I did this 2 years ago. I suggest getting Ambassador membership. Did 2 nights at Thalasso using the AMB certificate (BOGO). 4 nights at Le Moana using points. Points only book you into the beach bungalows... But because I had Ambassador, they upgraded all 4 nights to OTW bungalow. Used AA miles to get to Tahiti, then Chase points to/from Bora Bora. Also, Chase points for island activities.
hahaha giant toothpick! I love how you're such a normal dude. And I love how this is a sincere video: you show the crappy weather and the bird poop and struggling with window blinds. It makes me feel reassured that you don't gloss over the reality.
Thanks for this informative video Sebby. I was able to book 3 consecutive nights at La Moana using points and 2 nights at Thalasso and applying my Ambassador free weekend 2nd night a few days ago. It took only 10 minutes of searching so I was lucky. I couldn’t find any rooms using my 1 free night certificate. This morning a Thalasso points room became available so I grabbed that one and cancelled one night at La Moana. I used my UR points for our flights. It was pricy but I wanted short flights without long layovers. The only cash outlay will be the 1 night at Thalasso so I think I made a good deal. The dates are perfect for my family’s schedule too. I still have 2 free night certs but cannot find any use for them yet. Keep up the great videos Sebby!
I love your videos and how properly you speak. (I'm still learning English and watching your videos help me out a lot plus I learn about credit cards, how to use point and much more). Thanks, Sebby! 🙏🏼
Love these kind of videos. I’m in Indonesia right now and already wanting to plan a trip to Bora Bora or the Maldives and these videos help me figure out how to do it.
#AskSebby thank you for doing this video. I’m guessing there is no way of knowing what the weather is going to be. The room was not what I expected so definitely thank you both for taking one for the team.
It's wonderful, but also look at The Seychelles and Maldives, if you really want to feel your away from home, go to these places instead of Bora Bora, they feel more exotic and the beaches are as beautiful or more than Bora Bora, the food is also waaaaay better.
I had Spire (top tier status) through a match: www.asksebby.com/blog/ihg-status-match-to-top-tier-spire-elite When checking in, I'm also carrying a giant camera + gimbal + mention my other stays in 2018 (Thalasso + Conrad) and this year (St. Regis + Le Meridien).
😪 i know this video is hella old but it looks like they do the same thing. my question is when you make a spreadsheet of the dates and keep track of it you said you dont have to do it again. so lets say i do all the tracking over two weeks and i find the dates i want and will those dates always be avaliable for booking a points stay?
I was looking for a specific thursday and Friday night at this hotel. Neither were available, but the Wednesday was. I used Wednesday check-in and Saturday checkout and was able to book all 3 nights with points. Granted I have 2 rooms for Wednesday night now but I was able to get the 2 additional nights I needed.
Congrats! Availability for a lot of these properties is definitely the tough part. My understanding is that corporate pays them something like $200 to $250 for the room when using points.
Hi Sebby, my wife and I have been planning this trip for several years, we each have 150k ihg points, will each have a reward night by Aug-Oct as we are tentatively planning the dates..my question...is both of us joining ambassador worth it by helping finding open OWB nights or upgrades? Would this ensure NO BLACKOUTS, I'd rather pay a lil extra and not have to jump thru hoops to book..Any help is appreciated, if your available to help plan, I would gladly compensate you, thx again
@@AskSebby I really didn't know a lot about credit or credit cards until I started watching your channel. I have about 18 cards right now. Would you like me to list them all?
@@AskSebby I really didn't know about credit or credit cards until I started watching your channel. Right now I have about 18 cards. 1. PenFed Pathfinder Rewards American Express® Card, 2. PenFed Power Cash Rewards VISA Signature® Card, 3. PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® Card, 4. Discover, Amazon Secured credit card, 5. Paypal Mastercard, 6. Alliant Visa Platinum rewards Visa, 7. Bank of America Cash rewards, 8. Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card , 9. Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card, 10. Navy Federal Go Rewards Visa, 11. Google Credit Card, 12. Capital One Cabela's Club Mastercard, 13. Capital One Buypower Mastercard, 14. Capital One Platinum Mastercard, 15. Citi Dividend, And 16. HSBC Credit Card.
