Dec 12, 2018, 6:51 am
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai [Master Thread]
Nov 22, 2018, 7:20 am
#287
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 12,475
............I took advantage of what must surely be an unsustainably low 66,000 Marriott points a night rate for a weekend here. The rate includes full board (breakfast buffet and a la carte, a 3 course lunch, afternoon tea and a 5 course dinner) as well as 2 activities per day......
Nov 23, 2018, 8:41 am
#288
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 1
Looking forward to my stay here using my Ritz Carlton Visa free night. Booked the Bedouin Suite and was upgraded in my reservation to an Emirates Suite.
How much does an Uber cost from central Dubai to Al Maha? I'm debating whether to rent a car while in Dubai or not.
How much does an Uber cost from central Dubai to Al Maha? I'm debating whether to rent a car while in Dubai or not.
Dec 4, 2018, 2:29 pm
#289
Join Date: May 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA LT PLT
Posts: 204
Dec 5, 2018, 3:46 pm
#291
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
That being said, you aren’t everyone else. Take a look at the activities list and decide how long those will keep you and yours entertained. Then book accordingly.
A honeymoon also may include “activities” that aren’t on the normal roster offered via Al Maha. Lovemaking usually is left to ourselves, after all. But that could extend anyone’s stay if the atmosphere puts you in that mood.
Dec 5, 2018, 5:13 pm
#292
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,712
I found the daily activities to be a little bit samey and remember they’re either stupidly early o’clock or at sunset, so most of the day you’ll be hanging around.
Obviously to some degree every person is individual and some people might want to stay forever, but i’d switch up some nights for something different - maybe the St Regis in Abu Dhabi or spend some time in the Dubai Marina or downtown.
Obviously to some degree every person is individual and some people might want to stay forever, but i’d switch up some nights for something different - maybe the St Regis in Abu Dhabi or spend some time in the Dubai Marina or downtown.
Dec 11, 2018, 3:07 pm
#295
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: Marriott Titanium, IHG Spire Elite, Hilton Gold, United Silver, BA Bronze
Posts: 322
This is a heads up to everyone to check your points booking after the Marriott migration. There are two reports (one of which is mine) that it is showing as a cash booking now.
@spgassist have acknowledged the issue and stated the hotel must resolve and sent mine through to them. I advise you all go this route as I had exactly the same issue with the W Migration and it was down to the property to resolve.
@spgassist have acknowledged the issue and stated the hotel must resolve and sent mine through to them. I advise you all go this route as I had exactly the same issue with the W Migration and it was down to the property to resolve.
Dec 11, 2018, 3:46 pm
#296
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 211
This is a heads up to everyone to check your points booking after the Marriott migration. There are two reports (one of which is mine) that it is showing as a cash booking now.
@spgassist have acknowledged the issue and stated the hotel must resolve and sent mine through to them. I advise you all go this route as I had exactly the same issue with the W Migration and it was down to the property to resolve.
@spgassist have acknowledged the issue and stated the hotel must resolve and sent mine through to them. I advise you all go this route as I had exactly the same issue with the W Migration and it was down to the property to resolve.
Dec 13, 2018, 5:57 am
#298
Join Date: May 2006
Programs: SPG, HH, UAMP, AEPL, DC
Posts: 46
This is a heads up to everyone to check your points booking after the Marriott migration. There are two reports (one of which is mine) that it is showing as a cash booking now.
@spgassist have acknowledged the issue and stated the hotel must resolve and sent mine through to them. I advise you all go this route as I had exactly the same issue with the W Migration and it was down to the property to resolve.
@spgassist have acknowledged the issue and stated the hotel must resolve and sent mine through to them. I advise you all go this route as I had exactly the same issue with the W Migration and it was down to the property to resolve.
FWIW I noticed that the cash price was AED 1993/night plus taxes which comes out to about $600, ie, what I understand Al Maha will be paid by Marriott for the stay (60,000 points/night x $0.01 per point). So this may be one of those instances where the resort's reimbursement for the stay is transparent to the customer, at least briefly. I've never heard of a villa at Al Maha going for $600/night, even in the depths of the off season (and that's certainly not February...).
Dec 13, 2018, 7:11 am
#299
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 902
To add an additional data point, I also had my points reservation for Al Maha in February suddenly show as a cash booking. [email protected] was very responsive in confirming that the reservation remained a points redemption and that the cash price showing was due to the Marriott migration.
FWIW I noticed that the cash price was AED 1993/night plus taxes which comes out to about $600, ie, what I understand Al Maha will be paid by Marriott for the stay (60,000 points/night x $0.01 per point). So this may be one of those instances where the resort's reimbursement for the stay is transparent to the customer, at least briefly. I've never heard of a villa at Al Maha going for $600/night, even in the depths of the off season (and that's certainly not February...).
FWIW I noticed that the cash price was AED 1993/night plus taxes which comes out to about $600, ie, what I understand Al Maha will be paid by Marriott for the stay (60,000 points/night x $0.01 per point). So this may be one of those instances where the resort's reimbursement for the stay is transparent to the customer, at least briefly. I've never heard of a villa at Al Maha going for $600/night, even in the depths of the off season (and that's certainly not February...).
Dec 14, 2018, 8:10 pm
#300
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,740
Quick question
Haven't scrolled back to read the pages since August at the beginning when the 60K booking became possible.
Do we need to book the 66,000 room rate for the full board?
It seems online the 60,000 only includes free breakfast. So one has to call to book? Can it still be booked as Point Advance type?
Also do we still see the outrageous cancellation policy?
Much thanks for information.
Haven't scrolled back to read the pages since August at the beginning when the 60K booking became possible.
Do we need to book the 66,000 room rate for the full board?
It seems online the 60,000 only includes free breakfast. So one has to call to book? Can it still be booked as Point Advance type?
Also do we still see the outrageous cancellation policy?
Much thanks for information.
