Hi all,

So, looking at 6-7 nights in the Maldives next year as a family of 3 (wife and would be 5 year old). Looking at using my Amex points to pay for the hotel at either Marriott or Hilton (have Gold with both). Hilton will get free breakfast.

So, based on my budget, I've narrowed it down based on the points required, transfer costs and breakfast rate (for the Marriott hotels), and upgrade cost to an overwater villa/bungalow from base room for at least 3 nights (not expecting any complimentary upgrades):

- Hilton Amingiri - base room is beach villa with pool ($90pn in to upgrade to OWV, or $190pn to upgrade to OWV with pool)
- SAII Lagoon Curio - base room is sky room ($450pn to upgrade to OWV)
- Le Meridien - base room is an overwater bungalow ($200pn to upgrade to OWB with pool)
- Sheraton - base room is beach room ($319pn to upgrade to OWV)

Conrad doesn't allow under 16's in the water villas. Any idea if they allow it if you sign a waiver?

With all the above factored in, the costs are quite similar.

One of the key things that I will base my choice on is the water depth at under the OWV, and whether it's sandy or has rocks, etc.

As we'll have our daughter, we would ideally like somewhere where the water depth is somewhere around 3-5ft max, with a sandy floor, so we can comfortably stand in the water, whilst she swims (with a vest on).

I've watched a number of YouTube videos of room tours as these resorts, but they don't always go close to the steps to give a good idea of how deep the water is.

The Hilton Amingiri is my preferred choice, but I read somewhere (maybe Flyertalk), that the water is quite choppy, and can be around 7-8ft deep.

Any feedback welcome, thanks.