Advice for trip to Bali/Hong Kong using points
Jul 12, 2012, 6:43 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: CA
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 129
Advice for trip to Bali/Hong Kong using points
I wanted to propose my plan for a trip using points to everyone and see if I can get your opinions/advice. I have been traveling for work for the past 9 months so I am relatively new to the points game.
I want to take about a 14 day trip with my wife to Bali sometime in April and stay in Hyatt and Marriott properties using points. I am flexible with the dates too (+/- a month). I plan on using AA miles (70,000) for one ticket and purchasing the other. The flights are through Cathay Pacific stop in Hong Kong. I haven't chosen a date yet since there are no reward flights open yet and I assume it is just too early. Since there is a fairly long layover in HK for these flights, I wanted to make it into a stop for 2 nights.
I am currently a Hyatt Diamond and Marriott Platinum member. I have 2 free suite nights from the Hyatt credit card my idea is to use these at the Grand Hyatt HK. I would then use Marriott points at the Courtyard Bali for about 5-6 nights and then points at the Bali Hyatt for 5-6 nights. I was thinking of paying for the first night at the BH and using a suite upgrade in hopes that I could keep it through the rest of the stay. Also should I book a standard room at 5000 or a club room at 7000?
Does this sound like a good use of points? Is the GH HK the best place to use the 2 free suite nights? My other option would be to use them in Bali and book a Marriott property in HK using points. Any advice would be great!
I want to take about a 14 day trip with my wife to Bali sometime in April and stay in Hyatt and Marriott properties using points. I am flexible with the dates too (+/- a month). I plan on using AA miles (70,000) for one ticket and purchasing the other. The flights are through Cathay Pacific stop in Hong Kong. I haven't chosen a date yet since there are no reward flights open yet and I assume it is just too early. Since there is a fairly long layover in HK for these flights, I wanted to make it into a stop for 2 nights.
I am currently a Hyatt Diamond and Marriott Platinum member. I have 2 free suite nights from the Hyatt credit card my idea is to use these at the Grand Hyatt HK. I would then use Marriott points at the Courtyard Bali for about 5-6 nights and then points at the Bali Hyatt for 5-6 nights. I was thinking of paying for the first night at the BH and using a suite upgrade in hopes that I could keep it through the rest of the stay. Also should I book a standard room at 5000 or a club room at 7000?
Does this sound like a good use of points? Is the GH HK the best place to use the 2 free suite nights? My other option would be to use them in Bali and book a Marriott property in HK using points. Any advice would be great!
Jul 12, 2012, 8:48 pm
#2
Moderator: GLBT Travelers & Hyatt Gold Passport
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CVG
Posts: 15,300
First off - welcome to Flyertalk and our Hyatt forum.
On the flights - going to Asia is really a long trip - since the trip is quite some time off - perhaps you could try to get enough AA miles to get First Class award for both of you - that would require 270,000 miles combined though - there are quite a few ways to get the miles - Citibank's credit card signup bonuses (they have Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX) - you and your wife can both get cards to double up on the signup bonuses. Take a look at the AA forum for more pointers.
Back to Hyatt related topic. The 2 free Suite Nights from the Hyatt Credit card use at the GH HKG is a good use since it is a pretty expensive property - however, the entry level suite that you would be confirmed into looks pretty worn (and is as reported by one of our members in the Review Thread) - we used Suite Nights at this property back in Oct but the suite wasn't available so we were booked into the highest non-suite category (Grand Harbor Deluxe Corner - or something like that) which we were very happy with. Be aware that the Suite Nights expire 1 year after you get them - so make sure you use them by then. GH HKG isn't the most expensive property in Hyatt's portfolio but it is category 6 (highest category for award redemptions) so it's a reasonable usage.
As to the BH, I would think you should save your points and book a standard room since as a Diamond, you would get club access anyways - and for most properties (not sure about this one - perhaps someone with more experience will chime in) there isn't really a difference between a club vs a regular room.