If you're booking and eating everything at the resort, no need for cash. Most restaurants take Visa. If you're going to Vaitape and buying from street vendors, withdraw cash.
@@chojthoj08 Depending on the resort you're going to, this might be a good way to check out Vaitape AND save some money: th-cam.com/video/XQHZjbp-cCo/w-d-xo.html
@@AskSebby Thank you for the video. I had seen it, was very helpful. We are staying at the 4 seasons and Conrad. You should do more videos of your trip. I enjoy your videos very much. Especially the bora bora videos. Lol
I stayed at the two IHG properties. While on the properties, I charged all spending to my room...including purchases at the gift shops to ensure I got the IHG bonus spend when using my IHG CC. It may not have been necessary...but, maybe someone else can verify.
Sebby, do you ever fly stand by? If so, do you know a way to get into the centurion lounges (w/ Platinum card) without an actual ticket since you are flying standby?
My strategy is usually: 1) Have status 2) Check in with a big camera + gimbal setup in hand 3) Talk about going to other properties afterwards (LM and St. Regis were next) 4) Mention great experience LAST year at their sister property (Thalasso)
Location also plays a big role. Asia seems to respect status more. It also works better in resorts vs. cities (in my experience). For example, Conrad Bangkok did NOT care at all despite having Hilton Diamond status. JW Marriott Dubai didn't really care that I had MR Platinum status.
When I arrived, I received a letter from the manager reminding me that when using points an upgrade is not guaranteed. It then went on to say that since they had space, they would upgrade me. It ended up being the best OTW on the property... At the very end of the dock. When I looked out my window all I saw was ocean and reef.
You can't really control the birds / wild animals. Thalasso, Conrad, and St. Regis are bigger. Le Moana is the oldest hotel in Bora Bora (from what I was told) so that likely factors into it.
Thank you Sebby for posting this! By any chance, did you use the ihg points in conjunction with Hilton points? if so, did you take the seaplanes to hop around the property? For ex. hopping from Conrad to Ihg. When you get a chance, could you please explain the cost/best method to get to Bora Bora from West coast? Thank you again!
You don't need seaplanes to hop around properties in Bora Bora. Either connect through Vaitape or hire a private boat ($100 per person -- YMMV). For IHG Le Moana, I would take a taxi back to Vaitape (~$20) and take the shuttle to Conrad from Robert Wan = ~$15 per person). Total being $50. Maldives is SUBSTANTIALLY more expensive to property hop (~$500 per person).
This is potentially the most helpful and time saving video EVER!!!! I called IHG about a year ago, asking about using points at some of their very high end resorts. I was told, "Oh, they are all full ." Now, when I use the trick in this video, they magically have rooms.
I didn't pay anything on top for the upgrade. A few data points on FlyerTalk mention that buying Ambassador ($200 www.ihg.com/intercontinental/content/us/en/ambassador) still helps. You can (could?) do a match to Spire (top tier status): www.asksebby.com/blog/ihg-status-match-to-top-tier-spire-elite
Thumbed up and favorited! I want to take a trip there with my significant other in a year... so now i know how to :). Appreciate u fam, also what a gorgeous view. Thanks for sharing the experience with me. God bless you Sebby.
It's not even close to the Four Seasons in Bora Bora, but better than the Hilton in Morea. I guess that it all depends what you value more, the view or the luxury. Still great though, don't get me wrong, we also stayed at the Maldives Veligandu, which is way better in the food department than anything in the French Polynesia but is not as nice as this one or the Four Seasons. Again it all depends at what you give more value to.
I'll post St. Regis at some point -- probably the most impressive property in Bora Bora (I haven't gone to FS though but talked to a bunch of guests who've been to both StR and FS and they preferred StR).
