Where to stay on Hawaii's Kohala Coast?
Apr 7th, 2008, 11:59 PM
#21
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We (DH and 7 yr old son) just returned from the Waikoloa Marriott a week ago and absolutely LOVED it. The location, grounds, pool, beach, sunsets, decor, rooms were all topnotch.
I did alot of research and saw the mixed reviews on tripadvisor so I was apprehensive. I consider myself to be a discerning traveler and was VERY pleased. So much so that I will only stay at the Marriott when we return to the BI.
The decor seemed new, modern and very pleasing...a blend of Zen Tropical with neutrals and ocean blues, kiwi and orange mixed in. It reminded me of a luxe upscale hotel with a low key casual feel.
The pools and grounds were incredible. They had 3 pools. A lava infinity edge, a small pool with waterslide and another attached to a sand bottom child's pool. Also 3 jacuzzis. The pool area was open 24 hour so we were in them before breakfast, late afternoon and in the evening....6 days in a row. Sometimes we were the only ones there.
The guests were a nice mix of families, couples, business people. Not too much of one or another. The lobby which opened up to a wonderful large terrace that overlooked the pool and bay with cozy sofas and tables with WiFi. A great place to do work (if you have to!).
The top-of-the-line fitness center (the newest, best and largest we've seen from any 4-5 star resort property of it's size) was all glassed in poolside. Our son would happily play in the pool under our watchful eye while we worked out.
We enjoyed the open air lobby, restaurant, lounge area and bar all with excellent views of the pool and bay.
The best part of all...I had found the best rate of $238 a night from Marriott's site while the discounters were offering $279 and up. I took a chance and used Priceline and named my bid for a Waikoloa Resort at $140 a night and got it. We stayed for an idyllic 5 nights during Spring Break and enjoyed every minute there. It wasn't too crowded. We still had to pay the $20 nightly resort fee which included parking, but it was SO worth it.
Downside:
1)only one restaurant option that was mediocre and with resort prices. We ate there a couple times, but preferred walking across the street to King's Shops for Merriman's Cafe or pricey Roy's. We made use of our small fridge and stocked it with fresh sliced pineapple, yogurt and juices and ate them at the pool. They also have a coffee bar which serves baked goods (again at resort prices).
2) late afternoon the pool area needed some TLC as used towels and plastic cups were all over. We made sure to mention this in the management survey.
3) we had spotty service from the restaurant area, but the front desk and other areas the service was good.
NOTE: I wouldn't recommend the Hilton as it is a megaresort and is so huge that it has a disneylandesque quality to it. Hapuna Prince looked nice from it's beautiful beach, but we're sticking with the Waikoloa Marriott. The sunsets from it's A-day are the most beautiful we've seen. We took daily walks around the bay and saw whales in the distance and turtles nesting on the sand and swimming in the coves.
Enjoy and Aloha!
I did alot of research and saw the mixed reviews on tripadvisor so I was apprehensive. I consider myself to be a discerning traveler and was VERY pleased. So much so that I will only stay at the Marriott when we return to the BI.
The decor seemed new, modern and very pleasing...a blend of Zen Tropical with neutrals and ocean blues, kiwi and orange mixed in. It reminded me of a luxe upscale hotel with a low key casual feel.
The pools and grounds were incredible. They had 3 pools. A lava infinity edge, a small pool with waterslide and another attached to a sand bottom child's pool. Also 3 jacuzzis. The pool area was open 24 hour so we were in them before breakfast, late afternoon and in the evening....6 days in a row. Sometimes we were the only ones there.
The guests were a nice mix of families, couples, business people. Not too much of one or another. The lobby which opened up to a wonderful large terrace that overlooked the pool and bay with cozy sofas and tables with WiFi. A great place to do work (if you have to!).
The top-of-the-line fitness center (the newest, best and largest we've seen from any 4-5 star resort property of it's size) was all glassed in poolside. Our son would happily play in the pool under our watchful eye while we worked out.
We enjoyed the open air lobby, restaurant, lounge area and bar all with excellent views of the pool and bay.
The best part of all...I had found the best rate of $238 a night from Marriott's site while the discounters were offering $279 and up. I took a chance and used Priceline and named my bid for a Waikoloa Resort at $140 a night and got it. We stayed for an idyllic 5 nights during Spring Break and enjoyed every minute there. It wasn't too crowded. We still had to pay the $20 nightly resort fee which included parking, but it was SO worth it.
Downside:
1)only one restaurant option that was mediocre and with resort prices. We ate there a couple times, but preferred walking across the street to King's Shops for Merriman's Cafe or pricey Roy's. We made use of our small fridge and stocked it with fresh sliced pineapple, yogurt and juices and ate them at the pool. They also have a coffee bar which serves baked goods (again at resort prices).
2) late afternoon the pool area needed some TLC as used towels and plastic cups were all over. We made sure to mention this in the management survey.
3) we had spotty service from the restaurant area, but the front desk and other areas the service was good.
NOTE: I wouldn't recommend the Hilton as it is a megaresort and is so huge that it has a disneylandesque quality to it. Hapuna Prince looked nice from it's beautiful beach, but we're sticking with the Waikoloa Marriott. The sunsets from it's A-day are the most beautiful we've seen. We took daily walks around the bay and saw whales in the distance and turtles nesting on the sand and swimming in the coves.
Enjoy and Aloha!
Apr 8th, 2008, 03:15 AM
#22
We were in Hawaii in April 06 and the Marriott was being completely renovated. We went to their luau. So, it may be very nice and new like above poster said.
Although the Hilton was huge, it was great because it offered several very good restaurants. I was pleasantly surprised by the restaurants. The ground were beautiful as well. Best Hilton for the money.
Although the Hilton was huge, it was great because it offered several very good restaurants. I was pleasantly surprised by the restaurants. The ground were beautiful as well. Best Hilton for the money.
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