Do you get home from Hawaii and have sticker shock?
Nov 17th, 2006, 06:17 PM
#41
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Actually, we were surprised by how little we spent, but we shouldn't have been. We were staying in a friend's condo and our plane tickets had been done with FF miles. We were travelling with our daughter and had a kitchen, so we did a lot of our own cooking (I think we ate dinner out 3 times in 12 days). The prices for groceries were a little high (at least for some things), but living in NYC, I'm sort of immune to seeing things like $8 for a gallon of milk.
Nov 17th, 2006, 06:37 PM
#42
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I don't think I have explained how I feel to well.
MelissaHi,
I have NEVER said anything bad about the islands. The people and the beauty of the islands have seeped deep within my soul. I have many friends who live on the islands that I have met over the years. I have eaten in thier homes and prayed in thier churches. I have learned so much about the history and the culture. It can only be respected. I go back to the islands because I love the peace and serenity I feel while there. I still can't believe what I am seeing when walking around. I breathe in all I see so that it is part of me until the next time I return.
I returned in September to help me heal from a very serious illness I have had for over eight months. The pure, fresh air, the beauty of the colors and my friends were all of great help to me. Anyone who feels the way I do about the land could never say anything bad about the islands of Hawaii.
I have become frustrated about the rising prices of hotels. It's my fault and I fell right into the five star trap. I became so spoiled in it that I didn't think I could ever "step down". That is five star snobbery at it's best. We spend so much time over there that I have come to realize what a waste it is to pay those prices for a hotel room. I still don't think I could stay in a $100 room, but I am learning. Maybe people like me will start to think as I do and start a mini boycott. These hotel prices are gluttony at it's best and my money has had wings on it and flown right into the hands of the hoteliers that are doing the goughing.
MelissaHi,
I have NEVER said anything bad about the islands. The people and the beauty of the islands have seeped deep within my soul. I have many friends who live on the islands that I have met over the years. I have eaten in thier homes and prayed in thier churches. I have learned so much about the history and the culture. It can only be respected. I go back to the islands because I love the peace and serenity I feel while there. I still can't believe what I am seeing when walking around. I breathe in all I see so that it is part of me until the next time I return.
I returned in September to help me heal from a very serious illness I have had for over eight months. The pure, fresh air, the beauty of the colors and my friends were all of great help to me. Anyone who feels the way I do about the land could never say anything bad about the islands of Hawaii.
I have become frustrated about the rising prices of hotels. It's my fault and I fell right into the five star trap. I became so spoiled in it that I didn't think I could ever "step down". That is five star snobbery at it's best. We spend so much time over there that I have come to realize what a waste it is to pay those prices for a hotel room. I still don't think I could stay in a $100 room, but I am learning. Maybe people like me will start to think as I do and start a mini boycott. These hotel prices are gluttony at it's best and my money has had wings on it and flown right into the hands of the hoteliers that are doing the goughing.
Nov 17th, 2006, 07:22 PM
#43
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Kal:
...OR you can do what I do - live vicariously through other posters trips while squirreling away money enough to enjoy the trip as grandly as you like when it does actually occur( Ok so it's not the Ritz
)and be debt free when you return!
I generally plan way ahead for this reason.
...OR you can do what I do - live vicariously through other posters trips while squirreling away money enough to enjoy the trip as grandly as you like when it does actually occur( Ok so it's not the Ritz
)and be debt free when you return! I generally plan way ahead for this reason.
8-)
Nov 18th, 2006, 06:40 AM
#48
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OSB- I'm torn between being like you, and taking more trips on a lower budget. Right now, with too many periods of unemployment lately, it's hard to take more than 2 - 4 day trips here and there (definately low busget!). Once we get back on track financially, I would like to save up for at least a semi-grand vacation, where I'm not worrying about the budget. Sigh..
Nov 18th, 2006, 07:13 AM
#49
<five star snobbery at it's best...
I still don't think I could stay in a $100 room>
well fivestar, I have to say, at least you are honest and a good sport to boot!
no one is saying you need to travel in lesser style than you are comfortable, but it IS odd to spend that kind of money AND complain about it... is what struck me as strange about your post.
