Originally Posted by Dn10 (Post 31486868)

Of which the JW has none and not many Viceroy pictures exist (a few videos but then again, they are outdated). Would be helpful to stick to facts in the thread rather than generalizations.

Originally Posted by bhrubin (Post 31486243)

I'd always take the StR anywhere over the W anywhere. This to me is a no brainer--as the StR is almost certainly the best overall. This StR is supposed to be one of the nicest hard products of any Maldives resort, to boot.

The only reason to consider the W over the StR is due to someone loving snorkeling and the better quality of marine life at the W reef--since the StR reef is still recovering from its recent construction. I suppose being young and loving a bit more chic/trendy/nightclub feel could also sway one to the W over the StR.

Otherwise, a StR is almost certain be better experience than a W.

Either way, both the StR and W are supposed to be fabulous--and probably much nicer than the JW even will be. Enjoy your stay!

Originally Posted by bhrubin (Post 31487070)

Then I suppose you'll just have to wait until the JW opens so you can decide for yourself what I already would presume true by virtue of the other facts in evidence for the properties.

It's strangely ironic how generalizations that the JW will be better than the W are acceptable to you but generalizations that it won't be are unacceptable.

Originally Posted by Dn10 (Post 31487437)

Again with the lack of facts - never mentioned how the JW will be better than the W, just that we will have to wait and see. It might be worse with the Sheraton or it might be better than the W - but speculating now before it opens and pictures are placed on the internet seems a little too early. Would like to get the thread back on track and discuss actual features of the JW, images of the hotel, and when it will actually open.

Originally Posted by friedablass (Post 31503951)

I am finally got around to emailing the hotel about upgrades and room switches as I've decided on our exact trip dates based on my husband's trip schedule. Unfortunately those 5 consecutive days were not bookable in an OVW although there is availability on at least 3 of the days when booked individually. So I booked the Beach Villa in order to get 5th night free and asked about making a switch partway into the stay.

They responded as follows:

Kindly note that if there will be availability during your stay we will be happy to switch your villa to an Overwater Pool Villa [Sunrise].

Alternatively, we can offer you paid upgrade at the rate of USD 136++ per night for the upgrade to Overwater Pool Villa Sunset which will be done directly with us. Rate is subject to 10% service charge and 12% goods and service taxes.

Should I go for the Sunset Villa in order to be guaranteed that we have an OVW? Is it really true that the pool for Sunset Villas have more sunshine and remain warm more so than Sunrise? I've never been at a hotel with a private pool and its something we're very much looking forward to using. So if the Sunset villas have pools that are much more useful then it would be worth for me to pay for the upgrade.

On another note, regarding the seaplane transfer the email says it only operates until 3:30 p.m. Our flight is scheduled to arrive in MLE at 3:30 p.m. on our check in day so does that mean that we would be forced to overnight in MLE? I would really really be upset if that is the case. Or is there another way for us to get to the resort still that same day?

Originally Posted by Astrophsx (Post 31503981)

If occupancy is low you might have a better chance for an upgrade on arrival if you are Platinum or Titanium.

Originally Posted by Astrophsx (Post 31503981)

If occupancy is low you might have a better chance for an upgrade on arrival if you are Platinum or Titanium. I've read some reviews of other properties where some enjoyed spending a few nights in a beach villa and then moving over to an OWV. Paying for the upgrade as you said would guarantee an OWV for the whole stay. I've read about the water temp issue at the St. Regis, but not sure that applies at this resort.

Check with the resort with your arrival. If they it's too late they can have you hop on a domestic flight and then they would transfer you by speed boat for the same price as the seaplane. They will arrange this for you. You would miss the JW seaplane lounge, but arrive at the resort the same day.

Originally Posted by bhrubin (Post 31504001)

And even better yet if one is an Ambassador elite. Ambassadors often get pre-upgraded to suites even prior to arrival at many luxury level properties with larger numbers and proportions of suites.

Originally Posted by friedablass (Post 31504047)

Thanks for responding. Me and my spouse are both Gold but my husband will possibly make Plat by the end of this year - however room is booked in my account since he doesn't have the 340k points yet. Wonder if we can attach his status to the reservation as he will be with me throughout.

I was thinking perhaps to stay in Beach for 2 nights and then pay 3 nights for Sunset if we can't get free upgrade from his Plat status. I will ask if I can do that.

Regarding the seaplane transfer I'd rather miss the lounge for that and get to resort same day so I will follow up with hotel about my options for that. After 20+ hours of traveling I believe we'll just want to get to our final destination ASAP :).

Originally Posted by friedablass (Post 31504050)

Unfortunately neither of us are...

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Originally Posted by Flying for Fun (Post 31504697)

As a Titanium I was pre-upgraded at a Luxury property to an OWV 10 weeks before arrival. Some Ambassador Elites can't seem to accept that.

Originally Posted by Flying for Fun (Post 31504697)

As a Titanium I was pre-upgraded at a Luxury property to an OWV 10 weeks before arrival. Some Ambassador Elites can't seem to accept that.

James