden view rooms (which face the sea, but don’t have great views). Private villas (w/o ocean views) are in the final stages of construction.

Up thread (Post #95) I noted some information about specific perks/amenities offered to elite members which I will not repeat here. In addition, there are two main restaurants open now—Red Rum offering a variety of seafood (mainly shellfish) along with other selections such as beef, lamb, chicken ribs, etc-- all offerings here are grilled over an open fire. We dined here twice with excellent meals.

The main restaurant – Tempus Fugit—offers a wonderful breakfast buffet and in the evening, it is all ala carte with three distinctive cuisines—Vietnamese, Japanese and French. We dined here once for dinner which was also very good.

There is also a coffee/pastry shop which we did not sample.

One evening we took the free shuttle to the night market. It is about a 30 minute ride o/w. However, if interested, be sure to make reservations (strangely for both ways). A few people simply showed up w/o a reservation and were turned away. The night market itself is no big deal and can be seen in about 30 minutes, although there are a multitude of seafood restaurants available if you want something a little different off property.

Otherwise, we had no desire to go off property, so I do not know about transportation to other restaurants, but taxis seemed to be plentiful and could probably be easily arranged.

The resort also offers a variety of classes, tours, free pedal bikes, kayaks, etc.

We had a couple of service bobbles along the way, but the guest services staff and management bent way over to make things right and no complaints. Service overall was excellent, and we even knew a few staff members who had transferred from other Marriott’s where we had previously stayed -- sort of like being in a village where you become acquainted quickly and everyone knows your name.

Finally, while there is a gift shop it sells only souvenirs—no soda, snacks, alcohol or other odds and ends—so be prepared for that part of being held captive. Consider bringing some items with you if desired.

The resort is pricey by Viet Nam standards. It is a truly unique property and those considering it must make a value judgement. However, I will return.