336

Ymmv

Stayed 7 nights on points in December. Earned points for food&beverages. Not for the spa.

Troopers

Churnman

Glad to hear they changed their ways after my stay in '16. I also submitted claims and complained and got no where at that time. I did receive 'spending' points on award stays there in prior years. Maybe I brought some needed attention at that time to the problem and someone higher up made the change back to the way it should be. Very glad to hear you both got points on spend (besides spa) on award stays in recent times. They, nor IHG, would budge when I made my claim. That was the only time I had a problem with IHG or the Pacific Beachcomber owned properties in FP.

Now I have to submit a claim for my spending at the Conrad. Grrrr! What's up with these properties? Had no trouble with the Hilton Moorea, which is now owned by a Chinese investment group. They made some great changes there, just some nice added amenities, but notable.

DUflyer

So apart from point issues, which is the best property in BB? What's the outcome of your evaluation?

italdesign

Has anyone stayed here or another points hotel in FP with 3 adults? Looks like reward night only allows 2 adults, even though the room states max occupancy of 3 or 4 people. Any advice?

Churnman

As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It depends on what a client wants. If they want that postcard direct view of the mountain, then the Thalasso has it. If they want a daily butler, then St. Regis or Four Seasons. If they want great snorkeling right from their bungalow then the Conrad. However, because of coming renovations to some resorts, that has to be monitored to see when and where. I personally find enjoyment in different views, places and bungalows. We enjoyed in the past a beach bungalow at Le Moana, but some might not care to look out at the overwaters. It also depends on a person's taste in food, service, culture (where they are from and what they expect). I heard many BB residents say the Conrad is now the best due to the multi-million dollar reconstruction, but if a couple is wanting the direct view of the mainland (Mt. Otemanu), then they'll want the other side where the resorts are on sand motus. In that case, many give up the great snorkeling from your bungalow because they're already going on excursions. If we go back to BB, I'd probably stay at the Conrad because I like the new bungalows and the mountain top spa. To me, it's like having the nice bungalows of the Thalasso, but where we can find good snorkeling, plus the food was surprisingly good as well as the service. In the end, it depends on points or great deals where we go and if we were treated right in regards to loyalty. There are some little improvements the Conrad can make that aren't that expensive for them such as making sure simple things like Coke cans are available at the gift shop (didn't see any). Not everyone goes into town to the grocery store to bring back beverages and if you're there a while, even if you do, who can carry a lot back? We did bring waters and such back (we received 2 waters per day in the room, but that's not enough for us). Also, they should place the softer toilet paper in all rooms, not just OW pool rooms. We saw deluxe rooms over a week and they placed cheap rolls in those while our pool room had the better quality. Sounds picky, but makes a difference especially for some people. And, they should place 4 free beverages in your fridge per day like the Hilton Moorea now does. I realize most of the BB properties don't do that, but that was a nice touch by the new owners of the Moorea property, but of course you pay for it in the upgrade costs. If a person has IHG points then of course the Thalasso is fine now that the construction noise if over. The new and very large end of pontoon OW villas at the Thalasso are incredible and have the perfect view of the mountain, but even their other direct view bungalows are nice, but plan on snorkeling on excursions. Although, have seen lots of Eagle rays and other rays there as well as Picassos (small colorful triggerfish). They have a fun ray feeding each day at the beach and the rays know exactly what time to show up. Each resort has it's own charms, but some are in need of refurb due to elements. I've always slept well at IHG properties in FP and that's a huge plus. If a place has brand new construction, yet puts in mushy cheap mattresses I won't go.

Went outside the reef to snorkel a great spot we've never been before, but we had a private boat. Same captain a certain movie star hired the week before us. We knew him from a previous trip and he is excellent with those who've never snorkeled before and those afraid. We had guests with us that needed that kind of attention and care.

Maybe next visit we'll head to the atolls. Would love to see Napoleons before they are fished (hunted) to extinction.

italdesign

Going from Thalasso to Conrad, is this a good way (after reviewing post #3065 ):

1. Free boat to Le Moana (on day of departure)
2. Taxi to Vaitape pier : ~$25
3. Take the cheap Conrad boat : ~$20 pp

Thanks.

Corridor!

beagleflyer1977

Thalasso charges for the round-trip at check-in- they assume you'll need to get off the Motu eventually.

Corridor!

Troopers

Quite the circuitous route. I'd hire a private boat.

italdesign

Do you know what's the cost RT?

Troopers

Corridor!

beagleflyer1977

Disagree - we transferred this exact way to Conrad from Thalasso. Not a bad way to save $200 and pick up a few items in town before heading to Conrad.