wildblueyonder

I think the Ilikai Marina reason is because of the fire risk due to the venting (or non-venting) of the dryer. No idea why we couldn't use the washer though. I was a bit peeved about it and (now the security deposit's been refunded) have written a teeny complaint, because I would've taken more underwear had I know! I'm not sure which floors the washer/dryers are on - but, yes, they are there (obviously I didn't use them - preferred to litter the (small!) bathroom with wet stuff, which didn't dry LOL. I've suggested he changes the vrbo advert, as it still states that it is one of the only units with a washer/dryer.

West Hollywood sounds great. We need a place for next year - but only for 2 nights (LA is the only place we've visited in the USA which has made us a bit nervous). I think we'll go for the Residence Inn at Burbank as son and dil want to visit Universal Studios and that's the only reason I've agreed to stay there again! But, out of interest, I don't suppose that condo sleeps five does it?

We had a great shower in our rental in SE Big Island - a walk in, fully tiled with those glass blocks separating it from the rest of the room. There was also an outdoor shower, but I wasn't going to use that - it was planted in jungle and the roaches were enormous!

wildblueyonder

I *think* the National rental is in the same place as the Alamo, which is in the building next to the McDonalds, downstairs. A very quick walk from Ilikai Marina, out the main entrance, turn left to the end of the road, cross over that road then cross over Ala Moana to the McDonalds. I'm pretty sure it's not in the hotel.

I did ask the owner of our place about the closing of the hotel, a few weeks before we went, and he did reply and reassured that it was nothing to do with the Ilikai Marina.

We chose to pay for parking in the $17pn place - it was expensive (understatement) for 6 days, but we thought worth it for the ease and convenience.

No, no pool associated with the Ilikai Marina - but you are minutes from the lagoon!

Very odd about those washer/dryers!

NeoPatrick

The condo in West Hollywood is huge, but I think it only sleeps four. There was a huge nice leather sofa in the living room which I'm only guessing was a sleeper as well.
And although I rented for a week, I think she's changed the ad on vrbo to read only by the month, but looks like I am renting the same one for a week in Sept. on my way to Hawaii -- unless I cancel that or change it to the end of the trip.

Here's the link to that condo in West Hollywood by the way.

http://www.vrbo.com/98475

wildblueyonder

Thanks NeoPatrick - but it only sleeps 2-3 and, as you say, is on a monthly rental. Looks lovely - but the Residence Inn will have to do us!

NeoPatrick

Ah, I never paid attention. I think there is an inflatable "bed" in the closet and perhaps the leather sofa is NOT a sleeper. It was too comfortable and nice to be one, I suppose. LOL

hpeabody

Patrick, So funny, I am doing the same thing with the car, renting from National. Yes, I believe that is where Wildblueyonder mentioned. I contacted that owner of the unit you are renting. They are not available my last 2 nights. I have one in the works for unit 988, just have to put in the deposit. The original condo unit lady is not contacting me either. I hope we really do get our money back. I am slightly worried we may have a problem with this.

Oh, By the way..... I am typing from a cyber cafe in Union Square san francisco... I know you were just here in SFO

hpeabody

lcuy, Thanks for checking for me. I appreciate it

dusty56438

A couple of notes about Ilikai Hotel:

There is sort of an agreement between owners & labor to reopen the hotel part as soon as feasible.

The condo part is separate from the hotel part. I think they still would have use of pools, etc.

I don't know about the restaurants like Sarento's.

Parking at Ala Wai Marina is $.25 during the day.

You would also have to pay $6 for overnight parking there.

zaqsmama

the condo i was going to stay at just got sold as well and we have non-refundable plane tix from july 30-august 10. we would now like to stay at the ilikai marina. any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

NeoPatrick

Well for starters, you might try the one I'm renting -- after looking at dozens it really looks WAY more beautiful than any of the others. I'm not sure about availability.

http://www.ilikaiwaikikicondo.com/

There are others at VRBO. I think you can enter Ilikai Marina and find them grouped that way. Or I think I entered that in Google and got a link to them all in VRBO when I couldn't figure out how to isolate them on VRBO myself.

zaqsmama

thanks, neopatrick. your condo really is beautiful but unfortunately not available for my dates.

hpeabody

Keeping my fingers crossed, this sounds good. I made contact with the owner of the unit next door to the 1582 that was sold. It is 1580, the corner unit, windows all around, sounds amazing. I can also stay 8 nights 1 free with 7 night stay I guess. (I have to think about it, though. I have to check the cost of changing my airline ticket) Cost wise not so bad ... Unit 1582 Total Charges: $1,139.16, This new unit 1580Total $1209.16

NeoPatrick

That does sound good. Interesting about the 8th night free. Several of my Hawaii condos are "pay for 6 nights -- get the 7th night free" as they like to keep them at one week contracts. Your "I guess" makes me wonder if you have misunderstood -- meaning the 7 nights would actuall be a little less?

But good luck -- I gather than the full Christmas /New Years week is a tough one to find open at this "late" date, which of course why you had booked the other one so early.

hpeabody

Well, I just had a phone call from the owner of the new unit #1580, Kama. Kind of a character, he offered me his other unit at the Ilikai Hotel, hmmmmmm what's up with that, bait and switch, LOL. I said I would stick with the Ilikai Marina. I just sent the deposit, so it looks like I am in Now to see how much it might cost to change my airline ticket so I can take advantage of the extra night

hpeabody

Oh, here is a link if you want to look
http://www.vrbo.com/77336

NeoPatrick

Congratulations. But that airfare thing may be the usual, "let's see if I pay an extra $400 for airfare I can get a free $140 night"!!! Good luck.

I understand the hotel employees at the Ilkai Hotel agreed to come back to work at reduced pay or some such thing and the hotel reopened last week. Still, I've read enough horror stories about general maintenance of the grounds and common facilities with the condos in that building, I don't think I'd touch it.

For those not following the story, the Ilkai Marina condos are totally separate from the hotel and the condos in their building.

hpeabody

Patrick, Yeah, you are probably right. I am not really counting on being able to change my ticket. The bad thing is we do share some of the Ilikai facilities like the pool. I hope it gets ironed out before either of us get there

NeoPatrick

Actually the owner of my condo at Ilikai Marina says there has been no pool privileges for a long time. I'm not counting on that at all.

MelissaHI

Ilikai Hotel to reopen Friday:
http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/19389/76/

NeoPatrick

Good news. I got my deposit check returned today from the original apartment # 1582. Should I tell them it was for more than I paid??? I assume the rest of you will be getting yours too.