Sep 21, 2014, 10:19 pm
The Naka Island Resort, Phuket Thailand [Master Thread]
Nov 24, 2011, 10:40 pm
#61
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: United 1K, Hyatt Courtesy Card, SPG Ambassador
Posts: 154
contact?
does anyone have contact information at this hotel other than [email protected]? i've been trying to email for the past week regarding car pickup and speedboat transportation and no one has responded to my emails. 
Nov 25, 2011, 1:20 am
#62
formerly fdemoulin
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: UK
Programs: SPG Lifetime Platinum, BA Silver, Virgin Flying Club Red
Posts: 916
There are many resorts of this nature in the region (and I am sure elsewhere as well) . It may not suite you, but there are many who loves this concept. Apart from the Maldives, I have also stayed at a few other resorts where you are basically trapped on an island or in a location not accessible by road. Am I going to bash these resorts because I can't walk down the road for supper ?
All these bashings are getting very silly especially when those participating have not even stayed there. There are so many places you can stay in Phuket ; if this concept doesn't suite you, there are many on the main island which would. But then you may not be able to get a free stay from your credit card spend at most resorts in Phuket, I can almost guess the nationality of the moaners ...
And while I am not a diver, I have never thought of Phuket as a major diving destination in the region. Thought the Maldives, Sipadan, Perhentians, Great Barrier Reef are places you go to for diving ...
All these bashings are getting very silly especially when those participating have not even stayed there. There are so many places you can stay in Phuket ; if this concept doesn't suite you, there are many on the main island which would. But then you may not be able to get a free stay from your credit card spend at most resorts in Phuket, I can almost guess the nationality of the moaners ...
And while I am not a diver, I have never thought of Phuket as a major diving destination in the region. Thought the Maldives, Sipadan, Perhentians, Great Barrier Reef are places you go to for diving ...
Nov 25, 2011, 1:27 am
#63
formerly fdemoulin
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: UK
Programs: SPG Lifetime Platinum, BA Silver, Virgin Flying Club Red
Posts: 916
Naka Island
I understand your point about this resort not being to everyone's tastes, and yes I do try and choose Starwood as am a platinum member and incidentally do not 'burn points' all my stays are paid and I did not receive the platinum card by my employer paying for all my trips, this comes out of my own money, which is my choice. I think a little reality check is needed here, Naka is FIVE minutes offshore, not on some deserted island like the maldives, which i have visited many times and enjoyed. It is a matter of principle, if clients want to stay at the resort for the entirety of their stay that is great and I probably would do this as well, but to be held captive is not a good option being just 5 minutes away and I think Starwood have got this wrong. I would also disagree that Phuket is not a good dive destination, i have also visited Sipidan Wakatoa, PNG and agree it is not up there with them, but having dived for over 20 years in Thailand I still find Koh Bon, Shark Point very enjoyable.
Nov 25, 2011, 2:35 am
#64
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Singapore
Programs: SPG
Posts: 4,002
does anyone have contact information at this hotel other than [email protected]? i've been trying to email for the past week regarding car pickup and speedboat transportation and no one has responded to my emails.
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Nov 25, 2011, 2:37 am
#65
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Singapore
Programs: SPG
Posts: 4,002
I have a message from the resort.
"The resort would like to clarify any misunderstandings that may have occurred. All rates offered by the resort include an arrival and departure speedboat transfer from Ao Por Grand Marina i.e. on check in and check out only. Car transfers from the airport to Ao Por Grand Marina can be booked at a charge of THB 1800 nett one way in a BMW. Should guests choose at any time during their stay that they would like to go Phuket Island they can request the speedboat for THB 2500 nett return trip.
In addition to this we are also working with our operators that can pick guests up directly from the pier located on the island depending on the type of tour requested, alternatively the resort offers a range of activities, please contact the hotel directly should you require more information on [email protected]."
Let me know if you need to know any other information.
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
"The resort would like to clarify any misunderstandings that may have occurred. All rates offered by the resort include an arrival and departure speedboat transfer from Ao Por Grand Marina i.e. on check in and check out only. Car transfers from the airport to Ao Por Grand Marina can be booked at a charge of THB 1800 nett one way in a BMW. Should guests choose at any time during their stay that they would like to go Phuket Island they can request the speedboat for THB 2500 nett return trip.
In addition to this we are also working with our operators that can pick guests up directly from the pier located on the island depending on the type of tour requested, alternatively the resort offers a range of activities, please contact the hotel directly should you require more information on [email protected]."
Let me know if you need to know any other information.
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Nov 25, 2011, 6:58 am
#66
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: SEA(sia)
Posts: 5,181
You are making a hue and cry over $40 to hire a boat run by a 5 star resort.
If $40 is too much, how much do you expect the resort to charge; it cannot be unlimited complimentary rides since it would then be subject to abuse. Does it matter whether its a 5 min, 10 min or 30 min ride, when the boat is probably on standby exclusively for the island ?
Considering that most resorts in Phuket do mark up their car service by 200-300% , and a 5-10min tuk-tuk ride on the island costs around $10; $40 each way for an entire boat is not cheap but definitely not ridiculous. If you were to arrange for your own boat at the pier, do you think someone with a proper boat would be willing to take you across to the island for much less than $40 ?
If you want to be really 'cheap', I have a suggestion for you. Do multiple 1 night bookings, so that you check-in and out everyday. In this way, you will have free boat rides to & from the main island everyday. Happy ???
If $40 is too much, how much do you expect the resort to charge; it cannot be unlimited complimentary rides since it would then be subject to abuse. Does it matter whether its a 5 min, 10 min or 30 min ride, when the boat is probably on standby exclusively for the island ?
