Thanks for sharing. It's nice that they seem somewhat flexible, but I think $331++ is a much better option than 36K points per night for the Hibiscus Villa. YMMV.

Exactly, I was surprised at the property's unwillingness to work with me in light of info I provided them about actual rates.

($331 best rate - $300 upgrade rate) / 6,240 Starpoints (average nightly rate with 5th night free & 35% off coupon) = 0.49 cents/point -- a horrible deal

The other choice is slightly better: $331 / (6,240 + 24,000) = 1.09 cents/point

Couple quick questions (having just checked in)

1. How does the tipping work here for butlers bringing drinks, hauling garments to get cleaned, etc..?

2. Can we plug directly into the parallel power ports here being on US power? I have fried a charger or two in my day from doing that on plugs that were supposed to be US friendly.

3. What are your guys' top recommendations for food around here? I assumed the Mrs and I would be eating at the St Regis most of our meals.

Thanks in Advance,

Luke

I'm arriving tonight, after a week in the Sheraton Yogyakarta on points (probably the best value in Starwood -- a Cat I which could comfortably be a Cat III/IV).

Doing 2 nights each at Le Meridien, Sheraton Kuta, Westin, and Laguna. I was hoping my girlfriend would join me from California, but looks like work won't allow it. (I'd probably try the W and St. Regis, too, but I'm trying to keep it under $160/night, and the cheapest for those was $320 or $500)

1) I generally tip IDR 10-20k for interactions where the person isn't otherwise compensated. There is a 10% service charge on everything, so there's less need to e.g. pay for room service delivery (although I still do sometimes). For bag handling, absolutely. I think my theory is better to tip frequently and smaller amounts.

2) You can look at your devices to see if they will work on 220/50Hz. Stuff like hair dryers is generally a no, but *most* modern computer equipment will be fine. It actually says this on the adapter; look for 100-240V 50/60Hz. You could always check with the hotel if you're uncertain.

(the "universal plugs" in the wall are usually just plug adapters, not voltage converters. To convert voltage, you need a transformer, and those are heavy and depend on specific load. It's easier just to get universal chargers for everything.)

3) The only food I've heard about so far is a fairly good "pick your fish and they will cook it" near the Le Meridien. I've never been off Java, but I can't believe the food options would be anything but excellent. wikitravel actually is a decent resource, and I'm going to take photos/add them to it during the trip.

TL;DR: an amazing resort; visit!

This was probably the best resort stay I've ever had anywhere. I strongly recommend the Laguna, particularly during lower season and earlier in the week, to anyone looking for a relaxing stay. Upgrade to Exec Suite Garden View, an essentially private pool (we were there in low season and on Tuesday-Thursday, so the pools on the outside of the resort were almost always empty), breakfast buffets as a platinum which were so amazing we didn't feel like we needed to eat for the rest of the day, bars everywhere, lots of things to do, and the most helpful butler service. Even more amazing, the members of staff who don't normally interact with the public (groundskeepers and maintenance) did everything they could to help when we asked.

We got a 60 minute couples massage as a platinum gift and it was perfect; my only regret is we waited until the day before checkout to take advantage, or I would have booked more.

(The downside is that it isn't a particularly "authentic Bali" experience. My plan from now on on visiting Bali is to spend part of the stay in places like the Starwood hotels in the southern parts of the island, then go up to the north (at least until the Westin Ubud opens), then back down before flying out. But pretty much the whole time we were in our rented villa up in the north we were saying "I miss the Laguna"...)

Definitely stop over at the St. Regis during your stay, too -- you can cross-charge. The Gourmand Deli over there is amazing; some of the best chocolate and pastries I've ever had, and surprisingly reasonable prices for sandwiches and the like. Alcohol is absurdly expensive all over Nusa Dua and Bali, though (the cheap bottles of wine were $15-20 bottles for $100, cocktails were generally around $16/ea).

Can anyone advise on whether the Grand Lagoon Suite or the Two bedroom Villa would be a better choice of accommodation? The Two bedroom villa seems to be much bigger (although I'm sure they are calculating outdoor space) while the Grand Lagoon Suite seems to have the direct pool access. Decisions Decisions. Hopefully someone has stayed in these and can comment.

More offerings for the new year.

Chinese New Year Holiday Offer

•24-hour Butler service on-call
•In room and resort Wi-Fi
•Daily buffet breakfast for 2 persons
•One-time afternoon tea for 2 persons
•One-time buffet dinner at Banyubiru Restaurant for 2 persons

•The offer is valid from 10th January 2014 to 28th February 2014.
•A minimum of 2 nights stay is required.
•A limited number of rooms may be available at these rates.
•Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Booking link

[email protected]

Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

SPG Hot Escapes offer for 4 days only.

• Save 20% and enjoy 24-hour Butler service and free Wi-Fi.
• SPG® members receive additional 5% off.
• Reserve between 29 January to 1 February for stays until 12 March 2014

• Offer is prepaid, non refundable, non changeable and subject to availability at the time of reservation.
• A limited number of rooms may be available at these rates.
• Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Booking link

[email protected]

Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia 2006 - onward [Master Thread]
 

I spent 3 days at this property recently. Its a nice resort. However, its in extreme need of a refurbishment. I was upgraded to a suite. However, the sofa smelled bad and we stayed oit of the living room. We still had a nice time. But a property under the Luxury Collection brand (Level 6) should hold itself to higher standards.

Website says Cat 5

Luxury Romance With Exclusive Rates

• Daily breakfast for 2 persons
• In-room and resort Wi-Fi access
• 1 bottle of champagne

• A minimum stay of 2 nights is required.
• Offer is subject to availability at the time of reservation.
• A limited number of rooms may be available at these rates.
• Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.


Booking link

[email protected]

Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Of course. But it still holds true.

I'm glad its going down to a level 4. A much more appropriate level.

Matchless 4 day sales: Save 20% until this Saturday

• Includes 24-hours Butler service and free Wi-Fi.
• SPG® members receive additional 5% off.
• Reserve between 9-12 April for stays until 21 May 2014.

• A limited number of rooms may be available at these rates.
• Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Booking Link : http://bit.ly/1ehGTff

[email protected]

Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

anyone have an update on this property? have an easter weekend stay coming up and this thread does not exactly fill me with anticipation