Originally Posted by
smokie
Does any have any experience with Platinum Benefits being extended to a second room? Also - would they charge kids for breakfast...?
I reached out to the property about the benefits, and they seem insistent that the breakfast is continental for 2 only, that you only receive one free speedboat transfer (not unlimited). They also don't mention any sort of happy hour, or any food discount...
Given that the email information seems to be substantially at odds with people's recent experience, I am wondering what to reasonably expect...
I was going on the premise that Platinum treatment would be substantially better at this property, but their underwhelming response is making me consider the Meridien, JWM or Renaissance instead.
Any thoughts from those more familiar with these 4 properties than I? I have read all of the Starwood and Marriott threads, but it seems that the situation has changed somewhat in the last year (Marriotts no longer giving breakfast etc.). Priorities for our family trip are beach, activities and pool, plus reasonably affordable food options. Quality of room is less important, as we will tend to do excursions, and get out an about.
Any advice for me? I'd love to hear it...
Thanks
To be honest, if those are your priorities you and your family then Naka Island isn't the place for you no matter what the Platinum Benefits. Others may disagree but it's a quiet romantic couples getaway resort. The beach isn't great and you're pretty much trapped on the island unless you take the speedboat to the mainland marina. And that's nowhere near anything interesting. It's not the place for excursions and eating out regularly. From what you've said I'd choose Le Meridien with its private beach and proximity to Patong. In fact, I'm back at Le Meridien in two weeks time despite having an amazing (couples) holiday on Naka a few years ago.
Judging by the write-up linked to further up the thread, the Platinum benefits have been drastically scaled back recently and this would drastically affect Naka as my choice of SPG resort in Thailand because it's one of the more expensive - alongside the Samui properties with their similar absence of Platinum value. I valued the free speedboat transfers whenever we booked them (not too many) and the Platinum happy hour at sunset was a highlight for me. I valued these benefits and it's one reason I booked it. If these benefits have now gone then me too. I'm not going back. The two Sheratons in Hua Hin still treat Platinums like we're valued so they'd get my business. Pranburi is another former Six Senses resort with private villas and once you're inside your villa the experience is the same as Naka at half the price. And they do happy hour for Plats.
In Phuket with your family, I'd go to Le Meridien.