[ARCHIVE 2018 to 2019] Conrad Maldives Rangali Island {MDV}
Apr 27, 2019, 4:25 am
#3781
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ZRH
Programs: M&M SEN (*G), HH Diamond
Posts: 2,418
We have had it twice on two separate visits. The second time was more for the experience (this time with another couple we met on the island), not because the fondue itself was that great the first time.
On both occasions I think the texture was not quite right and I can definitely make a better fondue at home. But for those that are not used to it from regularly making / eating it at home, it will definitively be an interesting novelty. The location / setting is really nice* and it I think the price is reasonable for what you get.
*having said that, other guest can ruin the experience. The second time, we had the room to ourselves (two couples and one child), but the first time we were in the company of some rather loud russians who did not know how to behave. Eventually they started ordering in pizza and fries from Rangali bar and started dipping the fries into the fondue pot with their fingers...
On both occasions I think the texture was not quite right and I can definitely make a better fondue at home. But for those that are not used to it from regularly making / eating it at home, it will definitively be an interesting novelty. The location / setting is really nice* and it I think the price is reasonable for what you get.
*having said that, other guest can ruin the experience. The second time, we had the room to ourselves (two couples and one child), but the first time we were in the company of some rather loud russians who did not know how to behave. Eventually they started ordering in pizza and fries from Rangali bar and started dipping the fries into the fondue pot with their fingers...
Last edited by goliath; Apr 27, 2019 at 4:35 am
Apr 27, 2019, 8:13 am
#3782
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,485
Pretty sure you can customise it a little if you tell them what you like. At least that's what he told us when we were having it last week. And I don't remember all the cheese but o think emmental was in there too?
Apr 27, 2019, 8:20 am
#3783
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ZRH
Programs: M&M SEN (*G), HH Diamond
Posts: 2,418
Right, Emmental(er) was the second one.
Apr 27, 2019, 8:23 am
#3784
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
Yes, you can most certainly customise it.
Apr 27, 2019, 9:08 am
#3785
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 199
Does the Rangali bar show any NFL games? I think the early games would be on at 11pm Rangali time.
Apr 27, 2019, 9:13 am
#3786
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ZRH
Programs: M&M SEN (*G), HH Diamond
Posts: 2,418
There is only one screen with a projector at Rangali bar, and it is only on every now and then. The only thing I have ever seen on were European football (soccer) games (and that in a bad quality).
Apr 27, 2019, 1:43 pm
#3787
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
*having said that, other guest can ruin the experience. The second time, we had the room to ourselves (two couples and one child), but the first time we were in the company of some rather loud russians who did not know how to behave. Eventually they started ordering in pizza and fries from Rangali bar and started dipping the fries into the fondue pot with their fingers...
Apr 27, 2019, 3:43 pm
#3788
Join Date: Feb 2019
Programs: Hilton Gold, Etihad Gold, IHG Platinum, IC Ambasador, Marriott Gold, Taj Gold, Radisson Gold
Posts: 195
Apr 27, 2019, 7:46 pm
#3789
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: DUB-BOS
Programs: various
Posts: 3,690
I have not seen too many channels carry NFL games outside of the Americas
Apr 28, 2019, 2:53 am
#3790
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: HHonors Diamond; Royal Ambassor
Posts: 478
It would depend if there is a satellite station they can get that broadcasts NFL games. I think Star Sports is the main sports channel in the region. I was there during the world cup, so we had soccer each day. They would turn on the projector if you asked.
I have not seen too many channels carry NFL games outside of the Americas
I have not seen too many channels carry NFL games outside of the Americas
Not sure if the have all regular games, but you could see the superbowl or the NBA Playoffs.
Apr 28, 2019, 10:42 pm
#3791
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: Hilton Honors Diamond, Southwest A-List Preferred, Delta Plat, SPG Plat
Posts: 27
Sorry I haven't been following the thread over the last couple months since I last stayed. Was told then that the new owners were redoing all the WV's and the the smaller island is going to be a private island with guests staying over there only. Anyone new news on new WV's and what they are planning on doing with the other island?
