St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort [Master Thread]
Sep 30, 2018, 3:55 am
#1561
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Programs: BA Silver, EY Gold, HH Diamond, IHG Plat
Posts: 12,210
Checked in yesterday - going to have a fantastic 10 days here.
Regarding sun and pool temperature issues, the bolded statement above is incorrect. @onlysuites seems to comment on the temperature of sunset OWVs without having stayed in a SOWV if I am interpreting his previous posts correctly (?); he can correct me if I am wrong, but I am led to believe he was rather referring to the OWVs which are facing north (522 to 528) as being cold, which is not the same as the rooms labeled “sunset OWVs” on Marriott.com (530 to 544) and selling at a premium over the regular OWVs.
The pool of the sunset OWVs start to get direct sunlight at around noon and are directly in the sun until sunset (~6pm), hence the name of the villas. Since SOWVs have direct sunlight in the pools all afternoon which is when the sun is strongest, I suspect that pools of the SOWVs are warmer than the pools of the inner-facing OWVs which are directly opposite of SOWVs – some of those must get sunlight all morning but not starting early/mid-afternoon.
Our pool (SOWV) is cooler than the ocean for sure, but I would not consider it cold or cool. Granted I am a northern climate guy, but even my wife who is from a southern climate does not have an issue with the pool temperature.
Regarding sun and pool temperature issues, the bolded statement above is incorrect. @onlysuites seems to comment on the temperature of sunset OWVs without having stayed in a SOWV if I am interpreting his previous posts correctly (?); he can correct me if I am wrong, but I am led to believe he was rather referring to the OWVs which are facing north (522 to 528) as being cold, which is not the same as the rooms labeled “sunset OWVs” on Marriott.com (530 to 544) and selling at a premium over the regular OWVs.
The pool of the sunset OWVs start to get direct sunlight at around noon and are directly in the sun until sunset (~6pm), hence the name of the villas. Since SOWVs have direct sunlight in the pools all afternoon which is when the sun is strongest, I suspect that pools of the SOWVs are warmer than the pools of the inner-facing OWVs which are directly opposite of SOWVs – some of those must get sunlight all morning but not starting early/mid-afternoon.
Our pool (SOWV) is cooler than the ocean for sure, but I would not consider it cold or cool. Granted I am a northern climate guy, but even my wife who is from a southern climate does not have an issue with the pool temperature.
Sep 30, 2018, 7:46 am
#1562
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,838
To be honest I can't remember the numbers. If you walk to the Jacob estate villa and take a right I was staying at one of the last ones facing towards the sea. Are these the Sunset ones? Or are the ones before the estate on the left side sunset? We did not get any sun at all on the pool part all day. The open area got sun through the day.
Regarding snorkeling I agree with comments for other posters in this thread that St.Regis Maldives is not the best place for snorkeling. That said, there is clearly some marine life right outside our villa and elsewhere in the resort, but the reef is bleached. We saw several kinds of fish, there are turtles, baby sharks, etc. Around our SOWV, sometimes the waves and current are quite strong which makes snorkeling conditions less than ideal. Other times the ocean is more calm so snorkeling is easier and enjoyable.
1. Is the fruit basket are the cookies and coffee/tea replenished daily as suggested in the Platinum Amenities area in the wiki? I've read various accounts that little treats and the fruit basket is updated once every few days. Silly thing to worry about but considering the cost of food and drink it would be nice to rely on a little snack here and there.
6. Anyone bring snacks with them? Curious as to if anyone has experience of bringing some extra little snacks with them and if it all worked out? Did you buy them in Male or bring them from your destination? Don't worry, we aren't going to hold up in the room and eat nothing but breakfast and ramen, but it would be nice to have a few goodies at the ready.
As part of the afternoon beverage service, we get sweets along with a couple of soft drinks every day. Every other day, these come with a fruit plate as well. See what we got today.
Sep 30, 2018, 8:49 am
#1563
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Muscat/Doha/Manchester
Programs: Oman Air Gold, Qatar Airways Platinum, Marriott Ambassador, HH Diamond, GHA Black, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 432
6. Anyone bring snacks with them? Curious as to if anyone has experience of bringing some extra little snacks with them and if it all worked out? Did you buy them in Male or bring them from your destination? Don't worry, we aren't going to hold up in the room and eat nothing but breakfast and ramen, but it would be nice to have a few goodies at the ready.
