Originally Posted by nologic
On the other hand, the hotel is so beautiful that it almost doesn't matter that there are these charges and it seems like one of the best uses of SPGs I can imagine -- if not the best -- because it might be hard to otherwise justify 5 nights at 700-800 Euros/night...and with the 4/5 deal, it actually works out to "only" 32,000 pints per night. Also, I challenge you to compare this hotel to other hotels that would charge EUR 1,000-1,500+ for a comparable experience in places like France and Italy.
I could certainly take that challenge, but I'd be typing all night. I will, however, take that challenge just for Mallorca.
http://www.hotellaresidencia.com/web...r_a2a_home.jsp
La Residencia is an Orient Express Hotel. We checked out the property, and dined at Il Olivo (which was far better than the meal at the Sheraton). Rooms are much cheaper than Mardavall (though cheaper is a relative term here, still 450-600 euros/night), you have the feeling of vastness and space (one way you look, you see mountains, the other, the sea), the physical plant is stunning and historic, and the service is truly impeccable. Deia is a breathtaking village, and the road that runs along the western coast (where La Residencia is located) is like the Pacific Coast Highway along the Amalfi Coast. Comparatively, Mardavall is like a nice hotel located on the Jersey Shore. Sure, the property itself is nice, but, from a real estate perspective, you are on top of your neighbors, and they have tattoos.... We only spent 20K per night (actually, 16K per for a 5 night award), but I think that even that is outrageous for this property. To spend double is insanity for this property. Yes, the value per point may be high, but that's because this hotel is ridiculously overpriced for Mallorca. Save your points (and dollars) elsewhere.