Saipan Accommodation - PIC Saipan Hotel FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is PIC?
Where is PIC located?
What is the Check in and out times?
Which Credit Cards are accepted?
What is available in the rooms?
What kind of special services does PIC offer?
What is a PIC Membership?
What’s going on everyday at PIC?
Does PIC have fitness, spa or other special health facilities?
What do you need to do to reserve a room at PIC?
What kinds of tours can guests book at the PIC Tour Desk?
What are the entry requirements to the Northern Mariana Islands?
What do Guests need to know about their flight to Saipan?
Is Saipan a safe place health wise?
What kind of shopping is available on Saipan?
What is the currency on the island and can currency be exchanged?
Are there shopping buses or other transportation on the island?
What restaurants are available on the island?
What are the telephone, electricity and postal codes in Saipan?

What is PIC?

** The Pacific Islands Club Saipan is a resort hotel on the island of Saipan, Mariana Islands, Western Pacific Ocean, where guests can enjoy over 60 sports and activities at no additional cost. The PIC concept is to provide comfortable rooms, delicious meals and unlimited use of sporting facilities and activities. The PIC offers the best and most exciting attractions on the island such as the Waterpark (Lazy River, Flow Rider, slides and pools), Kids’ Club program, Laser Tag and nightly entertainment. One thing that makes PIC Saipan unique and interesting is the friendly staff called “Clubmates”. They are the activity organizers, sports instructors and entertainers who help guests enjoy a most memorable vacation at PIC.

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Where is PIC located?

** Saipan is the largest island comprising the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and is located at Lat. 15"07”N and Long. 14"44E. Saipan is approximately 120 miles north of Guam Island in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. It is located some 4.5 hours flight time from Seoul, Korea and 3 hours from Tokyo, Osaka & Nagoya, Japan. There are regular flights to Saipan from these cities.

Pacific Islands Club Saipan (PIC Saipan) is situated at the southern end of Saipan, in the quiet village of San Antonio, on prime beachfront property.

PIC Saipan is only 4 km from the Francisco C. Ada International Airport and a 15-minute drive from downtown Garapan. DFS Galleria buses shuttle every hour among the hotels and the store.

What is the Check in and out times?

** Please note that as most guests arrive early in the morning, their reservation should be made from the previous day.

** Check in time is 15:00 and Check out time is 12:00 (noon).

Late check out:  13:00 - 15:00       $50.00
15:00 - 18:00        $80.00
After 18:00        Full night’s charge (1 night)

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Which Credit Card types are accepted?

** We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB and Diners Club.

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What is available in the rooms?

• At our accommodation in Saipan we have Infant Cribs, Strollers and Bed Guards (free of charge) upon availability.
• We have Connecting Rooms. (66 sets/132 rooms included Tasi wing)
• We have an Ice Machine on each floor at PIC Saipan (at the end of the Rota bldg hallway)
• We have Hair Dryers in the guest bathrooms.
• We have Locker Rooms in the Game room. (Women’s Showers-Game Room & Lazy River Pool Bar: Men’s-Lazy River Pool Bar only/Showers)
• We have Complimentary Robes and Slippers in each room.
• We have Coffee Makers and Hot Pots in each room.
• We have Complimentary Tea Bags/Sugar in each room.
• We have Valet Laundry & Dry Cleaning Service (Daily-except Sundays & Holidays)
• We have a Laundry Room (Coin Laundry/ 24-hours self-service - $.75 per load)
• We have Cable TV (free of charge) and Pay per Movie channels.
• We have Standard Amenities at PIC Saipan: Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner (Shampoo & Conditioner in One -Tasi), Tooth Brush and Vanity Set.
• We have 18 non-smoking rooms in the third floor of the Tasi wing and 40 non-smoking rooms in the third and fifth floors of the Rota wing. Six of the rooms have king-size beds.

