St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, UAE United Arab Emirates Opened Nov,11
Nov 12, 2017, 12:36 am
#166
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: AUH
Posts: 8,266
I agree that FHR is usually excellent value for money, and I would always try to book it as long as the rate difference is not excessive, especially if I don't hold a top tier with the program. When I lose my Hyatt status next year, I would imagine that any Hyatt stay will be booked through FHR/Virtuoso, for example.
But for an SPG Plat, I do wonder how much additional benefits you will get through FHR at this property, as the benefits are equal or better other than the spa credit. 500 points are "worth" about 10-15USD so it's a no-brainer to take breakfast if not otherwise included. One thing I guess is that 4pm check-out is not guaranteed for SPG Plats at resort properties, but is a guaranteed benefit through FHR.
PS. Looks like Abu Dhabi hit a home run with the Louvre! Looking forward to visiting soon.
But for an SPG Plat, I do wonder how much additional benefits you will get through FHR at this property, as the benefits are equal or better other than the spa credit. 500 points are "worth" about 10-15USD so it's a no-brainer to take breakfast if not otherwise included. One thing I guess is that 4pm check-out is not guaranteed for SPG Plats at resort properties, but is a guaranteed benefit through FHR.
PS. Looks like Abu Dhabi hit a home run with the Louvre! Looking forward to visiting soon.
Nov 12, 2017, 1:02 am
#167
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,265
I am thinking to stay here and visit the just opened Abu Dhabi Louvre after seeing @JohnRain's beautiful pictures of the museum. I am a plat. Can I expect a water view on a mid week stay (not during the yearend holidays)? What does the hotel offer plats if breakfast is chosen as the amenity?
We are great fans of the Avasa Indian Kitchen in the adjacent shopping complex. It has probably been two years since we have eaten there. Is it still good?
We are great fans of the Avasa Indian Kitchen in the adjacent shopping complex. It has probably been two years since we have eaten there. Is it still good?
Second stay was 5 nights in February 2016. Platinum upgrade to a gorgeous 1 BR-suite, sea front. IIRC they call this "ocean suites" and there are only 4 if I am not mistaken. Butler service was fantastic and we got all sort of extra amenities (welcome gift, extra cookies and chocolates and my children even got a farewell gift from the butler team). Fantastic stay and even if the size of this resort is not what some would call true luxurious, our stay definitely was top notch.
Last time was a short 1 night, because of an overnight layover. Platinum upgrade to a junior suite with limited sea view. The stay was just ok, nothing special.
What I really liked about this property: butler service can be extremely good and they use Whatsapp. There's an adults only pool. The beach is gorgeous and very different from most UAE 5 star hotels (even the O&O's in Dubai and the likes).
I still have a contact e-mail from a senior front office agent. Send me a PM if you like me to look it up for you
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Nov 12, 2017, 1:05 am
#168
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,265
Oh and now that I think of it - since you mention "mid week stay": keep in mind that busy weekend nights in UAE are Thursday and Friday!
Last edited by Epicura; Nov 12, 2017 at 10:04 pm
Nov 12, 2017, 1:12 am
#169
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
I agree that FHR is usually excellent value for money, and I would always try to book it as long as the rate difference is not excessive, especially if I don't hold a top tier with the program. When I lose my Hyatt status next year, I would imagine that any Hyatt stay will be booked through FHR/Virtuoso, for example.
But for an SPG Plat, I do wonder how much additional benefits you will get through FHR at this property, as the benefits are equal or better other than the spa credit. 500 points are "worth" about 10-15USD so it's a no-brainer to take breakfast if not otherwise included. One thing I guess is that 4pm check-out is not guaranteed for SPG Plats at resort properties, but is a guaranteed benefit through FHR.
PS. Looks like Abu Dhabi hit a home run with the Louvre! Looking forward to visiting soon.
But for an SPG Plat, I do wonder how much additional benefits you will get through FHR at this property, as the benefits are equal or better other than the spa credit. 500 points are "worth" about 10-15USD so it's a no-brainer to take breakfast if not otherwise included. One thing I guess is that 4pm check-out is not guaranteed for SPG Plats at resort properties, but is a guaranteed benefit through FHR.
PS. Looks like Abu Dhabi hit a home run with the Louvre! Looking forward to visiting soon.
-200$ Food credit
-100$ Spa credit
-Guaranteed 4PM Check-out
-Upgrade at booking
-Full breakfast
I can highly recommend the Ocean Suites as they’re really gorgeous.
And of course the Louvre is amazing.
Nov 12, 2017, 1:29 am
#170
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,265
I booked through FHR (Amex Cent) and I got the following (on every stay):
-200$ Food credit
-100$ Spa credit
-Guaranteed 4PM Check-out
-Upgrade at booking
-Full breakfast
I can highly recommend the Ocean Suites as they’re really gorgeous.
And of course the Louvre is amazing.
-200$ Food credit
-100$ Spa credit
-Guaranteed 4PM Check-out
-Upgrade at booking
-Full breakfast
I can highly recommend the Ocean Suites as they’re really gorgeous.
And of course the Louvre is amazing.
.I did not book through FHR and I don't think I missed much. My BRG discount was more than 300 USD resort credit
. IIRC I got the late check out without issues.
For a short stay (1-2 nights) the FHR is very tempting. Otherwise for a plat it's quite likely that a succesful BRG will result in a much better deal.
Nov 12, 2017, 12:38 pm
#171
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Programs: UA-1k, 1mm, Marriott-LT Platinum, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,355
The weekend in the ME is Friday and Saturday. KSA changed 4 years ago from T/F to F/S and the UAE was already on this like all other ME countries.
Nov 12, 2017, 10:05 pm
#172
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,265
I meant weekend nights (versus mid week stay). But thanks for pointing out, I have edited.