Hilton HHonors - Wackoloa , Walkalotta , Wackaroacher for HWV

Lets take a poll, what is more fitting?

Additional names welcome. Perhaps Wackulotta?

WHO CARES what YOU call it. Via your constant whining you have lost all credibility.

Who's whining? In terms of credibility, people will see exactly what I mean when they arrive. I don't have to be credible, only dead accurate.

There is no way people will avoid the place because Hilton markets it so heavily. But I will give people 15 solid reasons why the place should be avoided as well as several reasons what it is good for.

Once one realizes what a highly controlled environment it is, it should be easy for Hilton to maintian a roach free environment in a $60M property. I don't care how tropical it is. The place is practically genetically engineered anyhow so this should be no difficult feat. Especially for guests on the top floor.

Even the "Gondolas" are fake as they are actually trams on tracks.

What resort charges $22 to use a whirlpool? Futher, if there was a free whirlpool, it was 1.1 miles away from our room.

So far I've heard people talk about this place in terms of minutes. I'm going to discuss it in miles. While minutes is somewhat accurate, it didn't give me, and many others a clear picture.

As a result, our time and part of our vacation was seriously wasted. Literally. 48 minutes (2.4 miles) (12 minutes each way (.6 miles) at a brisk 3m/hr) just in walking from our room to the lobby twice a day.

Over 6 days this amounts to 4.8 hours or 14.4 MILES! Just simply walking to get our car (Valet even, not in the lot!) and one other thing like shopping, spa, etc....

That is wack and I will inform everyone I can about it.

This is just the first of many things that are wrong with the place and will be in my report later in the week.

We should have arrived in paradise, instead we were marrooned. I am simply making light jokes of an unexpectedly dissapointing property.


[This message has been edited by PaulGQ (edited 09-29-2003).]

You should be thanking Hilton...you probably needed the exercise anyway...and they didn't make you pay for walking their property. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Well, this is true.

I could use more exercise.

We were able to use the place as a free track to work off their $10 frozen drinks.

Paul,

When we went in summer 2002, we read all the posts about this property; so nothing came as a surprise.
You're on vacation man. Relax. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Dan

Did you expect it to be cheap? HWV is a mega hotel with countless luxuries made to look like paradise on uninhabitable lava rock. If you want cheap, go to Red Roof Inn.

Seriously though, the HWV is a nice property. Its like Disneyland in Hawaii. So yes, I disagree with PaulGQ's comments (I think the property is nicer than he does, and as a guest 2 weeks ago with two nice rooms on the 6th floor of the Ocean Tower I didn't experience the insect problem), I think he is right about it being expensive for HGVC owners to visit (i.e. $75 to use the pool, etc.). About the long walk (to valet) - you might as well just self-park and save the $11 per day, once you have walked that far another few minutes isn't such a big deal is it?

On a final note, you guys should give PaulGQ a break. He has a substantial amount of money invested in Hilton HGVC properties (and pays a lot of money in maintenance fees) which he uses as currency to stay at Hiltons worldwide. If he wasn't interested in seeing the HWV improve, he wouldn't be posting his review.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

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"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been,and there you will forever long to return." Leonardo da Vinci

"For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move; to feel the needs and hitches of our life more nearly; to come down off this feather-bed of civilisation, and find the globe granite underfoot and strewn with cutting flints."

Robert Louis Stevenson


200 nights/200 legs a year


[This message has been edited by hotlancer (edited 09-30-2003).]

You know what, they should have given him the suite - I was there alone and did not really need it. I only asked for it because I thought it would not hurt to ask...

Perhaps that would have changed his perception http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif.

To be honest, being there alone, I was sometimes bored to death in the evening. Right now, I am in a pub in Honolulu and there is so much more life here...it is all touristy, but there are simply more people my age here (yeah, and I am in front of the computer - GEEK!).

It is not like I had not been warned, though...I think it was Sweet Willie (?) or someone else who had posted HWV - Negative here a while ago, and several people, including Eugene, told me if I go alone, I should go to HHV, not HWV. I just got so curious by reading the posts here, because some sounded it is like heaven on earth or something (which it may be - for kids, honeymooners and older people http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif).

I think it is a beautiful property, the staff is nice enough - but I would not go back there until I am like 65 or so (which will be more than 30 years if I ever make it that far http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif).

