[ARCHIVE 2014 to 2017] Conrad Maldives Rangali Island {MDV}
Oct 12, 2017, 1:50 pm
#5147
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
Is there anything worth seeing in the city of Male? I usually enjoy seeing how the locals live before heading to resorts when I can. Could I land at the airport, catch the ferry from the terminal to Male, take a few hours to go see the town, head back, and then catch the seaplane to the Conrad?
My girlfriend is more than interested and we're looking forward to it. Maybe I'll post some pics of her at Ithaa in the dresses she wore if anyone's interested. It's not an easy place to dress for bar plain white attire.
Oct 12, 2017, 1:54 pm
#5148
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
Is this sale worldwide? Just curious as some of the advantages you can get at Hilton are restricted to US residents.
Oct 13, 2017, 12:33 am
#5149
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 478
eehhhm, sort of...
; Feb 2017
it basically is restricted to the US, but there's an easy way to get around this.
I did buy points during the last two promotions both for HH and IHG and live in Europe. If someone's interested in just PM me and I send you details on how to.
; Feb 2017I did buy points during the last two promotions both for HH and IHG and live in Europe. If someone's interested in just PM me and I send you details on how to.
Oct 13, 2017, 12:46 am
#5150
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ZRH
Programs: M&M SEN (*G), HH Diamond
Posts: 2,418
We got points for everything as well in 2014 and 2016.
There is a dedicated thread here every year where you can find the info regarding buying from outside of the US as well. Here are the most recent two:
U.S. Travel Association's Daily Getaways 2017
U.S. Travel Association's Daily Getaways 2016
I've been doing it for many years now, always with credit cards with billing addresses in Europe. Never had any issues with the payment.
Two thirds of our time here have passed already, we have moved to RWV 41x now and still enjoy doing nothing... The weather has been good so far, with only a couple minutes of rain here and there in the first 5 days, then the last 5 days it was mostly sunny with clear skies, 30...32°C - only the occasional bit of rain during the night. The weather forecast for the next couple of days is very good as well: sunny and mostly clear skies. ^
U.S. Travel Association's Daily Getaways 2017
U.S. Travel Association's Daily Getaways 2016
I've been doing it for many years now, always with credit cards with billing addresses in Europe. Never had any issues with the payment.
Two thirds of our time here have passed already, we have moved to RWV 41x now and still enjoy doing nothing... The weather has been good so far, with only a couple minutes of rain here and there in the first 5 days, then the last 5 days it was mostly sunny with clear skies, 30...32°C - only the occasional bit of rain during the night. The weather forecast for the next couple of days is very good as well: sunny and mostly clear skies. ^
Oct 13, 2017, 8:39 am
#5151
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Programs: AS MVPG, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 983
We arrived yesterday and are currently in BV 21x, will be in this BV for a total of 5 nights before moving to a RVW for the remainder of our stay.
The weather wasn't too great yesterday with rain and winds. We had to wait in the Conrad lounge for ~3 hours for our flight due to the weather. They say it has been like this for a week now.
After torrential rainfall during the night, today was much nicer with a mix of sun and clouds at about 30° C and only 1 minute of rain. ^
A few initial impressions:
We haven't been to any restaurants yet (too tired yesterday, not hungry anymore today after afternoon tea at Mandhoo, happy hour at Vilu and manager's reception at the Quiet zone...)
I'll report back with more news and observations later.
We're here until Oct, 18 as well.
The weather wasn't too great yesterday with rain and winds. We had to wait in the Conrad lounge for ~3 hours for our flight due to the weather. They say it has been like this for a week now.
After torrential rainfall during the night, today was much nicer with a mix of sun and clouds at about 30° C and only 1 minute of rain. ^
A few initial impressions:
- The renovated BVs are a huge improvement over the old style BVs ^^
- The beach on the sunrise side of Rangali island (in the 200s) has massively increased compared to our last visit 18 months ago (i.e. 25...30 meters wide now compared to 5m to "almost gone" in some places then) ^
- There is a new executive chef that has started 6 weeks ago, I talked to him today at the manager's reception and he is planning some changes. We were told on arrival that "everything" had changed at the Atoll Market breakfast buffet as of yesterday. However, I only noticed very minor changes, and most of them were negative (you can't pour yourself a glass of water any more - you have to order it, the bubbly was gone as well...)
