kyushuman

Just saw this posted in the "Thailand Deals" page on FT. Was looking for more info on the JW Khao Lak. It seems like a great deal, anyone have any doubts/reservations?
I would have to go in July or August, it's rainy season then right? How rainy usually--like, cloudy/drizzle all day, or just some big storms coming through? It's good to know in advance.
I will probably be in Thailand for 3-4 weeks so would just use this for a high-end long weekend or something, usually stay in 2-3* places in Thailand but this looks like a good deal.
THoughts? Thanks!

http://www.travelzoo.com/ap/local-de...z_adid=1708317

dwr1127

First post, but long time lurker. I'm a Marriott Platinum - wife and I have reservations at Renaissance Mai Khao in September. Hoping to contact the hotel re: potential for upgrades / pool villa - will be the deciding factor between Ren and JW KL. Have read the whole thread, but haven't seen any posted email - any chance someone could message me if they have good contact info? Appreciate the help!

iztok

My experience for quickest way to get email for the property is to use @MarriottIntl on twitter.

D-B-F

[email protected]

bazzap

I have used these Travelzoo vouchers previously for the JW Khao Lak.
They are excellent value, for a really good hotel, especially as you still benefit from all the MR Elite privileges.
The only potential negative, if that is an issue for you, is the fairly isolated location.
There are plenty of shacks along the beach for dining, but it is a fair drive/taxi trip into town.
I would certainly recommend it though and we hope to use similar offers again in the future.

DutchRyan

This might lead to the same place, but I was given a different email address for contact. It is [email protected]. Best of luck.

mikelat

I'm going to be in BKK in Feb '15 and looking at taking a trip to Phuket for a couple days of beach relaxing & good food. Looks like the Ren and JW are same price for the dates I'd be there. As a Plat, at which one am I more like to get better benefits/upgraded room?

abhilife2001

From what I have read here , the general opinion is that the REN has better probabilities for getting an upgrade..

wethereyet

You can pretty much take that to the bank. The JW doesn't upgrade.

But that should not deter staying at JW. I've now stayed at both. Got room with private pool at the Ren.

If you have kids or 3rd person things can change considerably so keep that in mind as 2 bed inventory is much less.

Personally I prefer the onsite food selections and pools at the JW over the ren. Yes you can hop on a tuk tuk for few min ride to either property but nice to just walk in and eat.

sim510

I spent only one night at the Ren Mai Khao. As a platinum I was upgraded to a FABULOUS suite for that night. One of the nicest one-bedroom suites I've ever had. The view was of the garden, not the Andaman, but that was OK.

I agree that the food selection at J W is better, as are the pools.

Four of us (two couples) spent a few days at J W (actually staying at the Phuket Beach Club in a 2-bedroom condo) over the past new year. It was so relaxing and awesome. I used points to do the booking. I think it was a miracle that I was able to get 3 nights for free (although we spent lots of $$$ there because we attended the gala dinner on N Y Eve and spared no expense on nice wine and champagne).

I am checking everyday now, hoping to book another free stay at the Beach Club, but this time for one week instead of 3 days. Nothing is showing as available. If I book 2 rooms/2 persons each room, I can get the J W and rhe Ren, plus Khao Lak pool access rooms. I don't really want to book anything except the 2-bedroom condo. What do FTers think my chances might be? What I don't want to do is wait too long to book, and then have nothing available at all.

The Mai Khao Beach condos were available when I first started searching, but we don't want that club. We definitely want the Phuket Beach club that is connected to the JW.

So... what are my chances?

Mr. Vker

Just booked our 1st visit to the Ren. One week in January to follow our week at the PBC.

Still offering Plats breakfast at the Ren? Thats a big deal for us. Thank you!

sammyindc

I'll be there tomorrow, I'll let you know.

nissan720

Just checked in. Yes, they are offering plat breakfast for 2.

Mr. Vker

Nice! Enjoy.

HWN33

Thanks for posting this info. Does anyone have experience with hotels extending the breakfast for Plats to include one child (8 yrs old in our case)? In particular, I have a reservation at the JW Khao Lak.

Thank you.

HW