Marriott Hong Kong Ocean Park [Master Thread]
Aug 26, 2020, 11:33 pm
#136
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 17
What, really? They're calling this a resort to deny us a late check out?
Look, I appreciate that currently there are many HK families booking here at the weekend for staycations and entrance to Ocean Park itself isn't a given but to designate this a resort is a bit much. Maximum, this gets around a problem of people checking in Friday and leaving Saturday at 4pm. Better, IMO, to mandate that you must stay two nights if you check in Friday and want late checkout rather than inflict a fictitious resort designation on everyone staying every night.
Look, I appreciate that currently there are many HK families booking here at the weekend for staycations and entrance to Ocean Park itself isn't a given but to designate this a resort is a bit much. Maximum, this gets around a problem of people checking in Friday and leaving Saturday at 4pm. Better, IMO, to mandate that you must stay two nights if you check in Friday and want late checkout rather than inflict a fictitious resort designation on everyone staying every night.
Of course, it is a pity to see such a nice hotel turning to resort. Therefore, I have not been to there for a few months already. Mainly because I cannot accept to have checkout at 11am. The hotel has the rights to change to resort, while I have my freedom to choose the hotel I wanna stay to relax. There are a lot more hotels I have never stayed, and I will give them a try!
Aug 26, 2020, 11:40 pm
#137
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 17
Nice to know they are willing to provide late checkout during low occupancy days. MaybI know how’s the quality of hh in the new ‘lounge’?
Aug 28, 2020, 9:18 am
#138
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
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What, really? They're calling this a resort to deny us a late check out?
Look, I appreciate that currently there are many HK families booking here at the weekend for staycations and entrance to Ocean Park itself isn't a given but to designate this a resort is a bit much. Maximum, this gets around a problem of people checking in Friday and leaving Saturday at 4pm. Better, IMO, to mandate that you must stay two nights if you check in Friday and want late checkout rather than inflict a fictitious resort designation on everyone staying every night.
Look, I appreciate that currently there are many HK families booking here at the weekend for staycations and entrance to Ocean Park itself isn't a given but to designate this a resort is a bit much. Maximum, this gets around a problem of people checking in Friday and leaving Saturday at 4pm. Better, IMO, to mandate that you must stay two nights if you check in Friday and want late checkout rather than inflict a fictitious resort designation on everyone staying every night.
Crowd level subsided after pool closure under Gov guidelines. Hotel grounds were empty every time I went down but was told to observe crowd timetable for breakfast if staying on the weekend.
You heard right. Hotel is now officially a 'resort' and elite check-out times are not guaranteed but was given to me this time since occupancy was very low.
Especially when the park itself is closed!
You heard right. Hotel is now officially a 'resort' and elite check-out times are not guaranteed but was given to me this time since occupancy was very low.
Especially when the park itself is closed!
Aug 28, 2020, 5:50 pm
#139
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: HKG
Programs: Marriott Ambassador (Titanium Lifetime), BA Gold, Ex-Hertz 5* PC, Ex-HH Diamond, Ex-BD*G
Posts: 3,062
It seems a bit of a shame, but to switch it around we could be happy that the hotel is doing so well and has become a destination in its own right - a rare success story in these difficult times perhaps?
Aug 28, 2020, 5:55 pm
#140
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
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The Marriott website reflects the move (it is hidden quite well), in the top left on the Marriott website is the official branding of "Marriott.com / Marriott Hotels & Resorts / Hong Kong / Resort". Presumably this comes with additional fees, that the hotel is willing to pay. As such it is official and so there is nothing much you can do except vote with your wallet if this is a problem, and hope they don't start adding on resort fees.
It seems a bit of a shame, but to switch it around we could be happy that the hotel is doing so well and has become a destination in its own right - a rare success story in these difficult times perhaps?
It seems a bit of a shame, but to switch it around we could be happy that the hotel is doing so well and has become a destination in its own right - a rare success story in these difficult times perhaps?
Nov 27, 2020, 7:03 am
#141
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 547
Checked in today and was informed of a potential devaluation for some — come Dec 1, 2020, Platinum or above members will no longer receive M Club access unless when booking directly into a club room or suite. This is in addition to the non-guaranteed late check out.
Check in agent awkwardly repeated multiple times that this is the only Marriott property in HK that is designated as a resort and hence other properties will continue to offer guaranteed lounge access and late check out.
Agent has graciously offered a late check out of 1pm though and advised me to give them a call on the day of check out to inquire about a potential 4pm check out.
