Honeymoon: BOB, MLE, Or LIH?

[AJK]

Good info yet again!

[Dan]

As you might know i was in the maldives less then a year ago. My advice: dont stay in the hyatt. Dont schlep around the world and sell yourself to a brand for a few freebies.

Did you read Gary's TR on the PH MLE?
That's a guy who's stayed in more luxury and exotic hotels than anyone here and called it one of the best he's ever been to...

[AJK]

Did you read Gary's TR on the PH MLE?
That's a guy who's stayed in more luxury and exotic hotels than anyone here and called it one of the best he's ever been to...

I did, and I've been back and forth with him about it. There are arguments to be made on both sides.

But the biggest one against the Hyatt is that it costs 22,000 HGP per night + ~$400 buy up per night.

Assuming comparable resorts, if I can get a beautiful OWB with a plunge pool, for only $5-600, it's a tough argument to beat.

Don't you agree that you're 22,000 HGP is worth more than $1-200?

[damaxer91]

Did you read Gary's TR on the PH MLE?
That's a guy who's stayed in more luxury and exotic hotels than anyone here and called it one of the best he's ever been to...

Gary may be a travel expert, but Luxury Hotels aren't exactly his forte. His TR's are almost all on Hyatt's, Westin's and the occasional St. Regis. Hardly someone I would consult for a one time trip to the Maldives

[Dan]

Assuming comparable resorts, if I can get a beautiful OWB with a plunge pool, for only $5-600, it's a tough argument to beat.

Agreed, if you can get it for that price then go for it.  But if it's going to be much more then perhaps not.  Also don't forget to factor tax on the paid rates versus no tax with points.

Also it makes a difference if you have expiring cc nights or are using points.  And it makes a difference if you stocked up on Hyatt money at Costco at 78% like I did in anticipation of an FFN that hasn't materialized.

I thought the Hyatt charged $350 for the buyup though?

[AJK]

Agreed, if you can get it for that price then go for it.  But if it's going to be much more then perhaps not.  Also don't forget to factor tax on the paid rates versus no tax with points.

Also it makes a difference if you have expiring cc nights or are using points.

I though the Hyatt charged $350 for the buyup though?

Good points. I'll be using an expiring suite night on the overnight in AUH at the PH. So I'll need to use another one at some point in the next few months. Shouldn't be such a "problem"

$350 plus about 15-20% tax...

[AJK]

Just realized my passport expires within 3 months. Is that going to be an issue?

Also, just read this on the interwebs:

"Most Arab or Middle Eastern countries will refuse entry to you if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport. Apply for a new one if this is the case. Gregeris advises: “Get a second passport and use one to travel to Arab countries and one to Israel. Remember however that second passports are valid only for two years.""

Need I be concerned?

[Dan]

Just realized my passport expires within 3 months. Is that going to be an issue?

Yes

[Dan]

Good points. I'll be using an expiring suite night on the overnight in AUH at the PH. So I'll need to use another one at some point in the next few months. Shouldn't be such a "problem"

$350 plus about 15-20% tax...

My gut tells me with a suite night that I'd be able to talk the GM into confirming me into a OWB. YMMV though.

[chuchem]

Gary may be a travel expert, but Luxury Hotels aren't exactly his forte. His TR's are almost all on Hyatt's, Westin's and the occasional St. Regis. Hardly someone I would consult for a one time trip to the Maldives

+1

I have spent hours checking every detail on alot of hotels. I compared prices as well. Halaveli and Zithali were the 2 best ones if money is a issue to you. My wife and I enjoyed the private plunge pool alot, as the were no znius issues. Most days we just stayed in the villa and chilled and went straight into the water from our porch.... I am not saying the hyatt isnt nice, but it does not compare to either. The villas at Halaveli are huge, I think zithalis are even bigger...

[damaxer91]

"Most Arab or Middle Eastern countries will refuse entry to you if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport. Apply for a new one if this is the case. Gregeris advises: “Get a second passport and use one to travel to Arab countries and one to Israel. Remember however that second passports are valid only for two years.""

Need I be concerned?

No

But -3 months is def an issue

[chuchem]

Dan will always stay in a brand or with points, but in the maldives this is wrong... Compare the hotels, look at the villas from inside and outside... consider the shlep to the hyatt, plane and boat (no seaplane experience)

You are flying around the world, dont get blinded by freebies or chain loyality. I am Hyatt diamond, SPG plat and after looking at the spg and hyatt options for 5 minutes, they were of my list

[AJK]

Yes

Ha, awesome. Hope I can get it done in 3 weeks

My gut tells me with a suite night that I'd be able to talk the GM into confirming me into a OWB. YMMV though.

Trust me, I tried. But I'd be impressed if you were able to pull it off. The GM said "the entire property is suites" etc.

[Dan]

Dan will always stay in a brand or with points, but in the maldives this is wrong... Compare the hotels, look at the villas from inside and outside... consider the shlep to the hyatt, plane and boat (no seaplane experience)

You are flying around the world, dont get blinded by freebies or chain loyality. I am Hyatt diamond, SPG plat and after looking at the spg and hyatt options for 5 minutes, they were of my list

Meh.
I'm looking in December and the Halaveli is $1,000/night.
I have 7 figures of banked HGP points plus cc nights to use (besides for having 7 figures of SPG and HH and a lifetime supply of free Fairmont nights).

Are you honestly saying in my situation you would lay out $6,000 for 6 nights there just because you get a small pool?

#dejavu

[Dan]

Trust me, I tried. But I'd be impressed if you were able to pull it off. The GM said "the entire property is suites" etc.

Did you try a phone call?