Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi {MDV}
Mar 21, 22, 3:22 am - Wikipost
|
|||
|
|||
|
Mar 18, 22, 2:30 pm
#2146
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold / OnBusiness, SPG Lifetime Plat 100, AmEx Centurion & BAPP, Superking Westin Heavenly Bed :)
Posts: 1,128
No more PCRs!
Haven’t seen this reported yet, but likely missed it… apologies if a dupe!
It looks like PCRs are no longer needed for entry, for visitors, regardless of age or vaccination status.
https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd
Annoyingly booked PCRs for the kids just last week, as anyone unvaccinated over the age of 1 was required to present a PCR back then!
Huge relief though - we are there next weekend, and it’s been the #1 thing I was worried about!
/JK
It looks like PCRs are no longer needed for entry, for visitors, regardless of age or vaccination status.
https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd
Annoyingly booked PCRs for the kids just last week, as anyone unvaccinated over the age of 1 was required to present a PCR back then!
Huge relief though - we are there next weekend, and it’s been the #1 thing I was worried about!
/JK
Mar 18, 22, 4:59 pm
#2147
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Diamond (*G), Marriott Ambassador (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 16,050
Originally Posted by JK
Haven’t seen this reported yet, but likely missed it… apologies if a dupe!
It looks like PCRs are no longer needed for entry, for visitors, regardless of age or vaccination status.
https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd
Annoyingly booked PCRs for the kids just last week, as anyone unvaccinated over the age of 1 was required to present a PCR back then!
Huge relief though - we are there next weekend, and it’s been the #1 thing I was worried about!
/JK
It looks like PCRs are no longer needed for entry, for visitors, regardless of age or vaccination status.
https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd
Annoyingly booked PCRs for the kids just last week, as anyone unvaccinated over the age of 1 was required to present a PCR back then!
Huge relief though - we are there next weekend, and it’s been the #1 thing I was worried about!
/JK
Mar 19, 22, 2:28 pm
#2148
Join Date: Mar 2022
Programs: HH
Posts: 1
Hi, I have a Hilton Surpass Card that makes me a Gold Member. Reading the comments posted previously I don't really find any difference between the Gold and Diamond members (aside from the wine/champagne and sweets provided during check in). Do you think it's worthy to bump up to Diamond status? I am thinking I could use the $250 Resort credit towards the yatch transfer and $100 towards food or a massage at WA. And if I am super lucky I potentialy can get upgraded too. Let me know if you guys think it's worthy to have the diamond status at WA.
Last edited by sidu1987; Mar 21, 22 at 12:33 am
Mar 21, 22, 3:21 am
#2149
Join Date: May 2021
Programs: Globalist Hyatt, Diamond Hilton
Posts: 22
Originally Posted by JK
Haven’t seen this reported yet, but likely missed it… apologies if a dupe!
It looks like PCRs are no longer needed for entry, for visitors, regardless of age or vaccination status.
https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd
Annoyingly booked PCRs for the kids just last week, as anyone unvaccinated over the age of 1 was required to present a PCR back then!
Huge relief though - we are there next weekend, and it’s been the #1 thing I was worried about!
/JK
It looks like PCRs are no longer needed for entry, for visitors, regardless of age or vaccination status.
https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd
Annoyingly booked PCRs for the kids just last week, as anyone unvaccinated over the age of 1 was required to present a PCR back then!
Huge relief though - we are there next weekend, and it’s been the #1 thing I was worried about!
/JK
Mar 21, 22, 5:37 am
#2150
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Warwickshire, England
Posts: 614
Wiki out of date
The wiki at top says this is one of the Diamond benefits:
The choice of spirits is far from "fine". The choice is:
As we were close to finishing our first cocktail, the waitress asked if she could get us something else, so I asked for a Heineken, and was politely but firmly told that I could not order again until my first drink was completely empty, so I didn't really understand the point of the question.
Despite receiving an email explaining that drones were banned as guest privacy was paramount, we have just been filmed by a couple posing underneath their drone. Apparently they have permission and this is fine.
While our reef room here (5 nights on points) is the best we have had in the Maldives, the initial impressions of service and soft product are unfavourable.
I contrast today with the happy "hour" at the Conrad, for example, that would typically overrun by 45 minutes and where waiters would come round to warn you when it was about to end. The staff here do not even engage in friendly chat. It's all very stiff.