O --- Available in all rooms  X --- Not Available

O	Bathtub	O	Toilet	O	Air Conditioning
O	Telephone	O	Alarm Clock	O	TV/Pay Movie Channels
O	Refrigerator	X	Mini Bar (Honor)	O	Safe (Free)
O	Sprinkler	O	Smoke Detector	O	Balcony
O	Hair Dryer	X	Body Lotion	O	Hot Pot
O	Shampoo	O	Conditioner	X	Comb
O	Wash Cloth	O	Face Towel	O	Bath Towel
O	Tooth brush/paste	X	Shower Cap	O	Vanity Set
X	Sun Screen	O	Soap	O	Coffee Maker
O	Bathrobe	X	Sewing Kit	X	Umbrella
O	Slippers	O	Laundry Bag	O	PIC Gift Bag

** Some of the items can be provided by Housekeeping upon request, (e.g.) Ironing Set, Shaving Razor and Sewing Kit.

** Please note that PIC Saipan provides its guests with complimentary beach towels to be used on property. The face and bath towels should remain in the room. There are special towel cards that guests receive together with their room key. Lost card or towels cost $10.00 each.

Saipan Electric Voltage ------- 100 V / 60 Hertz

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What kind of special services does PIC offer?

Airport Transfers: Roundtrip $7.00 per person as an FIT guest.

Fruit Basket: Advance order required. Rates based on various types and sizes.

Cake: Complimentary Birthday and Anniversary cakes upon 24 hours advance request. Other cakes fees based on various types and sizes.

Champagne: Complimentary for honeymooners and other hotel VIP guests. Other occasions based on various types.

**Reservations accepted for Fruit baskets, Cakes or Champagne at the Concierge Desk.

Baby crib, stroller: Baby crib is free of charge. Baby stroller is free for FIT guests and $5.00 per night for those guests that who book through a travel agent.

Babysitting: Reservations required 24 hours in advance.

8am-6pm

• 1 child - $7 per hour
• 2 children - $11 per hour
• 3 children - $15 per hour

5am-8am and 6pm-1am

• 1 child - $9 per hour
• 2 children - $13 per hour
• 3 children - $20 per hour

Internet: PIC’s Internet kiosk is available daily from 08:00-17:00 (PC, Wi-Fi, cable internet). The price is $3 for 30 minutes. Wi-Fi is available at the PIC Saipan lobby free of charge. Wi-Fi is available also at other PIC facilities for an additional charge.

Tour Office: Our Guest Relations staffs are happy to provide any information and reservations for tours and activities in Saipan. There is no surcharge for our service.

Rental Car: Hertz is available at the Tour Desk.

Library/ DVD Rental:

PIC Saipan has a library with over 400 books on English, Korean, Japanese and Russian. The access to it is free of charge daily from 08:00 to 17:00. PIC offers also a DVD player-rental at additional charge of $40.00 per week.

Laundry Service: Valet Laundry & Dry Cleaning service is available daily, except for Sundays and Holidays. The laundry bag and price is list in the closet. Located on the Lobby Level, PIC also offers a self-service coin-laundry that is available 24 hours.

** Following are the PIC facilities, services and activities, which are free of charge for its in-house guests:

• Kids under 12 years old stay free when sharing a room with their parents;
• Waterpark, Riverpark, Beach Activities including sports, equipment rental and lessons;
• Kids' Club: Free; open daily from 09:00-18:00 for kids ages 4-12 years.
• Daily & Nightly Entertainment (show programs and games, live music) - free
• Concierge service

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What is a PIC Membership?

** A PIC Membership Card entitles guests to use all PIC sports and recreational facilities and it also functions as a card key for rooms. Besides the Bronze Card, which excludes prepaid meals, there is the Silver Card (breakfast only), and the Gold Card (3 meals daily). Gold Cardholder’s children (ages 0-11 years) eat free.

PIC Meal Card Price:

Gold Card: 3 meals daily for $62.00 per adult per day

** Children under 12 eat free when their parents purchase Gold meal plan (maximum 2 kids per room), 50% for 3rd/4th child in the room.

Silver Select Card: 2 meals daily (breakfast and choice of lunch or dinner) for $44.00 per adult per day and $22.00 per child (2-11 years) per day

Silver Card: 1 meal daily (breakfast only) for $19.00 per adult per day and $9.50 per child (2-11 years) per day

Bronze Card: no meals included

** The Meal cards may be requested in advance with the room booking at PIC Saipan, or guests may choose to purchase/upgrade them at the PIC Front Desk upon arrival.

