Thanks for the idea, but unfortunately won't work with my trip timing.

W offers a speedboat transfer option to/from the airport outside of seaplane operating times ... for $1725 one way for up to 3 people. (Not sure if it's ++ or not, but at that point does it even matter?) From my emails with the W it appears they also will not let you use the MLE airport lounge upon departure. (StR proactively offers the lounge stay option, and also offered the option of a tour of Male, which I don't know that I would take advantage of, but at least it's an option; W didn't offer the tour in my initial communications with them though I do see at least one reviewer suggesting that it is an option with the W as well.)


I'm also curious for any general recent views of the W vs. the StR? I've seen a few perspectives on this thread and the StR thread (and I've read both in full), but there is a surprising dearth of good FT reviews of this W in general. From what I've been able to gather at this point:

1. Would be (for now) the same number of points at both hotels, but OWV buy-up cost--which we would pay at either place--is higher at StR; StR is also more expensive for the seaplane, and F&B appears to be generally more expensive at StR on its own and doubly so since W gives Plats 20% off while StR does not. So StR would probably end up costing a few thousand dollars more.
2. OWVs appear to be larger and more luxurious at StR, though lots of complaints about cold plunge pools at StR, unless paying an even greater upcharge to secure a sunset villa at StR. How's the temperature of the plunge pools at the W?
3. Not universal, but quite a few reviews of the StR food as being objectively good, not just "good for the Maldives". We're foodies so I do value that.
4. No kids at the W, which would suit us, and we do generally like city Ws (I know many don't, but we do)
5. Coral at StR is not good, which is unfortunate but not a major priority for us
6. It's not a major priority, but fitness center at the W looks nice, whereas there are complaints about the one at the StR.
7. Service at the StR gets mostly good reviews, though some bad ones as well; service at the W seems to elicit less extreme views in both directions.

Am I missing anything? Would appreciate any other thoughts on the quality of food in particular at the W. I've read many reviews saying that, for example, the Park Hyatt's food is mediocre, but there are not nearly as many thorough trip reports on the W (probably because historically it was too many points for the bloggers to bother with). How is the W breakfast? People rave about the one at the StR.

Also, I assume the 20% off on F&B for Platinums is something that is well-known by the hotel and not a hassle to take advantage of? I ask only because the hotel did not mention it when listing what Platinum benefits they offer, and it is kind of a substantial one. I see they are still listed on https://marriottmembersdinemore.com/en so assuming other people have gotten the 20% off with no issues I'll assume it's still readily available.