Ask Sebby I’ve heard the exact opposite. But I guess these two are equals. I do have to say that French Polynesia in general was a disappointment when it comes to food. As I mentioned, I’ve been to Seychelles and Maldives and they are miles ahead in this department. Bora Bora’s setting of course its is main attraction though so, maybe the food is not the main thing here. I do take that into consideration. A hotel like the Four Seasons and the Hilton should be at least decent. I also booked with points (flight with united 60k points roundtrip from San Diego) hotel was a deal for their 10th anniversary. 3 nights 4th one free.... with free breakfast.
Ask Sebby yes. The island Praslin would be my hub to visit other islands. Le Duc De Praslin is a fantastic boutique hotel in front of a gorgeous beach. I would stay there a good 4 days and I would also stay another 3 days in the island La Digue. I stayed in a very nice hotel called Le Reserve. The main island is also pretty interesting and underrated. Thar’s where you’ll find the Four Seasons and other top properties. It has some amazing beaches too but you will have to explore.
Don’t worry. I am in Thalasso now and has been very sunny even though the weather report predicted clouds and rain for the past few day. There were some showers in the pm but for short durations. I am looking at Mt. Otemanu from my room right now and it is crystal clear. It has been the best vacation ever.
Thanks asksebby received my chase shappire 2 months ago and hit over 4K spend to get the 60k points. I can already see that the points are more valuable than my Amex gold. Easy to get since my CS is 760, fell under the 5/24, and income over 50k. What did tick me off is that they charges didn’t hit until the beginning of the third statement, so I wasn’t able to use the points on my engagement trip. Hoarding the points to hopefully get something like this 🙌🏼🔥😬
We had an engagement trip to Destin, Florida. Great beaches and overall activities and it hold personal value for my fiancée and I since we talked about engagement plans back in 2018 at the same location. I love the great content and videos you produce. I always drive her crazy when I tell her about your videos and play them around her lol
Follow Ask Sebby on Instagram: instagram.com/asksebby/
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Hi Ask sebby, can you give me the Chase set up credit card / hotel cards to go to Bora Bora. I have 3 credit cards that are 1 year and 9 months old.
I did this 2 years ago. I suggest getting Ambassador membership. Did 2 nights at Thalasso using the AMB certificate (BOGO). 4 nights at Le Moana using points. Points only book you into the beach bungalows... But because I had Ambassador, they upgraded all 4 nights to OTW bungalow. Used AA miles to get to Tahiti, then Chase points to/from Bora Bora. Also, Chase points for island activities.
hahaha giant toothpick! I love how you're such a normal dude. And I love how this is a sincere video: you show the crappy weather and the bird poop and struggling with window blinds. It makes me feel reassured that you don't gloss over the reality.
Highly agree.
excatly
Show us all the quirks and features then give it an AskSebby score
Michael Lee haha that would be awesome
THIS is the Intercontinental Le Moana Overwater Villa.
Make sure you follow his other channel More AskSebby for additional content
Thanks for this informative video Sebby. I was able to book 3 consecutive nights at La Moana using points and 2 nights at Thalasso and applying my Ambassador free weekend 2nd night a few days ago. It took only 10 minutes of searching so I was lucky. I couldn’t find any rooms using my 1 free night certificate. This morning a Thalasso points room became available so I grabbed that one and cancelled one night at La Moana. I used my UR points for our flights. It was pricy but I wanted short flights without long layovers. The only cash outlay will be the 1 night at Thalasso so I think I made a good deal. The dates are perfect for my family’s schedule too. I still have 2 free night certs but cannot find any use for them yet. Keep up the great videos Sebby!
Auto generated captions be like: hey guys it's passion from Asus epi
Could've been worse 🤷
I love your videos and how properly you speak. (I'm still learning English and watching your videos help me out a lot plus I learn about credit cards, how to use point and much more). Thanks, Sebby! 🙏🏼
Love these kind of videos. I’m in Indonesia right now and already wanting to plan a trip to Bora Bora or the Maldives and these videos help me figure out how to do it.
#AskSebby thank you for doing this video. I’m guessing there is no way of knowing what the weather is going to be. The room was not what I expected so definitely thank you both for taking one for the team.
Le Moana is a 4 star resort, but surprisingly not the worst one on our list. Customer service is great, but can't compare to the St. Regis and Conrad.
