Originally Posted by maxw97

Thank you for your reply! We actually have three adults (me, 30, and my parents, both in their late 50s). I agree with you and tend not to create awkwardness first day on the trip. That being said, it just bugs me that I am already paying for a 1 King+1 sofa bed room where the maximum occupancy is 4, but still have to pay extra for the "extra person" for almost no additional services. I already emailed reservation saying 'we'll be spending a activities and dining, but they said there isn't much they can do.

Is this fee common with other Maldives resorts? Or is it just Marriott (I know Westin and W both have the fee)? I did some googling and surprisingly, not much results came up. I'm now wondering if I'm being unreasonable (blush) but also why people would be okay with this rip-off. It's not an all-inclusive resort.

Originally Posted by slice

I have a 6 night award stay. Any idea what happens if I want to drop the first night and instead make it 5 nights (same remaining dates). Will they allow that or will they try to reprice? Should I just no-show on the first night?

Originally Posted by maxw97

Thank you for your reply! We actually have three adults (me, 30, and my parents, both in their late 50s). I agree with you and tend not to create awkwardness first day on the trip. That being said, it just bugs me that I am already paying for a 1 King+1 sofa bed room where the maximum occupancy is 4, but still have to pay extra for the "extra person" for almost no additional services. I already emailed reservation saying 'we'll be spending a activities and dining, but they said there isn't much they can do.

Is this fee common with other Maldives resorts? Or is it just Marriott (I know Westin and W both have the fee)? I did some googling and surprisingly, not much results came up. I'm now wondering if I'm being unreasonable (blush) but also why people would be okay with this rip-off. It's not an all-inclusive resort.

Originally Posted by maxw97

Thanks for your reply! Good question. I assumed they wouldn't be so busy that they couldn't accommodate a last minute addition, but if there is a legit chance (even if it's just over 10%), I wouldn't risk it. What do you think?

Originally Posted by cabbit

How many Days were you there for?...I'm going to go there for 10 days and a little scared

was the butler nice ? or they are not good in organise activities?

Originally Posted by sydneyflyer12

Have you already fulfilled the points for the reservation or is it a points advance?

Originally Posted by sydneyflyer12

This seems to be common at most of the hotels I've looked at (StR, W, Conrad, WA). I also don't think it's advisable to show up with an extra person as there's no guarantee there will be space for them on the seaplane and even if there is, I don't think showing up last minute with an extra person is going to stop them from charging you the fee.

Originally Posted by helvetic

I am in a similar situation (3 adults, mom + gf) and cancelled the Maldives because it was just impractical and expensive. Looked like I'd be forced to pay for an extra room and that upgrades wouldn't be forthcoming. Instead, we're doing Bali + Thailand. Already have some of the bookings with confirmed upgrades to multi-bedroom suites, for far cheaper than the Maldives. Where we can't secure the multi-bedroom suite, we'll book two rooms.

Originally Posted by slice

Fully paid, points already deducted for the stay.

Originally Posted by maxw97

Thank you for the information! I looked on Hilton's website but it was very confusing and opaque about extra charged. Even the seaplane costs were not showing up in the summary page. So I really appreciate you sharing your research results!

Originally Posted by jjakobv84

I went for 10 days in February and had a fab time. Provided a bit of feedback to the butler on day 2 about slow service at Alba breakfast and that got it sorted. Island time and all... I was very pleased with my stay.

Originally Posted by jjakobv84

I definitely wouldn't and I also don't see the point as they'll surely just charge you the extra person fee regardless. Maldives is expensive and St Regis is at the top -- it is what it is.

Originally Posted by jjakobv84

I'd make restaurant reservations in advance just so you have something; you can then adjust with the butler when you're there as you find out what you like / dislike. I personally didn't like Alba for dinner much, but think Cargo is definitely worth a visit (or two depending on how long you're there). The menu at Whale bar is pretty good on paper; we unfortunately skipped dining there as we didn't trust our son that close to the water at night (an active 2 year old!).

Someone else answered on return flights; it's mostly driven by your seaplane departure which the hotel doesn't control. We had a 6.15pm flight and left the resort at 3pm and had late check-out. I think it just comes down to whether they need the villa for someone else arriving or not -- not your level of status.

Originally Posted by husky96821

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I've heard good things about Cargo. Do you remember how much it cost?