Phuket or Ko Samui?
May 9, 2015, 11:25 am
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: BA Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,809
Booked! Thanks everyone for the advice. I'll report back in a few weeks.
May 9, 2015, 6:22 pm
#17
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 265
another property to add on my list as well 
by the way, what about the W?
by the way, what about the W?
Last edited by fivenue; May 9, 2015 at 6:27 pm
May 10, 2015, 2:57 am
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: BA Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,809
The W looks amazing but it has an amazing price, almost three times that of the LM!
May 11, 2015, 9:40 am
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,773
Of the VB, W and Meridien only the latter made any effort to welcome me as I explained that I was wandering around and was interested in the property for a return visit as a Plat. I disliked the layout of the W which felt like a compromised copy of the Conrad (although I am sure the evening party scene would be fun). I just didn't warm to the VB and didn't like the location and room design and proximity of other rooms.
The Meridien felt totally different and much more boutique. I would still prefer the Conrad overall but the Meridien is much better value for money I think especially in the nice oceanview pool villas.
May 11, 2015, 9:49 am
#21
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: BKK
Programs: World of Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Bonvoy LTP; IHG Plat
Posts: 2,234
IIRC, The W was open for business before Conrad.
May 11, 2015, 8:52 pm
#22
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: San Rafael, CA
Programs: Life SPG Plat, 7X NH DIA
Posts: 2,840
We enjoyed Vana Belle so much that we were not satisfied with the W and checked out early returning to VB.
May 11, 2015, 10:43 pm
#23
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: SPG,HH,IHG
Posts: 786
On my visit to each property
-Vanabelle was the best beach and best sea view
-Sheraton was next to vanabelle but I didn’t go there yet so I suppose the same beach quality
-Lemeridien was small but great service. I received greetings with FOM and hand-write welcome letter. Every day I saw GM Tina during breakfast talking to guests and helping restaurant staff to make better service.
Pool access room was composed of 3 part bedroom wc and veranda size is approximately 1:1.2:1.5 ratio respectively
-W I'm not W guy but I visited this property to decide it is worth for money or not.
IMO beach and sand quality are inferior to vanabelle including view from room (more far away from beach)
So if I want to stay in my room/hotel and don't go to any place, I will choose Vanabelle.