Conrad Koh Samui {THA}
Mar 18, 2020, 5:48 am
#408
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LTG, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,921
Just spent two nights at the property, after spendng 12 nights prior around Koh Samui / Koh Phangan.
Let me say what an amazing property, I can see why people love coming here. Staff is excellent, food is good, hard product is very good, and it felt like a jungle retreat with panoramic views of the ocean and beyond. We were in 304 and it was also unobstructed that the villa pointed to the left of the five islands.
Sadly the resort was extremely quiet, all staff said this is the lowest occupancy they have seen since they started working at the property (the longest worker I spoke to had 8 years on them). We were told occupancy is hovering in the mid 20% with one or two days in the next month in the single digits! I don't think they will keep going if occupancy is that low and staff may, like it is happening all around, asked to take unpaid time off.
Mr Samui was booked, on time, reliable, comfortable clean vehicles - transferred both ways.
As we were using free night certificates, my wife booked the first night and mine the second night, we were given 8 drink vouchers for our stay (instead of 4 vouchers per stay) This was a nice gesture.
The pool is nice but not nice enough to use over your own villa pool, but when you are near there for lunch/snack/drink then it is comfortable.
The gym is excellent for rookies like me - definitely very new equipment - with spectacular ocean views.
There is a Sunset Boat Excursion, is is 1200BHT++ per person, that heads off at 3pm and returns 630pm. It is snorkerlling for an hour, and sunset crusing for two hours.
There is a shuttle bus service to Chaweng / Lamai which is 200BHT++ per person and there is only two times per day (11am or 5pm) and returning midday or 6pm.
In terms of free resort activities, I'll post a timetable later, but when we were there
There was Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation, Abs & Butts & Thigh Workout, and Thai Boxing. The second day had Aqua Aerobcs, Thaid Boxing, Stretching & Slack Lining, Neck & Back Gymnastics, and Tai Chi.
Next time we return we would hire a car and spend more time here.
Let me say what an amazing property, I can see why people love coming here. Staff is excellent, food is good, hard product is very good, and it felt like a jungle retreat with panoramic views of the ocean and beyond. We were in 304 and it was also unobstructed that the villa pointed to the left of the five islands.
Sadly the resort was extremely quiet, all staff said this is the lowest occupancy they have seen since they started working at the property (the longest worker I spoke to had 8 years on them). We were told occupancy is hovering in the mid 20% with one or two days in the next month in the single digits! I don't think they will keep going if occupancy is that low and staff may, like it is happening all around, asked to take unpaid time off.
Mr Samui was booked, on time, reliable, comfortable clean vehicles - transferred both ways.
As we were using free night certificates, my wife booked the first night and mine the second night, we were given 8 drink vouchers for our stay (instead of 4 vouchers per stay) This was a nice gesture.
The pool is nice but not nice enough to use over your own villa pool, but when you are near there for lunch/snack/drink then it is comfortable.
The gym is excellent for rookies like me - definitely very new equipment - with spectacular ocean views.
There is a Sunset Boat Excursion, is is 1200BHT++ per person, that heads off at 3pm and returns 630pm. It is snorkerlling for an hour, and sunset crusing for two hours.
There is a shuttle bus service to Chaweng / Lamai which is 200BHT++ per person and there is only two times per day (11am or 5pm) and returning midday or 6pm.
In terms of free resort activities, I'll post a timetable later, but when we were there
There was Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation, Abs & Butts & Thigh Workout, and Thai Boxing. The second day had Aqua Aerobcs, Thaid Boxing, Stretching & Slack Lining, Neck & Back Gymnastics, and Tai Chi.
Next time we return we would hire a car and spend more time here.
Mar 18, 2020, 6:43 am
#409
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 15
Currently staying here, third of a five night stay. Can only repeat what has been said this is a fantastic property - the villa is stunning and amazing views. I've been enjoying the beach area too - and thought it is a very nice touch they regularly came with complimentary water. Nice breakfast and the service is excellent. But, for obvious reasons it is very quiet. I hope the worldwide situation improves soon :/ when things do could not recommend this place enough. Great recognition too of HH Gold, which I am sure is the case too in normal times.
