Hotels that limit gazetted status benefits.

[Deleted member 29185]

I'm referring in particular here to Conrad Rangali (Maldives), who don't extend the room upgrade benefit to gold or diamond HH members.

I understand many properties cannot offer lounge access (as they don't have lounges) but I cannot see why they cannot honour room upgrades. Let's face it, the privilege is only offered if there is availabilty on the night, so why would Rangali rule it out point blank? The Hilton group have gone to lengths to alter the upgrade T&Cs to include suites for diamonds, so Rangali seems a little boorish to steadfastly refuse even a basic one level upgrade.

Further, does anyone know if Nor-1 upgrades are offered there? Perhaps that may be one good use for Nor-1?

Are there many Hilton group properties like this?

 

[kpc]

When are you planning to go to Conrad Maldives? . I'm thinking of going in 2014. I think you can pay cash ?$300 per night to upgrade to OW villa but not 100% sure. On FT, in the Conrad Maldives thread, there is an official rep that you could ask re upgrades...

 

[Deleted member 29185]

When are you planning to go to Conrad Maldives? . I'm thinking of going in 2014. I think you can pay cash ?$300 per night to upgrade to OW villa but not 100% sure. On FT, in the Conrad Maldives thread, there is an official rep that you could ask re upgrades...

I might also just email Conrad Rangali and ask them outright.

We're considering Jan 2014, but we're also weighing up alternate options, like Europe instead. Time is a major factor for us right now as I'm contracted to lecture and somewhat restricted to school holidays (which is OK as we have kids who are also contracted to school terms ).

So hopefully, we're skiing Queenstown in either June or September, maybe Maldives in January and Europe 2015........or something entirely different :shock:.

 

[kpc]

Can you Post or PM the reply? At this stage I'm thinking Feb 2014 myself, but am still a few points shy of the 200k I need for a 5 nite stay; also flight awards are not yet released

 

[Mollycram]

From what I've read, Hilton Bora Bora don't give room upgrades either...

 

[MrJetset]

FYI - The W and Park Hyatt Maldives also don't offer upgrades to SPG Platinum or Hyatt Diamond members. Upgrades from points booking are secured via cash. This tends to be normal at the top end of the scale. I've come across the phrase 'This property has limited SPG participation' far too many times.

We're headed to the PH Hadahaa next week, and it really is a schlep to get there, even once arriving in MLE.

 

[ConradMaldives]

I understand many properties cannot offer lounge access (as they don't have lounges) but I cannot see why they cannot honour room upgrades. Let's face it, the privilege is only offered if there is availabilty on the night, so why would Rangali rule it out point blank? The Hilton group have gone to lengths to alter the upgrade T&Cs to include suites for diamonds, so Rangali seems a little boorish to steadfastly refuse even a basic one level upgrade.

We can understand your frustration. The issues are that, as you've mentioned, the upgrade is subject to availability. Whereas in most hotels, redemption stays tend to be only one or two nights, here it can be for a week or longer. In addition, we're a small hotel with only 150 villas and what many HHonors guests don't realise is that we can have a large number of redemption bookings staying with us at one time. There's simply no way we can upgrade 15 to 30 rooms for weeks.

You'll be happy to know that Diamond and Gold members often are upgraded (often by several categories), but we prefer to make guests happy by giving them an upgrade that they weren't expecting rather than disappointing those who expect it as a given.

Even if you don't get upgraded, we think you'll be happy. Our Beach Villas (which are the 'entry category' for redemption bookings) are really lovely: you get a 150 square metre beach villa directly on the beach with a terrace, garden area and a garden-bathroom that's the size of most city hotel rooms. In the villa we welcome you with wine, fresh fruit and chocolates, and of course it's standard that all guests get complimentary bottled water, nespresso coffee and tea. You have a choice of where to eat a full breakfast every day which includes sparkling wine if that floats your boat. There's a free afternoon tea every day with cake, biscuits, sandwiches and of course tea. Because we don't have a lounge, you're invited to daily coughtails in one of our bars with free wine, coughtails and canapes.

 

[yohy?!]

We can understand your frustration. The issues are that, as you've mentioned, the upgrade is subject to availability. Whereas in most hotels, redemption stays tend to be only one or two nights, here it can be for a week or longer. In addition, we're a small hotel with only 150 villas and what many HHonors guests don't realise is that we can have a large number of redemption bookings staying with us at one time. There's simply no way we can upgrade 15 to 30 rooms for weeks.

You'll be happy to know that Diamond and Gold members often are upgraded (often by several categories), but we prefer to make guests happy by giving them an upgrade that they weren't expecting rather than disappointing those who expect it as a given.

