I am hopefully going after being booked two years in a row and having to cancel. I had no issue getting my 4 award nights booked, and tacking on my free night. I then ended up booking a Fine Hotel night and getting $125 hotel credit. I've been applying my hotel credit to the hotel previously, so I think I have around $700 or more already. It will be nice going in cash rich and a Diamond, but sad that I've lost drinks and free boat trips, etc. At least I am finally going-although I am having to fly Premium Economy as a result of FF point devaluation, and I won't be able to stay at the Cape Fahn hotel. I did snag 6 nights at the Chatrium Riverside in a Sky Suite, and I have 9 nights in a pool suite in the Paviman on Koh Phangan. I am now scuba certified, so that is a huge plus in being able to utilize the ocean here. I can't wait to come. I will be going to all three islands, and staying a little over a week in Bangkok! Based on what I have read here, I will use the time at the Conrad to chill and go do things when I am more conveniently located. I will be using Mr. Samui a fair bit-to bring me here, to take me me to the other Koh Samui hotel, to take me to the pier, to take me on an island tour, to pick me up from Koh Phangan, and to take me to the Koh Samui airport. This thread has been of great help! Thanks! I will say I got to the Conrad in Cairo which was amazing. However, the nicest hotel I have ever stayed at is no longer a Conrad-the St Regis in Conrad totally blew me away-even though it was just a one night award stay!