The meal plan must be the same for all room occupants and cannot be changed on a daily basis. Meal upgrades are available (from Bronze to Silver or Gold and from Silver to Gold). Downgrades are not available.

Lost card fee:

• Gold Card - $50.00
• Silver Card - $25.00
• Bronze Card - $15.00

Guest Loyalty Program: In our accommodation in Saipan, guests receive their Membership Cards after completing the application form at the PIC Concierge (free). The Guest Loyalty Program (GLP) provides additional amenities and services to GLP members who visit two or more times. There are 2 types: Sapphire members for guests who booked through a travel agent and Diamond member for those who book direct. The Sapphire card does not provide any discounts on the room rates.

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What’s going on everyday at PIC?

** The S.E.A. (Sports, Entertainment and Activities) Department is staffed with our 40+ team of Clubmates who come from around the globe. They entertain and instruct sports to guests as well as organize daily activities at PIC Saipan, as well as lessons and entertainment (shows). The use of all on-site facilities and activities are free of charge for our in-house guests. Guests need to present their membership card to the Clubmate in order to rent the equipment.

** On-site facilities & activities (Free)

Waterpark

• Activities Pool (outdoor)
• Kids’ Pool (outdoor)
• Siheky Kids’ Pool with water games and slide
• Two 60' waterslides
• Water Basketball
• Water Volleyball
• Water Aerobics
• Scuba Pool (outdoor; 3 meters deep) - Free daily pool lesson with dive master
• Water Polo

Riverpark

• Lap Pool (outdoor)
• 1/2 km long Lazy River with Innertube
• Point Break Dual Wave Flowrider

Beach Activities Center

• Beach Volleyball
• Beach Games
• Sea Kayaking
• Snorkeling
• Sailing
• Windsurfing
• Outrigger Canoe
• Standing Paddle Board

Tennis Center

• 4 Outdoor Tennis Courts – daily lessons available
• Archery Range
• Golf Driving Range
• 9 Hole Putter Golf
• Half-court Basketball

Other Activities

• Laser Tag Park
• 25' Climbing Wall
• Field Sports
• Badminton
• Game Room
• Kids' Club (ages 4-12 yrs.)

Other Facilities & Services

• Wedding Chapel / beach front set up – upon request (honeymoon and wedding packages available)
• PIC Boutiki (logo items & souvenirs)
• Thai Spa – Thai massage is open daily from 10:00-24:00 (in-room massage available)

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Does PIC have Fitness, Spa or other special health facilities?

** Aside from the 60+ sports & activities available at PIC, there is no fitness facility (gym). There is a Thai Spa in PIC Saipan, located in three rooms on the 1st Floor. Thai Spa is open daily from 10:00 to 24:00 and offers spa combinations, massage therapies (Royal Thai Massage, Thai Traditional Massage, and Swedish massage), body treatments and facial care, manicures and pedicures.

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What do you need to do to reserve a room at PIC Saipan?

** For reservations, please book online at www.picresorts.com or provide the Reservations Department at reservations@picsaipan.com with the following information:

• Name of all room occupants (include children and their ages)
• Dates to stay (please note that reservation should be made from the previous night for early morning arrivals)
• Room type – Superior, Deluxe, Ocean Front Deluxe, Ocean Front Spa, Hibiscus Suite, Flametree Suite
• Meal option – Gold Card (3 meals); Silver Card (breakfast only) or Bronze Card (no meals included)
• Special requests - first or upper floor; view - mountain or waterpark; adjoining, connecting or non-smoking room; baby crib; extra bed, etc. (some special requests are based on availability upon arrival)
• Flight information (airlines, flight number, date and time of arrival and departure)
• Roundtrip airport transfer request - PIC Saipan provides its guests with roundtrip airport transfers at $7.00 per person, 2 years and above. PIC’s Guest Service staff meet the guests at the Airport arrivals area and transfer them up in a PIC Bus or Van.

** Please note that the room charges are based on the actual dates to stay with rates differing based on changes in seasonality (Off, On, Peak). The room rate is based on single or double occupancy with third and fourth adult and kids’ extra beds as extra fees.

