[ARCHIVE 2020] Conrad Maldives Rangali Island {MDV}
Jan 3, 20, 3:10 am
#17
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 783
Arrived yesterday. Extremely warm welcome. Stefano, Alex & Ahmed Nashid making themselves very visible. Everything has gone extremely smoothly so far. I had a lot of questions and requests to Alex before arrival and he has done a fantastic job of getting everything ready (importing our favourite items that the resort doesn't normally stock, among other things).
Normally we don't have an actual / visible host (by request) but this time we've been assigned Naeem (8yrs experience) and he's doing a great job of taking care of the various bits and pieces to customize our stay. Judging by the recent talk here on FT, and us being repeater guests, management are making an effort to ensure all guests are well taken care of and any issues that may arise are dealt with in a timely and professional manner. I suggest if anyone is worried about their stay here they should relax but a) if you are planning to stay in a category at a time during or shortly after renovations, book your stay well outside any said renovations (because honestly, serious maintenance issues are much more likely to arise at this time) and b) do one thing well before arrival. Just simply request that you are assigned an experienced host as he or she will have the experience to deal with problems should they arise.
Will post some data points in a bit, clarifying questions about F&B etc.
So glad to be back here. It really is a special place. Thanks again to Stefano, Alex, Naeem and others for doing such a great job. Also great to see all the staff we miss when we are away.
Normally we don't have an actual / visible host (by request) but this time we've been assigned Naeem (8yrs experience) and he's doing a great job of taking care of the various bits and pieces to customize our stay. Judging by the recent talk here on FT, and us being repeater guests, management are making an effort to ensure all guests are well taken care of and any issues that may arise are dealt with in a timely and professional manner. I suggest if anyone is worried about their stay here they should relax but a) if you are planning to stay in a category at a time during or shortly after renovations, book your stay well outside any said renovations (because honestly, serious maintenance issues are much more likely to arise at this time) and b) do one thing well before arrival. Just simply request that you are assigned an experienced host as he or she will have the experience to deal with problems should they arise.
Will post some data points in a bit, clarifying questions about F&B etc.
So glad to be back here. It really is a special place. Thanks again to Stefano, Alex, Naeem and others for doing such a great job. Also great to see all the staff we miss when we are away.
Jan 3, 20, 6:06 am
#18
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: HH Lifetime Diamond, DL PM, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 901
Jan 3, 20, 10:41 am
#20
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 413
I don't want this to sound the wrong way, but I wonder if other people who have visited recently have any responses to brandonpkt's comments?
Unfortunately it sounds biased and readers will be skeptical if you've posted 4 posts in quick succession - I do note you had a big problem with your villa changes during the stay too.
Unfortunately it sounds biased and readers will be skeptical if you've posted 4 posts in quick succession - I do note you had a big problem with your villa changes during the stay too.
- There were multiple AC failures. We spent one night without AC and another (Christmas night) getting shipped off to a BV while they did repairs. With an early departure on the 26th, this was unfortunate timing. Also had to call or use the app several times throughout the day of the 25th to report the issue as we were not given updates on the progress of the fix.
- There were exposed nails and screws on edges of the Retreat walkway (right where you would walk when one of the many construction carts were passing you). The worst area I saw was between Mandhoo and #401 . This was reported to management with photos and I hope no barefoot walker was injured.
- There was frequently rust or sawdust in the hot tub (not just sand), likely a byproduct of construction. Had to ask for extra cleaning.
- I was offered nothing for the AC failures, involuntary room downgrade, the nail/screw issues, and some other issues that I encountered with the door locks on Christmas evening. I had to ask firmly for anything in the moments before I had to board the plane early on the 26th. They either don't care, or don't employ any sort of CRM system to keep track of guest experiences (other than your bill) throughout the stay. I knew I would be the first person to stay in #408 after the refresh, and I expected some technical issues. The fact that no one proactively checked with us on the condition of the room and how they handled the customer service once issues were reported was disappointing.