@4:08 “what!” 🤣
What a GREAT Video !!!
perfect video now one for the maldives will be also great using hilton or hyatt
Hyatt Maldives trip planning: www.asksebby.com/blog/best-ways-to-earn-hotel-points-for-free-nights-in-the-maldives
One of the places I want to take the wifey for our anniversary.
It's wonderful, but also look at The Seychelles and Maldives, if you really want to feel your away from home, go to these places instead of Bora Bora, they feel more exotic and the beaches are as beautiful or more than Bora Bora, the food is also waaaaay better.
@@juanvsreviews those places look great!
Man that still looks incredible despite the weather and blinds 😂
Still nice. Wind was the main thing.
How did you get upgraded to an over water bungalow?
i'd like to know!
I had Spire (top tier status) through a match: www.asksebby.com/blog/ihg-status-match-to-top-tier-spire-elite
When checking in, I'm also carrying a giant camera + gimbal + mention my other stays in 2018 (Thalasso + Conrad) and this year (St. Regis + Le Meridien).
Also check out the comment by @glbuls
Thanks
Nice review. I will go there. Hopefully in the near future
Awesome vid Sebby!
Thanks!
I have eye cataract surgery so the wind will dry my eyes. I need to bring eye shield and eye gel.
😪 i know this video is hella old but it looks like they do the same thing. my question is when you make a spreadsheet of the dates and keep track of it you said you dont have to do it again. so lets say i do all the tracking over two weeks and i find the dates i want and will those dates always be avaliable for booking a points stay?
OMG, One would have to stay at least two weeks to enjoy a vacation of a lifetime.
2 weeks is too long there.
I was looking for a specific thursday and Friday night at this hotel. Neither were available, but the Wednesday was. I used Wednesday check-in and Saturday checkout and was able to book all 3 nights with points. Granted I have 2 rooms for Wednesday night now but I was able to get the 2 additional nights I needed.
Congrats! Availability for a lot of these properties is definitely the tough part.
My understanding is that corporate pays them something like $200 to $250 for the room when using points.
Hi Sebby, my wife and I have been planning this trip for several years, we each have 150k ihg points, will each have a reward night by Aug-Oct as we are tentatively planning the dates..my question...is both of us joining ambassador worth it by helping finding open OWB nights or upgrades? Would this ensure NO BLACKOUTS, I'd rather pay a lil extra and not have to jump thru hoops to book..Any help is appreciated, if your available to help plan, I would gladly compensate you, thx again
I wish that had not used up all my 5/24 slots. I would love to to get the IHG card.
I'm that same boat bro lol
Out of curiosity, what did you fill up the slots with instead?
@@AskSebby I really didn't know a lot about credit or credit cards until I started watching your channel. I have about 18 cards right now. Would you like me to list them all?
@@AskSebby I really didn't know about credit or credit cards until I started watching your channel. Right now I have about 18 cards. 1. PenFed Pathfinder Rewards American Express® Card, 2. PenFed Power Cash Rewards VISA Signature® Card, 3. PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® Card, 4. Discover, Amazon Secured credit card, 5. Paypal Mastercard, 6. Alliant Visa Platinum rewards Visa, 7. Bank of America Cash rewards, 8. Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card
, 9. Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card, 10. Navy Federal Go Rewards Visa, 11. Google Credit Card, 12. Capital One Cabela's Club Mastercard, 13. Capital One Buypower Mastercard, 14. Capital One Platinum Mastercard, 15. Citi Dividend, And 16. HSBC Credit Card.
Sebby is a papi chulo. Respect to you, Bro?
Thanks for the video. What's the name of the song at the beginning of the video?
Can you pool IHG points with your player 2?
So I'm going there in a few weeks. How do I spend money there? Do they take Credit or Visa card, or exchange currency?
If you're booking and eating everything at the resort, no need for cash. Most restaurants take Visa. If you're going to Vaitape and buying from street vendors, withdraw cash.