Mar 18, 2020, 9:33 pm
#410
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 163
Currently staying here, third of a five night stay. Can only repeat what has been said this is a fantastic property - the villa is stunning and amazing views. I've been enjoying the beach area too - and thought it is a very nice touch they regularly came with complimentary water. Nice breakfast and the service is excellent. But, for obvious reasons it is very quiet. I hope the worldwide situation improves soon :/ when things do could not recommend this place enough. Great recognition too of HH Gold, which I am sure is the case too in normal times.
Last edited by antipest; Mar 18, 2020 at 9:34 pm Reason: idiot fingers
Mar 18, 2020, 10:09 pm
#412
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 163
Also the breakfast buffet has nearly sort of disappeared, everything is still available but is now à la carte, with the exception of the egg station and a few other goodies which remain. This is totally understandable as the waste was horrific.
Due to Government requirements the KO bar is shut and has been moved to Azure, you can still sit in the bar areas but your drinks will be bought over to you from Azure!!
The spa has just been shut as well due to touchy feely practices which are outlawed, that I think will change, Thailand with no massage??
All staff are being asked to take their annual holidays over the next few months so as to ensure that everyone keeps their jobs. I hope this is the case as these people work so hard and it would be unfair if they find themselves out of work. Marco is taking his month off shortly and I hope the place keeps running as smoothly as he really is the kingpin.
This is a lovely resort I have got a real feel for it as we are now on night 14 of a 15 night stay & to be honest I could stay here longer but would need a lot of extra free drink vouchers
One diamond and a gold and we have received 12 vouchers for our stay. Thats one drink per person every 2.5 days, personally I think its bloody mean and there is very little status recognition.
My advice is hire a car as driving really is easy, just watch for motorcyclists and dogs. Once you are down south of Samui the traffic is light and it gives you massive flexibility to go out as see the sights and visit some great little restaurants.
They have just got a European cocktail specialist in for a month to change the cocktail menu and train the staff in consistent and correct procedures. This is a great idea as it is one area that I feel really lets then down as every-time a cocktail is ordered it is a lottery what will turn up.
Terrible shame it is so quiet for the hotel, but I was told it is at nearly 100% occupancy at this time of year with lots of Chinese here. So maybe every cloud has a silver lining.
Due to Government requirements the KO bar is shut and has been moved to Azure, you can still sit in the bar areas but your drinks will be bought over to you from Azure!!
The spa has just been shut as well due to touchy feely practices which are outlawed, that I think will change, Thailand with no massage??
All staff are being asked to take their annual holidays over the next few months so as to ensure that everyone keeps their jobs. I hope this is the case as these people work so hard and it would be unfair if they find themselves out of work. Marco is taking his month off shortly and I hope the place keeps running as smoothly as he really is the kingpin.
This is a lovely resort I have got a real feel for it as we are now on night 14 of a 15 night stay & to be honest I could stay here longer but would need a lot of extra free drink vouchers
One diamond and a gold and we have received 12 vouchers for our stay. Thats one drink per person every 2.5 days, personally I think its bloody mean and there is very little status recognition.My advice is hire a car as driving really is easy, just watch for motorcyclists and dogs. Once you are down south of Samui the traffic is light and it gives you massive flexibility to go out as see the sights and visit some great little restaurants.
They have just got a European cocktail specialist in for a month to change the cocktail menu and train the staff in consistent and correct procedures. This is a great idea as it is one area that I feel really lets then down as every-time a cocktail is ordered it is a lottery what will turn up.
Terrible shame it is so quiet for the hotel, but I was told it is at nearly 100% occupancy at this time of year with lots of Chinese here. So maybe every cloud has a silver lining.
Mar 18, 2020, 10:31 pm
#413
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 15
Also the breakfast buffet has nearly sort of disappeared, everything is still available but is now à la carte, with the exception of the egg station and a few other goodies which remain. This is totally understandable as the waste was horrific.
Due to Government requirements the KO bar is shut and has been moved to Azure, you can still sit in the bar areas but your drinks will be bought over to you from Azure!!
The spa has just been shut as well due to touchy feely practices which are outlawed, that I think will change, Thailand with no massage??
