Best value and conveniently located Marriott properties in Asia?
Aug 11, 2019, 1:10 am
#46
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 175
Sorry, but I'm a little confused. Lotte City Hotel in Tokyo is part of the Bonvoy program? You're saying the Moxy in Kinshicho is usually the least expensive Marriott in the city? It's good to know that it's a single JR train away from NRT because I'll be flying and departing from NRT.
Aug 11, 2019, 1:14 am
#47
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A lot of the lounges I'm familiar with serve food that is prepared by the hotel restaurants, but the quality is definitely a notch or two below the menu options from the same restaurants. Imo, lounge breakfast is usually fine. However, the evening selections are not intended as a replacement for dinner.
Aug 11, 2019, 1:38 am
#48
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, BAEC Silver, TK Miles & Smiles Elite
Posts: 2,210
Sorry if I wasn't clear. I've already made the conclusion that Platinum status is worth it or else I wouldn't even do it. I was asking if it's worth doing now since we're approaching mid-August or should I wait to initiate it in January 2020? Or maybe my understanding of the status period is wrong. 16 nights ain't a problem. Let's say I initiate the challenge on September 1st and I stay in HK or Shanghai for 16 straight nights, when will Platinum status expire for me if I don't renew in 2020? If I obtain Platinum status by staying 16 straight nights in January 2020, then when will Platinum status expire?
As for a hotel lounge, I'm sorry, but can you explain to me why this is such a coveted benefit? I've never stayed in one before at any properties. I can see why airport lounges are so useful, which is why I have AMEX Platinum not just for Priority Pass, but also for Centurion Lounges
Thank you.
As for a hotel lounge, I'm sorry, but can you explain to me why this is such a coveted benefit? I've never stayed in one before at any properties. I can see why airport lounges are so useful, which is why I have AMEX Platinum not just for Priority Pass, but also for Centurion Lounges
Thank you.
In some hotels, the lounge effectively gives you full board for the price of a basic room. Go to countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia where alcohol is expensive and you can literally get your room are back in booze if there are two of you. I've done it ;-).
You should check out the lounge thread to see what you will get at the hotels you're looking at. Then decide if getting these benefits has any value for you at all. It's up to you if they do or not. The benefits are clearly laid out in the T&Cs and the specific detail of how that is executed at different hotels and brands can be found in the lounge thread and the threads about each hotel. Look them up for more information. Lounge access can be bought for ~$30-$50 or thereabouts in most hotels as a room upgrade so that's the cash value of the "free" access at Platinum. But again, varies according to specific hotel so look them up in the hotel thread on here.
You should also read the specific thread on the Platinum Challenge to answer any questions you have on qualification and validity. This thread is generally on the first page of the Bonvoy forum. You are not the only one doing it and perhaps the Mods should merge this thread into the master thread on the subject.
Aug 11, 2019, 8:24 am
#49
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,346
If you book direct (I suggest by email but you can always phone them or go through their own web site) then you get breakfast, minibar and two hours of free alcohol in the bar each evening. Give them your Bonvoy number and you will also get the nights and points. That's it.
-RM
Aug 11, 2019, 9:32 am
#50
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
For best value, stay away from city center and go to hotels in satellite cities. There are so many new hotels built around Beijing, Shanghai and maybe KM too. You can find new Marriott or Renaissance hotels at about $50 per night with club lounge access. Those are at local tourists places not very far from the cities.
Aug 11, 2019, 1:41 pm
#51
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If you've not decided that hotel lounges are a significant benefit then aiming for Platinum status doesn't seem logical because the cash value of Platinum status lies primarily in lounge access (and secondly breakfast however that is delivered and however much you eat). But maybe that's just me. For me it's the most monetisable, valuable of the Platinum benefits.
In some hotels, the lounge effectively gives you full board for the price of a basic room. Go to countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia where alcohol is expensive and you can literally get your room are back in booze if there are two of you. I've done it ;-).
You should check out the lounge thread to see what you will get at the hotels you're looking at. Then decide if getting these benefits has any value for you at all. It's up to you if they do or not. The benefits are clearly laid out in the T&Cs and the specific detail of how that is executed at different hotels and brands can be found in the lounge thread and the threads about each hotel. Look them up for more information. Lounge access can be bought for ~$30-$50 or thereabouts in most hotels as a room upgrade so that's the cash value of the "free" access at Platinum. But again, varies according to specific hotel so look them up in the hotel thread on here.
You should also read the specific thread on the Platinum Challenge to answer any questions you have on qualification and validity. This thread is generally on the first page of the Bonvoy forum. You are not the only one doing it and perhaps the Mods should merge this thread into the master thread on the subject.
In some hotels, the lounge effectively gives you full board for the price of a basic room. Go to countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia where alcohol is expensive and you can literally get your room are back in booze if there are two of you. I've done it ;-).
You should check out the lounge thread to see what you will get at the hotels you're looking at. Then decide if getting these benefits has any value for you at all. It's up to you if they do or not. The benefits are clearly laid out in the T&Cs and the specific detail of how that is executed at different hotels and brands can be found in the lounge thread and the threads about each hotel. Look them up for more information. Lounge access can be bought for ~$30-$50 or thereabouts in most hotels as a room upgrade so that's the cash value of the "free" access at Platinum. But again, varies according to specific hotel so look them up in the hotel thread on here.
You should also read the specific thread on the Platinum Challenge to answer any questions you have on qualification and validity. This thread is generally on the first page of the Bonvoy forum. You are not the only one doing it and perhaps the Mods should merge this thread into the master thread on the subject.