Check in agent awkwardly repeated multiple times that this is the only Marriott property in HK that is designated as a resort and hence other properties will continue to offer guaranteed lounge access and late check out.
Agent has graciously offered a late check out of 1pm though and advised me to give them a call on the day of check out to inquire about a potential 4pm check out.
Nov 27, 2020, 7:27 am
#142
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,903
Checked in today and was informed of a potential devaluation for some — come Dec 1, 2020, Platinum or above members will no longer receive M Club access unless when booking directly into a club room or suite. This is in addition to the non-guaranteed late check out.
Check in agent awkwardly repeated multiple times that this is the only Marriott property in HK that is designated as a resort and hence other properties will continue to offer guaranteed lounge access and late check out.
Agent has graciously offered a late check out of 1pm though and advised me to give them a call on the day of check out to inquire about a potential 4pm check out.
Check in agent awkwardly repeated multiple times that this is the only Marriott property in HK that is designated as a resort and hence other properties will continue to offer guaranteed lounge access and late check out.
Agent has graciously offered a late check out of 1pm though and advised me to give them a call on the day of check out to inquire about a potential 4pm check out.
Nov 27, 2020, 3:10 pm
#144
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, BAEC Silver, TK Miles & Smiles Elite
Posts: 2,210
Checked in today and was informed of a potential devaluation for some — come Dec 1, 2020, Platinum or above members will no longer receive M Club access unless when booking directly into a club room or suite. This is in addition to the non-guaranteed late check out.
Check in agent awkwardly repeated multiple times that this is the only Marriott property in HK that is designated as a resort and hence other properties will continue to offer guaranteed lounge access and late check out.
Agent has graciously offered a late check out of 1pm though and advised me to give them a call on the day of check out to inquire about a potential 4pm check out.
Check in agent awkwardly repeated multiple times that this is the only Marriott property in HK that is designated as a resort and hence other properties will continue to offer guaranteed lounge access and late check out.
Agent has graciously offered a late check out of 1pm though and advised me to give them a call on the day of check out to inquire about a potential 4pm check out.
It's not like it's an amazing lounge. It's fine and better than the two Courtyards in HK but nothing special beyond that and my staycations here have been entirely based on getting a room rate of around $1000 and spending the evening having a few drinks in the lounge before going to Stanley the next day. Zero reason to stay here now. I hope they see a massive axing to the numbers of elites staying here now.
Don't worry, we will still be able to enjoy two hours of wine at nearby Ovolo Southside on our way to Stanley.
Nov 27, 2020, 3:48 pm
#145
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,916
Wow. That is an incredible move on the part of this hotel. For a corporate Marriott to deny lounge access to elites is extremely rare and it's not like there's anything exceptional about this hotel. It's not a Luxury Collection, or Tribute Portfolio, or Design Hotel but a corporate branded Marriott. I could get my head around Sheraton resorts losing their lounges outright (Hua Win, Full Moon Maldives for example) but to keep the lounge and deny access to elites. Are there any other Marriotts that do this?
It's not like it's an amazing lounge. It's fine and better than the two Courtyards in HK but nothing special beyond that and my staycations here have been entirely based on getting a room rate of around $1000 and spending the evening having a few drinks in the lounge before going to Stanley the next day. Zero reason to stay here now. I hope they see a massive axing to the numbers of elites staying here now.
Don't worry, we will still be able to enjoy two hours of wine at nearby Ovolo Southside on our way to Stanley.
It's not like it's an amazing lounge. It's fine and better than the two Courtyards in HK but nothing special beyond that and my staycations here have been entirely based on getting a room rate of around $1000 and spending the evening having a few drinks in the lounge before going to Stanley the next day. Zero reason to stay here now. I hope they see a massive axing to the numbers of elites staying here now.
Don't worry, we will still be able to enjoy two hours of wine at nearby Ovolo Southside on our way to Stanley.
Nov 27, 2020, 5:08 pm
#146
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,903
I've never heard of resort designated properties before. Are you saying all Renaissance properties participate in it?
Nov 27, 2020, 5:11 pm
#147
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,903
Wow. That is an incredible move on the part of this hotel. For a corporate Marriott to deny lounge access to elites is extremely rare and it's not like there's anything exceptional about this hotel. It's not a Luxury Collection, or Tribute Portfolio, or Design Hotel but a corporate branded Marriott. I could get my head around Sheraton resorts losing their lounges outright (Hua Win, Full Moon Maldives for example) but to keep the lounge and deny access to elites. Are there any other Marriotts that do this?