All staff are being asked to take their annual holidays over the next few months so as to ensure that everyone keeps their jobs. I hope this is the case as these people work so hard and it would be unfair if they find themselves out of work. Marco is taking his month off shortly and I hope the place keeps running as smoothly as he really is the kingpin.
This is a lovely resort I have got a real feel for it as we are now on night 14 of a 15 night stay & to be honest I could stay here longer but would need a lot of extra free drink vouchers One diamond and a gold and we have received 12 vouchers for our stay. Thats one drink per person every 2.5 days, personally I think its bloody mean and there is very little status recognition.
My advice is hire a car as driving really is easy, just watch for motorcyclists and dogs. Once you are down south of Samui the traffic is light and it gives you massive flexibility to go out as see the sights and visit some great little restaurants.
They have just got a European cocktail specialist in for a month to change the cocktail menu and train the staff in consistent and correct procedures. This is a great idea as it is one area that I feel really lets then down as every-time a cocktail is ordered it is a lottery what will turn up.
Terrible shame it is so quiet for the hotel, but I was told it is at nearly 100% occupancy at this time of year with lots of Chinese here. So maybe every cloud has a silver lining.
Due to Government requirements the KO bar is shut and has been moved to Azure, you can still sit in the bar areas but your drinks will be bought over to you from Azure!!
The spa has just been shut as well due to touchy feely practices which are outlawed, that I think will change, Thailand with no massage??
All staff are being asked to take their annual holidays over the next few months so as to ensure that everyone keeps their jobs. I hope this is the case as these people work so hard and it would be unfair if they find themselves out of work. Marco is taking his month off shortly and I hope the place keeps running as smoothly as he really is the kingpin.
This is a lovely resort I have got a real feel for it as we are now on night 14 of a 15 night stay & to be honest I could stay here longer but would need a lot of extra free drink vouchers
One diamond and a gold and we have received 12 vouchers for our stay. Thats one drink per person every 2.5 days, personally I think its bloody mean and there is very little status recognition.My advice is hire a car as driving really is easy, just watch for motorcyclists and dogs. Once you are down south of Samui the traffic is light and it gives you massive flexibility to go out as see the sights and visit some great little restaurants.
They have just got a European cocktail specialist in for a month to change the cocktail menu and train the staff in consistent and correct procedures. This is a great idea as it is one area that I feel really lets then down as every-time a cocktail is ordered it is a lottery what will turn up.
Terrible shame it is so quiet for the hotel, but I was told it is at nearly 100% occupancy at this time of year with lots of Chinese here. So maybe every cloud has a silver lining.
Mar 19, 2020, 9:19 pm
#414
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: BA - Silver, Hilton - Diamond, Marriott- lifetime Gold
Posts: 19
Great updates from you both - we’re currently waiting at Krabi airport to fly here today.
Just wanted to ask a question regarding upgrades. My wife and I are Diamond and Gold respectively and we booked a standard rewards stay. The Hilton app now tells us we’ve been upgraded to a premium ocean view villa - room 219 to be precise. Not the greatest as has an obstructed view according to the wiki.
Given how quiet the resort is, we were hoping/ expecting to be upgraded to the 300 range 5 island view rooms. What has been your experience from an upgrade perspective?
Been staying at the Holiday Inn at Koh Phi Phi Don and it’s been getting more and more eerily quiet for the past few days.
As you say, can think of a lot worse places to self-isolate and seems a million miles away from the chaos, empty supermarket shelves etc. back in the UK.
Just wanted to ask a question regarding upgrades. My wife and I are Diamond and Gold respectively and we booked a standard rewards stay. The Hilton app now tells us we’ve been upgraded to a premium ocean view villa - room 219 to be precise. Not the greatest as has an obstructed view according to the wiki.
Given how quiet the resort is, we were hoping/ expecting to be upgraded to the 300 range 5 island view rooms. What has been your experience from an upgrade perspective?
Been staying at the Holiday Inn at Koh Phi Phi Don and it’s been getting more and more eerily quiet for the past few days.
As you say, can think of a lot worse places to self-isolate and seems a million miles away from the chaos, empty supermarket shelves etc. back in the UK.
Mar 19, 2020, 10:05 pm
#415
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 15
Great updates from you both - we’re currently waiting at Krabi airport to fly here today.