So maybe you can't go from a $500 room to a $100 one, but certainly there are loads of options if you think more creatively, than dumping a load of money in a fancy hotel where you are not comfortable or satisfied. Try it, you might like it
I still don't think I could stay in a $100 room>
well fivestar, I have to say, at least you are honest and a good sport to boot!
no one is saying you need to travel in lesser style than you are comfortable, but it IS odd to spend that kind of money AND complain about it... is what struck me as strange about your post.
So maybe you can't go from a $500 room to a $100 one, but certainly there are loads of options if you think more creatively, than dumping a load of money in a fancy hotel where you are not comfortable or satisfied. Try it, you might like it
Nov 18th, 2006, 07:49 AM
#52
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I have not read all of the responses, so forgive me if I repeat something. We have been to Maui and spent a fortune...had a great time!!
Have you considered visiting the Caribbean? Depending on where you are flying from, the islands have very affordable places to visit and with in-
room fridges, you can save a bunch on drinks and lunch....just a thought.
We did love Hawaii, but living in Va., it is a looonnngggg flight and we choose to visit the other islands in the Caribbean.
Good luck!
Have you considered visiting the Caribbean? Depending on where you are flying from, the islands have very affordable places to visit and with in-
room fridges, you can save a bunch on drinks and lunch....just a thought.
We did love Hawaii, but living in Va., it is a looonnngggg flight and we choose to visit the other islands in the Caribbean.
Good luck!
Nov 18th, 2006, 07:55 AM
#53
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I think it is silly to want to start a "mini-boycott" now that the price point is beyond what you are willing or able to pay. You say that $450 is now the price that you are willing to spend per night. For many $100/night is out of reach. I just find it a little self-centered to want a "mini boycott" of a hotel now that it is no longer affordable in your mind.
Nov 18th, 2006, 07:58 AM
#54
Reading this makes me thankful I have simple tastes... that I am truly more comfortable and absolutely enjoy my "modest" local hotels (actually I never thought of them that way before). Believe it or not I'm planning my next Oahu trip around a hotel I want to try with rooms for only $68. Whoo-hoo ;-)
Nov 18th, 2006, 08:06 AM
#55
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FYI, for fun I checked hotels.com (I know you can find better deals in other sites also) to see what was available in Maui for $450.- and under. I used dates in early January. I came up with: the Maui Prince in Makena, Hyatt Regency in Kaanapali, Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas, and Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort.
Nov 18th, 2006, 08:11 AM
#57
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No, we don't get sticker shock. In fact we pat ourselves on the back for finding a cheap airfare without having to go through Honolulu and for finding cheap but NEW accommodations.
Our last trip to Kauai, we found a fabulous loft type studio/apartment with a mini kitchen. The place came with two wonderful hosts who lived in the main house. It was a two minute walk to the beach and a 7 minute walk into town. We also had access to 2 bikes never having to worry about locking them because, "No one has ever stolen them." We went to the farmers market and bought fresh fruit that had real flavor, not like the watery fruits and veges that one can find in supermarkets. We never ate so much fruit. We had cereal or yogurt for breakfast and usually went out to dine once sometimes twice a day. We had full use of umbrellas, chairs, coolers, washer/dryer. The owner even took us out on his kayak for fun. We never saw one bug. All this for 875/week. We stayed two weeks.
Before that, we found a great condo in Maui for 120/night and the 7th night free. It had all the touches of home and had been completely redecorated. No bugs either. (Very important to me!)
I've had the good fortune to stay in 5 star accommodations all over Hawaii. (My dear friend worked as a manager for Classic Hawaii tours and we were "comped" rooms at the Halekalani, Mauna Kea, the Royal Hawaiian, the Maui Prince just to name a few.) Even though the stay was very enjoyable, I've found much more joy living like a local for a week or two. We could leave the condo/cottage without worrying about where to hide things from anyone who might come in the room while we're gone. You don't get charged 35 bucks to rent an umbrella by the pool. You want a glass of wine? Go to "your" fridge and pour one into your "own" wine glass. It won't cost you $18 plus tip. No charge for parking, etc.
