Dec 12, 2018, 6:51 am
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai [Master Thread]
Dec 25, 2018, 12:40 pm
#361
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,720
The food at Al Maha was conspicuously good for an all inclusive, but not justifiable at a 1-2 Michelin star price level.
As for the the Namib desert, it’s completely incomparable to the Dubai nature reserve. Sunrise on Dune 45 was one of the most magical settings i’ve experienced in a pretty busy lifetime of travel.
As for the the Namib desert, it’s completely incomparable to the Dubai nature reserve. Sunrise on Dune 45 was one of the most magical settings i’ve experienced in a pretty busy lifetime of travel.
Dec 25, 2018, 12:44 pm
#362
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 902
Per person. Seen the similar quote before in the past on other sites. It is the same list but more clearly indicated the cost basis.
Even it is per room, one would fare far far better to take a nice cruise on a nice ship. just sayin.
That would cause many point booking cancellations made after Dec 11. Hopefully that would also help the standards do not slip further.
Even it is per room, one would fare far far better to take a nice cruise on a nice ship. just sayin.
That would cause many point booking cancellations made after Dec 11. Hopefully that would also help the standards do not slip further.
Dec 25, 2018, 12:46 pm
#363
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,720
It’s possible they could roll out a room service menu off season, but I suspect it’s unlikely.
Dec 26, 2018, 6:55 am
#364
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: AUH
Posts: 8,267
If they're no longer an all inclusive, they're going to have to come up with a more flexible meal scheme a la Maldives.
I'm happy to pay for meals if that's the new reality, and happy to pay (the inevitably) inflated prices, but I do not want to be essentially forced to pay for a massively expensive all inclusive package. If I want to just order a club sandwich for dinner and be done, I really have no interest in paying USD 250 for the privilege.
I'm happy to pay for meals if that's the new reality, and happy to pay (the inevitably) inflated prices, but I do not want to be essentially forced to pay for a massively expensive all inclusive package. If I want to just order a club sandwich for dinner and be done, I really have no interest in paying USD 250 for the privilege.
Dec 26, 2018, 10:36 am
#365
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,763
The food at Al Maha was conspicuously good for an all inclusive, but not justifiable at a 1-2 Michelin star price level.
As for the the Namib desert, it’s completely incomparable to the Dubai nature reserve. Sunrise on Dune 45 was one of the most magical settings i’ve experienced in a pretty busy lifetime of travel.
As for the the Namib desert, it’s completely incomparable to the Dubai nature reserve. Sunrise on Dune 45 was one of the most magical settings i’ve experienced in a pretty busy lifetime of travel.
If we can do the fly in that would probably convince him. Problem is it probably needs to book a year in advance for the desirable lodging. That even myself could not get over it.
Luxury and Dunes in Namibia ? Little Traveler's Notebook
Dec 26, 2018, 11:11 am
#366
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: MCO, YEG
Posts: 1,182
Upon reading this thread on Christmas Eve, I checked my reservation and it showed breakfast included but did not speak to the remainder, so I wrote to the hotel. They responded that nothing is included and proceeded to unilaterally amend my reservation to room only, so for those that think the hotel will provide them with anything, better document it, because they will do whatever they feel like doing.
They offered to reinstate the full board and activities for just $800/night for two of us (2840 AED). I might just hold onto the 5 night reservation until close to the cancellation deadline and let them try to fill it on 30 days notice.
With every interaction I have with Marriott rewards, I become more convinced that I never want to deal with Marriott rewards again. Three transactions this year and three times they have made my travels increasingly stressful. Not what I look for in a loyalty program.
They offered to reinstate the full board and activities for just $800/night for two of us (2840 AED). I might just hold onto the 5 night reservation until close to the cancellation deadline and let them try to fill it on 30 days notice.
With every interaction I have with Marriott rewards, I become more convinced that I never want to deal with Marriott rewards again. Three transactions this year and three times they have made my travels increasingly stressful. Not what I look for in a loyalty program.
Dec 26, 2018, 11:55 am
#367
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,763
Upon reading this thread on Christmas Eve, I checked my reservation and it showed breakfast included but did not speak to the remainder, so I wrote to the hotel. They responded that nothing is included and proceeded to unilaterally amend my reservation to room only, so for those that think the hotel will provide them with anything, better document it, because they will do whatever they feel like doing.
They offered to reinstate the full board and activities for just $800/night for two of us (2840 AED). I might just hold onto the 5 night reservation until close to the cancellation deadline and let them try to fill it on 30 days notice.
With every interaction I have with Marriott rewards, I become more convinced that I never want to deal with Marriott rewards again. Three transactions this year and three times they have made my travels increasingly stressful. Not what I look for in a loyalty program.
They offered to reinstate the full board and activities for just $800/night for two of us (2840 AED). I might just hold onto the 5 night reservation until close to the cancellation deadline and let them try to fill it on 30 days notice.
With every interaction I have with Marriott rewards, I become more convinced that I never want to deal with Marriott rewards again. Three transactions this year and three times they have made my travels increasingly stressful. Not what I look for in a loyalty program.
They deserve it when they just change the reservation at will. Just make sure you dont get caught in the "local time" issue. So you cancel it on 31 days in advance instead...
Dec 26, 2018, 12:20 pm
#368
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Kan@da
Programs: Anything with sweet spots
Posts: 1,790
Upon reading this thread on Christmas Eve, I checked my reservation and it showed breakfast included but did not speak to the remainder, so I wrote to the hotel. They responded that nothing is included and proceeded to unilaterally amend my reservation to room only, so for those that think the hotel will provide them with anything, better document it, because they will do whatever they feel like doing.
