If I'd arrive that late I would have overnighted in Male too but I feel like 3:30 is still early enough to make it to the resort. Besides my schedule does not allow for more than 5 nights so if I stay in Male that would mean only 4 at the resort which would be a shame... Which hotel in Male are you staying at in case things change until our trip and/or we have to overnight in Male?

Hotel said seaplane transfers begin at 7 a.m. so you would get there bright and early.

The upgrade fee they are asking for is very reasonable IMO so I would do it for 3 nights.


Thanks for pointing out they have new real photos on the site. I'm actually getting really excited even though I keep telling myself how photo shopped they are! The Beach Villa does look really private especially when you see it from the birds eye view so I'm looking forward to trying that Villa first and then moving to an OVW either by switching to Sunrise at no charge or by paid or complimentary upgrade to Sunset.

Thanks again for your insight and comments.

Hotel Ocean Grand at Hulhumale

Wow, quite the barrage of questions. ;) St. Regis Bora Bora, shoulder season.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4b74157f3c.jpg

March 2-4, end of the wet season but the stay here and the 8 day French Polynesian cruise prior never saw a drop of rain, booked a Reefside Villa, upgraded in app to OWV with Mt. Otemanu view sometime in December, no contact other than advising flight details, no request for an upgrade.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0f4d02f307.jpg
Billecart Salmon Brut & Macaroons.

James

From other Titanium accounts on FlyerTalk my experience and upgrades with Bonvoy seem to be atypical, just like some Ambassador Elite experiences & upgrades are atypical within that group.

I don't like my loyalty to be judged on how much I spend so Titanium Elite is the sweet spot for me. I have never been a fan of "Social Elite Groups" who believe they are above other people based on their means. For me, it isn't that I don't have the means, it is just I don't want to be part of a group I have no interest in associating with.

Now back to the Maldives! :)

James

Pre-upgrade to OWV at W 2 months before stay without asking was the most amazing thing as Titanium. That was over Christmas and New Year with points booking.

How long ago was that?

Thanks

Can you post a link please?I can't find the one I previously saw in this thread and when I Google it I get a page with no images. Thanks.

If you go on the app and search under "places" and put in the JW Marriott you should be able to skim through under "recent". Several of the employees have posted images and videos, though most are missing. I assume they are getting trained and have been told not to tag their photos with the resort.

Just a quick update on the compensation offered for canceling my reservation due to the push back of the grand opening (November 1st now?). My original reservation was for the first week of October. The JW was able to transfer my reservation over to the St. Regis and they were able to keep me in an OWV for the same price per night (340k for 5 nights) and a reduced transportation fee so that it is no more than what I would have paid for the JW ($600 vs $695 per person).

Nicely done. I think you'll love the StR.

That's great! Enjoy your stay and trip :).

Although I have to say I'm a bit disappointed because I will have to wait even longer to get a review/feedback on this property ;).

You seem awfully interested in upgrade experiences of Titanium Elites. Do you also conjecture that Titaniums don't get pre-upgraded to suites, especially on redemptions? You wouldn't be alone in believing that is for Ambassador Elites only but you too would also be incorrect. Does it bother you that Titaniums also receive this benefit?

James

Do you want to relax? Just curious if it was post merger or after. And throwing out anecdotal data points without all the facts just confuses people.

Back on topic to the Maldives...