[ARCHIVE 2018 to 2019] Conrad Maldives Rangali Island {MDV}

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Feb 14, 2019, 12:06 pm

#3121

pineapple_09

Join Date: Feb 2009

Programs: HH Diamond, BAEC

Posts: 1,341

Quote:

Originally Posted by lhrhappy

This is the same resort that rented an entire island to the Kardashians and let them host a concert with fireworks, other guests be damned.

This is the same resort that erected a James Bond villain residence in the middle of the ocean, absolutely wrecking the views to the East.

This is the same resort that continues to cut costs at any price, limping along with only an undersea restaurant to differentiate it from others.

I can understand why Golds and Diamonds still make award bookings, but I can't fathom why anyone would pay dollars when there are so many great alternatives.

What alternatives would you suggest though? I have a soft spot for Rangali and we ain’t going on points ... if I like something, I just tend to stick with it. If we went elsewhere, it might disappoint, hence my reluctance to look elsewhere.

Feb 14, 2019, 12:36 pm

#3122

canesfan

Join Date: Jul 2004

Programs: Priority Club Platinum & Ambassdor, Hilton Honors Diamond, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold

Posts: 505

I’m sorry for everyone currently at resort that had to experience the fiasco today. I’m checking in tomorrow am so will be interesting to see the aftermath, and hoping the cruise ship is gone.

Feb 14, 2019, 12:39 pm

#3123

tom-schmitt

Join Date: Aug 2006

Location: MUC

Programs: LH Sen, HH Diamond, IC RA

Posts: 313

It seems the shitstorm already went viral:

https://onemileatatime.com/conrad-maldives-cruise-ship/

also here at TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.de/ShowUserReviews-g298325-d300676-r652302784-Conrad_Maldives_Rangali_Island-Rangali_Island.html?m=19905

Last edited by tom-schmitt; Feb 14, 2019 at 12:45 pm

Feb 14, 2019, 12:41 pm

#3124

lhrhappy

Join Date: Nov 2014

Location: LGB

Posts: 1,205

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom-schmitt

It seems the shitstorm already got viral:

https://onemileatatime.com/conrad-maldives-cruise-ship/

Naturally, that guys trolls FT and Reddit looking for content. There are only so many credit cards to pimp.

Feb 14, 2019, 12:43 pm

#3125

pinniped

A FlyerTalk Posting Legend

Join Date: Jul 2002

Location: MCI

Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond

Posts: 52,575

Random question: has anyone here booked their flights to VAM (Villa Airport Maamigili) and taken a boat from there? A local airline serves it and charges about $250 R/T from MLE. Looks like about 10-ish miles in a water taxi or chartered speedboat from the airport to the hotel.

Feb 14, 2019, 12:44 pm

#3126

lhrhappy

Join Date: Nov 2014

Location: LGB

Posts: 1,205

Quote:

Originally Posted by pineapple_09

Literally anywhere. I don't know what's important to you, but do a search on TripAdvisor. Narrow it down to your price range, sort by the average review, and investigate which have the amenities most important to you -- F&B, snorkeling, excursions, proximity to MLE, distance from MLE, butlers, themes, international chain vs. independent vs. owned by the locals, etc.

Feb 14, 2019, 12:50 pm

#3127

pinniped

A FlyerTalk Posting Legend

Join Date: Jul 2002

Location: MCI

Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond

Posts: 52,575

Quote:

Originally Posted by pineapple_09

The Kardashian thing could happen anywhere. Marriotts and Starwoods have certainly done the same thing. I've also stayed at other resorts that hosted a film shoot (and usually took pride in it and had lots of photos in their lobby of the crew, actors, set, etc.) The Hotel del Coronado has a mini-museum that includes a long list of films that were set (or partly set) there.

But I'm concerned at why a hotel has to cut costs when they're hauling in $1000/nt. for most of their units. I'm sure operating a resort on an atoll has high expenses, but if they can't make money at those levels then I guess I just fundamentally don't get the hotel business at all. Something doesn't seem to add up.

Feb 14, 2019, 1:24 pm

#3128

MaldivesFreak

Join Date: Jul 2013

Location: Back in Hell

Posts: 4,178

It does add up, I'm afraid. New management have been penny-pinching, nickel-and-diming, cost-cutting, you name it to save - read make more money. Now that they have started renovating the DBVs, built The Muraka and are planning on renovating or replacing all the OWVs on Rangali Island, they have had, and are going to continue having, a serious drop in earnings / cashflow and think they can get away with anything to bring in more cash.
You know, this is something I'd expect in mainland China (where I happen to have been living for a looooong time). You get this kinda crap pulled everywhere and often by corrupt officials. If you didn't know any better, anyone would think management are pocketing this extra income for themselves like they do over here. Obviously it's not the case with Rangali but bloody hell, it's absolutely inexcusable. And especially considering Rangali is still the crown jewel in Hilton's portfolio - at least until the Waldorf opens. What the hell were they thinking?!?!

Feb 14, 2019, 1:37 pm

#3129

pineapple_09

Join Date: Feb 2009

Programs: HH Diamond, BAEC

Posts: 1,341

Anybody on Instagram? A user called napicgram just
posted up a photo of the cruise ship. It’s blocking the Muraka’s view! Can you imagine if you’d booked the Muraka and that was what you had to look at?!

Feb 14, 2019, 1:50 pm

#3130

MaldivesFreak

Join Date: Jul 2013

Location: Back in Hell

Posts: 4,178

Hotlink the pic

Feb 14, 2019, 1:54 pm

#3131

yoonny

Join Date: Nov 2006

Location: EWR

Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Gold, HHonors Gold

Posts: 519

Quote:

Originally Posted by pineapple_09

Wow, that's a good sized cruise ship!
I would be furious. This sucks for the staff who must be overworked. Management is very shortsighted. I hope they come to their senses as peace and tranquility is what people expect in Maldives.