[ARCHIVE to 2013] Conrad Maldives Rangali Island {MDV}
Dec 22, 2007, 10:30 pm
#406
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (3MM), DL PM, BONVOY TITANIUM, HYATT GLOBALIST, HILTON DIAMOND, IHG DIAMOND AMB, et al
Posts: 5,913
And no, my "tests" (if that's what you want to call it) didn't cover the same period last year. I simply think that the property's transition to the Conrad brand might have something to do with it.
-FlyerBeek
Dec 23, 2007, 1:17 am
#407
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,246
Periods of Extraordinary Demand are almost never indicated as a blackout date. I don't think that is the issue here. Since you leave before Christmas, that isn't a hugely popular vacation time. Good luck!
Dec 23, 2007, 9:32 am
#408
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,530
I have an award reservation for mid-February and because of flight arrivals/departures I wanted to change the reservation to allow arrival one day earlier. I started with the Diamond Desk and despite escalation to a supervisor I was informed that the DD was unable to help. I then e-mailed/called the hotel and was informed that they were unable to help me change an award reservation.
I was not successful in getting my reservation changed so I am now spending an extra day in MLE and have cut my stay at the Conrad by one day.
Apart from the reluctance to even consider a change to my reservation, I found the reservation staff at the Maldives to be very helpful.
By the way .. the flight from MLE to the property is now $300 per person. The luggage allowance is 25kg per person plus 5kg of hand luggage. So plan accordingly
Dec 23, 2007, 10:17 am
#409
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: YVR
Programs: AC 50K MM, HH DIA, GP DIA, SPG PLT, Delta Gold, Farimont Plat
Posts: 617
The above is not particularly good advice regarding the Maldives property.
I have an award reservation for mid-February and because of flight arrivals/departures I wanted to change the reservation to allow arrival one day earlier. I started with the Diamond Desk and despite escalation to a supervisor I was informed that the DD was unable to help. I then e-mailed/called the hotel and was informed that they were unable to help me change an award reservation.
I was not successful in getting my reservation changed so I am now spending an extra day in MLE and have cut my stay at the Conrad by one day.
Apart from the reluctance to even consider a change to my reservation, I found the reservation staff at the Maldives to be very helpful.
By the way .. the flight from MLE to the property is now $300 per person. The luggage allowance is 25kg per person plus 5kg of hand luggage. So plan accordingly
I have an award reservation for mid-February and because of flight arrivals/departures I wanted to change the reservation to allow arrival one day earlier. I started with the Diamond Desk and despite escalation to a supervisor I was informed that the DD was unable to help. I then e-mailed/called the hotel and was informed that they were unable to help me change an award reservation.
I was not successful in getting my reservation changed so I am now spending an extra day in MLE and have cut my stay at the Conrad by one day.
Apart from the reluctance to even consider a change to my reservation, I found the reservation staff at the Maldives to be very helpful.
By the way .. the flight from MLE to the property is now $300 per person. The luggage allowance is 25kg per person plus 5kg of hand luggage. So plan accordingly
I have an award stay booked there at end of March/April, and it took many weeks of checking daily, amd a few emails with hotel to get there. I also am combining several awards of 1-2 nights, and a couple of revenue nights.
During my attempts at booking, I would look at the availability calendar a year out, and never saw six consecutive nights available.
The DD can not help at all with this property, and the management at the hotel are apologetically unable to bend at all wrt awards either.
I don't think it's related to the changeover.
You need patience, perseverance and flexibility.
Good luck!
Jan 9, 2008, 7:01 am
#410
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,530
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
The Hilton Maldives has recently been rebranded as a Conrad and it is probably time to start a new thread. For those interested in previous reviews and the problems of obtaining reward reservations I suggest a search under "Maldives"
As there are some aspects of visiting this property that are not discussed on the web-site, I am sharing the following e-mail recently received from the property regarding my upcoming stay.
Please note the cost of the Seaplane transfer, the early/late check-in comments and the luggage.
As there are some aspects of visiting this property that are not discussed on the web-site, I am sharing the following e-mail recently received from the property regarding my upcoming stay.
Please note the cost of the Seaplane transfer, the early/late check-in comments and the luggage.
Dear Bondiboy
Greetings from our Little Patch of Paradise in the Middle of Indian Ocean!