On the flights - going to Asia is really a long trip - since the trip is quite some time off - perhaps you could try to get enough AA miles to get First Class award for both of you - that would require 270,000 miles combined though - there are quite a few ways to get the miles - Citibank's credit card signup bonuses (they have Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX) - you and your wife can both get cards to double up on the signup bonuses. Take a look at the AA forum for more pointers.
Back to Hyatt related topic. The 2 free Suite Nights from the Hyatt Credit card use at the GH HKG is a good use since it is a pretty expensive property - however, the entry level suite that you would be confirmed into looks pretty worn (and is as reported by one of our members in the Review Thread) - we used Suite Nights at this property back in Oct but the suite wasn't available so we were booked into the highest non-suite category (Grand Harbor Deluxe Corner - or something like that) which we were very happy with. Be aware that the Suite Nights expire 1 year after you get them - so make sure you use them by then. GH HKG isn't the most expensive property in Hyatt's portfolio but it is category 6 (highest category for award redemptions) so it's a reasonable usage.
As to the BH, I would think you should save your points and book a standard room since as a Diamond, you would get club access anyways - and for most properties (not sure about this one - perhaps someone with more experience will chime in) there isn't really a difference between a club vs a regular room.
Jul 12, 2012, 10:36 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: CA
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 129
On the flights - going to Asia is really a long trip - since the trip is quite some time off - perhaps you could try to get enough AA miles to get First Class award for both of you - that would require 270,000 miles combined though - there are quite a few ways to get the miles - Citibank's credit card signup bonuses (they have Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX) - you and your wife can both get cards to double up on the signup bonuses. Take a look at the AA forum for more pointers.
Jul 13, 2012, 5:47 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: AS MVP Gold, AA Executive Platinum, SPG Platinum, Hyatt Platinum, Hilton Gold, National Executive
Posts: 33
We did this exact trip from the US last March. We flew JFK-HKG(stopover)-DPS on Cathay in J. It's a long flight and well worth the 100,000/ticket we dropped.
The Grand Hyatt HK is a fantastic property. We stayed here on a suite upgrade and were not disappointed. I've been to the property a couple times and the lounge service and generally offerings are fabulous. You could easily make a nice meal out of it and the view of the harbour can't be beat. We also stayed at the Hyatt Sha Tin which was a nice way to see a different side of HK (It was only $100US and had a decent lounge with terrace).
In Bali we opted for three nights at the Hyatt Resort (versus Grand Hyatt). We were using points as a diamond. At 5,000/night this is a tremendous value. The lounge is of decent quality, although the real highlight was a comped upgrade to a huge suite with balcony (including hammock). The diamond amenity was a local bottle of wine, and they provided two branded polo shirts as a compliment of the suite. This property is not as luxorious as the GH, but we felt it had a lot more character (and was 7,000 fewer points night). You can use the free shuttle to visit the GH and take advantage of the great pool and beach offered their. It's worth noting that the GH no longer has a lounge in Bali, so as a diamond the Hyatt Resort becomes that much more attractive (although the lounge breakfast can't compare to full-service restuarant).
As an aside, we went to Lombok and stayed at the Sheraton Senggi for two nights and its a starck contrast from the island of Bali. If you're looking for a varied experience (and access to the Gilli islands) this is great way to do it.
Enjoy your trip.
The Grand Hyatt HK is a fantastic property. We stayed here on a suite upgrade and were not disappointed. I've been to the property a couple times and the lounge service and generally offerings are fabulous. You could easily make a nice meal out of it and the view of the harbour can't be beat. We also stayed at the Hyatt Sha Tin which was a nice way to see a different side of HK (It was only $100US and had a decent lounge with terrace).
In Bali we opted for three nights at the Hyatt Resort (versus Grand Hyatt). We were using points as a diamond. At 5,000/night this is a tremendous value. The lounge is of decent quality, although the real highlight was a comped upgrade to a huge suite with balcony (including hammock). The diamond amenity was a local bottle of wine, and they provided two branded polo shirts as a compliment of the suite. This property is not as luxorious as the GH, but we felt it had a lot more character (and was 7,000 fewer points night). You can use the free shuttle to visit the GH and take advantage of the great pool and beach offered their. It's worth noting that the GH no longer has a lounge in Bali, so as a diamond the Hyatt Resort becomes that much more attractive (although the lounge breakfast can't compare to full-service restuarant).