Even if you don't get upgraded, we think you'll be happy. Our Beach Villas (which are the 'entry category' for redemption bookings) are really lovely: you get a 150 square metre beach villa directly on the beach with a terrace, garden area and a garden-bathroom that's the size of most city hotel rooms. In the villa we welcome you with wine, fresh fruit and chocolates, and of course it's standard that all guests get complimentary bottled water, nespresso coffee and tea. You have a choice of where to eat a full breakfast every day which includes sparkling wine if that floats your boat. There's a free afternoon tea every day with cake, biscuits, sandwiches and of course tea. Because we don't have a lounge, you're invited to daily coughtails in one of our bars with free wine, coughtails and canapes.

Welcome to AFF, your location in your profile is probably up there for the most desirable on this board

 

[markis10]

Adds Hilton Maldives to bucket list after being impressed by reps post - check

 

[serfty]

... and certainly you would have checked it.

There is an extensive thread on FT in regard to this place.

It is one of those "once in a lifetime" type of places.

Even on awards it costs US$$$ ... and plenty of that.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

We can understand your frustration. There's simply no way we can upgrade 15 to 30 rooms for weeks.

Thank you ConradMaldives, for firstly answering my question, but secondly for taking the time and effort to join this forum to do so. Like Markis10, I found you post sincere and well phrased without the "gloss over the issue" undertone taken by many when attempting to answer difficult queries and I do look forward to January and visiting you (unless my wife insists on Europe instead).

Can we request a raincheck on the bubbly at breaky and hold it over for afternoon tea around the pool?

 

[oz_mark]

... and certainly you would have checked it.

There is an extensive thread on FT in regard to this place.

It is one of those "once in a lifetime" type of places.

It's certainly on my list of things to do at least once !

 

[Newk]

wow...off to google Conrad Maldives

 

[drdpr]

"You have a choice of where to eat a full breakfast every day which includes sparkling wine if that floats your boat."

Yes but if you book via HH redemption you now need to cough up ~ $50 pp which once use to be free. Along with a sunset cruise or a snorkel.

Anyway, having been twice mid March 2010 and early Dec 2011, my understanding from chatting with the staff including GM is that Jan and Feb sees the resort pretty much maxed out. Germans take out Christmas, then dispersed with an influx of Russians and then Chinese for Chinese NY. So my recommendation for getting the upgrade to your reward nights is you ask them what the availability is and what the cost is and do it b4 you book if your not happy with the standard beach villa. I usually do a mix of reward redemption and a few nights with whatever is going down at the time (usually I plan out from Jan to take advantage of weekend getaway specials). Personally, I like the beach or deluxe beach villas in preference to OWV due to more privacy. OWV are for Bora Bora and are a must. Garden villas no way as good as Conrad Maldives beach villas.

One of the reservation staff will likely contact you before your due date of arrival to try and up sell you on the accommodation booked. You will get NOR1 opportunity for non-rewards.

e.g. I was emailed with:

"Maybe a special rate for US$200++ per night for stay in Deluxe Beach villa for your first 5 nights, then you wont need to move the villa during your stay.

Thank you for your time to read my mail. And all the best.

Looking forward to welcoming both of you back to our beautiful island.

Best regards,

Alison Chang
Reservation Coordinator
P.O. Box 2034
Male, South Ari Atoll, Republic of Maldives"

my reply

Thank you for the reply Alison. Interestingly, the Hilton E-standby offers me the upgrade for only $169 to the deluxe beach villa or only $99 for water villa + 10% + taxes. Any reason for your offer being at $200 or $31 above the Hilton website?

Her reply

The E-standby upgrade only subject to the availability upon the arrival to the resort, we can't guarantee in advance.

Best regards,

Alison

PS I knew this to be not so as this email exchange was a week out and I could easily book rooms so I knew there was plenty of availability. My theory here would be to test them out once you arrive and negotiate if not critical. I stress this is just theory as I was content with my bookings and did not want to spend anymore on accommodation.

 

[ConradMaldives]

"You have a choice of where to eat a full breakfast every day which includes sparkling wine if that floats your boat."

Yes but if you book via HH redemption you now need to cough up ~ $50 pp which once use to be free.

Breakfast is free for Gold and Diamond members on redemption bookings. Our benefits are listed on our website but unfortunately I can't post the link here because I haven't made enough posts. It's Conrad Maldives dot com and the information is listed in the 'resort information' tab.

There was a brief time last year when breakfast was removed but we brought it back again quite a while back.