They offered to reinstate the full board and activities for just $800/night for two of us (2840 AED). I might just hold onto the 5 night reservation until close to the cancellation deadline and let them try to fill it on 30 days notice.
With every interaction I have with Marriott rewards, I become more convinced that I never want to deal with Marriott rewards again. Three transactions this year and three times they have made my travels increasingly stressful. Not what I look for in a loyalty program.
They offered to reinstate the full board and activities for just $800/night for two of us (2840 AED). I might just hold onto the 5 night reservation until close to the cancellation deadline and let them try to fill it on 30 days notice.
With every interaction I have with Marriott rewards, I become more convinced that I never want to deal with Marriott rewards again. Three transactions this year and three times they have made my travels increasingly stressful. Not what I look for in a loyalty program.
Dec 26, 2018, 12:26 pm
#369
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Bonvoy :Ambassador , ALL :Diamond, Skywards :Silver, Krisflyer :Silver
Posts: 2,808
the removal of full board from point award stays really drops the value of the points
I guess all cash only for al maha stays
Interesting on how they can drastically change their policy
I wonder if Marriott pay them less for those points stays compare to old SPG
I guess all cash only for al maha stays
Interesting on how they can drastically change their policy
I wonder if Marriott pay them less for those points stays compare to old SPG
Dec 26, 2018, 12:47 pm
#370
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,720
One would assume so - the points price dropped by 2/3rds, by all appearances because Marriott didn’t notice the SPG hotels which were in effect above Category 7. As a result there have been various changes of policies and problems with most of them. I suspect the GMs and owners of these prestigious properties are less than impressed.
Dec 27, 2018, 8:10 am
#372
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 1
Does anyone know exactly when this change took place? And does anyone have a screenshot of the rate details? I didn't take a picture of it since I can't imagine something like this would happen. I have two reservations there for June and my Rate Details show that nothing is included but did when I booked it. Are we grandfathered in and/or what can be done about it? Otherwise I'm in the same camp as farnorthtrader and will just cancel a month out both reservations.
Dec 27, 2018, 9:34 am
#373
Join Date: May 2006
Programs: SPG, HH, UAMP, AEPL, DC
Posts: 46
I am booked for three nights in February at the 60,000 point rate, made reservation in September when confirmation still showed full board and activities included (luckily I have the email). My plan was for a solo retreat to do some uninterrupted meditation and strategic planning. So unlike many folks, the purpose of my trip is not a romantic getaway or adventure excursion. It's to be silent in the desert. With that in mind, here is how I am approaching this latest hiccup in the Marriott/SPG merger.
1. Not going to try to confirm full board until closer to my stay. Thought being that an email from a week or two prior to my arrival will carry more weight at check-in than one from a month or two prior, given how fluid this situation seems to be.
2. I'm going to bring organized printouts of every communication regarding the terms of the reservation.
3. I'm also going to bring a bag of dry foods from Waitrose (my favorite British supermarket, all over the UAE, I wish they'd expand to the USA). I'm not going to Al Maha to gorge on gourmet food, and am perfectly content to munch on nuts and dried fruit and other non-perishable food in lieu of three elaborate meals per day. Truthfully, I'd prefer it. And if I decide to purchase a meal or two "a la carte", I'll probably enjoy them all the more for that reason.
4. If my full board is denied at check-in, I'm not going to argue at length or create a scene. I'm going to let it go, retreat to my villa, slide into my pool, gaze at the desert, watch the oryx, and be grateful that even if my 60,000 points didn't also buy me three full meals a day, it nonetheless bought me a private villa with a private pool.
Marriott is behaving like a troupe of dysfunctional asshats, but only I get to decide who disturbs my serenity, and after a certain point they simply don't deserve my time or attention. Karma has a long reach :-)
1. Not going to try to confirm full board until closer to my stay. Thought being that an email from a week or two prior to my arrival will carry more weight at check-in than one from a month or two prior, given how fluid this situation seems to be.
2. I'm going to bring organized printouts of every communication regarding the terms of the reservation.
3. I'm also going to bring a bag of dry foods from Waitrose (my favorite British supermarket, all over the UAE, I wish they'd expand to the USA). I'm not going to Al Maha to gorge on gourmet food, and am perfectly content to munch on nuts and dried fruit and other non-perishable food in lieu of three elaborate meals per day. Truthfully, I'd prefer it. And if I decide to purchase a meal or two "a la carte", I'll probably enjoy them all the more for that reason.
4. If my full board is denied at check-in, I'm not going to argue at length or create a scene. I'm going to let it go, retreat to my villa, slide into my pool, gaze at the desert, watch the oryx, and be grateful that even if my 60,000 points didn't also buy me three full meals a day, it nonetheless bought me a private villa with a private pool.
Marriott is behaving like a troupe of dysfunctional asshats, but only I get to decide who disturbs my serenity, and after a certain point they simply don't deserve my time or attention. Karma has a long reach :-)
Dec 27, 2018, 9:45 am
#374
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,720
They don’t seem to be charging for the “afternoon tea” which is a mix of drinks, sweets and savoury food. I can totally see this being swamped by people on points bookings and destroying the experience for everyone else. Let’s hope Al Maha don’t make that error.
Dec 27, 2018, 10:06 am
#375
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Toronto (YYZ)
Posts: 6,279
Does anyone know exactly when this change took place? And does anyone have a screenshot of the rate details? I didn't take a picture of it since I can't imagine something like this would happen. I have two reservations there for June and my Rate Details show that nothing is included but did when I booked it. Are we grandfathered in and/or what can be done about it? Otherwise I'm in the same camp as farnorthtrader and will just cancel a month out both reservations.
Here is a screenshot of my reservation rate details which was made prior to the above change.
Last edited by imverge; Dec 27, 2018 at 10:11 am Reason: added screen shot