Just wanted to ask a question regarding upgrades. My wife and I are Diamond and Gold respectively and we booked a standard rewards stay. The Hilton app now tells us we’ve been upgraded to a premium ocean view villa - room 219 to be precise. Not the greatest as has an obstructed view according to the wiki.
Given how quiet the resort is, we were hoping/ expecting to be upgraded to the 300 range 5 island view rooms. What has been your experience from an upgrade perspective?
Been staying at the Holiday Inn at Koh Phi Phi Don and it’s been getting more and more eerily quiet for the past few days.
As you say, can think of a lot worse places to self-isolate and seems a million miles away from the chaos, empty supermarket shelves etc. back in the UK.
Just wanted to ask a question regarding upgrades. My wife and I are Diamond and Gold respectively and we booked a standard rewards stay. The Hilton app now tells us we’ve been upgraded to a premium ocean view villa - room 219 to be precise. Not the greatest as has an obstructed view according to the wiki.
Given how quiet the resort is, we were hoping/ expecting to be upgraded to the 300 range 5 island view rooms. What has been your experience from an upgrade perspective?
Been staying at the Holiday Inn at Koh Phi Phi Don and it’s been getting more and more eerily quiet for the past few days.
As you say, can think of a lot worse places to self-isolate and seems a million miles away from the chaos, empty supermarket shelves etc. back in the UK.
Mar 19, 2020, 11:41 pm
#416
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 163
Great updates from you both - we’re currently waiting at Krabi airport to fly here today.
Just wanted to ask a question regarding upgrades. My wife and I are Diamond and Gold respectively and we booked a standard rewards stay. The Hilton app now tells us we’ve been upgraded to a premium ocean view villa - room 219 to be precise. Not the greatest as has an obstructed view according to the wiki.
Given how quiet the resort is, we were hoping/ expecting to be upgraded to the 300 range 5 island view rooms. What has been your experience from an upgrade perspective?
Been staying at the Holiday Inn at Koh Phi Phi Don and it’s been getting more and more eerily quiet for the past few days.
As you say, can think of a lot worse places to self-isolate and seems a million miles away from the chaos, empty supermarket shelves etc. back in the UK.
Just wanted to ask a question regarding upgrades. My wife and I are Diamond and Gold respectively and we booked a standard rewards stay. The Hilton app now tells us we’ve been upgraded to a premium ocean view villa - room 219 to be precise. Not the greatest as has an obstructed view according to the wiki.
Given how quiet the resort is, we were hoping/ expecting to be upgraded to the 300 range 5 island view rooms. What has been your experience from an upgrade perspective?
Been staying at the Holiday Inn at Koh Phi Phi Don and it’s been getting more and more eerily quiet for the past few days.
As you say, can think of a lot worse places to self-isolate and seems a million miles away from the chaos, empty supermarket shelves etc. back in the UK.
. I booked on points for the 100 level and got a 300 room, you will get a one cat upgrade but if not given a 300 ask for it. I walk to the restaurant, the beach and back again. I even jogged/walked from the beach to reception and back this morning as the air conditioning has been shut off in the gym and it was a bit stuffy in there.Azure is shut for dinners from now on as well as Jahn & the Spa. They are slowly winding down and there are murmurs amongst the staff it will close completely until things return to some sort of normality.
I hope you have a great stay here it is a lovely resort, I have almost be 'institutionalised' after 15 nights!!
M.
Mar 20, 2020, 7:14 pm
#417
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: BA - Silver, Hilton - Diamond, Marriott- lifetime Gold
Posts: 19
Fantastic room and view, such a shame that the place is so quiet.
The staff have been fantastic - we’d booked to eat at Jahn on Sunday but they moved us to the final night of opening last night. Glad they did as the food and drinks were amazing.
Safe travels.
The staff have been fantastic - we’d booked to eat at Jahn on Sunday but they moved us to the final night of opening last night. Glad they did as the food and drinks were amazing.
Safe travels.
Mar 30, 2020, 3:53 pm
#420
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: PHX
Programs: AS MVP, HH Diamond
Posts: 3,259
If you use the full search page here https://hiltonhonors3.hilton.com/en_...tels/index.htm and tick the use flexible dates box you can see which dates are blocked and which are available for the base amount of points.