- I also encountered a $2000 mistake on the bill related to the upgrade which should have been covered 10 months prior. It was fixed, but was one more scramble after a sleepless night and before an early departure.
I have no comments on how things may have been in the past, this was a first visit.
Jan 3, 20, 10:51 am
#21
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
Wow, that's pretty bad!
Had an unfortunate issue this evening but no fault of the resort. On to the positives, met two lovely couples today - both FlyerTalkers, and had a perfect dinner at Mandhoo.
Had an unfortunate issue this evening but no fault of the resort. On to the positives, met two lovely couples today - both FlyerTalkers, and had a perfect dinner at Mandhoo.
Jan 3, 20, 12:31 pm
#22
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 482
Arrived yesterday. Extremely warm welcome. Stefano, Alex & Ahmed Nashid making themselves very visible. Everything has gone extremely smoothly so far. I had a lot of questions and requests to Alex before arrival and he has done a fantastic job of getting everything ready (importing our favourite items that the resort doesn't normally stock, among other things).
Normally we don't have an actual / visible host (by request) but this time we've been assigned Naeem (8yrs experience) and he's doing a great job of taking care of the various bits and pieces to customize our stay. Judging by the recent talk here on FT, and us being repeater guests, management are making an effort to ensure all guests are well taken care of and any issues that may arise are dealt with in a timely and professional manner. I suggest if anyone is worried about their stay here they should relax but a) if you are planning to stay in a category at a time during or shortly after renovations, book your stay well outside any said renovations (because honestly, serious maintenance issues are much more likely to arise at this time) and b) do one thing well before arrival. Just simply request that you are assigned an experienced host as he or she will have the experience to deal with problems should they arise.
Will post some data points in a bit, clarifying questions about F&B etc.
So glad to be back here. It really is a special place. Thanks again to Stefano, Alex, Naeem and others for doing such a great job. Also great to see all the staff we miss when we are away.
Normally we don't have an actual / visible host (by request) but this time we've been assigned Naeem (8yrs experience) and he's doing a great job of taking care of the various bits and pieces to customize our stay. Judging by the recent talk here on FT, and us being repeater guests, management are making an effort to ensure all guests are well taken care of and any issues that may arise are dealt with in a timely and professional manner. I suggest if anyone is worried about their stay here they should relax but a) if you are planning to stay in a category at a time during or shortly after renovations, book your stay well outside any said renovations (because honestly, serious maintenance issues are much more likely to arise at this time) and b) do one thing well before arrival. Just simply request that you are assigned an experienced host as he or she will have the experience to deal with problems should they arise.
Will post some data points in a bit, clarifying questions about F&B etc.
So glad to be back here. It really is a special place. Thanks again to Stefano, Alex, Naeem and others for doing such a great job. Also great to see all the staff we miss when we are away.
What is F & B?
I like to know how people in this thread contacts and meet GM at CR . Is it by making a request at front desk ? How do you know GM email address . This coming trip is our 3rd times to CR, but I never have a chance to see GM 's face or to meet him .
After reading people sharing their inputs about room and service at CR recently, I honestly do not know how my trip at CR this time turn out. This coming trip will be a decide factor whether we will return to CR or not in the future. I just hope we will not become an invisible guest like last time. And the buggy service response is faster and better.
Last edited by vnfilm1; Jan 3, 20 at 12:41 pm
Jan 3, 20, 12:34 pm
#23
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ZRH
Programs: M&M SEN (*G), HH Diamond
Posts: 2,414
F & B = Food & Beverage(s)
Jan 3, 20, 2:40 pm
#24
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: UK
Programs: BA GGL; Virgin Gold; HHonors Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 385
Spoke with Alex as we jumped on the seaplane... poor guy... told him Good luck, he looked at me quizzically and I said, dont worry is only for the whole of January, youll get through it mate, somehow!
Jan 3, 20, 3:13 pm
#25
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: UK
Programs: BA GGL; Virgin Gold; HHonors Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 385
Quick perspective from me
Just departed (was apparently our 14th stay there - jeez!)