- Complimentary daily afternoon delights (see here for pic) with a fine selection of beverages crafted by mixologist and sommelier from 16:00 to 17:00 at Peacock Alley
The choice of spirits is far from "fine". The choice is:
Beefeater
Absolut Blue
Ballantine’s Finest
Plantation Dark
These are low quality brands I wouldn't expect to be anywhere near a five-star resort.Absolut Blue
Ballantine’s Finest
Plantation Dark
As we were close to finishing our first cocktail, the waitress asked if she could get us something else, so I asked for a Heineken, and was politely but firmly told that I could not order again until my first drink was completely empty, so I didn't really understand the point of the question.
Despite receiving an email explaining that drones were banned as guest privacy was paramount, we have just been filmed by a couple posing underneath their drone. Apparently they have permission and this is fine.
While our reef room here (5 nights on points) is the best we have had in the Maldives, the initial impressions of service and soft product are unfavourable.
I contrast today with the happy "hour" at the Conrad, for example, that would typically overrun by 45 minutes and where waiters would come round to warn you when it was about to end. The staff here do not even engage in friendly chat. It's all very stiff.
Last edited by MKB; Mar 21, 22 at 5:47 am
Mar 21, 22, 6:43 am
#2151
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 84
Easter Gala
Hi just wondering if anyone has been here for Easter I've done a search but can't find any info,
The Dinner seems quite excessive for a family of four! Any info if they do anything special thanks in advance Sam
Please be advised that we have mandatory Easter Gala Dinner for April 16: Easter Gala Dinner April 16: § Adults (12 years and above) US$370+23.2% Tax and service charge per adult § Children (6 years up to 11.99 years) US$185+23.2% Tax and service charge per children § Children (below 6 years) Complimentary
The Dinner seems quite excessive for a family of four! Any info if they do anything special thanks in advance Sam
Please be advised that we have mandatory Easter Gala Dinner for April 16: Easter Gala Dinner April 16: § Adults (12 years and above) US$370+23.2% Tax and service charge per adult § Children (6 years up to 11.99 years) US$185+23.2% Tax and service charge per children § Children (below 6 years) Complimentary
Mar 21, 22, 7:04 am
#2152
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: NYC/Singapore
Programs: UA 1K, HH Diamond
Posts: 213
We (family of 4 with two kids 7 y.o. and under) came back last week from our second visit to the W.A. Maldives - the kids are spoiled for life and want to go back again!
Transfer
We were directly taken to our boat with very little waiting time. It was great to leave so quickly. They now have individual boxed sets of a sandwich and cupcake instead of fruit platters and sandwiches. Otherwise the 45 minute ride isn't too bad and the yacht has upstairs, indoors, and a small back area for seating.
Villa
We stayed in an OWV 2 years ago and were put in 503 this time. There is a great sunrise view from this side and we saw a few fish swimming around the reef from our "backyard". I've only stayed at one other property in the Maldives and the reef villa is bigger and generally more luxurious in terms of fixtures and finishings. The reef, OWV, and Grand OWV are very similar in layout, differing only in size - sitting area/bedroom, closet area, and bathroom. There are always two sets of swings and overwater nets as well as the personal pool. The Grand OWV has a separate living room and is huge inside though you can't tell much of a difference outside. Our kids were happy just hanging out at the villa a lot. We got white wine, a cupcake decorating mini kit, and huge fruit basket as the Diamond welcome amenity.
Food
A few menus (QR picture below isn't complete and is mostly for dinner):
Tasting Table Breakfast
Tasting Table Dinner
Ledge Lunch
Ledge Dinner
Nava Lunch
Peacock Alley
Happy Hour
Peacock Alley food = Tasting Table food
Nava = some fishes from Ledge, but not the full menu + Pizza bar
Breakfast is fabulous and we always took a while here. There is an East Asian section, Middle eastern section, salad and charcuterie section, cooked foods, fruits, yogurts, and a made to order menu featuring egg dishes and waffles/pancakes. I ordered an off the menu egg paratha but was happy with the Maldivian omelet.
$$$. Luckily if you're a diamond, remember to order off the kid's menu and that entree is free. We got kid's menu items every meal just because it was free anyway. I had to remind the staff several times that kid's items are free for diamonds. My eldest is 7 y.o. going on 8 though so staff don't ask for IDs or anything. But this also meant kids ate fries a lot. There are healthier selections at Peacock Alley/Tasting Table for the kid's menu.
