Questions and Answers

I have double booked stays at the Hyatt and the new St. Regis in Maldives.

I’m really torn on where to stay. Will arrive there on [B]February 14 Valentines day[/B]. Staying for 4 nights. Staying on free nights and points and Hyatt and all points at St. Regis. Gold with Starwood and Platinum with Hyatt. I feel that I have a slight better chance of upgrade with St. Regis. I also like that the place is fairly new. We’ve had problems in the past with some saggy beds.

Snorkeling is one of our top priorities. I hear great things about Hyatt. There doesn’t seem to be much buzz yet about snorkeling at the St. Regis.

I like the quicker and quirkier sea plane ride to St. Regis, vs. so so plane ride and motorboat ride to Hyatt. I figure costs for food, etc. probably similar (high). Any other differentiating factors to consider?

thanks for any help you can provide.

Paul–I haven’t been to the St. Regis but I can verify that the snorkeling at the Hyatt was pretty awesome. You won’t get any upgrades as Platinum at Hadahaa. Food is expensive and I tend to be cheap but even so, I didn’t think it was unreasonable for the location and logistics involved. Let me know if you have any specific questions although Ben did a very good write up on the property as a whole.

One thing that might be worth considering at the St Regis is that you can book upgraded rooms using points, you just have to call in to do so.

The points premium can be quite reasonable, especially if you’re doing 5th night free (I realize you said you were there for four nights, but in case someone else has a similar question in the future).