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What kinds of tours can guests book at PIC’s Tour Desk?

** Your guests may check and book any of these tours directly at PIC’s Tour Desk themselves or with language assistance from one of our staff.

ISLAND TOUR WITH ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE: This educational tour takes you to the historical and scenic sights of Saipan. Your guide will answer any questions regarding Saipan’s war history, culture and geography.

SUBMARINE: Experience Saipan from the safety and comfort of a submarine. See sunken ships, a zero fighter plane and other W.W.II relics. This fun ride will also allow you to see many tropical fish and other marine life that have made these relics their home.

GOLF: There are five 18-hole challenging and beautiful golf courses available on Saipan; Coral Ocean Point, Marianas Country Club, Lao Lao Bay Golf Resort (36 holes) and Kingfisher Golf Links. Play a round of golf while enjoying spectacular coastal scenery.

MARINE SPORTS: Saipan’s beautiful calm lagoon is the perfect place to experience the thrill of jet skiing, banana boating or parasailing. Explore the many fish and coral that live under the sea in Saipan with scuba diving instructors for the first time.

MANAGAHA ISLAND: Take the short boat ride to Managaha Island and experience another world in the Mariana Islands. Surrounded by coral reef and home to hundreds of tropical fish, the island is the perfect place to relax. Cruise to Managaha by catamaran or glass bottom boat or take the express speedboat.

SUNSET CRUISE: What better way to end a day than to cruise around Saipan’s lagoon while enjoying spectacular sunsets. Enjoy a lavish BBQ dinner and a choice of entertainment from rock ’n roll to acoustic guitar. What a romantic evening to remember.

DINNER SHOW: Polynesian and island dancers will perform for you while you enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner. Features fire dancing, exotic dances from Tahiti and Hawaii as well as the spectacular Carolinian stick dancers. “SandCastle” Dance Show – This Las Vegas style show is available nightly which combines dance, comedy and magic for adults and children alike.

FISHING: For first timers or fishing veterans, Saipan offers several fishing tours. Try trolling or bottom fishing and see the many varieties of tropical fish.

OTHER: Helicopter or Small Airplane Tour, Island Tour, Eco-Tours (mountain biking, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking), Bowling, Go-Carting, Scuba Diving in Saipan

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What are the entry requirements to the Mariana Islands?

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS (CNMI):

Effective June 1, 2009, U.S. immigration law applied to the CNMI with the implementation of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. This regulation allows nationals from the designated participating countries to prepare for their travel to either Guam or the CNMI under the program.

The following countries are designated for participation in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program: Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) passport and Hong Kong identification card is required), Japan, Malaysia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

Nonimmigrant visitors who seek admission to the CNMI must possess a valid passport and a valid visa, unless they are applying for entry under a visa waiver program. This means that nonimmigrant visitors who are not eligible for either the US Visa Waiver Program under 8 CFR part 217 (VWP) or the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program must possess a valid passport and must obtain a visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Nonimmigrant visitors may be able to apply for admission to the CNMI under one or both programs, depending on the eligibility status of the nonimmigrant visitors' country of nationality or citizenship. The permitted length of stay in the Mariana Islands will depend on whether the nonimmigrant visitors are admitted under the VWP (up to 90 days) or under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program (up to 45 days)

Nonimmigrant visitors currently must present a valid completed and signed CBP Form I-94 to enter the CNMI and Guam under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. This rulemaking explicitly requires completion of an I-94 to enter Guam and the CNMI under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program.

Please refer to this website: www.uscis.gov for more information on entry requirements.

Quarantine and Health Certification: All plants and animals must be given prior approval before entry, and animals must be quarantined. Importation of controlled substances or weapons is strictly prohibited. Vaccination certification is not required unless the traveler comes from an infected area.

Currency and Monetary Instruments: The transportation of currency or monetary instruments, regardless of amount is legal. However, if you bring in $10,000 or take out more than $10,000 from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, e.g. for your holidays in Saipan, (in U.S. or foreign equivalent, or any combination of the two) whether in currency, coin, traveler’s checks, money order, or negotiable instruments, you are required by law to file a report on Form 4790 with the CNMI Customs Service. If you have someone else carry the currency or instruments for you, you must also file the report.