Otherwise, the best "value" IMO is the Ledge. Burnt Ends (Michelin Star and one of Asia's best restaurants) chefs rotate to the restaurant regularly. So you can get some of the famous dishes from Burnt Ends including Peri Peri chicken and leeks with hazelnuts. The Peri Peri chicken is tender and flavorful and great for low carb eaters. The Ledge shares a kid's menu with Nava and has no kid's menu of its own. The kid's menu burger is great and from the Ledge.
Note on timing: dinner starts at 7 pm. If you eat early, go to Peacock Alley anytime, Nava before 5:30 pm or the pizza bar.
Personal Concierge
Our personal concierge was friendly and mostly responsive. I would message him via WhatsApp and he would be responsive from early morning to evening (I mostly messaged from about 9 am - 7 pm though). He told me he normally handles 3 clients though could take up to 5 at busy times. I suggested that perhaps guests could fill out forms or go over a rough schedule daily with the personal concierge so both sides have a better handle on things. I was a little disappointed that he missed out on providing kid's bikes to us a few times, but let it slide. He did get us snorkeling masks from the dive center which we could use for the duration of our stay. Kids' life jackets are supposed to be chargeable but he let us have one for free for a few hours. He can also arrange to have your floats inflated and deflated easily. Overall it was great connecting almost instantly with someone and getting your queries handled.
Getting Around
Buggy service is the way to go, especially if it's mid-day or if you're going to farther flung parts of this pretty spread out resort. It gets hot, as in unbearably hot if you were to walk outside for 15 minutes mid-day. I'd walk from the fitness center to the Ledge or Nava and that's as far as I would comfortably go. Unfortunately you can wait a while for the buggy during peak times. We waited about 20 minutes at about 8 pm one evening and were nervous since we were leaving soon. I gave this feedback to the resort and they said they are increasing number of buggies.
Freebies to Remember
The following activities are free: catamaran, paddle boats, kayaks, and stand up paddle boarding. I wish I knew this the first time, but we only got to go paddle boating this time.
We would have loved to have gone on the catamaran but it was never windy enough.
There are also yoga sessions and small activities on certain days labeled as "Wellness".
Kids Club
It's a great, large kid's club with the biggest and best outdoor facilities I've ever seen. There is a water park, trampoline, playground set outdoors. Otherwise, there are tons of toys and arts and crafts inside.
Overall Service
While there were some misses, the overall service was wonderful. The assistant front manager sat with us for a while to collect feedback before we departed and I let him know about some misses in our requests and the buggy service. They also did two things that really topped it off for us:
1. Put us up on a Grand OWV since we were on a red eye flight. The kids loved this villa and were so happy to have a place to come back to between meals and beach time. They missed the OWV from the first trip and this made up for it.
2. Our kids were sleeping when we went to the airport. This made carrying them and our luggage very difficult. Not only did the transportation staff carry our things, the contact got one of the Maldivian airport staff to whisk us through at least a 20 minute security gate wait. We were eternally grateful because we seriously did not know how to manage everything and my back would have been broken by then.
I'm not a beach/tropical person at all but my family loves it. I loved the overall service though and would definitely visit yet again.
Transfer
We were directly taken to our boat with very little waiting time. It was great to leave so quickly. They now have individual boxed sets of a sandwich and cupcake instead of fruit platters and sandwiches. Otherwise the 45 minute ride isn't too bad and the yacht has upstairs, indoors, and a small back area for seating.
Villa
We stayed in an OWV 2 years ago and were put in 503 this time. There is a great sunrise view from this side and we saw a few fish swimming around the reef from our "backyard". I've only stayed at one other property in the Maldives and the reef villa is bigger and generally more luxurious in terms of fixtures and finishings. The reef, OWV, and Grand OWV are very similar in layout, differing only in size - sitting area/bedroom, closet area, and bathroom. There are always two sets of swings and overwater nets as well as the personal pool. The Grand OWV has a separate living room and is huge inside though you can't tell much of a difference outside. Our kids were happy just hanging out at the villa a lot. We got white wine, a cupcake decorating mini kit, and huge fruit basket as the Diamond welcome amenity.
