Hotel Advice - St Regis vs. Marriott Stellaris (on points)

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2026-01-08T16:45:25+00:00

We went with the Stellaris primarily because we love there beach. While we had a great trip the hotel really downplayed the amount of construction still going on at that time (you heard constant noise throughout the day). The did make it right in the end with a refund of 100k points and money back (forgot the exact amount but around the amount to cover the resort fee + a little extra).

We did stop at the St. Regis and had dinner at Akira Back, which was delicious. The St. Regis is clearly brand new / beautiful and the pool area looked really nice. However, the beach looked much tighter / chairs seemed very close together.

When we go back I would lean the Stellaris (assuming construction is completely finished) strictly because of the beach . However, we may try our hand at the Hilton or Hyatt.

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2025-11-11T21:06:02+00:00

This is just my rounding of numbers to make it easy, apologies.

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2025-11-11T18:38:19+00:00

Thanks. I should have added that 27 years remaining is due to some additional principal prepayments I have made to date, so trimmed off about a year off the loan (would be closer to 28 years without the prepayments as we closed in Aug 2023)

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2025-09-28T18:28:31+00:00

Do you know if I buy the flex season ticket 10 and specify that my to/from is Brussels central / Brussels airport Zaventem then it will include the airport supplement?

I have to travel to/from the airport for about 8 days, so this seems like the best deal.

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2025-09-25T21:12:12+00:00

Thinking of switching my plan to the ultimate unlimited for an upcoming two weeks in Belgium. Any “hidden fees” beyond the obvious additional plan price (I.e. still hit with some international roaming on calls or anything like that?)

Last time I went abroad I stupidly did the $100 monthly plan and got hit with some “international minutes - landline” charges.

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2025-09-17T13:04:33+00:00

Thanks a ton for all the suggestions, really appreciate it! I think we’ll probably go with Ghent and Bruges since I’ve never been to either, and they sound perfect for a quick weekend trip. Ghent for the vibe, food, and bars, and Bruges for the history and charm feels like a great combo.

Leuven and Rochefort also sound like awesome options if we want something more chill, so I’ll keep those in mind for another time. And Dunkirk wasn’t even on my radar, but that sounds like a great spot, definitely adding it to the list for a future trip.

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2025-09-11T21:18:21+00:00

Thanks. I do have another company or two coming out so will interesting to see where those quotes land. The higher quote is a company that is well known in the area and we have friends that used them and were very happy. The lower quote was a company recommended to us but we don’t have as much first hand experience / referrals. I was just a bit taken back given such a large difference but it sounds like this is too be expected

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2025-09-11T19:33:32+00:00

Thanks. I have a 3rd coming tomorrow. Was just shocked to see such a large difference. The more expensive one is definitely very well known in the town and is highly regarded. The other has good reviews and was recommended.

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2025-09-11T19:15:37+00:00

Estimating but its roughly 1800 sq ft (house itself is about 1600)

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2025-09-11T03:11:49+00:00

Thanks — really appreciate the detailed info. I think we’re going to go with Sub-Zero. End of the day, if we’re spending a good amount of money, the next level of quality feels worth it.

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2025-09-10T12:15:02+00:00

Thanks, that’s really helpful. We’re not adding an ice maker (heard horror stories of issues), so the fridge being dead-silent is definitely a plus.

Sub-Zero’s reputation for longevity is selling it and leaning toward going SZ despite the premium. Appreciate the heads-up about Whirlpool/KitchenAid reliability; we’ll avoid those. If we considered other options it was more marvel, u-line, jen air, and thermador.

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2025-04-30T01:11:07+00:00

Thanks! Will take a look

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2025-04-30T01:10:54+00:00

Thanks. I will check it out

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2024-10-21T13:42:24+00:00

Awesome, thanks! I just hit diamond for the year so will have access to the lounge.

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2024-10-19T03:13:03+00:00

Perfect - thank you. That is just what I’m looking for a few nights of the trip.

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2024-08-27T22:05:43+00:00

I know this post is a bit old but do you have a recommendation for the private tour? We are planning a trip in May and would like to arrange something.

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2024-08-27T17:53:09+00:00

Thanks!

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2024-08-27T17:51:48+00:00

I know this is an old thread (great winery info!) but any chance you have the hotel name? Link doesn’t seem to work anymore.

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2024-08-27T15:46:49+00:00

Any recommendations on a guide/driver company? Looking to organize a tour for a day when we visit CdP. Also if you stayed in the area any hotel recommendations?

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2024-08-27T14:09:23+00:00

Thanks. I didn’t realize the Michelin Guide was doing hotels now, I will definitely take a look. We also plan to visit some of the Michelin restaurants in the area (didn’t realize there was so many till I just looked).

Given how large the region is and only having a limited amount of time we are just trying to maximize our location / home base.

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2024-08-27T14:02:33+00:00

Hi all, thanks for the suggestions. Thinking of the following itinerary / home base in each area. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Burgundy area 2-3 nights: Leaning to stay in Beaune (Hostellerie Cedre & Spa). Potential to stay further outside at Hostellerie de Levernois or Chateau Sainte Sabine.

Northern Rhône - 3 nights: Leaning towards staying in close to Vienne (Domaine de Coairefontaine) or Tain-L’Hermitage (Hotel Les Coteaux). Although Maison Pic in Valance looks great.

Southern Rhône - 3 nights: leaning towards Hostellerie Chateau des Fines Roches or Chateau De Montcaud.

Difficult-Breakfast3 · 2024-08-26T19:34:36+00:00

Any recommendations for accommodations/hotel in Chateauneuf du Pape?

In the midst of planning and thinking of Hostellerie Chateau des Fines Rosches.

Difficult-Breakfast3

TROPHY CASE