[ARCHIVE 2014 to 2017] Conrad Maldives Rangali Island {MDV}
May 4, 2017, 4:50 am
#4291
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Tyrone,EU
Programs: Avios Hunter
Posts: 2,811
Given the cash cost of this resort, many see redeeming points here as a great option, both in terms of getting value for points, and also for experiencing one of the better Hilton group hotels that they may not otherwise have the oppportunity to do.
My first trip was done as far as possible using points. Accomodation in Maldives, Dubai, and all flights (except for the seaplane obviously). I documented my general strategy, how I pooled the points and the booking experience over a series of blog entries.
Although posted in 2015, and clearly some of the redemption options have changed since then, I feel it still stands as a reasonable template as to how to approach such a redemption booking.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
My first trip was done as far as possible using points. Accomodation in Maldives, Dubai, and all flights (except for the seaplane obviously). I documented my general strategy, how I pooled the points and the booking experience over a series of blog entries.
Although posted in 2015, and clearly some of the redemption options have changed since then, I feel it still stands as a reasonable template as to how to approach such a redemption booking.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Last edited by tangey; May 4, 2017 at 2:25 pm
May 4, 2017, 11:39 am
#4292
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
Would've been very cramped. Congrats on the upgrade! It'll make all the difference. I'm sure you'll have a great time there.
May 4, 2017, 8:27 pm
#4293
Join Date: Mar 2016
Programs: AA
Posts: 44
I had 5 nights in a BV booked with points.
When I asked to upgrade 2 nights to a WV, they split the reservation into 2.
When I click on the reservation on my booking, it says total for 3 night BV stay: $2808.00 + 380,000 points. For 2 night WV stay: $1860 + points
I'm assuming cash price is shown because they have their own separate reservation system. Just want to confirm this is normal and I won't have to pay cash for those 5 nights, right?
First time going, so no idea what standards are. Thanks in advance
When I asked to upgrade 2 nights to a WV, they split the reservation into 2.
When I click on the reservation on my booking, it says total for 3 night BV stay: $2808.00 + 380,000 points. For 2 night WV stay: $1860 + points
I'm assuming cash price is shown because they have their own separate reservation system. Just want to confirm this is normal and I won't have to pay cash for those 5 nights, right?
First time going, so no idea what standards are. Thanks in advance
May 4, 2017, 8:43 pm
#4294
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: So Cal
Posts: 933
I had 5 nights in a BV booked with points.
When I asked to upgrade 2 nights to a WV, they split the reservation into 2.
When I click on the reservation on my booking, it says total for 3 night BV stay: $2808.00 + 380,000 points. For 2 night WV stay: $1860 + points
I'm assuming cash price is shown because they have their own separate reservation system. Just want to confirm this is normal and I won't have to pay cash for those 5 nights, right?
First time going, so no idea what standards are. Thanks in advance
When I asked to upgrade 2 nights to a WV, they split the reservation into 2.
When I click on the reservation on my booking, it says total for 3 night BV stay: $2808.00 + 380,000 points. For 2 night WV stay: $1860 + points
I'm assuming cash price is shown because they have their own separate reservation system. Just want to confirm this is normal and I won't have to pay cash for those 5 nights, right?
First time going, so no idea what standards are. Thanks in advance
May 4, 2017, 9:32 pm
#4296
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
Perfectly normal, ducksaucei3. No need to worry. They have their way of doing things and when you do an upgrade for part of the stay they always split the booking. The resort cannot deduct more points from your account (even by accident). That can only be done via online reservations / customer service in the USA. And the amount that you will be paying in cash is what they quoted you for the upgrade, nothing more.
The only thing is when you check out it might get screwed up in your HHonors Past Stays section and you may need to contact Hilton customer service to get the correct amount of points added to your account. Keep the receipt and printout that they will give you upon check-out and you will be fine.
The only thing is when you check out it might get screwed up in your HHonors Past Stays section and you may need to contact Hilton customer service to get the correct amount of points added to your account. Keep the receipt and printout that they will give you upon check-out and you will be fine.
Last edited by MaldivesFreak; May 5, 2017 at 9:22 am
May 5, 2017, 12:36 am
#4297
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,481
Had something similar (higher rates of points or money shown online due to upgrades) at other hotels, but never had to pay more than agreed.
May 5, 2017, 3:20 am
#4298
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LTG, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,921
Anyway, as a data point - late July/early August, I was offered the following...
BV to DBV $175 + SC + TGST
BV to DWV $315 + SC + TGST
May 5, 2017, 9:24 am
#4299
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
ducksaucei3, I may not have been 100% clear in my post. I meant to say when you do an upgrade for part of the stay they always split the booking.
May 5, 2017, 9:30 am
#4300
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
Read your review a few times now, thanks. I might pass on any paid upgrades and hope for the best, I am sure the Beach Villas are more than satisfactory
Anyway, as a data point - late July/early August, I was offered the following...
BV to DBV $175 + SC + TGST
BV to DWV $315 + SC + TGST
Anyway, as a data point - late July/early August, I was offered the following...
BV to DBV $175 + SC + TGST
BV to DWV $315 + SC + TGST
Cheers.
May 5, 2017, 12:30 pm
#4301
Join Date: Mar 2016
Programs: AA
Posts: 44
Perfectly clear MaldivesFreak. Just shocked at first that the booking shows cash price + points, but looks like it's normal due to the resort's special location. Thanks again for all you do!
May 6, 2017, 7:08 am
#4302
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 5
Called Honors to inquire about booking BV and upgrading to OWV with cash. They said this would not be possible but CSR didn't sound very experienced.
How exactly does the upgrade process work? Book with points and then call in to hotel the next day? Is that possible to do?
How exactly does the upgrade process work? Book with points and then call in to hotel the next day? Is that possible to do?
May 6, 2017, 8:09 am
#4303
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,652
Called Honors to inquire about booking BV and upgrading to OWV with cash. They said this would not be possible but CSR didn't sound very experienced.
How exactly does the upgrade process work? Book with points and then call in to hotel the next day? Is that possible to do?
How exactly does the upgrade process work? Book with points and then call in to hotel the next day? Is that possible to do?
May 6, 2017, 8:10 am
#4304
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,652
$315++ for Deluxe Water Villa is about $100 lower than the lowest so far. I'll add that to the wiki. Just make sure with you first that it's not a typo (as D is next to R on the keyboard and August is shoulder season with slightly higher rates which makes for an even better deal).
Cheers.
Cheers.