All of this takes some research but the rewards are worth it. The only real sticker shock I had was when we went to the local market so I could pick up a half gallon of organic milk. We had been buying it at the bigger Foodland supermarket in Princeville for around $5.65. So when I plopped it down on the turnstile at the Big Save market and paid the lady $7.73 for a half gallon of milk, I walked out of the store and soon turned around and said to the gal, "I'm sorry, I just can't handle it. I can not handle paying $7.73 for a half gallon of milk." She actually understood. I used to be a checker in a supermarket so I offered to put it back on the shelf, which she appreciated. Part of me was saying, "For goodness sakes, you're on vacation! What difference does it make?!" But I guess it comes from the same mentality I have that says, "Even though I can afford to pay 5 hundred bucks a night for a room........WHY?"
Our last trip to Kauai, we found a fabulous loft type studio/apartment with a mini kitchen. The place came with two wonderful hosts who lived in the main house. It was a two minute walk to the beach and a 7 minute walk into town. We also had access to 2 bikes never having to worry about locking them because, "No one has ever stolen them." We went to the farmers market and bought fresh fruit that had real flavor, not like the watery fruits and veges that one can find in supermarkets. We never ate so much fruit. We had cereal or yogurt for breakfast and usually went out to dine once sometimes twice a day. We had full use of umbrellas, chairs, coolers, washer/dryer. The owner even took us out on his kayak for fun. We never saw one bug. All this for 875/week. We stayed two weeks.
Before that, we found a great condo in Maui for 120/night and the 7th night free. It had all the touches of home and had been completely redecorated. No bugs either. (Very important to me!)
I've had the good fortune to stay in 5 star accommodations all over Hawaii. (My dear friend worked as a manager for Classic Hawaii tours and we were "comped" rooms at the Halekalani, Mauna Kea, the Royal Hawaiian, the Maui Prince just to name a few.) Even though the stay was very enjoyable, I've found much more joy living like a local for a week or two. We could leave the condo/cottage without worrying about where to hide things from anyone who might come in the room while we're gone. You don't get charged 35 bucks to rent an umbrella by the pool. You want a glass of wine? Go to "your" fridge and pour one into your "own" wine glass. It won't cost you $18 plus tip. No charge for parking, etc.
All of this takes some research but the rewards are worth it. The only real sticker shock I had was when we went to the local market so I could pick up a half gallon of organic milk. We had been buying it at the bigger Foodland supermarket in Princeville for around $5.65. So when I plopped it down on the turnstile at the Big Save market and paid the lady $7.73 for a half gallon of milk, I walked out of the store and soon turned around and said to the gal, "I'm sorry, I just can't handle it. I can not handle paying $7.73 for a half gallon of milk." She actually understood. I used to be a checker in a supermarket so I offered to put it back on the shelf, which she appreciated. Part of me was saying, "For goodness sakes, you're on vacation! What difference does it make?!" But I guess it comes from the same mentality I have that says, "Even though I can afford to pay 5 hundred bucks a night for a room........WHY?"
Nov 18th, 2006, 08:23 AM
#59
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Pilates- I hear ya, as we have stayed in similar price ranges with no bugs! That loft on Kauai sounds great. We stayed in a 1 Bedroom apartment in Kalaheo (it was a downstairs unit below a large split level house, for $65.- a night 10 years ago. I just checked what it would be today: $75.- a night including tax. It was near the Kukuiolono golf course (cheap greens fee) and beautiful park.
Nov 18th, 2006, 08:27 AM
#60
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"Living like a local in Hawaii" is NOT one particular way and in one particular price range.
Those "locals" who are living up on Diamond Head or in Kahala are not exactly in el cheapo digs.
Everyone's vacation is important and nobody has the way to spend a vacation that is better than anyone else's regardless of how much is spent.
There seems to be a certain air of superiority creeping into some of these posts but please remember there are many folks who would give a whole lot just to get to Hawaii once in their lifetime and would be delighted in one of those so-called "low end" hotels, too.
Those "locals" who are living up on Diamond Head or in Kahala are not exactly in el cheapo digs.
Everyone's vacation is important and nobody has the way to spend a vacation that is better than anyone else's regardless of how much is spent.
There seems to be a certain air of superiority creeping into some of these posts but please remember there are many folks who would give a whole lot just to get to Hawaii once in their lifetime and would be delighted in one of those so-called "low end" hotels, too.