Cockroaches - I did see one, near the ice machine, but to be honest, I think it is not that big a deal. That is their natural climate and I think it is near impossible to keep the place 100 % cockroach-free. I'd rather see the occasional cockroach than inhale air poisoned with too many chemicals.

In conclusion, I am looking forward to Paul GQ's trip report and I regret not having met him because I was a little sick the first two days and did not try to contact him - would have been nice to exchange opinions on the famous HWV and its cockroaches http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif.

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Please have a look at my round-the-world travel blog (http://sirjackiechiles.blogspot.com) and leave some comments - thanks :-).

PAUL GQ

With all the time you spend measuring, calculating, and note taking, it sounds more stressful than work. It's no wonder you don't enjoy your vacations. Try relaxing!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by seajac03:
WHO CARES what YOU call it. Via your constant whining you have lost all credibility.

</font>

That's a little harsh for your 16th. post isn't it? If you have experience at the property please share it, but you may want to read more than one thread an FT'er has posted on before criticizing them directly.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by yyzflyer:
That's a little harsh for your 16th. post isn't it? If you have experience at the property please share it, but you may want to read more than one thread an FT'er has posted on before criticizing them directly.</font>

I read PaulGQs comments on the HWV on other threads prior to posting my comment. His constant criticism of the property has gotten out of control. As dhammer53 aludes, there should have been no suprises for PaulGQ if he had read the numerous reports on HWV prior to his visit.

[This message has been edited by seajac03 (edited 09-30-2003).]

Please keep in mind the TOS about personal attacks....

thanks

squeakr

Moderator Hilton

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PaulGQ:
Once one realizes what a highly controlled environment it is, it should be easy for Hilton to maintian a roach free environment in a $60M property. I don't care how tropical it is. The place is practically genetically engineered anyhow so this should be no difficult feat. Especially for guests on the top floor.</font>

I have no comments on this property in particular, but I am here to tell you that there is absolutely no way to avoid roaches in Hawaii.

There are two kinds. The first are the little nasty kitchen roaches that everyone hates. Those can be dealt with. They are a sign of uncleanliness, so you see those in your hotel room, then you do have a hygiene problem.

The other are the humongous outdoor roaches. These primarily live outside, but they definitely wander in from time to time. Seriously, if you've never been here before and see one, you'll think it's a genetically modified super roach. I don't like them, but (1) they're everywhere, even in the fanciest landscapes in the most exclusive areas, and (2) they're not a sign of filth. No one should panic about these guys.

If you are staying on an award, I will gladly put up with walkalot etc. As for prices I have stayed at the Prince Hapuna and others there are no deals, nor are their deals in the caribbean, Europe, Japan, China. It's a first class vacation destination, free flights there and free hotel awesome deal.

Another of the thread originators cynical posts (not the first I might add)

I will not comment much about the HWV except to say that the property is ok but if the stayer had read the posts about he would not be surprised at what he found.

What he really doesnt know squat about is cockroach control. In tropical areas, Florida included cockroaches live in Palm trees, are able to fly and can insert themselves into window/door cracks of less than a 1/16 of an inch. Proper control is almost a losing battle.

mike


[This message has been edited by MIKESILV (edited 09-30-2003).]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by MIKESILV:
[B][QUOTE]Originally posted by squeakr:
[B]Please keep in mind the TOS about personal attacks....

thanks

squeakr

Moderator Hilton[B][QUOTE]

Hmm, appears to blind defense of another moderator's cynical posts ( not the first I might add)
my comment was actually not directed at anyone in particular - I just thought the thread was going in a not great direction and I wanted to nip that in the bud.

And MIKESILV- YHM.

squeakr
MOD Hilton

Geez, what a stir. I find basic arithmatic simple so converting minutes to miles only took a few seconds with little effort. Referencing the Walkalotta in minutes is like referencing acreage in sq inches.

We really didn't mind the roaches as we completely undertstand tropical enviroments.

We didn't complain too much while we were there but when we arrived at the Sheraton a week later, we immediately realized that we were clearly shorted at the HWV

It became very clear the next week at the Sherton with the following (I don't want to get too Starwood in the Hilton forum but briefly):

Leis on arrival,
Escort to our room with full explaination of grounds layout,
35% off all meals and drinks,
free local calls,
corner ocean suite with 420sq ft balcony,
parking 200 feet from our room
2 for 1 dinner coupons in our room
Pools and Jacuzzi within reasonable distance
Various Hawaiian ceremonies every night

This is how it should be done. And this is as every bit as upscale as wackoloa, even with the occaisional roach. As our stay gets even better and better here, we just realize more and more what a joke it was.