We decided to reminisce this time by staying in a SWV (where we stayed on our very first visit years ago) so we didnt experience any of the problems people reported with the newly renovated Spa villa rooms. They did walk us around a couple of examples (the new family one with the pool and the updated layout of the ones on the sunrise side too) - both looked much improved too me in terms of layout and the pictures they showed me of the new furniture looked cool too. Had I been affected by the room problems others were affected by then Id have been absolutely livid - not so much by the fact the problems arose (as I guess as unfortunate as it is those things do happen when timing is tight for renovations getting done) but very much for the way they appear to have been handled.
We booked our next stay while we were there (for next New Years Eve) and we look likely to also be there in August - so I guess that means my perspective is still that I think this place is still terrific.
However, I do concur with others views that as a generality the place is not what it used to be and each year seems to slip a little further from its once perfection.
Another poster - a few pages up (apologies I cant be bothered to scroll up to see who said it) - said something like... for that price I want it to be perfect. That captured my sentiment towards what Rangali was historically - it was literally perfect, flawless, it shocked you with its excellence. Nowadays it is just extremely good in so many ways - and in aggregate still terrific, but you do need to anticipate imperfections. I do think part of that is caused by the change in guests themselves - I have changed for sure - eg I dont dress up every evening nor book a major event for $1000 every single night like a good proportion of peoples used to there and the mix of nationalities of guests there is now much more diverse. And perhaps the style there now fits well with the guest profile (included by me!)
I suspect its only people whove been there previously in the older days that would notice things about the place that now bug them relative to how it used to be. Whereas anyone going there afresh would probably feel it was amazing.
If you want perfection I have a quick recommendation for somewhere I stayed back at the end of October that would fit that old definition - the Four Seasons Tented Camp in Chaing Rai...just wow - Rangali of old.
I found all the old friends/staff there to be an absolute pleasure as usual. Stefano and Alex were visible, interactive and interested in chatting - and good fun. The food in Mandoo was awesome as was Sunset Grill. Didnt eat in Vilu in the evening and the menu now looks simple food compared to its glory days. Reef was dead (as we all know is the case everywhere) but still eagle rays, big sharks, eels, lots of fits etc). Lots of buggies drove passed me empty - which was a shocker - but I could I simply asked them to stop so I could jump on (but didnt)!
My overall sentiment to share would be that the posts in the last few months are accurate but shouldnt really put people off - quite the opposite - this place remains terrific (still one of the top ones) and I feel is impossible not to have a crazy good time and thoroughly enjoy being at. We did meet a couple whod just come from the WA, who said WA felt a little soulless compared to Rangali - I suspect that could well remain where Rangali has the edge.
Private message me it theres anything of a factual nature that youre interested in, as I recognise that subjective views maybe dont help that much...
We decided to reminisce this time by staying in a SWV (where we stayed on our very first visit years ago) so we didnt experience any of the problems people reported with the newly renovated Spa villa rooms. They did walk us around a couple of examples (the new family one with the pool and the updated layout of the ones on the sunrise side too) - both looked much improved too me in terms of layout and the pictures they showed me of the new furniture looked cool too. Had I been affected by the room problems others were affected by then Id have been absolutely livid - not so much by the fact the problems arose (as I guess as unfortunate as it is those things do happen when timing is tight for renovations getting done) but very much for the way they appear to have been handled.
We booked our next stay while we were there (for next New Years Eve) and we look likely to also be there in August - so I guess that means my perspective is still that I think this place is still terrific.
However, I do concur with others views that as a generality the place is not what it used to be and each year seems to slip a little further from its once perfection.
Another poster - a few pages up (apologies I cant be bothered to scroll up to see who said it) - said something like... for that price I want it to be perfect. That captured my sentiment towards what Rangali was historically - it was literally perfect, flawless, it shocked you with its excellence. Nowadays it is just extremely good in so many ways - and in aggregate still terrific, but you do need to anticipate imperfections. I do think part of that is caused by the change in guests themselves - I have changed for sure - eg I dont dress up every evening nor book a major event for $1000 every single night like a good proportion of peoples used to there and the mix of nationalities of guests there is now much more diverse. And perhaps the style there now fits well with the guest profile (included by me!)