Agricultural Products: To prevent the entry of dangerous agricultural pests in the Mariana Islands, the following are restricted: fruits, vegetables, plants, plants products and other plant materials, soil, meat, meat products, birds, snails and other live animals or animal products (whether fresh, cooked, raw, or processed; whether for sale or personal use).

Alcohol and Tobacco: Any passenger disembarking from a ship or airplane in the Mariana Islands may import for personal use and consumption, exempt from excise tax, the following: An amount of distilled alcoholic beverages not to exceed 77 ounces. Beer or other alcoholic malt beverages not to exceed 288 ounces. Wine or sake not to exceed 128 ounces. Tobacco, other than cigarettes, not to exceed one pound. An amount of cigarettes, not to exceed 3 cartons of 10 packages per carton. However, only ten (10) packs of labeled cigarettes not complying with the Cigarettes Labeling and Advertising Act, or not listed on the Attorney General's Directory of Approved Cigarette Brands available upon request from a Custom's Officer ("prohibited brands"). Any prohibited brands over the exempted pack amount shall also be subject to forfeiture at Customs. For a listing of the directory of approved brands, please access the CNMI Attorney General Office's website under Tobacco Enforcement section.

Firearms and Ammunition: Any person who possesses any firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition shall, before or immediately upon entrance in the CNMI, turn it in to the Customs Office. The firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition shall be return to the person upon his or her being issued an identification card pursuant to the provisions of 6 CMC §§2201-30.

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What do Guests need to know about their flight to Saipan?

** Tourists will receive the customs declaration form and the immigration card during their flight to Saipan, provided by the on-board flight attendants.

** Please kindly reconfirm your tickets three days before your departure at PIC Saipan’s Concierge to avoid any problems related to flight / seat capacity changes.

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Is Saipan a safe place health wise?

There are no any dangerous animals, reptiles or insects on Saipan. There are no tropical diseases, so Saipan is a safe place to stay. PIC does not have medical personnel on staff; however, many managers and staff are certified in Basic First Aid / CPR. Any cases requiring qualified medical assistance will be forwarded to the local clinics or the Commonwealth Health Center. The closest clinic to PIC is Marianas Medical Center, open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00 and half day on Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00, and located about a quarter mile north of PIC.

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What kind of shopping is available on Saipan?

Saipan is home to many designer and duty free shops, with shopping buses to take you there. Duty Free Shoppers Galleria, the main DFS store, is located in downtown Garapan. There are many small souvenir stores in Saipan, clothing boutiques and supermarkets a well as American brand shoe stores and children’s stores.

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What is the currency on the island and can currency be exchanged?

The official currency is the US Dollar. There are a few American and local banks on the island as well as Western Union Bank offices. Automated Teller Machines (ATM’s) are available at banks, stores, hotels, restaurants and bars. Payment can be by cash or credit cards. Tips are appreciated and recommended for good service (10-15%) at restaurants and hotels. Please note that it is difficult to exchange Euros to US dollars in the Mariana Islands, as there are no exchange bureaus available.

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Are there shopping buses or other transportation on the island?

The Duty Free Shoppers shuttle bus is free and run every hour from the PIC Saipan lobby. A one way free taxi ride to DFS is also available on a seasonal basis. For bus timetables and more information, please contact the Concierge. The main type of transportation on the island is by car. There is Hertz rental car office at PIC’s Tour Office.

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What restaurants are available on the island?

You will find a large array of restaurants in Saipan to suit any taste! Choose from Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Italian, Indian, Thai, and American among others. For more information about restaurants, please visit PIC Saipan’s Concierge Desk.

** Alcohol can be purchased in shops, restaurants and bars on island. There is a minimum age restriction of 21 years. Island restaurants generally close at 22:00. Nightclubs and discothèques are open until 02:00.

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What are the telephone area codes, electricity and postal index in Saipan?

Saipan’s country and area code is 1 670 ( 1 - US code, 670 – for Saipan); Electricity is 120 W, 60 HZ; Postal index is 96950.

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