The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui - Thailand [Master Thread]
 

Hotel website:

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/koh-samui

Opening February 2018.

"The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui will be developed in the region of Plai Laem in the Northern tip of the island, well-known for its white sand beaches surrounded by the emerald waters of the Gulf of Thailand. The hotel will feature approximately 187 luxurious guest rooms and pool villas with a collection of dining, wellness and recreational experiences and facilities on the pristine sun-kissed beachfront. The Resort will be located at the north-east end of Koh Samui in the stunning Choeng Mon area."

Once again with the Ritz Carlton double standards and the not participating in the rewards program bs. This property will not be participating in the rewards program. I'm getting really tired of all these new properties opening but not participating in their own rewards program.

We're in Koh Samui as we speak staying at the Four Seasons which is absolutely amazing and if the RC is not giving me any points or benefits, what's the incentive for me to stay there instead of other properties like the Four Seasons.

While I don´t participate in ´chasing status´, nor am I gung ho on rewards programs or points, I do see the issue here. If I were spending X on a hotel stay, and that hotel chain doles out points, I´d want them.

That said, for better or worse, this is the trend for Ritz moving forward (I´d argue it´s a trend and/or the future...not a double standard).

As a side note, the FS Koh Samui is one of the best Four Seasons in the system...so even if Ritz were to start doling out points, I´d still pick the FS (I´d still pick Six Senses, even).

Who knows though, let´s see what RC comes up with, product wise ;)

Agree with you. Seems like a new trend as a lot of the new properties don't participate. I'm not chasing rewards either but if you are part of a rewards program then either give rewards at all of them or don't at all.

And totally agree on the FS Koh Samui. On our last day here after spending the week and I sad to leave - will definitely be coming back :)

I think it will participate - its just that they have not decided on the tier level yet.

same thing happened with haikou property - its listed as tier 1 now.

when the property does open we can confirm.

its not a reserve, only singapore doesnt participate

one of the managers is ex-amanresorts

How far in advance are Tier categories usually announced before a new RC opens?

surely the fact that this is not a reserve property means it will participate in rewards ?

does it have to do with when they start taking reservations?

I think it will participate but the tier category hasn't been decided yet. When it gets closer to opening I think we'll see the tier.

Cheers.

Well I might have spoken too soon. When doing a search for something else, a list of RCs worldwide came up and it was on the list that doesn't participate in RC program.

Cheers.

That's what I was referring to with my previous posts!

^

This property later looks very promising, another to look forward ro in addition to Rosewood Phuket.

I wonder why it's not branded as a Reserve, since Phulay Bay is such a wonderful resort in Krabi. Maybe room count in Koh Samui is a bit larger?

Hotel website says now taking reservations starting October 1, but there doesn't seem to be any availability for any dates in late 2017 or 2018

good to know, presumably will correct in next few days

huge rooms, villas have 18m2 pools, top villa has 60m2 pool
60 villas, might have hope of award bookings for them

Hotels rarely open on time, and this is Thialand. We'll be lucky if it actually opens within less than a year of the projected date. And there's no way it will bw bookable until much closer to the actual opening date.

on ritz site

Isn't this going to be right by the airport and thus noisy?

Its listed as a tier 4 property on the marriott website. Can be found by filering for new hotels and category levels.

Wonder if the cash prices will actually be high enough to justify the number of points required for a Tier 4 redemption...

OxonFlyer posted that this property offers free breakfast based on this on the Marriott site:

http://www.marriott.com/hotel-search...ree-breakfast/

"The Ritz-Carlton sets the standard in elegance for business and leisure travelers worldwide. We've been perfecting the art of hospitality and have developed an approach to luxury that has never been duplicated.
Business center
Fitness center
Free breakfast
Free high speed Internet
High-speed Internet
Kitchen/kitchenette
Pet friendly
Plug In Panel
Pool
Restaurant on-site
Room service"

But when you click on the property website, it doesn't seem to mention free breakfast anywhere.

Cheers.

Any update on opening dates? It's still not bookable.

Nah I haven't heard a thing. Might give them a call and see

Rang them and the person on the phone said rates and bookings should be available end of this month.

wonder if they will have a opening special

As always, believe it when you see it. And never, ever book the first opening dates because they won't be open. Best to wait six months.

