I am so saddened by the drop in Platinum recognition at this hotel.

We had Christmas there a few years ago. Five nights on points. Won the lottery and also used SNAs to get one of the suites overlooking the ocean. Over Christmas, it was "packed with Platinums". We had breakfast in the main buffet, snacks in the day from the lounge and then two hours of free flow cocktails in the bar upstairs with enough food to make a meal. Basically, full board.

In 2017, we stayed at the sister property in Pranburi and enjoyed the free flow drinks at the pool bar in the evening.

Marriott has apparently destroyed all this. So, they're pushing us to choose hotels based on the basics. I don't think either Sheraton in Hua Hin stands on its own without the added Platinum benefits. So, farewell.