AUGUST 2018
Hi Sheree
Thanks for the follow up. The overall package was great, and we had a warm winter escape. We relaxed and learnt heaps, and came back revitalised.
Only lowpoint was getting pickpocketed in a 'knockoff' store across the road from ParkRoyal KL. The thieves (pros) took my wallet and spent NZ$8k on my credit cards at nearby luxury stores (before I could put a block on my credit cards). The ParkRoyal Hotel (Mohammed in Security & Duty Manager) were fantastic and took us to KL Police stations (2) so we had a police report before flying out a few hours later. Fortunately Westpac NZ has agreed it was fraudulent use, and all the transactions have been cancelled. I only lost some cash, and no need to claim on my Travel Insurance. I will email ParkRoyal with my thanks, and so they can be aware of this store
Here's some quick feedback:
Malaysia Airlines:
Pros 4 flights on time
30kg baggage allowance
Cons Poor food selection
Park Royal Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Pros Friendly staff
Allowed early check in
Amazing breakfasts
Big pool (daylight hours though)
Handy location to public transport (particularly free GOKL buses)
Security Manager extremely helpful after pickpocket incident
Nice big rooms
Cons None
Overall would definitely recommend
Used Taxi coupon to go KL airport to hotel (quicker, cheaper than train)
Used Grab (Uber clone) for cheapish taxi transport and return to airport
Old Phuket Hotel Karon Beach Phuket
Pros Easy access to beach
Handy to restaurants
Very helpful staff
Huge pool
Central location
Free shuttle to some attractions
Very big rooms with spa pool (dated but more than adequate) . Stylish buildings
Cons none
Sewerage smell from neighbouring building on a few days (we were Room 201). Now fixed I think
Overall would recommend
Elephant Hills experience
Pros Wonderful experience
Nice Lodge type atmosphere
Met great fellow travellers
Glamping set up is great
Good swimming on the Lake
Good wildlife seen when kayaking
Cons Staff friendly but a bit stale at times
Got clothes & backpack sodden when hitting monsoon rain in longboats - mesh roof only (Maybe they could supply poly bags or ponchos)
Overall would definitely recommend this hands on experience
Marriot Hotel Nae Yang Hotel (near Phuket Airport)
Pros Nice private beach
Room superb (offered an upgrade)
Breakfast excellent (but crowded)
Handy to airport. Great 'Departure Lounge' can shower etc after checkout time due to 6pm flight
Huge pool complex
Cons Staff a bit aloof (not that friendly)
Hotel did not accept prepaid transfer voucher (had to get them to ph Our Asia NZ before they would accept)
Overall would definitely recommend
Our Asia
Pros Enthusiastic well informed staff
Good pricing, and good value for money
Prompt communication
Transfers all good (see Marriott)
Free money THB1000 went down well
Duty free gift appreciated
Thai massage voucher used (fantastic experience)
Overall would definitely recommend! Will keep in touch via website. Thanks