- The kids pool is under renovation, supposedly until Oct, 5 (not sure about that date by the looks of it, we'll see)
- The new bridge and construction site for the new underwater suite is another setback for the view on the sunrise side of Rangali island (in addition to the recent additions of the 3rd island bridge and the "sand bags").
We haven't been to any restaurants yet (too tired yesterday, not hungry anymore today after afternoon tea at Mandhoo, happy hour at Vilu and manager's reception at the Quiet zone...
)I'll report back with more news and observations later.
We're here until Oct, 18 as well.
Oct 13, 2017, 11:00 am
#5152
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 322
Just buy the points you need with 2018 Daily Getaways promotion. It's in April and perfect timing for your Dec vacation planning.
Not 100% sure whether Hilton will be in there or not but they used to be the last couple of years.
Or use one of the many points sales where you can accumulate 160'000 points very easily. Your AMEX points might be more useful on other occassions?
Regarding availabilty 4-5 months out I had trouble finding award space in April 2017 for Feb 2018 for the dates I wanted. One or two out of 7 weren't available so I emailed CR. They happily opened up award space and asked me to call Honors and make the booking there even no availabilty was shown. CR cannot make point bookings on their own. I rang up Honors, they called CR and confirmed my dates. Couple of weeks later online award availability was wide open... So you never know, space comes and goes sometimes.
Not 100% sure whether Hilton will be in there or not but they used to be the last couple of years.
Or use one of the many points sales where you can accumulate 160'000 points very easily. Your AMEX points might be more useful on other occassions?
Regarding availabilty 4-5 months out I had trouble finding award space in April 2017 for Feb 2018 for the dates I wanted. One or two out of 7 weren't available so I emailed CR. They happily opened up award space and asked me to call Honors and make the booking there even no availabilty was shown. CR cannot make point bookings on their own. I rang up Honors, they called CR and confirmed my dates. Couple of weeks later online award availability was wide open... So you never know, space comes and goes sometimes.
Oct 13, 2017, 12:42 pm
#5153
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
There is a dedicated thread here every year where you can find the info regarding buying from outside of the US as well. Here are the most recent two:
U.S. Travel Association's Daily Getaways 2017
U.S. Travel Association's Daily Getaways 2016
I've been doing it for many years now, always with credit cards with billing addresses in Europe. Never had any issues with the payment.
U.S. Travel Association's Daily Getaways 2017
U.S. Travel Association's Daily Getaways 2016
I've been doing it for many years now, always with credit cards with billing addresses in Europe. Never had any issues with the payment.
Two thirds of our time here have passed already, we have moved to RWV 41x now and still enjoy doing nothing... The weather has been good so far, with only a couple minutes of rain here and there in the first 5 days, then the last 5 days it was mostly sunny with clear skies, 30...32°C - only the occasional bit of rain during the night. The weather forecast for the next couple of days is very good as well: sunny and mostly clear skies. ^
Oct 14, 2017, 2:58 am
#5155
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Singapore
Programs: QF Platinum - SQ PPS - HH Diamond, SPG Platinum, Hyatt Platinum, ShangriLa Jade
Posts: 43
Hi,
We arrive in Male at 10PM. Rather than waste a day at Conrad, we'll stay the night in a Male hotel.
Any recommendations for a respectable hotel near the airport?
I do have free nights at Hotel Jen is that doable for a 10PM arrival given its a boat ride away?
Any other recommendations for 2 adults, 2 young children?
We arrive in Male at 10PM. Rather than waste a day at Conrad, we'll stay the night in a Male hotel.
Any recommendations for a respectable hotel near the airport?
I do have free nights at Hotel Jen is that doable for a 10PM arrival given its a boat ride away?
Any other recommendations for 2 adults, 2 young children?
