I am considering St R and W for my next vacation in Maldives. In either case I will book the lowest category room (cheapest room) and as a Gold member would hope for an upgrade or else will upgrade by cash for 2 nights to a overwater room.

I assume both hotels would have great rooms and service. However, I am unable to understand what are the main differences that would help me choose one over the other.

I read that W has a much better house reef but is it that StR does not have a house reef? I would like a good reef for snorkeling but the best is not necessary and a decently good reef with fish should be good enough. Apart from that I could not find any other major differences.

Any inputs from someone who has been to both?