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