Westin - Big Island?
Apr 28th, 2000 | 06:28 PM
#1
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Westin - Big Island?
Anyone stay at the Hapuna Princess on the Big Island? I'm going w/ my family and am curious about the pool, beach, etc for kids & big kids (me)to do. Are the rooms spacious, etc.? I've pulled up their web site but it really doesn't give that much insight.
Apr 30th, 2000 | 08:12 PM
#2
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David,
I've stayed at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel (I think that's the one you're talking about). The rooms were spacious for us (there were three in our party). Housekeeping came in every day and replenished our fridge w/ juices/water (=to number in our party). I don't know if they still do that, but it was great! The bathroom was pretty spacious also. The beach and pool were beautiful. Definitely, go next door to the sister property - the Mauna Kea and check it out, as well. It's an older property, but very nice. You'll enjoy it there.
I've stayed at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel (I think that's the one you're talking about). The rooms were spacious for us (there were three in our party). Housekeeping came in every day and replenished our fridge w/ juices/water (=to number in our party). I don't know if they still do that, but it was great! The bathroom was pretty spacious also. The beach and pool were beautiful. Definitely, go next door to the sister property - the Mauna Kea and check it out, as well. It's an older property, but very nice. You'll enjoy it there.
May 1st, 2000 | 09:27 AM
#3
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David,
What I hear and read again and again about the Westin Princes in the islands is that the decor is stark and very Japanese in nature, that for Western travelers something seems to be missing. I also hear that the service is impeccable, that they are beautiful in their own way but not "warm" enough for most Westerners. I love "warm, tropical ambiance" so I've never had the nerve to try one. In "Big Island Revealed" by Doughty/Friedman, they say, for the money, they find something missing at the Hapuna Prince, that, for the money, they'd stay at one of the other resorts in that area. But who knows? You may love it! Good luck!
What I hear and read again and again about the Westin Princes in the islands is that the decor is stark and very Japanese in nature, that for Western travelers something seems to be missing. I also hear that the service is impeccable, that they are beautiful in their own way but not "warm" enough for most Westerners. I love "warm, tropical ambiance" so I've never had the nerve to try one. In "Big Island Revealed" by Doughty/Friedman, they say, for the money, they find something missing at the Hapuna Prince, that, for the money, they'd stay at one of the other resorts in that area. But who knows? You may love it! Good luck!
May 1st, 2000 | 10:47 AM
#4
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David:
Lani's comments are correct. My stay at Hapuna Beach left me with ambivalent feelings. The guest rooms and common areas of the hotel are quite nice, but the hotel is somewhat of a "white elephant" as it is eerily quiet and empty and devoid of a warm, aloha feel. Still, if you want to avoid crowds, want a well-maintained attractive hotel with one of the best beaches on the Big Island, you'll be pleased with your choice. Also, its location is convenient as a start-off point for day trips to the North Kohala Mountain Road (Hwy 250), to Waimea , and on to the Hamakua Coast. The Japanese Restaurant at the hotel has a fantastic buffet which is pricey but excellent and authentic. The pool is not large, but is nicely perched on a hill overlooking the crescent-shaped beach. Be forewarned, that if your stay is between December - March, the beach will very likely be dangerously rough.
Lani's comments are correct. My stay at Hapuna Beach left me with ambivalent feelings. The guest rooms and common areas of the hotel are quite nice, but the hotel is somewhat of a "white elephant" as it is eerily quiet and empty and devoid of a warm, aloha feel. Still, if you want to avoid crowds, want a well-maintained attractive hotel with one of the best beaches on the Big Island, you'll be pleased with your choice. Also, its location is convenient as a start-off point for day trips to the North Kohala Mountain Road (Hwy 250), to Waimea , and on to the Hamakua Coast. The Japanese Restaurant at the hotel has a fantastic buffet which is pricey but excellent and authentic. The pool is not large, but is nicely perched on a hill overlooking the crescent-shaped beach. Be forewarned, that if your stay is between December - March, the beach will very likely be dangerously rough.