Given how often hotel lounges are mentioned here, perhaps my opinion will change once I try one.
Aug 11, 2019, 1:42 pm
#52
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I don't know if this is true. FYI, designhotels.com is offering the same rate as Marriott.com for the Ovolo Southside in HKG. However, the rate on designhotels.com clearly says, "Excluded: Taxes and breakfast." So breakfast is NOT guaranteed in the room rate through designhotels.com unless the individual properties override this when you arrive. But then the traveler is in the same boat hoping to get breakfast if booking directly through designhotels.com as they are hoping to get breakfast/mini-bar/happy hour booking through Marriott.com and it's their first stay at the hotel.
-RM
-RM
Aug 11, 2019, 1:43 pm
#53
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For best value, stay away from city center and go to hotels in satellite cities. There are so many new hotels built around Beijing, Shanghai and maybe KM too. You can find new Marriott or Renaissance hotels at about $50 per night with club lounge access. Those are at local tourists places not very far from the cities.
Aug 11, 2019, 6:47 pm
#54
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, BAEC Silver, TK Miles & Smiles Elite
Posts: 2,210
I don't know if this is true. FYI, designhotels.com is offering the same rate as Marriott.com for the Ovolo Southside in HKG. However, the rate on designhotels.com clearly says, "Excluded: Taxes and breakfast." So breakfast is NOT guaranteed in the room rate through designhotels.com unless the individual properties override this when you arrive. But then the traveler is in the same boat hoping to get breakfast if booking directly through designhotels.com as they are hoping to get breakfast/mini-bar/happy hour booking through Marriott.com and it's their first stay at the hotel.
-RM
-RM
We're veering off topic for this thread but if you look at Ovolo Southside's own web site (try Google) then it's very clear what you get if you book direct. There's a funky page listing everything. That's what is meant by booking direct with the hotel. Not through its third-party booking channels like Design Hotels, Marriott, Expedia or any other OTA that function as a way to generate reservations at this independently owned and managed hotel. I gave the OP a workaround based on my actual experience and face-to-face discussions with the front office manager at my various stays there. The workaround involves booking direct with the hotel to get the goodies *and* getting Bonvoy nights and points.
If you have other, accurate, information based on your personal experience with this hotel then feel free to correct me based on facts.
Aug 12, 2019, 3:04 pm
#55
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 44
Had a fabulous stay in Suzhou, not too far from Shanghai. It was extremely cheap and service and room were fabulous. One of the best stays in any Marriott. They even brought birthday cakes to our room for my daughters.
Also had an excellent stay at LM in Chiang Mai.
Marriotts are cheap in Bali and service is great, but there are no lounges.
Kuala Lumpur also is great value.
I'm not sure how Singapore made the mattress-run short list though. It's a bit pricey for that.
Also had an excellent stay at LM in Chiang Mai.
Marriotts are cheap in Bali and service is great, but there are no lounges.
Kuala Lumpur also is great value.
I'm not sure how Singapore made the mattress-run short list though. It's a bit pricey for that.
Aug 12, 2019, 5:21 pm
#56
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFOSJCOAK
Programs: AA-EXP & 1MM+, AS, MR-LTT, HH Gold
Posts: 7,581
I was there in late April for 2 nights. Breakfast and evening spreads were awesome. Just MHO after staying 139 nights at Marriott properties worldwide in 2018.
Aug 12, 2019, 5:37 pm
#57
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Had a fabulous stay in Suzhou, not too far from Shanghai. It was extremely cheap and service and room were fabulous. One of the best stays in any Marriott. They even brought birthday cakes to our room for my daughters.
Also had an excellent stay at LM in Chiang Mai.
Marriotts are cheap in Bali and service is great, but there are no lounges.
Kuala Lumpur also is great value.
I'm not sure how Singapore made the mattress-run short list though. It's a bit pricey for that.
Also had an excellent stay at LM in Chiang Mai.
Marriotts are cheap in Bali and service is great, but there are no lounges.
Kuala Lumpur also is great value.
I'm not sure how Singapore made the mattress-run short list though. It's a bit pricey for that.
You got suggestions for a good value property in Singapore?
Aug 12, 2019, 5:48 pm
#58
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Join Date: Aug 2017
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Posts: 10,516
Most properties in China are relatively affordable. To save a few bucks by going out of city center - not worth it, IMO. You'd generally end up spending more time and money on daily commute.
Aug 12, 2019, 6:43 pm
#59
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, BAEC Silver, TK Miles & Smiles Elite
Posts: 2,210
The best value property in Singapore is the Four Points Riverview which can be had for S$150 ex taxes. That's what I paid last weekend. Once you are Platinum you can trade the 500 welcome points for an extensive buffet breakfast and get two hours of freeflow beer, wine and spirits in the bar each evening (which can get the room rate back if you put your mind to it). It's a decent location - walkable to Clarke Quay and Chinatown (if you are able to walk) and across the river from Robertson Quay where there are numerous restaurants.
Aug 12, 2019, 7:03 pm
#60
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Join Date: Mar 2010
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The best value property in Singapore is the Four Points Riverview which can be had for S$150 ex taxes. That's what I paid last weekend. Once you are Platinum you can trade the 500 welcome points for an extensive buffet breakfast and get two hours of freeflow beer, wine and spirits in the bar each evening (which can get the room rate back if you put your mind to it). It's a decent location - walkable to Clarke Quay and Chinatown (if you are able to walk) and across the river from Robertson Quay where there are numerous restaurants.