Food
A few menus (QR picture below isn't complete and is mostly for dinner):
Tasting Table Breakfast
Tasting Table Dinner
Ledge Lunch
Ledge Dinner
Nava Lunch
Peacock Alley
Happy Hour
Peacock Alley food = Tasting Table food
Nava = some fishes from Ledge, but not the full menu + Pizza bar
Breakfast is fabulous and we always took a while here. There is an East Asian section, Middle eastern section, salad and charcuterie section, cooked foods, fruits, yogurts, and a made to order menu featuring egg dishes and waffles/pancakes. I ordered an off the menu egg paratha but was happy with the Maldivian omelet.
$$$. Luckily if you're a diamond, remember to order off the kid's menu and that entree is free. We got kid's menu items every meal just because it was free anyway. I had to remind the staff several times that kid's items are free for diamonds. My eldest is 7 y.o. going on 8 though so staff don't ask for IDs or anything. But this also meant kids ate fries a lot. There are healthier selections at Peacock Alley/Tasting Table for the kid's menu.
Otherwise, the best "value" IMO is the Ledge. Burnt Ends (Michelin Star and one of Asia's best restaurants) chefs rotate to the restaurant regularly. So you can get some of the famous dishes from Burnt Ends including Peri Peri chicken and leeks with hazelnuts. The Peri Peri chicken is tender and flavorful and great for low carb eaters. The Ledge shares a kid's menu with Nava and has no kid's menu of its own. The kid's menu burger is great and from the Ledge.
Note on timing: dinner starts at 7 pm. If you eat early, go to Peacock Alley anytime, Nava before 5:30 pm or the pizza bar.
Personal Concierge
Our personal concierge was friendly and mostly responsive. I would message him via WhatsApp and he would be responsive from early morning to evening (I mostly messaged from about 9 am - 7 pm though). He told me he normally handles 3 clients though could take up to 5 at busy times. I suggested that perhaps guests could fill out forms or go over a rough schedule daily with the personal concierge so both sides have a better handle on things. I was a little disappointed that he missed out on providing kid's bikes to us a few times, but let it slide. He did get us snorkeling masks from the dive center which we could use for the duration of our stay. Kids' life jackets are supposed to be chargeable but he let us have one for free for a few hours. He can also arrange to have your floats inflated and deflated easily. Overall it was great connecting almost instantly with someone and getting your queries handled.
Getting Around
Buggy service is the way to go, especially if it's mid-day or if you're going to farther flung parts of this pretty spread out resort. It gets hot, as in unbearably hot if you were to walk outside for 15 minutes mid-day. I'd walk from the fitness center to the Ledge or Nava and that's as far as I would comfortably go. Unfortunately you can wait a while for the buggy during peak times. We waited about 20 minutes at about 8 pm one evening and were nervous since we were leaving soon. I gave this feedback to the resort and they said they are increasing number of buggies.
Freebies to Remember
The following activities are free: catamaran, paddle boats, kayaks, and stand up paddle boarding. I wish I knew this the first time, but we only got to go paddle boating this time.
We would have loved to have gone on the catamaran but it was never windy enough.
There are also yoga sessions and small activities on certain days labeled as "Wellness".
Kids Club
It's a great, large kid's club with the biggest and best outdoor facilities I've ever seen. There is a water park, trampoline, playground set outdoors. Otherwise, there are tons of toys and arts and crafts inside.
Overall Service
While there were some misses, the overall service was wonderful. The assistant front manager sat with us for a while to collect feedback before we departed and I let him know about some misses in our requests and the buggy service. They also did two things that really topped it off for us:
1. Put us up on a Grand OWV since we were on a red eye flight. The kids loved this villa and were so happy to have a place to come back to between meals and beach time. They missed the OWV from the first trip and this made up for it.
2. Our kids were sleeping when we went to the airport. This made carrying them and our luggage very difficult. Not only did the transportation staff carry our things, the contact got one of the Maldivian airport staff to whisk us through at least a 20 minute security gate wait. We were eternally grateful because we seriously did not know how to manage everything and my back would have been broken by then.
I'm not a beach/tropical person at all but my family loves it. I loved the overall service though and would definitely visit yet again.
Mar 21, 22, 7:30 am
#2153
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
Programs: Master of the Privy Purse des Muccis
Posts: 16,311
Originally Posted by MKB
The wiki at top says this is one of the Diamond benefits:
The choice of spirits is far from "fine". The choice is:
As we were close to finishing our first cocktail, the waitress asked if she could get us something else, so I asked for a Heineken, and was politely but firmly told that I could not order again until my first drink was completely empty, so I didn't really understand the point of the question.