As an aside, we went to Lombok and stayed at the Sheraton Senggi for two nights and its a starck contrast from the island of Bali. If you're looking for a varied experience (and access to the Gilli islands) this is great way to do it.
Enjoy your trip.
Jul 13, 2012, 6:27 am
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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Posts: 100,413
To me, fourteen days on Bali is too long, although staying in two different hotels in different parts of the island would help. Also, two nights in HK, especially when jet lagged, is not enough.
Jul 13, 2012, 9:21 am
#6
Moderator: GLBT Travelers & Hyatt Gold Passport
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CVG
Posts: 15,300
I wish we could fly first class; however I only have 70,000 miles and my wife has 30,000 and we both already have the Citi Aadvantage Visa. I think it would be difficult to get to 270,000 since my work travel does not involve overseas flights. It would be nice though
Even if you "only" get to Business class, that would make the trip so much better than coach. If you are a little short of the miles required, you can buy some miles directly from AA.
Jul 13, 2012, 9:39 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: CA
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 129
I meant 14 days for the whole trip. So after the days flying and in Hong Kong it would be more like 10 in Bali. Also, how many nights do you recommend in HK? I could add one or two, I just didn't think there was that much to do there.
Jul 13, 2012, 1:57 pm
#9
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It had a lounge about a year and a half ago, although it was primarily outside.
Jul 14, 2012, 7:58 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: dfw
Programs: AA EXP/MM, HGP ♦; former elite in Hilton, Marriott & DL (just under MM thanks to Leo)
Posts: 415
A thought. Booking suites at the BH using all points is very difficult and a very good deal (very hard since they only have a few). You need to call and I worked this for a couple months for a trip that was initially 10 months out. Getting confirmed for all my desired nights took me probably more than two months, but I got it. Sadly, and then I had to cancel the whole trip. Anyway, my thought is that you should start looking at the availability and hold some nights that might work for you while you wait for the flights and finalize your travel dates.
Jul 14, 2012, 1:49 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: CA
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 129
I would book it now if I could but AA can't find any award flight availability for March, April or May. It is very frustrating and all they said is to keep calling back. Does anyone know how far out award tickets on AA partner airlines become available?
Jul 14, 2012, 2:13 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Bargara Australia
Programs: VA, SQ, IHG, HH,ALL, Europcar
Posts: 1,530
Personally I would say 14 days was not enough in Bali.
The lounge that the GH had - was that the airport lounge - long gone.
The Grand Hyatt is a better hotel, however the Bali Hyatt is a great hotel and an awesome location - close to the main activities of Sanur.
The Grand Hyatt is very close the Bali Collection for great shopping - and the resorts do run a shuttle between them so do take advantage of that one day and experience the different areas.
If you want to do some tours - the Bali Hyatt is much better placed to trips to Ubud etc.
The lounge that the GH had - was that the airport lounge - long gone.
The Grand Hyatt is a better hotel, however the Bali Hyatt is a great hotel and an awesome location - close to the main activities of Sanur.
The Grand Hyatt is very close the Bali Collection for great shopping - and the resorts do run a shuttle between them so do take advantage of that one day and experience the different areas.
If you want to do some tours - the Bali Hyatt is much better placed to trips to Ubud etc.
Jul 14, 2012, 4:02 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: CA
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 129
Personally I would say 14 days was not enough in Bali.
The lounge that the GH had - was that the airport lounge - long gone.
The Grand Hyatt is a better hotel, however the Bali Hyatt is a great hotel and an awesome location - close to the main activities of Sanur.
The Grand Hyatt is very close the Bali Collection for great shopping - and the resorts do run a shuttle between them so do take advantage of that one day and experience the different areas.
