[ARCHIVE to 2017] Conrad Koh Samui {THA}
Mar 3, 2014, 12:32 pm
#1231
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: Jose Cuervo Gold, Bud Light Platinum, Schwab 401K, VW Bug 2MM
Posts: 1,103
Mar 3, 2014, 2:44 pm
#1232
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: HAJ
Programs: Lufthansa FTL, HHonors Gold, Le Club Accorhotels Platinum
Posts: 677
Mar 4, 2014, 6:31 am
#1233
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA plat pro, HH Diamond
Posts: 429
Mar 5, 2014, 8:54 am
#1234
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: CVG, AMS, BKK
Programs: Delta Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond.
Posts: 185
The cash and points option here is really an amazing use of HHonors points. I couldn't resist extending my stay by a night - having originally booked 2 nights with certificates - for 32,000 points and ~$170 (including fees). It seems this property opens up rooms for cash and points fairly late in the game, so I'm fortunate I was able to score some the extra night.
Mar 5, 2014, 10:00 am
#1235
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Million Miler; UA-1K; Hilton Lifetime Diamond; Marriott Lifetime Platinum; SPG Platinum
Posts: 49
We also booked a 4 night stay with this same rate (38,000 points + 6220 Thb) for next month. 2 nights obtained through the Citibank Credit Card and doing C&P for the other 2.
Mar 5, 2014, 10:20 am
#1236
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: AUS
Programs: SPG Plat, CO Gold, AA Plat, Marriott Silver, HH Gold, Citigroup Chairman
Posts: 331
Some Answers
A few questions hopefully someone can answer:
1) Can anyone tell me if the Tesco takes credit cards or is it cash only?
Yes they take credit cards. I was able to use Amex and Visa there.
2) Is there an ATM at Conrad Koh Samui?
No, the nearest is at the Family Mart, which you will pass when you enter the property. You can have your taxi/car stop there.
3) If the hotel exchanges USD to THB, does anyone know the rate - was it competitive?
1) Can anyone tell me if the Tesco takes credit cards or is it cash only?
Yes they take credit cards. I was able to use Amex and Visa there.
2) Is there an ATM at Conrad Koh Samui?
No, the nearest is at the Family Mart, which you will pass when you enter the property. You can have your taxi/car stop there.
3) If the hotel exchanges USD to THB, does anyone know the rate - was it competitive?
Great property. Have fun!
Mar 5, 2014, 10:45 am
#1237
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Million Miler; UA-1K; Hilton Lifetime Diamond; Marriott Lifetime Platinum; SPG Platinum
Posts: 49
I think I would have lost about 2% if I went with their exchange rate at checkout. It's NEVER a good idea to have the hotel to convert to your local currency, because if your card charges a forex fee, they will charge it regardless of currency billed usually.
Great property. Have fun!
Great property. Have fun!
Just trying to determine the least fee ridden way of doing this. Our driver who is picking us up at the airport has agreed to stop at a better foreign exchange place.
Mar 5, 2014, 3:51 pm
#1238
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt/Hilton Diamond, Marriott/SPG Gold, Hertz Prez
Posts: 162
Just curious, when do C&P rates start appearing (6 months, 3 months, random)?
Mar 5, 2014, 6:41 pm
#1239
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Million Miler; UA-1K; Hilton Lifetime Diamond; Marriott Lifetime Platinum; SPG Platinum
Posts: 49
Also, I contacted Samui Explorer to arrange pick up from the airport. Michelle is very responsive. And she agreed to drop us off to exchange money and to TESCO. So far so good!
Mar 5, 2014, 10:51 pm
#1240
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 526
We have a no foreign transaction fee credit card. We are not trying to exchange money to pay for the room. We need THB to pay for our outside meals, car service to/from airport.
Just trying to determine the least fee ridden way of doing this. Our driver who is picking us up at the airport has agreed to stop at a better foreign exchange place.
Just trying to determine the least fee ridden way of doing this. Our driver who is picking us up at the airport has agreed to stop at a better foreign exchange place.
Mar 5, 2014, 11:44 pm
#1241
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 526
The first junction when you leave the hotel has a few establishments that you can use:
1. Rent a scooter. We rented a scooter the first day we got there. It was cheap. The person has a shop near the junction when you leave the hotel bottom entrance (they will take you down for free to the bottom). The shop is less than 1 KM before the junction on the road from the hotel) You can walk there although some may find it far. If the shop is closed he has a house on the same side of the street. We arrived there at night and just rented from his house. Easy rental, I think we left no papers or CC.
2. Not sure why people go to Tesco, there is a convenient store at the junction. Also, during the day you can buy fresh produce next door.
3. A great family restaurant right on the corner. Wonderful food and Thai atmosphere.
4. If you want a cheap massage, you can find it as well there.
1. Rent a scooter. We rented a scooter the first day we got there. It was cheap. The person has a shop near the junction when you leave the hotel bottom entrance (they will take you down for free to the bottom). The shop is less than 1 KM before the junction on the road from the hotel) You can walk there although some may find it far. If the shop is closed he has a house on the same side of the street. We arrived there at night and just rented from his house. Easy rental, I think we left no papers or CC.
2. Not sure why people go to Tesco, there is a convenient store at the junction. Also, during the day you can buy fresh produce next door.
3. A great family restaurant right on the corner. Wonderful food and Thai atmosphere.
4. If you want a cheap massage, you can find it as well there.
Mar 7, 2014, 12:25 am
#1243
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
If you are leaving the hotel early in the morning before breakfast or with inadequate time for breakfast, the hotel will pack you a breakfast to take away and it usually has something like a bottle of water, two bakery items, a cut fruit dish, and an omelette -- so three food boxes + a bottle of water in a plastic bag, along with some plastic utensils and napkins in it. Very nice and thoughtful of the hotel.
Did the hotel have any power issues in the latter part of this week? Sunday night/Monday morning had some kind of intermittent power-trips late at night/early in the morning.
I keep hearing great things about Mr. Samui/Suphot's transport service. Highly recommend him in both directions, if needed, and it's cheaper than the alternatives. [The main transport desk at the airport charges 1500 one-way for a private car to the Conrad.]
Did the hotel have any power issues in the latter part of this week? Sunday night/Monday morning had some kind of intermittent power-trips late at night/early in the morning.
I keep hearing great things about Mr. Samui/Suphot's transport service. Highly recommend him in both directions, if needed, and it's cheaper than the alternatives. [The main transport desk at the airport charges 1500 one-way for a private car to the Conrad.]
Mar 7, 2014, 8:29 am
#1244
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Million Miler; UA-1K; Hilton Lifetime Diamond; Marriott Lifetime Platinum; SPG Platinum
Posts: 49
Does this convenient store sell alcohol - wines and spirits?
Mar 7, 2014, 10:05 am
#1245
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 526
I didn't buy these items there so I don't remember, but my guess is that they do, it is a chain like 7/11 which is all over Thailand and 7/11 usually sell behind the cashier (the heavy liquor, wines are elsewhere).