Arghh, why am I only staying one night - The Westin Langkawi.

[markis10]

This is my 6th trip to Langkawi, but sadly the first in 10 years. Last time I was here I was on my honeymoon almost ten years ago, since then there has been the tsunami and a brand change, but things look mostly the same.

This property holds the record for me for best upgrade, having been SPG Plat when I was here last we scored a massive suite with three separate living areas and a sea view, one not too distant from that shown on the SPG home page where this resort is one that is featured.

Fast forward ten years, having SPG Gold status there are no suites for me this time, and when I eventually get to my room having spent the last hour or so enjoying the lobby bar and view along with a complimentary Chardonnay, I can expect an upgrade to a deluxe room with partial sea views.

 

[anat0l]

...since then there has been the tsunami and a brand change, but things look mostly the same.

Are you sure about that? Seems like everything's been turned on its head!

:mrgreen:

 

[markis10]

Are you sure about that? Seems like everything's been turned on its head!

:mrgreen:

LOL, blame it on the wine, not operator iPAD issues.

 

[777]

I misread the title as "why I'm only staying one night!" and expected an angry spray! Slightly disappointed but pleased it's going well

 

[markis10]

I misread the title as "why I'm only staying one night!" and expected an angry spray! Slightly disappointed but pleased it's going well

Actually the spray along those lines is coming, but for the IC in Kuala Lumpur, not happy jan.

 

[Febs]

This property holds the record for me for best upgrade, having been SPG Plat when I was here last we scored a massive suite with three separate living areas and a sea view, one not too distant from that shown on the SPG home page where this resort is one that is featured.

With the massive dining setting on the balcony, several sun lounges, an 8 seater dining table inside (separate dining room) etc...? Had the same upgrade a few years ago! Second only to the upgrade I scored (sadly only for one night) at the Kamp Hotel in Finland - a named suite with its own library!

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[markis10]

The Room.

I booked a Garden View room which is the cheapest (I am not keen at viewing gardens on holidays) and received an upgrade to a partial sea view room. Some of the rooms have been upgraded, the difference is obvious in the corridor, while mine had not, it was still very pleasant with fans over the bed and on the balcony, a coffee percolator, an air conditioner that works and comfy beds. In the bathroom there was a shower with two heads, one removable and one rain shower type. In terms of amenities they were everywhere including plenty of moisturizer and soap in the shape of a leaf.

Upgraded:


Not upgraded



Bedroom



Bath



The "which bugger scored a bigger room" map

 

[Simo]

Hope you had a great night.

I like a water view but sometimes I prefer the garden view rooms as you are a little out of the way so not getting the people walking past you room balcony all day and night.

 

[markis10]

Environs


Firstly like any resort, when they say keep your door locked, you should, the locals (flora and fauna) are experts at taking advantage of gifts:

Oriental Pied Hornbill self upgrading



The reason no one offered me free food:



Pools by night (6.45 AM this morning actually) :






The kids pool from the lobby bar (this pool is very large for a kids pool but not as large as the main pool next door with swim up bar)

 

[markis10]

What to do!

Being a resort there is a plethora of things to do, besides the two pools already shown there is a third pool in the form of a man made rock feature pool which is interesting, there are watersports, beach sports, tennis, gym and spa:

 

[markis10]

Outside the resort:

Langkawi could easily be described as the Whitsundays of Asia, while it does not have its own barrier reef, it does have a marine park with coral:

Pulau Payar Marine Park Reviews - Langkawi, Langkawi District Attractions - TripAdvisor

10 years ago it was a very good day, not sure what its like now after the tsunami and tourism!

On the island there is plenty to do, including go carts, cable car, underwater world etc, however a lot of people come to Langkawi to shop as its all duty free, and its here you will find some of the most competitive pricing in the world:

Johnnie Walker Gold Centenary Edition AUD$48 (more like the old Gold that was 18 years old) and JW Premier $95



And as posted on the Duty Free Index thread, 1L of Black for $23, while a litre of red was $12. Glenmorangie fans could pick up a trio of 1L varieties including the Original, Nectar d or and one other for $100 total.

Clothes are also good value which is why I have a suitcase to checkin when I was HLO on the inbound trip

 

[Major]

Clothes are also good value which is why I have a suitcase to checkin when I was HLO on the inbound trip

Tailored or off the rack ?

 

[markis10]

Tailored or off the rack ?

Not long enough here to check out the tailor options, off the rack Polos for $3, cargo shorts for $8 etc etc.

 

[Anna]

I've been considering this place for a winter break using MH, given that QF81 has been cancelled. I think you've convinced me.

 

[kpc]

I think that Langkawi is a (relatively) hidden secret....much less tacky cf coughet with similar weather, beaches etc. If you are here for a few days, highly recommend hiring a car unless you never want to leave your resort. When I went a few years ago, I stayed at the Sheraton Langkawi (very cheap, but past its best days) but toured / visited Four Seasons, Tanjung Rhu, Westin Langkawi, Datai and Andaman. Obviously, didn't see all the rooms, but I have listed them above in the order of my preferences in terms of pool / beach and location.

 

[k_sheep]

I'm actually quite a fan of the Andaman ... plenty of local wildlife, really knowledgeable staff.

When we stayed there, the manager held an "invite only" coughtail party (don't know if it was just everyone was invited!) which was fun. Had a good chat to the GM (was completely sloshed I'm embarrassed to say, so not sure if I made any sense whatsoever!), great chat to another staff member who was working the day of the tsunami.

 

[markis10]

The resort also has some exclusive private dining options for those looking for the romantic evening, including Float, the most expensive at $200 PP which is the jetty (closed for renovations while I was there), two beach cabanas that are used for massages during the day and the spa itself. Generally its a set menu and seems good value with pricing starting around the $80pp mark excl drinks.

Private Dining venue during the day when its used for massages etc, overlooks the sea just off the beach:



The resort also has private villas with plunge pool etc which are new, the last time I was here I played football with the staff on the land they sit on!



The beach



And the missing "Ocean Rock Pool" which is the third pool on offer.

 

[Timtammi]

Thanks for the review - looks very nice! Makes me determined to try harder to make some time to visit Langkawi next time I go to KL.

 

[docjames]

Great review. No doubt a work trip so only the one night?

 

[markis10]

Great review. No doubt a work trip so only the one night?

It was an afterthought when some cheap J flights came up, will be a longer stay later this year.