It's not like it's an amazing lounge. It's fine and better than the two Courtyards in HK but nothing special beyond that and my staycations here have been entirely based on getting a room rate of around $1000 and spending the evening having a few drinks in the lounge before going to Stanley the next day. Zero reason to stay here now. I hope they see a massive axing to the numbers of elites staying here now.
Don't worry, we will still be able to enjoy two hours of wine at nearby Ovolo Southside on our way to Stanley.
It's not like it's an amazing lounge. It's fine and better than the two Courtyards in HK but nothing special beyond that and my staycations here have been entirely based on getting a room rate of around $1000 and spending the evening having a few drinks in the lounge before going to Stanley the next day. Zero reason to stay here now. I hope they see a massive axing to the numbers of elites staying here now.
Don't worry, we will still be able to enjoy two hours of wine at nearby Ovolo Southside on our way to Stanley.
Will breakfast benefit be honored then? If not, then I have no reason to stay here anymore. It's a shame because I believe this was the best value Marriott hotel in HK. If my status isn't recognized, I mind as well save the money and stay at the Ovolo.
Nov 27, 2020, 5:27 pm
#148
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, BAEC Silver, TK Miles & Smiles Elite
Posts: 2,210
Actually, I can thing of one: The Renaissance at St. Pancras in London apparently excludes Platinums and only accepts Titaniums in its lounge. I seem to remember that this is the case there though I haven't been to test it out personally (and being Titanium I would of course luxuriate in the feeling of superiority over the wretched Platinums in this scenario).
Point is, this is a rare and exceptional act for a pretty standard Marriott brand hotel in a mainstream location with lots of competition. I conclude that the elite staycation crowd this year have taken full advantage of the ~HK$1000 rates and eaten and drunk themselves to oblivion in the lounge thereby making elites unprofitable customers. Certainly, if this is the reasoning behind this move, I have contributed to it.
Nov 27, 2020, 5:38 pm
#149
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 547
I've been to the lounge before and you're right, it's not amazing, but it's better than CY HK in SPY. The lounge is also bigger and seem newer.
Will breakfast benefit be honored then? If not, then I have no reason to stay here anymore. It's a shame because I believe this was the best value Marriott hotel in HK. If my status isn't recognized, I mind as well save the money and stay at the Ovolo.
Will breakfast benefit be honored then? If not, then I have no reason to stay here anymore. It's a shame because I believe this was the best value Marriott hotel in HK. If my status isn't recognized, I mind as well save the money and stay at the Ovolo.
Nov 27, 2020, 5:43 pm
#150
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
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Sure, but most of them don't have lounges in the first place? I'm not familiar with the NA market at all so it could be commplace for resorts of these brands to have lounges *and* exclude elites (as we know and accept at RC properties). But I cannot think of another hotel of these brands, resort or not,in Asia or Europe that has a lounge (especially an unexceptional one) that has this policy. Happy to be educated by more widely-travelled FTers than me on this point so I can also avoid them in future.
Actually, I can thing of one: The Renaissance at St. Pancras in London apparently excludes Platinums and only accepts Titaniums in its lounge. I seem to remember that this is the case there though I haven't been to test it out personally (and being Titanium I would of course luxuriate in the feeling of superiority over the wretched Platinums in this scenario).
Point is, this is a rare and exceptional act for a pretty standard Marriott brand hotel in a mainstream location with lots of competition. I conclude that the elite staycation crowd this year have taken full advantage of the ~HK$1000 rates and eaten and drunk themselves to oblivion in the lounge thereby making elites unprofitable customers. Certainly, if this is the reasoning behind this move, I have contributed to it.
Actually, I can thing of one: The Renaissance at St. Pancras in London apparently excludes Platinums and only accepts Titaniums in its lounge. I seem to remember that this is the case there though I haven't been to test it out personally (and being Titanium I would of course luxuriate in the feeling of superiority over the wretched Platinums in this scenario).
Point is, this is a rare and exceptional act for a pretty standard Marriott brand hotel in a mainstream location with lots of competition. I conclude that the elite staycation crowd this year have taken full advantage of the ~HK$1000 rates and eaten and drunk themselves to oblivion in the lounge thereby making elites unprofitable customers. Certainly, if this is the reasoning behind this move, I have contributed to it.
I don't know if I was profitable to this hotel or not, but I took advantage of all of the perks that I was entitled to. I definitely stuff myself at breakfast before going back to my room.