Ritz Carlton Ko Samui accepting reservations!
 

I just booked 6 nights starting February 27th 2018 using points. It's listed as a category 4 property. Plan on canceling reservation at Vana Belle to stay here. Hopefully someone posts a review before my trip with any upgrade info for Platinum members.

Since it's a RC I'm assuming you mean Tier 4, not Category 4. RCs don't do many upgrades , so I'd go in w/ the assumption you'll get what you paid for - and then be pleasantly surprised if you do get an upgrade.

Depending on the Vana Belle cancellation policy, you might want to keep that ressie until you know for certain the RC is open.

Cheers.

Surprisingly that the cash rate at this RC is quite cheaper than W Retreat and Vana Belle. (End of Feb 2018)

Thanks. You are correct. It is Tier 4 and I did follow your recommendation and kept duplicate reservation at VB to see how things look in February.

Did you only have the choice to book the a terrace room with two twin beds? I would like to book with points for April 2018 but the only type of room that pops up with the one with twin beds.

So you're saying that instead of staying at the RC Koh Samui because it does not give you any points, you will stay at the Four Seasons, which doesn't give you any points. Doesn't sound like a great trade-off, unless the FS offers a better value for that particular property.

What I'm saying is that I have no incentive in staying at the RC if it doesn't give me points or any Platinum benefits when the FS is just as nice if not nicer. There at least I get some virtuoso benefits and you can sometimes 4th night free when booking 3 nights.

Has anyone stayed at the hotel yet?

The property has opened and is accepting reservations. No real photos on the website but they are appearing on Insta

Marriott press release announcing opening:

http://news.marriott.com/2017/10/rit...i-island-life/

'The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui offers 175 suites and pool villas nestled amid 58 acres that overlook the turquoise waters of The Gulf of Thailand. Built on the site of a former coconut plantation....The oceanfront resort features Spa Village Koh Samui, a 3,800-square-meter haven anchored in the healing culture of the region, complete with eight treatment suites, three massage pavilions, a yoga pavilion, health bar, and a lap pool with intimate cabanas. The hotel’s culinary offerings reflect Koh Samui’s destination across seven dining experiences...

To further draw guests into the local culture, The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui has curated some of the best authentic southern Thai experiences to explore and experience, including the Muay Thai Gym with its indoor kickboxing ring, where guests can learn the martial art of Muay Thai (or ‘The Art of Eight Limbs’) with trained instructors. Additionally, guests can sign up for a journey to a local market to source seasonal produce, followed by a class to unlock secrets of southern Thai cooking.

The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui also offers a one-of-a-kind temperate Swim Reef within the resort that teems with over 50 species of fish. It is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, and offers unique snorkeling and fish-feeding experiences. The Swim Reef also features expansive facilities including two white sand beaches, a beach-side resort pool, a water sports center and two floodlit tennis courts. The Ritz Kids program, with dedicated kids check-in and amenities for children, offers indoor and outdoor activities helping to strengthen family ties through shared moments.

This resort also makes each wedding is a signature event. Offered in either Thai or Western style, lifetime vows are exchanged at Sala Thai, an elevated pavilion overlooking the Gulf of Thailand."

Somehow I don't think the people who go to Thailand for extreme, violent sports are going to stay here :)

The pricing does seem to mirror the Maldives. Will wait to see actual photos before deciding, but it will good to have a new luxe option. The W wasn't to our taste.

Planing to do 2 nights there next march. It will cost me 40k starpoints (120k marriott points). Should i give it a try or just stick to Vana Belle (starwood) as usual?

Any recent stay reports (especially as platinum) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Checked RC website and noted the hotel does not participate in RC reward programme.

However, they are also selling this We're linked package for next February:

WE'RE LINKED Exclusive Offer, buffet breakfast daily at Shook!, wireless Internet, upgrade at time of booking to Ocean View Suite, Marriott Rewards & SPG membership card required, prepay in full, non-refundable if cancelled less than 14 day before arrival, 1000 Bonus Points per stay

Does that mean they only give you 1,000 bonus Rewards / SPG points for your entire stay or they also give you SPG points? Thanks.

It does participate in RC reward program. It is a tier 4 hotel.

I just booked one night there using 60k marriott reward points. (The other 2 nights prior to this booking will be paid by cash)