dre_techie

I've read in the thread that a deposit isn't charged for booking with points, but that points would not be refunded.

Are people charged a deposit on the credit card upon booking with Stay Certificates? That's what the rate page says on their site, I'm curious what happens in practice (without testing it myself).

Thanks!

canyonleo

My understanding is that points are always refundable. I had my reservations swapped between free Chase nights, seven night point stay, seven night w/ dinners package, etc. a number of times and there was no issues.

I did not have any deposit hit my credit card before arrival (but I have no idea what might have been charged and not refunded had I not shown).

skunker

There isn't a deposit but they do take a CC in case you cancel within 30 days. Outside 30 days you get your points back and no charge to CC.

From my award reservation:

scented

In the light of recent events...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...ion-claim.html

Did the Park Hyatt really shut down the Spa?

texmanufan

Looks as though all resorts were told to, but some aren't complying yet. Hope it is temporary. Still wouldn't keep me from going here, but would save me a few bucks .

Seems as though these protestors want alcohol sales to stop at the resorts as well:http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/458272.../#.Tv5iUXqwXqw The place is so beautiful, I would probably still go and save some more $ if this happened.

holtju2

Definitely not good for the business there. I just hope that these "fanatics" understand how much money these resorts inject to local economy and what it would be (nothing) without.

onlysuites

Do they ever understand! These nutters seem to be getting everywhere now days!

trach500

Has anyone brought young children to this resort? 3 and under? I am thinking about doing so this December. Are they kid friendly? I stayed a few years ago at the Conrad and there were a lot of kids.

scented

I wouldn't worry. They are amazing. Our 6 year old had a blast. Everyone was kid friendly, especially some staff members. Leo comes to my mind. ^

onlysuites

Has anyone stayed at this and the Conrad? Which one would you recommend?

holtju2

Park Hyatt is more intimate and luxurious than the Conrad. Stayed there once.

Cheetah_SA

Just returned from a fantastic stay of more than a week. Not much to add to what has been said. The staff are wonderful - cheerful, friendly and helpful. The accommodations (beach villa) are very spacious and nicely appointed. The beach is gorgeous and the reef superb. We snorkeled right around the island (in sections!) and were enthralled by the healthy corals and prolific fish life.

A highlight was going out into the open ocean to find dolphins - which we did: hundreds of spinner dolphins cavorting in the twilight.

Still not getting the food right, though, which is a pity. It's still pretty much as others have described it: not bad, but very hit and miss which really isn't acceptable at the prices.

wpj

I'm in the resort right now, I've been here for almost a week already.

"welcome to paradise" said the GM and some of the staff members when we arrived.

and that is the only thing you need to know.

staff: very friendly, professional, and guest oriented.
weather: lucky. incredible perfect: no clouds, light breeze.
beach and water: the best you've ever seen.
rooms: great
air condition: perfect between 20-22 degrees all day. if you want less, I recommend to visit Toronto Canada during this winter months.
snorkel: the best healthy reef (all kind of fishes, turtles, sharks, etc)
dive: perfect for beginners or advanced.
food and wine: couldn't be better.
breakfast: amazing. no need for lunch.
food expensive? yes, but not much more than eating @ the Keg in Canada or a fancy restaurant in any major city.
transfer from MLE: good for the money. long: no, who cares.
spa: open (did not go, but it is open)
kids: I've seen some, if you come with Kids get a non-water villa.
activities: lots.
internet: usable.
diamond treatment: perfect (better than non-park hyatt properties) you get a free drink and canapes every day anywhere you want in the property.
amenity: bottle of champagne on arrival. fruit and cookies every day.
upgrade to water villa: yes, but not really needed, all rooms are good. we visited the pool villa and is perfect too.

save your money, miles and points to come to this property because there's nothing better than this.

bring sunscreen from home if you don't want to pay 50$ + tax a banana boat.

will post some more details and pictures soon....

texmanufan

That's great news @wpg. The latest tripadvisor reviews are sounding much better too.

Definitely planning on booking soon now.

Cheetah_SA

That greeting was one small thing I actively didn't like. I've been greeted like that many times in various tropical places around the world - and it is often followed by great complacency from the locals who seem to think that the natural beauty of their locale will distract guests from the shortcomings of the service and product.

I hasten to add that this doesn't apply at PH Maldives! But instead of reassuring me on arrival, that greeting has the perverse effect of lowering my expectations. I wish PH would come up with something more original as befits their sophisticated offering.