That's good to hear about the hotel after many negative reports on TA. I have booked a Deluxe 1 bedroom with ocean view so assume it would be what you have received. As a HH diamond I don't expect any upgrade as I don't think there is any room class better than that.
I booked a King 1 Bedroon Appt - Ocean View. Prior to arrival, I could see that I'd been upgraded to the Duluxe room. Interestingly, I'd dropped from DIA to Silver - but back to DIA (status match) literally the day before. All the welcome stuff still had Silver but I was quickly upgraded in their system as DIA. The Deluxe room (we're on a high floor) has very nice views looking west. Huge sitting room with dining table. Off that is a large terrace balcony with table, chairs and sun beds), also has a kitchenette, laundry. Seperate loo and Bathroom. Seperate Bedroom with another balcony and seperate AC. Only real critism would be a very Euro style shower over bath.
DIA gets complimentary HS internet (waive the 4000 Fee) and buffet breakfast x2 (waive 40,000 fee). Breakfast is not expansive but fine when it's free! There is a good selection of restaurants and cafes in the immediate vacinity.
If you're looking for a "resort" style hotel you might be disappointed. It has a very small pool area. Ok for a dip but not necessarily sitting around reading a book and sipping a coughtail kind of pool. Also, it is not beach front. You have to cross the road and try your luck at the 'beach' area. As far as I can see, that seems to be the only reason for some of the poorer critiques? Although I picked it because of relatively high rating. People looking for a resort style hotel would probably be happier at Le Meridian. But it seemed to be much more expensive but definitely has a nicer pool area (but riddled with children yesterday when we walked through) and has direct beach access. But the beach isn't anything special.
Only other criticism would be the Hotel arranged transfer. Arc en Ciel is the major provider and used by Hilton and apparently most hotels it turns out. 6000 for two - we thought it would be a small van but we ended up on a 48 seater bus. Being some of the first off the plane, we waited close to an hour before departing on the 50km ride in. Fortunately the Hilton was the first stop. We picked up a car in town and will self drive back to the airport...
Drove around a little bit today and there really doesn't seem to be any significant signs of cyclone damage or even obvious signs that a cyclone passed through. Heading north for the day tomorrow - maybe up there where it passed over.