Thank you very much for choosing the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. We are delighted to confirm your seaplane transfer as follows.
Guest Name: Bondiboy
Arrival Date: ???? - Arriving from Nasandhura ( overnight arrangement done by own)
Departure Date: ????- Departure Flight:UL 502 @ 1335 hours
'''
Hilton Hhonors Diamond member we provides a bottle of champagne and fruit platter upon arrival in Villa, early check in and late check out subject to room availability upon arrival day and free upgrade to next room category subject to room availability upon arrival day only.
The road to paradise..just 90km from the Male airport on Hulhule Island, 30-minute seaplanes ride.A round trip seaplane trasfer cost US$ 300.00 per person. The breathtaking seaplane journey is available during daylight hours only from 06:00 a.m to 04:00 p.m and has a luggage allowance of 25kg per person plus 5kg of hand luggage. Any excess baggage is chargeable and will have to be paid directly to Maldivian Air Taxi at US $ 2.00 per 1kg.
The Conrad Maldives Representative will be at the airport to meet & greet upon arrival. Our Representatives are located at the Counter # 49 and # 50 (Crown Tours) at the arrival terminal hall. They will escort you to Maldivian Air Taxi Conrad Lounge, where you will be transferred to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.
Hotel check in time: 14:00hrs Early check in can be guaranteed by charging the previous night accommodation
Hotel check out time: 12noon Late check out until 17:00hrs can be guaranteed by charging an additional night accommodation
In the event of a cancellation within 72 hours prior to the arrival or no-show/ one way seaplane transfers as per number of seats booked will be charged from the credit card.
Additional hotel information:Half Board Supplement (Dinner): USD 66.00 per adult per night including 10% service charge.
Half Board guest will get 25% on a la carte menus and US$ 30.00 credit on special dinner events.
Half Board guest have a choice of dine in Atoll market Place.
Special Events Dinner : Underwater restaurant ,Koko Grill, Wine Cellar Dinner and Private BBQ on the Beach.
We accept special event dinner's reservation 14 days prior to clients arrival at Conrad Maldives and we recommend all our guest to reserve or prebook a table for special event dinners 2 weeks prior to arrival.
F&B special event dinner's reservation looking after our Island host Ms Almas.
To pre-book the Special Dinner event's reservation & price,excursion trips & price and more information about the meals,please contact direct to below e-mail address .
Island Host E-Mail address: [email protected]
We have two spas on the resort - the beautiful Overwater Spa with its glass-bottom treatment floors and the award-winning Spa Retreat - Maldives only Destination Spa. It's a great idea to pre-book as the spa's do get very busy. If you would like more information on the Spas, please contact our Spa Manager, Tara Hanrahan, on [email protected] who would be more than happy to help.
Please contact our dive center's manager Mr Alexis with regard to dive sites and more information about the dive courses and price. Mr Alexis E-mail address:[email protected]
The Islanders of Rangali and Rangalifinolhu are looking forward to welcome you in our own patch of little paradise and trust that you will have a superb holiday with us at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.
(*******)
Senior Reservations Agent
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
P.O Box 2034
South Ari Atoll
Republic of the Maldives
Telephone main: [+960] 668 0629
Fax main: [+960] 668 0619
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.conradhotels.com ( http://www.conradhotels.com
Greetings from our Little Patch of Paradise in the Middle of Indian Ocean!
Thank you very much for choosing the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. We are delighted to confirm your seaplane transfer as follows.
Guest Name: Bondiboy
Arrival Date: ???? - Arriving from Nasandhura ( overnight arrangement done by own)
Departure Date: ????- Departure Flight:UL 502 @ 1335 hours
'''
Hilton Hhonors Diamond member we provides a bottle of champagne and fruit platter upon arrival in Villa, early check in and late check out subject to room availability upon arrival day and free upgrade to next room category subject to room availability upon arrival day only.
The road to paradise..just 90km from the Male airport on Hulhule Island, 30-minute seaplanes ride.A round trip seaplane trasfer cost US$ 300.00 per person. The breathtaking seaplane journey is available during daylight hours only from 06:00 a.m to 04:00 p.m and has a luggage allowance of 25kg per person plus 5kg of hand luggage. Any excess baggage is chargeable and will have to be paid directly to Maldivian Air Taxi at US $ 2.00 per 1kg.