I suspect its only people whove been there previously in the older days that would notice things about the place that now bug them relative to how it used to be. Whereas anyone going there afresh would probably feel it was amazing.
If you want perfection I have a quick recommendation for somewhere I stayed back at the end of October that would fit that old definition - the Four Seasons Tented Camp in Chaing Rai...just wow - Rangali of old.
I found all the old friends/staff there to be an absolute pleasure as usual. Stefano and Alex were visible, interactive and interested in chatting - and good fun. The food in Mandoo was awesome as was Sunset Grill. Didnt eat in Vilu in the evening and the menu now looks simple food compared to its glory days. Reef was dead (as we all know is the case everywhere) but still eagle rays, big sharks, eels, lots of fits etc). Lots of buggies drove passed me empty - which was a shocker - but I could I simply asked them to stop so I could jump on (but didnt)!
My overall sentiment to share would be that the posts in the last few months are accurate but shouldnt really put people off - quite the opposite - this place remains terrific (still one of the top ones) and I feel is impossible not to have a crazy good time and thoroughly enjoy being at. We did meet a couple whod just come from the WA, who said WA felt a little soulless compared to Rangali - I suspect that could well remain where Rangali has the edge.
Private message me it theres anything of a factual nature that youre interested in, as I recognise that subjective views maybe dont help that much...
Jan 3, 20, 3:32 pm
#26
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 482
Just departed (was apparently our 14th stay there - jeez!)
We decided to reminisce this time by staying in a SWV (where we stayed on our very first visit years ago) so we didn’t experience any of the problems people reported with the newly renovated Spa villa rooms. They did walk us around a couple of examples (the new family one with the pool and the updated layout of the ones on the sunrise side too) - both looked much improved too me in terms of layout and the pictures they showed me of the new furniture looked cool too. Had I been affected by the room problems others were affected by then I’d have been absolutely livid - not so much by the fact the problems arose (as I guess as unfortunate as it is those things do happen when timing is tight for renovations getting done) but very much for the way they appear to have been handled.
We booked our next stay while we were there (for next New Year’s Eve) and we look likely to also be there in August - so I guess that means my perspective is still that I think this place is still terrific.
However, I do concur with other’s views that as a generality the place is not what it used to be and each year seems to slip a little further from its once perfection.
Another poster - a few pages up (apologies I can’t be bothered to scroll up to see who said it) - said something like... for that price I want it to be perfect. That captured my sentiment towards what Rangali was historically - it was literally perfect, flawless, it shocked you with its excellence. Nowadays it is just extremely good in so many ways - and in aggregate still terrific, but you do need to anticipate imperfections. I do think part of that is caused by the change in guests themselves - I have changed for sure - eg I don’t dress up every evening nor book a major event for $1000 every single night like a good proportion of people’s used to there and the mix of nationalities of guests there is now much more diverse. And perhaps the style there now fits well with the guest profile (included by me!)
I suspect it’s only people who’ve been there previously in the older days that would notice things about the place that now bug them relative to how it used to be. Whereas anyone going there afresh would probably feel it was amazing.
If you want ‘perfection’ I have a quick recommendation for somewhere I stayed back at the end of October that would fit that old definition - the Four Season’s Tented Camp in Chaing Rai...just wow - Rangali of old.
I found all the old friends/staff there to be an absolute pleasure as usual. Stefano and Alex were visible, interactive and interested in chatting - and good fun. The food in Mandoo was awesome as was Sunset Grill. Didn’t eat in Vilu in the evening and the menu now looks ‘simple food’ compared to its glory days. Reef was dead (as we all know is the case everywhere) but still eagle rays, big sharks, eels, lots of fits etc). Lots of buggies drove passed me empty - which was a shocker - but I could I simply asked them to stop so I could jump on (but didn’t)!
