Miri Marriott Platinum Moans

Having just spent two nights at the Miri Marriott, perhaps it is worth reflecting once again on the continuing variations in the treatment of elite members in different hotels. At the Miri Marriott I am rarely upgraded, as a gold used to be offered a couple of drinks in lieu of lounge access, but not as platinum (odd). They also charge me for my children's breakfast. Yes, I know the upgrade is subject to availability, and they do not have to offer breakfast to my kids........but I really am never upgraded at the Miri Marriott, and every other Marriott I have visited with my children have included breakfast for them. I am now in the KL Renaissance, and the difference is stark. I have been upgraded to a suite (again), and of course have lounge access.

I will be dropping down to Gold in January, and will be making much more use of my Platinum Accor status, and a big factor in my decision not to pursue platinum Marriott this year has been the lack of recognition at Miri. 

Miri airport lounge

Miri airport has a  lounge, which is accessible to oneworld emerald and sapphire customers travelling in Economy on Malaysia Airlines, as well as those flying on Business Class- though I have been unable to take a guest in. The positives are that it is rarely busy, and there are two PCs that offer a convenient way to catch up with work if necessary. Other than that, though, this must be one of the worst lounges in the oneworld network. The food offering is truly dreadful. and the drinks disappointing- there is never any alcohol in domestic Malaysia Airlines Lounges, but even the soft drinks here are a disappointment- mediocre coffee or local soft drinks out of two litre bottles kept in a luke warm fridge. At least there is water.

Do think twice before using miles/avios to take a business class flight from Miri- (Especially using MHupgrade, as you may lose tier points!) Certainly don't upgrade for the lounge. That having been said, once in the sky, Malaysia Airlines domestic and regional product is very good indeed- and far better than you would find most European Carriers. 

Miri Marriott

The Miri Marriott is an interesting one. It has a great swimming pool- the surrounds of which have recently been refurbished making it quite a bit more pleasant- and also safer for any little ones with you. The rooms are fine- though are coming up for needing refurbishment. The recognition of Marriott status is mixed. The basics are met, in that free breakfast is offered, but unlike in most Asian Marriotts kids are charged for. There is no lounge.....for a time a drinks voucher was given in lieu. That seems to have gone now. (Though its disappearance coincided with me moving from Gold to platinum status.....which has always been a bit concerning.)

If you are coming to Miri, it is the place to stay. Would I recommend you made a special journey to visit? No. However, the new Marriott in Mulu might be worth a visit. I'll post a review as soon as I have managed to get up there. If you do go to Mulu you will probably have to overnight in Miri- and the Marriott is probably your best bet.

Malaysia Airlines Tier Point Run

Those members of the various one world frequent flyer schemes who are based on the Island of Borneo have usually found it best to get off the Island before looking at tier point runs. As described here there are often good options from Phuket. However, today I have been looking for Tier Point runs starting on Borneo. Infact, I was just looking for the hop from Miri to Kuching, which is, once a day, flown by Malaysia airlines (rather than MASwings- no tier points!). Whilst this came up, a much more interesting option for tier points also became apparent, that was Miri to Kuching via Kuala Lumpur and return. (MYY-KUL-KCH-KUL-MYY). This comes in at £253 at will earn 160 Tier Points in the BA scheme. (£1.58 per tier point- which is not so bad) and will earn 3706 avios for BA executive club members. One of the legs could be flown direct, reducing the tier points to 120, and the price to £233 which gets a better return of £1.47 per tier point). The direct flights come in at £223, a rather unattractive £2.87 per tier point.

If you are tempted to include Borneo as part of a tier point run, do make sure you are not booked on a MASwings flight- no Tier points will be awarded. If your run includes a stay in Kuching then I highly recommend the Pullman.