If you want to do some tours - the Bali Hyatt is much better placed to trips to Ubud etc.
The lounge that the GH had - was that the airport lounge - long gone.
The Grand Hyatt is a better hotel, however the Bali Hyatt is a great hotel and an awesome location - close to the main activities of Sanur.
The Grand Hyatt is very close the Bali Collection for great shopping - and the resorts do run a shuttle between them so do take advantage of that one day and experience the different areas.
If you want to do some tours - the Bali Hyatt is much better placed to trips to Ubud etc.
So one vote that 14 days is too long in Bali and one for 14 days is not enough. I am leaning towards longer than shorter. We wanted to do some scuba diving and this can take up whole days so I think a longer stay would be better.
Jul 14, 2012, 4:43 pm
#14
Moderator: GLBT Travelers & Hyatt Gold Passport
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CVG
Posts: 15,300
I've never paid any attention to coach awards but do know that First on Cathay is often released within 2 weeks of the flight. You can sign up for a BA account and use their tool to check for the award you are seeking rather than calling all the time.
Jul 14, 2012, 8:37 pm
#15
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: YYZ > PEK > YYZ
Posts: 315
Spouse and I are planning to use our suite nights at this property. Are the suites confirmed at booking or is it that we won't find out until checkin?
Also, if we end up getting the highest non-suite room, will having a crib in the room make the room feel cramped? Thanks for comments
Also, if we end up getting the highest non-suite room, will having a crib in the room make the room feel cramped? Thanks for comments
First off - welcome to Flyertalk and our Hyatt forum.
On the flights - going to Asia is really a long trip - since the trip is quite some time off - perhaps you could try to get enough AA miles to get First Class award for both of you - that would require 270,000 miles combined though - there are quite a few ways to get the miles - Citibank's credit card signup bonuses (they have Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX) - you and your wife can both get cards to double up on the signup bonuses. Take a look at the AA forum for more pointers.
Back to Hyatt related topic. The 2 free Suite Nights from the Hyatt Credit card use at the GH HKG is a good use since it is a pretty expensive property - however, the entry level suite that you would be confirmed into looks pretty worn (and is as reported by one of our members in the Review Thread) - we used Suite Nights at this property back in Oct but the suite wasn't available so we were booked into the highest non-suite category (Grand Harbor Deluxe Corner - or something like that) which we were very happy with. Be aware that the Suite Nights expire 1 year after you get them - so make sure you use them by then. GH HKG isn't the most expensive property in Hyatt's portfolio but it is category 6 (highest category for award redemptions) so it's a reasonable usage.
As to the BH, I would think you should save your points and book a standard room since as a Diamond, you would get club access anyways - and for most properties (not sure about this one - perhaps someone with more experience will chime in) there isn't really a difference between a club vs a regular room.
On the flights - going to Asia is really a long trip - since the trip is quite some time off - perhaps you could try to get enough AA miles to get First Class award for both of you - that would require 270,000 miles combined though - there are quite a few ways to get the miles - Citibank's credit card signup bonuses (they have Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX) - you and your wife can both get cards to double up on the signup bonuses. Take a look at the AA forum for more pointers.
Back to Hyatt related topic. The 2 free Suite Nights from the Hyatt Credit card use at the GH HKG is a good use since it is a pretty expensive property - however, the entry level suite that you would be confirmed into looks pretty worn (and is as reported by one of our members in the Review Thread) - we used Suite Nights at this property back in Oct but the suite wasn't available so we were booked into the highest non-suite category (Grand Harbor Deluxe Corner - or something like that) which we were very happy with. Be aware that the Suite Nights expire 1 year after you get them - so make sure you use them by then. GH HKG isn't the most expensive property in Hyatt's portfolio but it is category 6 (highest category for award redemptions) so it's a reasonable usage.
As to the BH, I would think you should save your points and book a standard room since as a Diamond, you would get club access anyways - and for most properties (not sure about this one - perhaps someone with more experience will chime in) there isn't really a difference between a club vs a regular room.