Of course we read every post regarding HWV. But, at least in my mind, the posts didn't paint a clear picture of what we were getting oursleves into. Futher, the opinions seemed to vary back and forth so it made it seem like the place could be somewhat Okay.

Further, EVERY ASPECT of the place is desigend to suck your wallet dry. That is not what vacationing even at the poshest resorts.

I know because we are at a place now where the property gives back - and I mean alot.

Pretty soon HWV will be piping in Lava from Kiluea so they can charge guests a $99 Volcano Experience fee.

[This message has been edited by PaulGQ (edited 09-30-2003).]

Paul brought up a good point.

We (Flyertalkers) are always posting about the room, the food, the upgrade...

All of need to fill in our posts with additional details; and bugs are an additional detail. Same for waiting time on the boat or tram to the Ocean Tower.

Dan

thanks DH, I'm going to get into transit times and tram hit frequency when I post the full report. Not encouraging I might add.

Been to HWV and going again soon. This place is great for the little one and for the grown ups as well. We actually enjoy the long walks to work off all of the extra food we eat when on vacation. The pools and lagoon are fun and the spa has some wonderful treatments.

I just hope that PaulGQ's comments do scare some people away so I have a better chance at an upgrade.

We FTer's can be a tough crowd. Go on a FREE trip to Hawaii, where most people will never have the opportunity to visit, and mainly complain about various minutia. As earlier stated, there are so many posts regarding this property, it's hard to imagine any great surprises. I had an ALON stay at the HWV last fall and it really was what I expected; I'm going back in the spring. Not the grandest property I've seen, but in many ways typical of most Hawaiian resorts. To sum it up, you're in Hawaii, staying for free, enjoy. Truly, life is too short. I agree with hhonorsjunkie, complainers stay away so the rest of us can get upgraded and enjoy our stay.
BTW, anyone going to the HWV should check out these threads:

Alternative, less pricey, off-site (but close) restaurants:
www.waikoloaresort.com/shops/restaurants.htm (http://www.waikoloaresort.com/shops/restaurants.htm)

www.waikoloagolf.com/Default.asp?p=DynamicListPage&ID=5190&type=FBFacilities&name=Facilities (http://www.waikoloagolf.com/Default.asp?p=DynamicListPage&ID=5190&type=FBFacilities&name=Facilities)

To check out some scenes at the hotel:
www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/04-experiencenow/webcam (http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/04-experiencenow/webcam)

I agree with Tenacious (that PaulGQ is a bit of a complainer) but remember, his stay was not FREE. Points cost one way or another.

so are you saying gold members no longer get any kind of breakfast deals or coupons?

What about a chance for an upgrade?

Don't worry. Upgrades are likely, even when the property is full, which is typically is this year. The new gold breakfast is a light continental spread in the Palace Tower.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Tenacious:
We FTer's can be a tough crowd. Go on a FREE trip to Hawaii, where most people will never have the opportunity to visit, and mainly complain about various minutia. To sum it up, you're in Hawaii, staying for free, enjoy.
</font>

By no means are we "staying for free." Earning 100,000-175,000 point is a lot of work. I go out of my way to stay my 70+ nights per year with Hilton properties. I earned my no-cost stay as we all did. Let's not characterize getting a week stay as getting something "free".

It is free if your employer is paying for your travel expenses...your time away from home/family is part of the job which you accepted at some point. If it's out of your own pocket..than that's something entirely different.

Hi all.

WOW - what a thread.

I have stayed at this property a few times, and would like to say:

1. In all fairness, I do recall seeing a lot of bugs there (a lot more than at many other Hawaiian resorts I have been at).

2. There is an awful lot of walking required (or waiting for tram or boat). While this was fun for a few days, after about 5 days it did become annoying.

To be honest, I really don't care for any of the Hilton Hawaii properties. Starwood, Hyatt and Marriott all have much nicer (in my opinion) resorts there.

I will be redeeming one more ALON award at HWV - only because I redeemed it right before price increase.

Over in the Starwood forum, there's a Waikiki thread going on about Fruit Flies at the Sheraton Moana.

So...take your pick. Roaches or Flies.