Despite receiving an email explaining that drones were banned as guest privacy was paramount, we have just been filmed by a couple posing underneath their drone. Apparently they have permission and this is fine.
While our reef room here (5 nights on points) is the best we have had in the Maldives, the initial impressions of service and soft product are unfavourable.
I contrast today with the happy "hour" at the Conrad, for example, that would typically overrun by 45 minutes and where waiters would come round to warn you when it was about to end. The staff here do not even engage in friendly chat. It's all very stiff.
- Complimentary daily afternoon delights (see here for pic) with a fine selection of beverages crafted by mixologist and sommelier from 16:00 to 17:00 at Peacock Alley
The choice of spirits is far from "fine". The choice is:
Beefeater
Absolut Blue
Ballantine’s Finest
Plantation Dark
These are low quality brands I wouldn't expect to be anywhere near a five-star resort.Absolut Blue
Ballantine’s Finest
Plantation Dark
As we were close to finishing our first cocktail, the waitress asked if she could get us something else, so I asked for a Heineken, and was politely but firmly told that I could not order again until my first drink was completely empty, so I didn't really understand the point of the question.
Despite receiving an email explaining that drones were banned as guest privacy was paramount, we have just been filmed by a couple posing underneath their drone. Apparently they have permission and this is fine.
While our reef room here (5 nights on points) is the best we have had in the Maldives, the initial impressions of service and soft product are unfavourable.
I contrast today with the happy "hour" at the Conrad, for example, that would typically overrun by 45 minutes and where waiters would come round to warn you when it was about to end. The staff here do not even engage in friendly chat. It's all very stiff.
Hi MKB,
Thanks for that. I have taken the liberty of modifying the wiki to reflect the downgrade to peanuts.
I have not stayed here so cannot comment on other aspects of the wiki if incorrect ( IIRC there was one poster who did an excellent job on the wiki ( MaldivesFreak?) but have not seen him post for quite some times.
Regards
TBS
Mar 21, 22, 8:40 am
#2154
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Delta Gold
Posts: 2,843
Originally Posted by MKB
I contrast today with the happy "hour" at the Conrad, for example, that would typically overrun by 45 minutes and where waiters would come round to warn you when it was about to end. The staff here do not even engage in friendly chat. It's all very stiff.
Mar 21, 22, 11:02 am
#2155
Join Date: Sep 2020
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 65
All Waldorf Astorias have a bar called Peacock Alley, so that's where the name comes from.
I also had a great experience with the happy hour. Basically made us whatever we wanted. They also told us when it was ending and came around for last call. To eat, sometimes it was nuts, sometimes it was potato chips but never really anything substantial. Happy hour was one of my favorites parts of my trip!
I also had a great experience with the happy hour. Basically made us whatever we wanted. They also told us when it was ending and came around for last call. To eat, sometimes it was nuts, sometimes it was potato chips but never really anything substantial. Happy hour was one of my favorites parts of my trip!
Mar 21, 22, 2:15 pm
#2156
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 15
Originally Posted by MKB
The wiki at top says this is one of the Diamond benefits:
The choice of spirits is far from "fine". The choice is:
As we were close to finishing our first cocktail, the waitress asked if she could get us something else, so I asked for a Heineken, and was politely but firmly told that I could not order again until my first drink was completely empty, so I didn't really understand the point of the question.
Despite receiving an email explaining that drones were banned as guest privacy was paramount, we have just been filmed by a couple posing underneath their drone. Apparently they have permission and this is fine.
While our reef room here (5 nights on points) is the best we have had in the Maldives, the initial impressions of service and soft product are unfavourable.
I contrast today with the happy "hour" at the Conrad, for example, that would typically overrun by 45 minutes and where waiters would come round to warn you when it was about to end. The staff here do not even engage in friendly chat. It's all very stiff.
- Complimentary daily afternoon delights (see here for pic) with a fine selection of beverages crafted by mixologist and sommelier from 16:00 to 17:00 at Peacock Alley
The choice of spirits is far from "fine". The choice is:
Beefeater
Absolut Blue
Ballantine’s Finest
Plantation Dark
These are low quality brands I wouldn't expect to be anywhere near a five-star resort.Absolut Blue
Ballantine’s Finest
Plantation Dark
As we were close to finishing our first cocktail, the waitress asked if she could get us something else, so I asked for a Heineken, and was politely but firmly told that I could not order again until my first drink was completely empty, so I didn't really understand the point of the question.
