Pseudo Nim

I think the problem is also the Marriott option to book without having the points in your account. You can easily book a bunch of 240K point stays without any commitment on your part since you can just "earn more points before the stay" - but that ties up inventory of the hotel. While I really like that option as a user, I know that for popular hotels it's probably a nightmare.

FrustratedinCA

True. And I understand the need to require a deposit, particularly if it's a holiday period, BUT what I don't get is that the amount they are requiring as a hold is $2734 on the dates I'm looking for, but the total cost of the room after points is $1010 (taxes/fees and seaplane ride for two). Why the extra $1600 in charges? Is that a F&B prepayment? I realize we'll probably spend that much on F&B, but charging that all at the time of reservation seems excessive. Especially since other travel dates don't require that amount.

Uzair

Hello,

I am planning to go to the Maldives for my honeymoon in late July/early August. I have several thousand American Express Membership Rewards points that I would like to convert to Marriott. I was thinking of redeeming the points for a stay at the Westin in the Maldives, which I believe is a new property. Unfortunately, I just tried to look at redemption possibilities and there appears to be almost nothing available for redemptions in July and August.

I remember reading a few weeks ago on OMAAT that there was a known issue with Marriott, whereby the red box would appear with the message stating that there were no redemption stays possible, and to book using cash instead. However, I can't find the article. Ben from OMAAT apparently contacted Marriott about this for a specific hotel (or 2) and they had fixed the issue.

Can someone please advise on what to do? I'm not entirely familiar with hotel redemptions, mostly only with airlines. I've sent Marriott an email, but the last time I sent them an email a month ago regarding a different issue, they didn't respond.

Thanks in advance.

tylerc

Many of the initial reviews on TA included upgrades to OWV with pool, but it sounds like they're not being as generous with those and only granting upgrades to the beach villa suite. Has anyone been in the past few weeks?

Ksw299

Mid August had some openings for the W and StR - the overwater villas though. Only advise we can give you is keep checking - try looking for a single night and if u find it book 5 nights in succession and then call CS which will combine all 5 and give you the 5th night free. Once you have the reservation then you can convert your Membership rewards, remember chase ultimate rewards transfer to marriott too. Its usually not a good value but Maldives will get you about 1.5c/pt which is good enough.

bubu-SNA

anyone have any luck doing a points booking at this property?

FrustratedinCA

Not lately. The website seems glitchy. It says rooms are available, but it doesn't load to the calendar, so it's impossible to book. And if you use specific dates, there's an error message or it redirects you to the "check available dates"...which just sends you back to the calendar page that doesn't load.

bubu-SNA

...that's what I'm seeing as well. Central reservations are no help, they see the exact same availability; or rather lack there of.

I do recall seeing points availability a few months ago when the property first opened but the points booking availability seems to be broken for the past 2 months.

tylerc

What was your experience there?? I noticed a few recent negative reviews on TA...

grassyknoll

Was able to snag a February reservation here. I'd love to hear from some of the Feb stays to hear how the resort is shaping up and if they've solved any of the service shortcomings yet.

Also, does anyone have a reservations contact email for this property?

Thanks!

MikeWeiss

SkiAdcock

Look forward to your trip report. Can you post (in addition to other things) what the breakfast situation is (Plat option) so I can update the exec lounge sticky? Thx!

Cheers.

grassyknoll

evilluc

Generic property email is [email protected] and they have been really responsive in my experience so far

tylerc

Currently here now - the breakfast option for platinum/titanium is their full breakfast which consists of a fairly extensive buffet, and a made-to-order station that includes eggs, crepes, waffles, noodle soup, etc. Not nearly as extensive as the St. Regis (no ala carte breakfast menu at the buffet like St. Regis has). There's pastries, breads, cheeses, sushi/sashimi, lots of healthy options including fresh pressed juices, hot japanese and indian options, etc. I felt it was a pretty solid breakfast.