Asia

Hi all,

I just got back from a 7 week Southeast Asia trip and I'm sharing to you my Marriott hotel redemption in Seminyak area in Bali in case you guys will find your way to this amazing island. It's 17,500 Bonvoy points per night for a standard room. I have a Gold status with them from the spending I had with the "SPG" card the year prior and also when I got my Amex Platinum Card, it's automatic Gold as well.

As usual, I emailed them for an ugrade request and they gave us a suite upgrade with a pool view. It's not their top tier suite room but I'm already so happy with this. The property is literally a 5 minute walk to the Double Six beach where people can hang with different restaurants and watch the sunset. This property has a club car shuttle where it can take you to it's "private" beach called The Beach where you can enjoy beach beds, ice cold water and towels for free as a guest. The shuttle also takes you to the Eat Street in Seminyak area. It's like the "Rodeo drive" of different restaurants and bars--both affordable and fancy ones.

Lastly, the staff were amazing. We got beers for our welcome drink (of course you can choose a non alcoholic one) and the bar at the pool is also nice for those who loves to drink and chill. Kids have their own "kids room" and adults could also use their fitness center. They also have a food truck just outside by their property called "What the Truck". Sharing some photos I took during our stay. Enjoy.

Just stayed at Bali Indigo Seminyak beach for 2 nights and sent them the following using Julie’s template. I also have platinum status through my Chase IHG card, which earned me one room upgrade to a neighbor room, but was actually given the oasis room (one above that) after sending my email. Some details:

- chase free night for first night (called in to book)
- 30k IHG points for second night

Included this info in my email to get them to combine reservations

Platinum status got me 2 free coupon drinks, 50% off breakfast, 1 free flat bread, and 4pm checkout

Overall its a beautiful property well worth staying at! Can definitely find better redemption for your chase free night, but this was our only opportunity to use it this year together.

Used Julie's letter at the Ritz in Abu Dhabi requesting a welcome note for my son and look what we got!! With chocolate F1 car, 4 notes signed by 10 staff members, balloons, food platters everywhere, a welcome banner on the bed and tons of bath toys and other goodies! I couldn't even believe it!

Just returned from the Maldives a few days ago. 5 nights at the Westin using points! It was 240k, transferred points to Marriott.

I recommend Hyatt Regency Hakone, it’s south of Tokyo and if you transfer Chase UR points to Hyatt the redemption is worth it. 25k points and a very modern onsen. Worth looking into a classic style but it’s a very comfy place and a decent location for lots of good sightseeing, roughly about 400 US dollars equivalent value.. would reccomend getting some status before you go though.