So my recommendation for getting the upgrade to your reward nights is you ask them what the availability is and what the cost is and do it b4 you book

Yes, agree it's always worthwhile checking all the options.

 

[kpc]

Breakfast is free for Gold and Diamond members on redemption bookings. Our benefits are listed on our website but unfortunately I can't post the link here because I haven't made enough posts. It's Conrad Maldives dot com and the information is listed in the 'resort information' tab.

Earn Hotel Points & Rewards with Hilton Loyalty Program | Hilton HHonors:

 

[kpc]

Q for ConradMaldives: I'm thinking of visiting next year either February or March....which is the quieter of the 2 months, or are they both very busy? I gather this is the dry season so rainy days are less likely.

 

[ConradMaldives]

Q for ConradMaldives: I'm thinking of visiting next year either February or March....which is the quieter of the 2 months, or are they both very busy? I gather this is the dry season so rainy days are less likely.

Sorry to tell you but both are likely to be busy. Early Feb will have the big wave of Chinese guests still celebrating new year, then mid-Feb there are public holidays across Europe so lots of families travelling. March is when the Russians traditionally holiday. Easter is very late next year, so you could try late Feb, late March or into early April. The monsoon doesn't turn until May so the weather will still be good.

 

[MrJetset]

"You have a choice of where to eat a full breakfast every day which includes sparkling wine if that floats your boat."

Yes but if you book via HH redemption you now need to cough up ~ $50 pp which once use to be free. Along with a sunset cruise or a snorkel.

Anyway, having been twice mid March 2010 and early Dec 2011, my understanding from chatting with the staff including GM is that Jan and Feb sees the resort pretty much maxed out. Germans take out Christmas, then dispersed with an influx of Russians and then Chinese for Chinese NY. So my recommendation for getting the upgrade to your reward nights is you ask them what the availability is and what the cost is and do it b4 you book if your not happy with the standard beach villa. I usually do a mix of reward redemption and a few nights with whatever is going down at the time (usually I plan out from Jan to take advantage of weekend getaway specials). Personally, I like the beach or deluxe beach villas in preference to OWV due to more privacy. OWV are for Bora Bora and are a must. Garden villas no way as good as Conrad Maldives beach villas.

One of the reservation staff will likely contact you before your due date of arrival to try and up sell you on the accommodation booked. You will get NOR1 opportunity for non-rewards.

e.g. I was emailed with:

"Maybe a special rate for US$200++ per night for stay in Deluxe Beach villa for your first 5 nights, then you wont need to move the villa during your stay.

Thank you for your time to read my mail. And all the best.

Looking forward to welcoming both of you back to our beautiful island.

Best regards,

Alison Chang
Reservation Coordinator
P.O. Box 2034
Male, South Ari Atoll, Republic of Maldives"

my reply

Thank you for the reply Alison. Interestingly, the Hilton E-standby offers me the upgrade for only $169 to the deluxe beach villa or only $99 for water villa + 10% + taxes. Any reason for your offer being at $200 or $31 above the Hilton website?

Her reply

The E-standby upgrade only subject to the availability upon the arrival to the resort, we can't guarantee in advance.

Best regards,

Alison

PS I knew this to be BS as this email exchange was a week out and I could easily book rooms so I knew there was plenty of availability. My theory here would be to test them out once you arrive and negotiate if not critical. I stress this is just theory as I was content with my bookings and did not want to spend anymore on accommodation.

I don't think it's appropriate to be naming individual hotel staff by name.

 

[drdpr]

Thank you Conrad for the clarification re breakfast for gold and diamond members. I am glad you brought this back. Cool, third trip needs to come now!

"Our Beach Villas (which are the 'entry category' for redemption bookings) are really lovely: you get a 150 square metre beach villa directly on the beach with a terrace, garden area and a garden-bathroom that's the size of most city hotel rooms. In the villa we welcome you with wine, fresh fruit and chocolates, and of course it's standard that all guests get complimentary bottled water, nespresso coffee and tea."

Absolutely agree! They do a super effort at this hotel. The staff are great. If only Qantas or Virgin flew direct to Male ex PER we would be in business.

Conrad, can you please clarify a point from your hhonors benefit page:

1) Daily full buffet breakfast at Atoll restaurant for cardholder + 1 guest
2) Daily Happy Hour at Vilu restaurant for you and sharing guest in same villa

I am trying to convince my step sister and husband to visit. I intend to book a mix of reward and nights i.e. 2 rooms under my name. At every other H Hotel when I have booked 2 rooms we have received the HH benefits on both. Could you please confirm what the above will be on the second room for the guests? Thank you in advance.