Oct 14, 2017, 5:25 am
#5156
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 1
Hi Nattino
I am very new to the forum and I've been reading your post recently about your booking at Conrad Maldives during Holiday season. I would love to ask some information about your booking, is there anyway i can contact you off line please? I am also in US. Thanks for your time!
I am very new to the forum and I've been reading your post recently about your booking at Conrad Maldives during Holiday season. I would love to ask some information about your booking, is there anyway i can contact you off line please? I am also in US. Thanks for your time!
Oct 14, 2017, 7:13 am
#5157
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Posts: 128
Hi,
We arrive in Male at 10PM. Rather than waste a day at Conrad, we'll stay the night in a Male hotel.
Any recommendations for a respectable hotel near the airport?
I do have free nights at Hotel Jen is that doable for a 10PM arrival given its a boat ride away?
Any other recommendations for 2 adults, 2 young children?
We arrive in Male at 10PM. Rather than waste a day at Conrad, we'll stay the night in a Male hotel.
Any recommendations for a respectable hotel near the airport?
I do have free nights at Hotel Jen is that doable for a 10PM arrival given its a boat ride away?
Any other recommendations for 2 adults, 2 young children?
We stayed at Hotel Ocean Grand. It's a small place, but really close to the airport and they come and will pick you up. Breakfast was included the next day. Definitely give it a look.
Oct 14, 2017, 8:39 am
#5158
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: MUC
Programs: LH Sen, HH Diamond, IC RA
Posts: 313
Hotel Jen is the best Hotel in Male, not far away from the boat dock (walking distance), but they will pick you up with a car.
Boat ride takes only 10 minutes from the Airport to Male City and leaves every 10 minutes, so no need to worry that it will take hours to get to the Jen Hotel.
Boat ride takes only 10 minutes from the Airport to Male City and leaves every 10 minutes, so no need to worry that it will take hours to get to the Jen Hotel.
Oct 14, 2017, 8:53 am
#5159
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: CT
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 429
We are going next May, arriving on the 26th for 10 days, requested upgrade prices and received this
Upgrade from Beach Villa to Water Villa US$ 294 + 10% service charge + 12% T GST per night.
Upgrade from Beach Villa to Deluxe Beach Villa US$ 367.50 + 10% service charge + 12% T GST per night.
Upgrade from Beach Villa to Superior Water Villa US$ 367.50 + 10% service charge + 12% T GST per night.
Upgrade from Beach Villa to Retreat Water Villa US$ 588 + 10% service charge + 12% T GST per night.
Upgrade from Beach Villa to Deluxe Water Villa US$ 735+ 10% service charge + 12% T GST per night.
Able to get them down to 210++ for the SWV, which falls in line with the low season prices.
Upgrade from Beach Villa to Water Villa US$ 294 + 10% service charge + 12% T GST per night.
Upgrade from Beach Villa to Deluxe Beach Villa US$ 367.50 + 10% service charge + 12% T GST per night.
Upgrade from Beach Villa to Superior Water Villa US$ 367.50 + 10% service charge + 12% T GST per night.
Upgrade from Beach Villa to Retreat Water Villa US$ 588 + 10% service charge + 12% T GST per night.
Upgrade from Beach Villa to Deluxe Water Villa US$ 735+ 10% service charge + 12% T GST per night.
Able to get them down to 210++ for the SWV, which falls in line with the low season prices.
Oct 14, 2017, 10:13 am
#5160
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
Hi,
We arrive in Male at 10PM. Rather than waste a day at Conrad, we'll stay the night in a Male hotel.
Any recommendations for a respectable hotel near the airport?
I do have free nights at Hotel Jen is that doable for a 10PM arrival given its a boat ride away?
Any other recommendations for 2 adults, 2 young children?
We arrive in Male at 10PM. Rather than waste a day at Conrad, we'll stay the night in a Male hotel.
Any recommendations for a respectable hotel near the airport?
I do have free nights at Hotel Jen is that doable for a 10PM arrival given its a boat ride away?
Any other recommendations for 2 adults, 2 young children?