I can only answer the last point as I stayed at the Park Hyatt and Six Senses and Sheraton in the Maldives and I have learnt over my multiple journeys to pack more and more snacks! It wont replace the main meals however it will say stop you going three courses or perhaps missing a lunch and just having the breakfast and then a nice dinner. Naturally you need to be selective with what you bring to ensure it doesn't get damaged or ruined along the route (due to the outside conditions and the various baggage handlers along the way) however I would highly recommend bringing food. (and yes you can get it in Male though all foods might not be available that you want or the brands you want)
Sep 30, 2018, 10:44 am
#1564
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
My Starwood Ambassador told me that 3:30pm is the latest they can accommodate a flight to Vommuli. My flight was landing at 2:30pm and I was advised that if my flight was late by more than one hour I would not make it. So your flight landing at 3:30pm is right at the deadline, it better not be late by much. I would check historical stats of that flight to see how often it's on time.
Take @onlysuites advice
It's the most sensible option by far when you are going to the Maldives
Sep 30, 2018, 11:56 pm
#1566
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,838
Since I am here I asked the hotel about a doctor and the answer is yes, they have a doctor on staff who is on the island at all times.
Oct 1, 2018, 12:52 am
#1567
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 68
Quick question, can I use Marriott GC for dining charges and sea plane fee?
Edit: I guess the answer is no.
The following Marriott Hotel Brands DO NOT accept Marriott or The Ritz-Carlton GiftCards: Protea Hotels by Marriott®, St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Tribute Portfolio™, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, Element®, Design Hotels™
Edit: I guess the answer is no.
The following Marriott Hotel Brands DO NOT accept Marriott or The Ritz-Carlton GiftCards: Protea Hotels by Marriott®, St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Tribute Portfolio™, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, Element®, Design Hotels™
Oct 5, 2018, 9:23 am
#1568
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: USA
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Delta Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 197
Oct 5, 2018, 9:24 am
#1569
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: USA
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Delta Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 197
I can only answer the last point as I stayed at the Park Hyatt and Six Senses and Sheraton in the Maldives and I have learnt over my multiple journeys to pack more and more snacks! It wont replace the main meals however it will say stop you going three courses or perhaps missing a lunch and just having the breakfast and then a nice dinner. Naturally you need to be selective with what you bring to ensure it doesn't get damaged or ruined along the route (due to the outside conditions and the various baggage handlers along the way) however I would highly recommend bringing food. (and yes you can get it in Male though all foods might not be available that you want or the brands you want)
Oct 5, 2018, 9:30 am
#1570
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: USA
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Delta Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 197
2. Should we tip our butler $100 bill upon arrival? Now stay with me on this one, I know this may be contentious for some people. But I've also read in this thread and elsewhere that people seem to get what they consider inconsistent service until they "open their wallet." Do you think this gesture will be a completely empty one? Or do you think it may return some dividends in terms of some additional goodies or complementary items during the stay that might enhance the experience? Elsewhere in the thread someone suggested the butler has a decently wide discretion and some things they seem to be able to authorize are free breakfast (not worred now that I'm platinum) or free Blue Hole experience or the obvious showing up with more cookies, coconut drinks, etc. Any direct experience would be welcome.
The butler has huge discretion over making your stay comfortable. I didn't outright ask for anything but did get proactive upgrades, free breakfast, etc. I didn't tip in advance, but it could really help. it's highly dependent on the butler, and a good one (and St Regis properties tend to have good ones) sense what you want and make it happen without you asking. So if you seem like you love snacks, etc., you might just find yourself with extra snacks. Tip them afterwards too!
Oct 5, 2018, 9:33 am
#1571
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: USA
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Delta Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 197
My impression of the property is that they aren't so polite to people using points before the stay, but when on the property, the butler handles everything and s/he is professional (and it becomes excellent customer service). This is from my personal experience. I am NOT surprised they give zero exceptions for bookings with points if you ask in advance.
Oct 5, 2018, 12:52 pm
#1572
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
It is sad that in the Maldives you should have to tip to get above average service, and at a 5-Star+ / lux / branded property it's even more disgraceful. From this thread it is perhaps too difficult to be certain whether the inconsistencies with the butlers have arisen from lack of training and knowledge of brand standards or a mix of smart and conniving butlers and over-zealous tippers.
Last edited by MaldivesFreak; Oct 5, 2018 at 1:16 pm
Oct 5, 2018, 1:22 pm
#1573
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
My impression of the property is that they aren't so polite to people using points before the stay, but when on the property, the butler handles everything and s/he is professional (and it becomes excellent customer service). This is from my personal experience. I am NOT surprised they give zero exceptions for bookings with points if you ask in advance.
Perhaps in sub-par properties and in other parts of the world where service industry workers in direct contact with guests are unmotivated, untrained and lazy. At this property this needs to be re-phrased to: The butler is supposed to, and is responsible for, making your stay comfortable.