The Conrad Maldives Representative will be at the airport to meet & greet upon arrival. Our Representatives are located at the Counter # 49 and # 50 (Crown Tours) at the arrival terminal hall. They will escort you to Maldivian Air Taxi Conrad Lounge, where you will be transferred to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.
Hotel check in time: 14:00hrs Early check in can be guaranteed by charging the previous night accommodation
Hotel check out time: 12noon Late check out until 17:00hrs can be guaranteed by charging an additional night accommodation
In the event of a cancellation within 72 hours prior to the arrival or no-show/ one way seaplane transfers as per number of seats booked will be charged from the credit card.
Additional hotel information:Half Board Supplement (Dinner): USD 66.00 per adult per night including 10% service charge.
Half Board guest will get 25% on a la carte menus and US$ 30.00 credit on special dinner events.
Half Board guest have a choice of dine in Atoll market Place.
Special Events Dinner : Underwater restaurant ,Koko Grill, Wine Cellar Dinner and Private BBQ on the Beach.
We accept special event dinner's reservation 14 days prior to clients arrival at Conrad Maldives and we recommend all our guest to reserve or prebook a table for special event dinners 2 weeks prior to arrival.
F&B special event dinner's reservation looking after our Island host Ms Almas.
To pre-book the Special Dinner event's reservation & price,excursion trips & price and more information about the meals,please contact direct to below e-mail address .
Island Host E-Mail address: [email protected]
We have two spas on the resort - the beautiful Overwater Spa with its glass-bottom treatment floors and the award-winning Spa Retreat - Maldives only Destination Spa. It's a great idea to pre-book as the spa's do get very busy. If you would like more information on the Spas, please contact our Spa Manager, Tara Hanrahan, on [email protected] who would be more than happy to help.
Please contact our dive center's manager Mr Alexis with regard to dive sites and more information about the dive courses and price. Mr Alexis E-mail address:[email protected]
The Islanders of Rangali and Rangalifinolhu are looking forward to welcome you in our own patch of little paradise and trust that you will have a superb holiday with us at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.
(*******)
Senior Reservations Agent
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
P.O Box 2034
South Ari Atoll
Republic of the Maldives
Telephone main: [+960] 668 0629
Fax main: [+960] 668 0619
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.conradhotels.com ( http://www.conradhotels.com
Jan 9, 2008, 8:52 am
#411
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: LAX_AMS_MNL
Programs: AS MVP, AA EXP - 1MM, BAEC BRZ, BVY GLD, Hilton DIA, Hyatt GLB
Posts: 749
With regards to the excess weight to the luggage, if the Sea plane is not full and your bags are not overly over weight they let you slide. overly over is roughly + or - 5 pounds.
Drew
Jan 9, 2008, 3:36 pm
#412
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: YVR
Programs: AC 50K MM, HH DIA, GP DIA, SPG PLT, Delta Gold, Farimont Plat
Posts: 617
The Hilton Maldives has recently been rebranded as a Conrad and it is probably time to start a new thread. For those interested in previous reviews and the problems of obtaining reward reservations I suggest a search under "Maldives"
As there are some aspects of visiting this property that are not discussed on the web-site, I am sharing the following e-mail recently received from the property regarding my upcoming stay.
Please note the cost of the Seaplane transfer, the early/late check-in comments and the luggage.
As there are some aspects of visiting this property that are not discussed on the web-site, I am sharing the following e-mail recently received from the property regarding my upcoming stay.
Please note the cost of the Seaplane transfer, the early/late check-in comments and the luggage.
Our stay is a combination award and revenue stay.
The upgrade policy is interesting, I wonder how hard and fast they stick to it - i.e. if the next room category is not available, but others higher up in cost are, will they not consider an upgrade?
Jan 9, 2008, 5:37 pm
#413
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,530
I received a request for flight details about fourn months prior to my visit. The e-mail quoted in the post was in response to me sending them my flight details.
I have also received a bunch of (what seemed) photos, menus, meal plans, excursions and many pages of spa treatments and prices.
I will let you know about the upgrade after my visit - but I have very low expectations. Given that the lowest price room in February is about $1100 and I happy for the free stay.
I have also received a bunch of (what seemed) photos, menus, meal plans, excursions and many pages of spa treatments and prices.