@@AskSebby thank you!!! You are awesome. I can't wait to go. Been watching bora bora videos for a few months now. Seriously.... lol
@@chojthoj08 Depending on the resort you're going to, this might be a good way to check out Vaitape AND save some money: th-cam.com/video/XQHZjbp-cCo/w-d-xo.html
@@AskSebby Thank you for the video. I had seen it, was very helpful. We are staying at the 4 seasons and Conrad. You should do more videos of your trip. I enjoy your videos very much. Especially the bora bora videos. Lol
I stayed at the two IHG properties. While on the properties, I charged all spending to my room...including purchases at the gift shops to ensure I got the IHG bonus spend when using my IHG CC. It may not have been necessary...but, maybe someone else can verify.
Can you do this, but for hilton?
Here's the Conrad Bora Bora Nui: th-cam.com/video/rCYUCTUf6xg/w-d-xo.html
Booking FAQ: th-cam.com/video/rEKKjaAeXAA/w-d-xo.html
And even like that the people call to complain 😂🤦
Sebby why didn't you post the Conrad koh samui video
Soon! Slowly working through the backlog of videos.
@@AskSebby looking forward to it going in December
Sebby, do you ever fly stand by? If so, do you know a way to get into the centurion lounges (w/ Platinum card) without an actual ticket since you are flying standby?
Wouldn't you just show your boarding pass for that day? I highly doubt they have access to all the airlines reservations systems.
How did you get IHG to honor your elite status when booking with points? I have Spire elite and every property I have been too never honor it.
My strategy is usually:
1) Have status
2) Check in with a big camera + gimbal setup in hand
3) Talk about going to other properties afterwards (LM and St. Regis were next)
4) Mention great experience LAST year at their sister property (Thalasso)
Location also plays a big role. Asia seems to respect status more. It also works better in resorts vs. cities (in my experience).
For example, Conrad Bangkok did NOT care at all despite having Hilton Diamond status. JW Marriott Dubai didn't really care that I had MR Platinum status.
When I arrived, I received a letter from the manager reminding me that when using points an upgrade is not guaranteed. It then went on to say that since they had space, they would upgrade me. It ended up being the best OTW on the property... At the very end of the dock. When I looked out my window all I saw was ocean and reef.
🤣 what are cubicles
Any body else like how qwirky Sebby is? The voice over was such a weird voice.
Not worth points
❤✋🌏👍
Wow... for $1100 the bungalow is pretty small, bathroom not very nice, and deck is dirty
You can't really control the birds / wild animals.
Thalasso, Conrad, and St. Regis are bigger.
Le Moana is the oldest hotel in Bora Bora (from what I was told) so that likely factors into it.
Damn. Maldives is heaven compared to this. This is depressing 🤣🤣🤣
Thank you Sebby for posting this!
By any chance, did you use the ihg points in conjunction with Hilton points? if so, did you take the seaplanes to hop around the property? For ex. hopping from Conrad to Ihg.
When you get a chance, could you please explain the cost/best method to get to Bora Bora from West coast? Thank you again!
You don't need seaplanes to hop around properties in Bora Bora. Either connect through Vaitape or hire a private boat ($100 per person -- YMMV).
For IHG Le Moana, I would take a taxi back to Vaitape (~$20) and take the shuttle to Conrad from Robert Wan = ~$15 per person). Total being $50.
Maldives is SUBSTANTIALLY more expensive to property hop (~$500 per person).
AF (LAX) or UA (SFO) is your best bet. Maybe French Bee (SFO) if you don't mind gambling on delays.
This is potentially the most helpful and time saving video EVER!!!! I called IHG about a year ago, asking about using points at some of their very high end resorts. I was told, "Oh, they are all full ." Now, when I use the trick in this video, they magically have rooms.
You think they don't know, are lazy or they don't want people staying on points?
What's the points to upgrade to over water villa? 70k to...?
I didn't pay anything on top for the upgrade. A few data points on FlyerTalk mention that buying Ambassador ($200 www.ihg.com/intercontinental/content/us/en/ambassador) still helps.
You can (could?) do a match to Spire (top tier status): www.asksebby.com/blog/ihg-status-match-to-top-tier-spire-elite
Also check out the comment by @glbuls for using Ambassador.