And they call it Paradise! Ha! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

PaulGQ, I stayed in HNL for one more night - right now, I am at a pub kind of across the street from the HHV (on the main street, on the way towards the big shopping mall). It is on the lower floor of a small shopping mall, I think it is called Snappers (am here because they have some washers and dryers here which the Doubletree does not).

Come over if you read this and want to drink a beer http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. I'm wearing a Chicago GSB polo shirt.

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Please have a look at my round-the-world travel blog (http://sirjackiechiles.blogspot.com) and leave some comments - thanks :-).

We just checked into our suite at HHV. Let me see what wifey wants to do and if its not too late. I'm small, 31, blue shorts, white T, sneakers and FDNY cap. We're coming.



[This message has been edited by PaulGQ (edited 10-01-2003).]

I must be real lucky because my last stay was at the JW Marriott in Oahu for a week and I did not see one cockroach my whole stay.

As per Waikola, from the many many discussions here I have very low expectations of the hotel when I arrive there next January. I figure, I'm going to paradise, I get to see a live volcano, if my room sucks, it's still a sucky room in a great place to be.

And next time I'll go back to an SPG or Marriott hotel http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by IMStill4Travel:
It is free if your employer is paying for your travel expenses...your time away from home/family is part of the job which you accepted at some point. If it's out of your own pocket..than that's something entirely different. </font>

Another misguided statement. Regardless of where the money comes from a lot of work is involved in reaching Diamond, or triple Diamond in my case. Making sure one is planted in a Hilton every night on the road is work. The Hilton is indebted to anyone who does this. These points are earned. Look at the account statement does it say "free points"? No, it says "earned points". Paul is not getting anything for free, even if he did not pay for the stays that "earned" him points. The Hilton made a deal with all of us, stay at our properties and "earn" points. Redeem your earned points for stays, earned stays.

Mike
"The Hilton is indebted to anyone who does this."
I couldn't agree with you more. Now those that may have become a gold for 4 stays may think it's "free",but Diamonds pay a much higher price.

You go Mike.

MIKEM- You would've had to stay "somewhere" anyway....you accepted the assignment/job...don't cry to me...I stay close to 300 nights/year myself and don't whine.....I don't consider it "hard work" at all...my employment may be difficult...but I chose the travel...granted you may have gone a short distance out of the way and away from your meetings to stay at Hiltons but hardly is it "hard work". As for your line "earned points" on your statement...THIS is misguided....I have in my hand at the moment...an ALON...it states "This certificate is valid for six FREE nights at a Hilton Hawaiian resort"......under the description. Got it? FREE!



[This message has been edited by IMStill4Travel (edited 10-01-2003).]

I didn't encounter any roaches. For real fun go up to the town a few miles inland by the grocery store you will find a small pub. We had a late lunch there and I noticed something dart across the floor. It was not one, but many mice. The owner said there are thousands running around and they can't keep them out. I thought it was great "local color"; Mom about died and didn't want to finish her meal!
We would go back to the HWV anytime, and we were at the Palace Tower!!
Judy J

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by IMStill4Travel:
an ALON...it states "This certificate is valid for six FREE nights at a Hilton Hawaiian resort"......under the description. Got it? FREE!
]</font>

The stay is free but, you did not get it for free, you earned it. If you read my thread you will see that I stated "account statement", not ALON, which does say "points earned." You can "sing" all you want about your job, my job, etc., and stray from the issue. But, at the end of day, even the Hilton Honors monthly account statements defines what we do as "earning points." One very important fact you seem to overlook is that while the company may pay for the hotel, the traveler is the one that funnels the money to the hotel chain. Without this middleman/broker there is no deal. Without you and I telling our employers we want to stay at the Hilton, there is no deal. I believe commissions are paid for putting a deal like this together in the business world. Additionally, you say “all that is needed is to go a couple miles down the road.” What you do not say is that you drove past a 100 year old school house that was converted to a quaint B&B you could have stayed at and saved money, that you passed by a hotel on the lake with an outstanding view that was next to your customer, that you could have stayed on the ski slopes… But, instead you went to a Hampton Inn to earn points. I expect to be paid for doing this. The GLON, ALON, etc. is my payment. Nothing is free, certainly HH reward stays.

Back to the original topic. After all the business and thousands of dollars it takes to earn an ALON, I expect the Hilton to roll out the red carpet for us. Which they have done for me each time. Sorry to hear Paul's stay was not ideal. He does have a few valid points though. HWV is quite spendy and they do have their hand out whereever you go. I did however, like the place and may return some day.

