Originally Posted by
Zainth
Hi Everyone!
I feel like I just won the award travel lottery since I was able to book 5 nights on points in November for our Honeymoon which we had already booked at a different property (dates aligned nearly perfectly!).
Just seeking some advice based on the following itinerary since I am now missing one night on the front end of the trip since changing to the WA based on our previously booked flights:
1 Night TBD (No points availability currently at WA)
5 Nights WA (Hilton)
7 Nights Alila Kothaifaru (Hyatt)
Obviously I would ideally like to get this first night at the WA covered via points as well but just looking at the following options to see what people recommend:
1. Suck it up and book the first night with cash for ~$2.6k
2. Book the Hilton Amingiri for 1 Night with points, keep checking the WA for availability (adds another transfer/movement between hotels).
3. Stay an extra day in Dubai and delay the outbound flight 1 day. (Probably wouldn't do this one but it's an option)
Personally I think I am leaning towards #2.
I would just book a nice, cheaper hotel (Jen or similar) or a resort nearby that offers a reasonable enough transfer for 1 night and avoid the Hilton (transfer pricing just isn't worthwhile for 1 night). WA has a tendency to open up availability just before the cancellation deadline on awards as people who book speculative stays cancel when they can't make it.
Worst case, you spend the first day at the cheaper hotel. Go for one of the excursions e.g. Manta spotting, massages, or both and you probably won't spend much time in the hotel. These will be much more expensive when you get to WA or similar level resorts. Head to Male bright and early for the first yacht to WA.
Booking your night in Dubai requires changing flights last minute if a night opens up at WA.
That said, if you're willing to bite the bullet, take Option 1 and set an automsted alert for Reef Villas.