Apr 28, 2019, 10:52 pm
#3792
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
It's in the wiki, under Current/Future Maintenance/Property Issues
Last edited by MaldivesFreak; Apr 29, 2019 at 12:53 am
Apr 30, 2019, 3:57 am
#3793
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 49
Just completed a 5-day points stay (23rd-28th April) and thought I'd share a few thoughts and data points without being a full-blown review after getting so much great info on here.
- A few people mentioned about not seeing their host throughout the stay, nor did we really but to be honest, there was no reason to see them either.
- Upgraded to an SWV (339) from OWV prior to arrival for 45USD per night and it was great. On the end of a block of 4 with no obstructed views. We didn't request it but glad to have got it.
- Managers reception on Wednesday was good, although only really if you drink (which we did!). The flyer said cocktails and canapes yet we weren't offered either, mainly because our glass of rose sparkling never got empty. Could have done with some canapes to soak it up but it's only minor.
- Cocktail Hour (4:30-5:30pm @ Vilu) was our favourite time of day, all staff were very friendly and drinks were topped up regularly. Canapes at cocktail hour were surprisingly some of the tastiest food we had. Looks like they've reduced the options compared to some older menus we've seen. No cocktails, only mocktails.
- Happy Hour (5-7pm @ Rangali) for all guests was good, we worked our way through the cocktail menu over the 5 nights and finished off with a big jug of sangria which usually lasted us the rest of the night, not bad at $29++.
- Which brings me on to our biggest disappointment, the food. Food was mediocre at best, especially for the price. We were initially a bit annoyed as we were expecting better but once we got over the fact we wouldn't be getting the same value as restaurants in London, we enjoyed the experience a bit more.
- Whale Shark excursion on Friday and caught a glimpse of one although very deep. Even so, was well worth the money. Some of the others didn't manage to see, felt a bit gutted for them.
We plan on doing a 5-day points stay each year in a higher end property so keeping a close eye on the Waldorf. If that doesn't look too good with few Gold/Diamond benefits I can definitely see us coming back here next year! My only concern is that things seem to be constantly changing (and not necessarily for the better) so it'll be interesting to see the benefits this time next year.
- A few people mentioned about not seeing their host throughout the stay, nor did we really but to be honest, there was no reason to see them either.
- Upgraded to an SWV (339) from OWV prior to arrival for 45USD per night and it was great. On the end of a block of 4 with no obstructed views. We didn't request it but glad to have got it.
- Managers reception on Wednesday was good, although only really if you drink (which we did!). The flyer said cocktails and canapes yet we weren't offered either, mainly because our glass of rose sparkling never got empty. Could have done with some canapes to soak it up but it's only minor.
- Cocktail Hour (4:30-5:30pm @ Vilu) was our favourite time of day, all staff were very friendly and drinks were topped up regularly. Canapes at cocktail hour were surprisingly some of the tastiest food we had. Looks like they've reduced the options compared to some older menus we've seen. No cocktails, only mocktails.
- Happy Hour (5-7pm @ Rangali) for all guests was good, we worked our way through the cocktail menu over the 5 nights and finished off with a big jug of sangria which usually lasted us the rest of the night, not bad at $29++.
- Which brings me on to our biggest disappointment, the food. Food was mediocre at best, especially for the price. We were initially a bit annoyed as we were expecting better but once we got over the fact we wouldn't be getting the same value as restaurants in London, we enjoyed the experience a bit more.
- Whale Shark excursion on Friday and caught a glimpse of one although very deep. Even so, was well worth the money. Some of the others didn't manage to see, felt a bit gutted for them.
We plan on doing a 5-day points stay each year in a higher end property so keeping a close eye on the Waldorf. If that doesn't look too good with few Gold/Diamond benefits I can definitely see us coming back here next year! My only concern is that things seem to be constantly changing (and not necessarily for the better) so it'll be interesting to see the benefits this time next year.
Apr 30, 2019, 4:58 am
#3794
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 179
Wait... cocktail hour only offers mocktails and no alcohol?
Apr 30, 2019, 5:05 am
#3795
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,485
No. Cocktail hour has lots of alcohol and you can add the spirit/s of your choice to the mocktails too. Some people take cocktail hours to mean drinks with multiple mixed ingredients while many hotels (esp when free) tend to include single mixers of base spirit (gin and tonic, vodka and orange etc).
There are of course beers and wines and teas too.
There are of course beers and wines and teas too.