I will let you know about the upgrade after my visit - but I have very low expectations. Given that the lowest price room in February is about $1100 and I happy for the free stay.
Jan 9, 2008, 5:48 pm
#414
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Sydney
Posts: 5,769
where would you recommend to stay near the airport
also is it worth going there for just 2 days or should one make more time of it as it takes so long to get there
also is it worth going there for just 2 days or should one make more time of it as it takes so long to get there
Jan 9, 2008, 6:45 pm
#415
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: LAX_AMS_MNL
Programs: AS MVP, AA EXP - 1MM, BAEC BRZ, BVY GLD, Hilton DIA, Hyatt GLB
Posts: 749
Once your there, it will be very hard to leave. If you want to Stay longer its a hit or miss, sometimes theres availability other time there's not. We've met people who booked and stayed 2 days and thought it was enough but wanted to stay longer but there was no availability.
With regards to upgrades, again I think it depends on availability. If available they'll probably upgrade you if you have status. When we arrived we where upgraded from a Watervilla to a Superior Watervilla ^
Good luck
Drew
Jan 9, 2008, 8:27 pm
#416
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,530
MLE can be a difficult place to get to as flights do not operate every day.
If you gave me a choice of two days or not at all, I would opt to at least see the place - especially if the accommodation was free and you could eith use FF points or an LCC to get there. See
http://www.mihinlanka.com/FlightInformation.asp
Last edited by Bondiboy; Jan 9, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Jan 9, 2008, 8:56 pm
#417
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: SEA(sia)
Posts: 5,181
Just a few steps from the jetty, but thats about the only good thing about this place.
Even small town motel rooms in Australia are in better shape than the Nasandhura "Palace" Hotel. But then one should experience a little bit of "hell" before going to "heaven"
Even small town motel rooms in Australia are in better shape than the Nasandhura "Palace" Hotel. But then one should experience a little bit of "hell" before going to "heaven"
Jan 9, 2008, 9:01 pm
#418
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Sydney - Australia
Programs: BD, QF, QR/EY/GF & HH Gold/SPG, Hertz#1G
Posts: 11,079
This might be a silly question - a question of the sanity a 2 night stay between connecting flights from KUL - MLE - CMB.
What is there to do, other than relaxing in resorts or flying over the beautiful atolls? I think a week's stay would make the seaplane trip and a nice hotel worthwhile but a short trip may be a waste.
As a judgment call for quick trips, I think we will just spend our days before the flight to CMB in Cambodia and Kuala Lumpur - and leave the Maldives for our next (FT?!?) flight to CMB.
What is there to do, other than relaxing in resorts or flying over the beautiful atolls? I think a week's stay would make the seaplane trip and a nice hotel worthwhile but a short trip may be a waste.
As a judgment call for quick trips, I think we will just spend our days before the flight to CMB in Cambodia and Kuala Lumpur - and leave the Maldives for our next (FT?!?) flight to CMB.
Jan 9, 2008, 9:15 pm
#419
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Cleveland
Programs: AF/KLM Plat For Life/UA Million Miler-PremEx For Life/SPG Gold
Posts: 5,054
Well, I'm one of the ones who did a 2 night jaunt to MLE. Used avery reasonable 10K EK award CMB-MLE. Stayed at a resort very close to Male that was on the verge of closing for renovations. The rooms were definitely lowbrow and the facilities worn, but the service, food, grounds were all fabulous.
Since I'm not sure when I'd be back in that neck of the woods, the side trip was well worth the time.
If you are not into beachbumming, spaing, diving or fishing, I think it could be a loooong week, as there is no culture and minimal nightlife. For me 3-4 nights would be perfect, then onward to CMB or SE Asia.
Since I'm not sure when I'd be back in that neck of the woods, the side trip was well worth the time.
If you are not into beachbumming, spaing, diving or fishing, I think it could be a loooong week, as there is no culture and minimal nightlife. For me 3-4 nights would be perfect, then onward to CMB or SE Asia.
Jan 11, 2008, 1:24 pm
#420
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 831
email address or contact name
Has anyone an email from the Conrad Maldives? I wrote to maldivesinfo@ conradhotels.com but no answer gotten.
Or maybe the name of a staff member (e.g. the hotel director)? Thanks.
Or maybe the name of a staff member (e.g. the hotel director)? Thanks.