My overall sentiment to share would be that the posts in the last few months are accurate but shouldn’t really put people off - quite the opposite - this place remains terrific (still one of the top ones) and I feel is impossible not to have a crazy good time and thoroughly enjoy being at. We did meet a couple who’d just come from the WA, who said WA felt a little soulless compared to Rangali - I suspect that could well remain where Rangali has the edge.
Private message me it there’s anything of a factual nature that you’re interested in, as I recognise that subjective views maybe don’t help that much...
We decided to reminisce this time by staying in a SWV (where we stayed on our very first visit years ago) so we didn’t experience any of the problems people reported with the newly renovated Spa villa rooms. They did walk us around a couple of examples (the new family one with the pool and the updated layout of the ones on the sunrise side too) - both looked much improved too me in terms of layout and the pictures they showed me of the new furniture looked cool too. Had I been affected by the room problems others were affected by then I’d have been absolutely livid - not so much by the fact the problems arose (as I guess as unfortunate as it is those things do happen when timing is tight for renovations getting done) but very much for the way they appear to have been handled.
We booked our next stay while we were there (for next New Year’s Eve) and we look likely to also be there in August - so I guess that means my perspective is still that I think this place is still terrific.
However, I do concur with other’s views that as a generality the place is not what it used to be and each year seems to slip a little further from its once perfection.
Another poster - a few pages up (apologies I can’t be bothered to scroll up to see who said it) - said something like... for that price I want it to be perfect. That captured my sentiment towards what Rangali was historically - it was literally perfect, flawless, it shocked you with its excellence. Nowadays it is just extremely good in so many ways - and in aggregate still terrific, but you do need to anticipate imperfections. I do think part of that is caused by the change in guests themselves - I have changed for sure - eg I don’t dress up every evening nor book a major event for $1000 every single night like a good proportion of people’s used to there and the mix of nationalities of guests there is now much more diverse. And perhaps the style there now fits well with the guest profile (included by me!)
I suspect it’s only people who’ve been there previously in the older days that would notice things about the place that now bug them relative to how it used to be. Whereas anyone going there afresh would probably feel it was amazing.
If you want ‘perfection’ I have a quick recommendation for somewhere I stayed back at the end of October that would fit that old definition - the Four Season’s Tented Camp in Chaing Rai...just wow - Rangali of old.
I found all the old friends/staff there to be an absolute pleasure as usual. Stefano and Alex were visible, interactive and interested in chatting - and good fun. The food in Mandoo was awesome as was Sunset Grill. Didn’t eat in Vilu in the evening and the menu now looks ‘simple food’ compared to its glory days. Reef was dead (as we all know is the case everywhere) but still eagle rays, big sharks, eels, lots of fits etc). Lots of buggies drove passed me empty - which was a shocker - but I could I simply asked them to stop so I could jump on (but didn’t)!
My overall sentiment to share would be that the posts in the last few months are accurate but shouldn’t really put people off - quite the opposite - this place remains terrific (still one of the top ones) and I feel is impossible not to have a crazy good time and thoroughly enjoy being at. We did meet a couple who’d just come from the WA, who said WA felt a little soulless compared to Rangali - I suspect that could well remain where Rangali has the edge.
Private message me it there’s anything of a factual nature that you’re interested in, as I recognise that subjective views maybe don’t help that much...
It is nice of you to share your inputs. Do you mind sharing:
a) What room number you stay in on this trip. And how much is your upgrade cost .
b) How much the front desk charge for deposit on your account . I do not recall how much is the deposit money on hold in my last trip. I worry that CR put a large amount on hold and will it takes time to release it, it may cause trouble for us since we are still in the middle of our trips after leaving CR .
Please sent me a PM if you not want do put your answer here. Thank you.
Last edited by vnfilm1; Jan 3, 20 at 4:11 pm
Jan 3, 20, 3:44 pm
#27
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EP/4MM, DL GM/1MM, HH ♦, Bonvoy LT PLT, Hyatt Globalist, AMEX Bus Plt
Posts: 620
Thanks for the thoughts on your stay and I agree about the FS Tented Camp - a special place. I'll be returning here later this year as well and leading two other first time couples so a little concerned about some of the issues I'm reading about. Tried the Park Hyatt once between my trips here and it didn't measure up so I ruled out a change like the WA. As long as a cruise ship doesn't show up like last time I'm sure it will be fine.
