Jan 12, 2019, 12:28 pm
Vana Belle, Koh Samui, Thailand [Master Thread]
Sep 22, 2014, 1:40 am
#123
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: BC, Canada
Programs: Marriott LTP
Posts: 138
Better to pay for this one...
As others have said already - it's an all-suite Cat6 property. I'm not surprised to hear your point quote.
I try to always get at least $0.03 per Starpoint, and you just won't be anywhere near that at this property.
I'd book this property with cash, and hope there's a nice spring promotion that nets you some extra Starpoints...
For a honeymoon visit to Vana Belle, I'd strongly recommend the Tropical Pool Villa or the Ocean View Pool Suite. These can be booked for $550-600 per night in January. See my mini-review about the Ocean View Pool Suite earlier in this thread.
Congratulations and enjoy your honeymoon...
Cheers
I try to always get at least $0.03 per Starpoint, and you just won't be anywhere near that at this property.
I'd book this property with cash, and hope there's a nice spring promotion that nets you some extra Starpoints...
For a honeymoon visit to Vana Belle, I'd strongly recommend the Tropical Pool Villa or the Ocean View Pool Suite. These can be booked for $550-600 per night in January. See my mini-review about the Ocean View Pool Suite earlier in this thread.
Congratulations and enjoy your honeymoon...
Cheers
Oct 15, 2014, 3:18 pm
#124
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 200
After several emails back and forth with SPG, I was able to finally secure the correct rate of 104k for 5 nights at the Vana Belle for a standard pool suite. Apparently this rate is for the "Paradise is Closer" promotion and conveniently wasn't showing up on representatives computers when I called in...
I am going to ask for a deal on an upgrade as compensation for all the time I spent going back and forth? What is reasonable / worth it to upgrade to a Grand Pool Suite or Ocean View Suite?
I am going to ask for a deal on an upgrade as compensation for all the time I spent going back and forth? What is reasonable / worth it to upgrade to a Grand Pool Suite or Ocean View Suite?
Oct 15, 2014, 8:28 pm
#125
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 12,482
Oct 15, 2014, 11:05 pm
#126
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 200
I wasn't joking I find it crazy that we have to spend hours booking a promotion that clearly exist. I guess it seems to be a common problem. I was finally able to get through after several emails back and forth. In my opinion - quite ridiculous for agents to deny its existence even after you point them to the URL!
I find it crazy that we have to spend hours booking a promotion that clearly exist. I guess it seems to be a common problem. I was finally able to get through after several emails back and forth. In my opinion - quite ridiculous for agents to deny its existence even after you point them to the URL!
Oct 16, 2014, 12:55 pm
#127
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Earth ... for now
Programs: UA 2MM * Marriott Ambassador LT Titanium * IHG Diamond Ambassador * Hilton Diamond *
Posts: 1,786
How is it possible that guests are aware of promotions, when agents, working for the company that issued them, are not?
Oct 22, 2014, 12:16 pm
#128
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 200
Anyone trying to get this promotion, my advice is to email SPG customer service to request it. This way you have a record of your back and forth with them and you will get connected to an agent who can actually book you without countless hours wasted on the phone...
Oct 24, 2014, 10:57 pm
#129
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
It's simple corporate arrogance. I have a similar problem when calling the SPG Platinum line during times when it forwards to the UK call centre (Ireland, I think). When I ask for the cheapest rate, the agents deliberately quote me a rate 50% higher than the rates I can see online. Then deny it, quoting policy to only quote fully refundable rates.
For the instances that it took you forever and the agents couldn't/wouldn't give you the promo, why don't you make a complaint? Not so that the agent can get in trouble. But, so the system can find an answer to this failure.
For the instances that it took you forever and the agents couldn't/wouldn't give you the promo, why don't you make a complaint? Not so that the agent can get in trouble. But, so the system can find an answer to this failure.
Oct 25, 2014, 1:15 am
#130
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,753
Interesting, 2lovelife. To add a data point, I've been frustrated because, similarly, SPG phone agents don't seem to be able to see the same rates that we can on SPG.com. This has happened with both PLT Concierges and my Ambassador. Both have told me that I'm better off booking myself on SPG.com. A few weeks ago, Ambassador told me that SPG is now aware of this problem and is working on it. Seems silly to me.
Dec 19, 2014, 9:21 am
#133
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 200
Just found out about an upgrade from a classic pool suite to a grand pool suite for 4000 THB ($121 USD). Base room is on points. From what I have read on the thread, looks like a good option / deal to upgrade...thoughts?
Dec 19, 2014, 7:22 pm
#134
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Earth ... for now
Programs: UA 2MM * Marriott Ambassador LT Titanium * IHG Diamond Ambassador * Hilton Diamond *
Posts: 1,786