Thumbed up and favorited! I want to take a trip there with my significant other in a year... so now i know how to :). Appreciate u fam, also what a gorgeous view. Thanks for sharing the experience with me. God bless you Sebby.
Not luxurious at all compared to Maldives
It's just funny becauae they have these same rooms at the disney Polynesian in Florida and I'm pretty sure it costs even more
Did a quick Google search and... crazy prices.
dis to the points guy at 3:52, sebby is a beast.
It's not even close to the Four Seasons in Bora Bora, but better than the Hilton in Morea. I guess that it all depends what you value more, the view or the luxury. Still great though, don't get me wrong, we also stayed at the Maldives Veligandu, which is way better in the food department than anything in the French Polynesia but is not as nice as this one or the Four Seasons. Again it all depends at what you give more value to.
I'll post St. Regis at some point -- probably the most impressive property in Bora Bora (I haven't gone to FS though but talked to a bunch of guests who've been to both StR and FS and they preferred StR).
Ask Sebby I’ve heard the exact opposite. But I guess these two are equals. I do have to say that French Polynesia in general was a disappointment when it comes to food. As I mentioned, I’ve been to Seychelles and Maldives and they are miles ahead in this department. Bora Bora’s setting of course its is main attraction though so, maybe the food is not the main thing here. I do take that into consideration. A hotel like the Four Seasons and the Hilton should be at least decent. I also booked with points (flight with united 60k points roundtrip from San Diego) hotel was a deal for their 10th anniversary. 3 nights 4th one free.... with free breakfast.
Ask Sebby thanks for the reply. Im a big big fan and follow your advise.
@@juanvsreviews Any recommendations for Seychelles?
Ask Sebby yes. The island Praslin would be my hub to visit other islands. Le Duc De Praslin is a fantastic boutique hotel in front of a gorgeous beach. I would stay there a good 4 days and I would also stay another 3 days in the island La Digue. I stayed in a very nice hotel called Le Reserve. The main island is also pretty interesting and underrated. Thar’s where you’ll find the Four Seasons and other top properties. It has some amazing beaches too but you will have to explore.
Yayyyyy thx for uploading. Sooo hard to book ihg
Yup, it takes time and patience to book IHG Bora Bora.
Ask Sebby yes sir ! Always enjoy watching ur video.
Can I get credit card rewards from propane companies?
Hey Sebby! Wonderful video! Have you visited the Conrad there in Bora Bora?
Keep up the wonderful videos! They're very informative 👍
Yup! Here's the Conrad room tour: th-cam.com/video/rCYUCTUf6xg/w-d-xo.html
I have a question. I'm going there next week and forecast shows raining all week!!!!!!! Should i worry???? Oh lord please give me sunshine!!!! 🙏
Don’t worry. I am in Thalasso now and has been very sunny even though the weather report predicted clouds and rain for the past few day. There were some showers in the pm but for short durations. I am looking at Mt. Otemanu from my room right now and it is crystal clear. It has been the best vacation ever.
@@docleung yes!!!!!!! Am just finished packing. Flying at 8PM. Thanks for the info!!!!!!!
Thanks asksebby received my chase shappire 2 months ago and hit over 4K spend to get the 60k points. I can already see that the points are more valuable than my Amex gold. Easy to get since my CS is 760, fell under the 5/24, and income over 50k. What did tick me off is that they charges didn’t hit until the beginning of the third statement, so I wasn’t able to use the points on my engagement trip. Hoarding the points to hopefully get something like this 🙌🏼🔥😬
Where are you going / did you go for the engagement trip? :)
We had an engagement trip to Destin, Florida. Great beaches and overall activities and it hold personal value for my fiancée and I since we talked about engagement plans back in 2018 at the same location. I love the great content and videos you produce. I always drive her crazy when I tell her about your videos and play them around her lol
OMG that is a beautiful view!!
What about anniversary nights?
Covered that in April 2018: www.asksebby.com/blog/where-can-you-redeem-the-chase-ihg-anniversary-free-night-certificate-2018
#notificationsquuuuuuuuuuuuuad