Jan 3, 20, 3:59 pm
#28
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: VS, BA, HH Gold
Posts: 397
meeting GM
What is F & B?
I like to know how people in this thread contacts and meet GM at CR . Is it by making a request at front desk ? How do you know GM email address . This coming trip is our 3rd times to CR, but I never have a chance to see GM 's face or to meet him .
After reading people sharing their inputs about room and service at CR recently, I honestly do not know how my trip at CR this time turn out. This coming trip will be a decide factor whether we will return to CR or not in the future. I just hope we will not become an invisible guest like last time. And the buggy service response is faster and better.
I like to know how people in this thread contacts and meet GM at CR . Is it by making a request at front desk ? How do you know GM email address . This coming trip is our 3rd times to CR, but I never have a chance to see GM 's face or to meet him .
After reading people sharing their inputs about room and service at CR recently, I honestly do not know how my trip at CR this time turn out. This coming trip will be a decide factor whether we will return to CR or not in the future. I just hope we will not become an invisible guest like last time. And the buggy service response is faster and better.
As I was writing 2 in depth reviews on the resort, I got to meet Bobby (the DoO, now at Conrad Bangkok) on both my visits. Genuinely a lovely guy, probably one of the best managers in the hospitality business, hence partly why I still feel a lot of loyalty to Hilton and to the Rangali regardless of recent reduction in service. I can see why people like MaldivesFreak become really fond of the place and seeing the same staff again.. Take his tip, ensure you get a good host for a daily contact about any issues you may encounter.
Jan 3, 20, 4:01 pm
#29
Join Date: Feb 2009
Programs: HH Diamond, BAEC
Posts: 1,341
Splotly - Id totally agree with you. I love Rangali, want to go back again for our 4th trip.
MaldivesFreak could you do me a favour and try to find out the name of the instrumental music they played at Mandhoo for afternoon tea? I loved it and want to listen to it again so I can pretend Im back there again remembering those blissful moments!
MaldivesFreak could you do me a favour and try to find out the name of the instrumental music they played at Mandhoo for afternoon tea? I loved it and want to listen to it again so I can pretend Im back there again remembering those blissful moments!
Jan 3, 20, 4:33 pm
#30
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 482
Quite often the GM or DoO (Director of Operations) will meet you on arrival at the SeaPlane dock or at the drinks reception for HH status holders (think it was a Tuesday evening).
As I was writing 2 in depth reviews on the resort, I got to meet Bobby (the DoO, now at Conrad Bangkok) on both my visits. Genuinely a lovely guy, probably one of the best managers in the hospitality business, hence partly why I still feel a lot of loyalty to Hilton and to the Rangali regardless of recent reduction in service. I can see why people like MaldivesFreak become really fond of the place and seeing the same staff again.. Take his tip, ensure you get a good host for a daily contact about any issues you may encounter.
As I was writing 2 in depth reviews on the resort, I got to meet Bobby (the DoO, now at Conrad Bangkok) on both my visits. Genuinely a lovely guy, probably one of the best managers in the hospitality business, hence partly why I still feel a lot of loyalty to Hilton and to the Rangali regardless of recent reduction in service. I can see why people like MaldivesFreak become really fond of the place and seeing the same staff again.. Take his tip, ensure you get a good host for a daily contact about any issues you may encounter.
We normally stay at CR at least 10 days to 2 weeks each time. Maybe it is too short of a stay compares others , so CR staff / management does not think we are valuable enough for them to notice us . And I have not make any un-unreasonable request . We just want to have room cleaning at certain time ( to be done when we are out) and request buggy service, but never get them done on time by our request.
I have not stayed at Conrad Bangkok, but if we decide to take a trip to bangkok at the end of 2020, we plan to stay there. I would love to read your report of Bangkok if you have written one.