You were very lucky and there was a higher category room free for the duration of your stay or they overbooked your villa category and you got bumped. Don't fool yourself by thinking that a butler has the final say on whether a guest gets an upgrade or not. All he can do is recommend. And don't you think the reservations department know that a butler has been tipped big when he says "Upgrade Mr. & Mr.s X" without providing a reason such as for the purpose of service recovery?
I get the feeling in this thread that people feel the more money they throw at butlers the more they are going to get. While that may be true, what they fail to realize is that they are getting 10c on the dollar. "Wow, I tipped the butler a hundred bucks and I got some fruit, chocolates and I got a couple of soft toys for my kids. All stuff that the next villa down the way didn't get! Awesome to be treated like a VIP!!"
Cost analysis:
2x toys made in China worth 50c each, cost to import $1 ea., value: $2
Chocolates made in the kitchen, value $3
Fruits grown on a nearby island, value: $5
Not smart in the least but, as the saying goes, different strokes for different people.....
Last edited by MaldivesFreak; Oct 5, 2018 at 1:50 pm
Oct 5, 2018, 4:10 pm
#1574
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: SPG-Plat, Hilton-Diamond, Club Carlson-Silver, Cathay-Diamond, Virgin-Gold
Posts: 2,183
I was referring to the resort forcing you to upgrade all of your stay, not just part of your stay.
Perhaps in sub-par properties and in other parts of the world where service industry workers in direct contact with guests are unmotivated, untrained and lazy. At this property this needs to be re-phrased to: The butler is supposed to, and is responsible for, making your stay comfortable.
You got free breakfast because your status entitled you to it.
You were very lucky and there was a higher category room free for the duration of your stay or they overbooked your villa category and you got bumped. Don't fool yourself by thinking that a butler has the final say on whether a guest gets an upgrade or not. All he can do is recommend. And don't you think the reservations department know that a butler has been tipped big when he says "Upgrade Mr. & Mr.s X" without providing a reason such as for the purpose of service recovery?
As I have mentioned, this is the Maldives and if a butler at a property such as this is not performing to the brand standard, he or she will be reprimanded and given a warning.
Why not just buy the snacks yourself instead of paying 10x more for them with practically the same result. Remember, the 10% service charge is your tip....and that 10% makes up a huge portion of their salary, usually more than 50%.
I get the feeling in this thread that people feel the more money they throw at butlers the more they are going to get. While that may be true, what they fail to realize is that they are getting 10c on the dollar. "Wow, I tipped the butler a hundred bucks and I got some fruit, chocolates and I got a couple of soft toys for my kids. All stuff that the next villa down the way didn't get! Awesome to be treated like a VIP!!"
Cost analysis:
2x toys made in China worth 50c each, cost to import $1 ea., value: $2
Chocolates made in the kitchen, value $3
Fruits grown on a nearby island, value: $5
Not smart in the least but, as the saying goes, different strokes for different people.....
Perhaps in sub-par properties and in other parts of the world where service industry workers in direct contact with guests are unmotivated, untrained and lazy. At this property this needs to be re-phrased to: The butler is supposed to, and is responsible for, making your stay comfortable.
You got free breakfast because your status entitled you to it.
You were very lucky and there was a higher category room free for the duration of your stay or they overbooked your villa category and you got bumped. Don't fool yourself by thinking that a butler has the final say on whether a guest gets an upgrade or not. All he can do is recommend. And don't you think the reservations department know that a butler has been tipped big when he says "Upgrade Mr. & Mr.s X" without providing a reason such as for the purpose of service recovery?
As I have mentioned, this is the Maldives and if a butler at a property such as this is not performing to the brand standard, he or she will be reprimanded and given a warning.
Why not just buy the snacks yourself instead of paying 10x more for them with practically the same result. Remember, the 10% service charge is your tip....and that 10% makes up a huge portion of their salary, usually more than 50%.
I get the feeling in this thread that people feel the more money they throw at butlers the more they are going to get. While that may be true, what they fail to realize is that they are getting 10c on the dollar. "Wow, I tipped the butler a hundred bucks and I got some fruit, chocolates and I got a couple of soft toys for my kids. All stuff that the next villa down the way didn't get! Awesome to be treated like a VIP!!"
Cost analysis:
2x toys made in China worth 50c each, cost to import $1 ea., value: $2
Chocolates made in the kitchen, value $3
Fruits grown on a nearby island, value: $5
Not smart in the least but, as the saying goes, different strokes for different people.....
Oct 5, 2018, 4:24 pm
#1575
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
@MaldivesFreak , I do not understand your point re tipping butlers. The idea of a tip is to show appreciation for excellent service, and doing so usually results in even better service. Tipping is not intended to be a payment for the purpose of eliciting free stuff from the butler. That’s the wrong way to view it.