Considering that most resorts in Phuket do mark up their car service by 200-300% , and a 5-10min tuk-tuk ride on the island costs around $10; $40 each way for an entire boat is not cheap but definitely not ridiculous. If you were to arrange for your own boat at the pier, do you think someone with a proper boat would be willing to take you across to the island for much less than $40 ?
If you want to be really 'cheap', I have a suggestion for you. Do multiple 1 night bookings, so that you check-in and out everyday. In this way, you will have free boat rides to & from the main island everyday. Happy ???
Nov 25, 2011, 9:29 am
#67
formerly fdemoulin
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: UK
Programs: SPG Lifetime Platinum, BA Silver, Virgin Flying Club Red
Posts: 916
It seems that the resort is now making an attempt to get tours to pick up from the island directly, so perhaps our complaints have not fallen on deaf ears and I applaud them for doing so. It just seems a bit daft when you look on the hotel website and if offers all kinds of tours/options, only doesn't let you know up from that you can book them from the hotel and then have to pay $80 to be able to pick them up. I can assure you I am not being cheap but it is the way it is worded, I have neither the time nor the inclination to book 'multiple stays' and probably had i stayed there not even bothered to leave the island, but it is the principle and it appears they are already trying to rectify it which proves that Starwood do pay attention to flyertalk posts which is really what i understand it to be all about!! Probably wont visit this year as already rebooked somewhere else but it will be interesting to see how things develop, don't forgt the previous formula with Six Senses was a failure which is why Starwood have now taken over running it and hopefully will retain the tranquility it enjoyed under previous management.
Nov 25, 2011, 10:02 am
#68
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: BKK
Programs: World of Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Bonvoy LTP; IHG Plat
Posts: 2,233
personally if i choose to stay at resort like this, i will never go out of the property.
its room rate is quite high, so i will rest and relax in the resort all day and night
its room rate is quite high, so i will rest and relax in the resort all day and night
Nov 25, 2011, 1:17 pm
#69
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Toronto
Programs: SPG Gold, HH Silver
Posts: 855
I have a message from the resort.
"The resort would like to clarify any misunderstandings that may have occurred. All rates offered by the resort include an arrival and departure speedboat transfer from Ao Por Grand Marina i.e. on check in and check out only. Car transfers from the airport to Ao Por Grand Marina can be booked at a charge of THB 1800 nett one way in a BMW. Should guests choose at any time during their stay that they would like to go Phuket Island they can request the speedboat for THB 2500 nett return trip.
In addition to this we are also working with our operators that can pick guests up directly from the pier located on the island depending on the type of tour requested, alternatively the resort offers a range of activities, please contact the hotel directly should you require more information on [email protected]."
Let me know if you need to know any other information.
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
"The resort would like to clarify any misunderstandings that may have occurred. All rates offered by the resort include an arrival and departure speedboat transfer from Ao Por Grand Marina i.e. on check in and check out only. Car transfers from the airport to Ao Por Grand Marina can be booked at a charge of THB 1800 nett one way in a BMW. Should guests choose at any time during their stay that they would like to go Phuket Island they can request the speedboat for THB 2500 nett return trip.
In addition to this we are also working with our operators that can pick guests up directly from the pier located on the island depending on the type of tour requested, alternatively the resort offers a range of activities, please contact the hotel directly should you require more information on [email protected]."
Let me know if you need to know any other information.
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
This is excellent and welcome news! Personally, I think this rectifies the situation to an acceptable level. I just wish that they had easily avoided this misinformation to begin with. Although the additional transfers are pricey, that is a discretionary matter between the hotel and prospective guests, and with fair notice up front to guests, should not be a problem.
Many thanks to Starwood Lurker II!
Nov 25, 2011, 3:35 pm
#70
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Englandshire
Programs: SPG LT Plat, BA G, BD*LG, MG Blue+ ...
Posts: 16,032
Nov 25, 2011, 5:31 pm
#72
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 323
does anyone have contact information at this hotel other than [email protected]? i've been trying to email for the past week regarding car pickup and speedboat transportation and no one has responded to my emails.
Nov 25, 2011, 5:33 pm
#73
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 323
As others have said - if you want a base for doing daily expeditions around Phuket then why would you pay the high Naka Island rate rather than basing yourself on the mainland?
EDIT: Earlier this year I stayed at Likuliku in Fiji for like eight nights (which is far more remote than Naka Island). We never left the resort and loved every second of it
Nov 25, 2011, 5:34 pm
#74
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 323
I have a message from the resort.
"The resort would like to clarify any misunderstandings that may have occurred. All rates offered by the resort include an arrival and departure speedboat transfer from Ao Por Grand Marina i.e. on check in and check out only. Car transfers from the airport to Ao Por Grand Marina can be booked at a charge of THB 1800 nett one way in a BMW. Should guests choose at any time during their stay that they would like to go Phuket Island they can request the speedboat for THB 2500 nett return trip.
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
"The resort would like to clarify any misunderstandings that may have occurred. All rates offered by the resort include an arrival and departure speedboat transfer from Ao Por Grand Marina i.e. on check in and check out only. Car transfers from the airport to Ao Por Grand Marina can be booked at a charge of THB 1800 nett one way in a BMW. Should guests choose at any time during their stay that they would like to go Phuket Island they can request the speedboat for THB 2500 nett return trip.
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Does "all rates" include C&P stays and points bookings?
Nov 26, 2011, 3:21 pm
#75
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: SEA(sia)
Posts: 5,181
I can assure you even if the tour operator is willing to pick up guests directly from the island for some sea based excursions, they will add on a huge premium for that added convenience. Tour operators are there to make money, they don't exist merely for your convenience.