Despite receiving an email explaining that drones were banned as guest privacy was paramount, we have just been filmed by a couple posing underneath their drone. Apparently they have permission and this is fine.
While our reef room here (5 nights on points) is the best we have had in the Maldives, the initial impressions of service and soft product are unfavourable.
I contrast today with the happy "hour" at the Conrad, for example, that would typically overrun by 45 minutes and where waiters would come round to warn you when it was about to end. The staff here do not even engage in friendly chat. It's all very stiff.
Mar 22, 22, 2:28 am
#2157
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 16
Correct way to Search for 5 nights ?
Folks, so I have 300k Hh points and 2 free night certificates. If I were to use these to book 4 nights and get the one night free, what should my search look like?
Should I search for 5 nights? and once I select the nights with standard availability, it automatically adds the 5th free night in the booking?
Should I search for 5 nights? and once I select the nights with standard availability, it automatically adds the 5th free night in the booking?
Mar 22, 22, 3:43 am
#2158
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,033
Originally Posted by arsebandit
Folks, so I have 300k Hh points and 2 free night certificates. If I were to use these to book 4 nights and get the one night free, what should my search look like?
Should I search for 5 nights? and once I select the nights with standard availability, it automatically adds the 5th free night in the booking?
Should I search for 5 nights? and once I select the nights with standard availability, it automatically adds the 5th free night in the booking?
Gotta use only points to get 5th night free.
Mar 22, 22, 10:31 am
#2159
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 729
Originally Posted by agjil
You cannot get 5th night free by combining points and certificates.
Gotta use only points to get 5th night free.
Gotta use only points to get 5th night free.
However, a certificate does not get you the full points value off, it gets you the prorated points off. The calculation works like below:
First, calculate the total number of points that would be needed for the 5 night stays with a 4th night free. So 150k x 4 nights = 600,000 HH points required.
Now divided that 600,000 by the 5 nights, so 120,000 average per night.
Each free night certificate used is going to save you 120,000 points, and not the potentially expected 150,000.
So using 2 free night certs, you end up with a stay costing 600k -120k -120k = 360k + 2 FNCs.
The above explains the mechanics, and the below is a quick shorthand way to determine the points needed when combining with FNC on a 5 night stay:
[Standard Rate] x 80% x [Number of nights you don't have a FNC to cover]
150k x 80% x 3 = 360k
Mar 22, 22, 10:34 am
#2160
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: SFO/EWR/DEL
Programs: UA 1K, MR Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,770
Originally Posted by Willbur
This isn't true, you can combine points and certificate. I have done it on numerous bookings and have it for an upcoming one at Conrad BB in October. You have to call in to do it (obviously due to the certs) and you just have to find a rep that is knowledgeable. Those who are lazy or don't know will simply tell you that it can't be done, but just HUCA.
However, a certificate does not get you the full points value off, it gets you the prorated points off. The calculation works like below:
First, calculate the total number of points that would be needed for the 5 night stays with a 4th night free. So 150k x 4 nights = 600,000 HH points required.
Now divided that 600,000 by the 5 nights, so 120,000 average per night.
Each free night certificate used is going to save you 120,000 points, and not the potentially expected 150,000.
So using 2 free night certs, you end up with a stay costing 600k -120k -120k = 360k + 2 FNCs.
The above explains the mechanics, and the below is a quick shorthand way to determine the points needed when combining with FNC on a 5 night stay:
[Standard Rate] x 80% x [Number of nights you don't have a FNC to cover]
150k x 80% x 3 = 360k
However, a certificate does not get you the full points value off, it gets you the prorated points off. The calculation works like below:
First, calculate the total number of points that would be needed for the 5 night stays with a 4th night free. So 150k x 4 nights = 600,000 HH points required.
Now divided that 600,000 by the 5 nights, so 120,000 average per night.
Each free night certificate used is going to save you 120,000 points, and not the potentially expected 150,000.
So using 2 free night certs, you end up with a stay costing 600k -120k -120k = 360k + 2 FNCs.
The above explains the mechanics, and the below is a quick shorthand way to determine the points needed when combining with FNC on a 5 night stay:
[Standard Rate] x 80% x [Number of nights you don't have a FNC to cover]
150k x 80% x 3 = 360k