Forget it... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif What was that saying....something about rocks...head.
I do agree however ...we need to get back to the original topic.



[This message has been edited by IMStill4Travel (edited 10-01-2003).]

There use to be 2 trams working when I was last here in February 2002 and now there is only one which means the wait time has increased dramatically. I've waited 15-20 minutes, several times during my trip. I've opted to walk many times when the tram has already headed out towards the Ocean towers.

I wonder if I should've just asked for the Lagoon tower since it is the fastest way out and the walk itself isn't so bad. Any comments on this? My friend is staying here in 2 months and wanted me to suggest the best tower but I've only ever been given the Ocean tower during my 2 stays. The Palace tower is also closer than the Ocean tower but it seems virtually all of their rooms face the golf course. Nice lobby in the Palace towers though.

The first night I got in (last Saturday), this place seemed to be quite full but now, it almost seems like there is much less people on the resort.

I've read a lot of criticism here about the HWV and I've read where many people enjoyed it. To be honest, there are many other Hawaiian hotels which I've stayed in which I would rate above the HWV.

I earned my Hilton points and think that the ALON award (pre-inflationary) is (was) a good value and simply enjoy the HWV for the mega hotel that it is. There is no doubt that there can be many improvements made though as it is clearly evident by all the complaints.

I no longer stay at the HWV, but began staying there when it first opened as a Hyatt and stayed there at least six times after it was a Hilton.

To put some of this in perspective, when it was a Hyatt, it was a pretty spiffy hotel. Rates were high and it was fairly exclusive. There were few or no kids or families. You also didn't have to pay for extras and there were a lot of extras - ballroom dance classes, cooking classes, you name it.

When it became a Hilton the marketing strategy changed. I believe you can still get rooms for as little as $149 a night at times and kaamaina rates are even less. It's pretty difficult to hold a hotel that charges $149 a night or 100K (yeah, it's more now, but I don't know if there's a FT who hasn't stayed for 100K, most of which were earned through promotions) points to the same standards as one that's $300 a night. Ever checked out what the Grand Wailea charges? Of course, low rates don't begin to pay the bills at this place so they really depend on all those extra fees. And last I saw, their extra charges per room were very low, which meant cutbacks such as one tram instead of two.

I don't care for this hotel now for a variety of reasons, including that every Tom, Dick and Harry with $149 bucks can stay there, meaning it's usually filled with screaming kids.

Open criticism is important and lets others here know what to expect. At the same time, it's unrealistic to think a hotel that charges so little for such an immense spread can make it on room rates alone.

Just my 2 cents.

Deleted, I need to clarify some things first. This was some criticism of HWV, but I might be wrong. Thanks for your understanding.

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Please have a look at my round-the-world travel blog (http://sirjackiechiles.blogspot.com) and leave some comments - thanks :-).

[This message has been edited by attorney28 (edited 10-03-2003).]

This is what I'm talking about.

They could do better. They simply chose not to. My AMEX was also $135 off in their favor.

Now I call them Wackulater as I must waste more time correcting this.

[This message has been edited by PaulGQ (edited 10-03-2003).]

There seems to be a trend here Paul and attorney as the last straw for me was when they put a charge on my bill that wasn't mine. I spent five days while I was at the hotel trying to get it resolved, thought it was resolved and then had it reappear. It was eventually deleted for good, but no one should have to go through so much to get an accurate bill.

The latest issue of Conde Naste Traveler has the rankings of top hotels and resorts in the world, based on reader feedback. The Hilton Waikoloa was ranked in the top 20 (number 19) of all resorts in the Pacific Rim, which includes Australia, French Polynesia, as well as Hawaii. I believe it was also ranked in the top 20 last year as well.
So, while the Waikoloa may not be for everybody, it apparently does have quite a number of fans out there.

".... a number of fans....."

Including me. Thanks for the affirmation.

Like I said, it is heavily marketed. Don't think for a minute Hilton doesn't give up a million dollars somewhere along the way to get that in print.

The place is a one hitter. Good to visit once, never to return again. Anyone who vacations more than twice a year can name better places for the traveler in terms of ease, location, expense, and overall impression.

When Samantha Brown from the travel channell visits, obviously they are on a huge budget and simply don't consider price. Further, they probably ain't stayin in the Ocean Tower, .6M from the lobby, every day for a week. Let's be real.

The Ocean Tower is where they stick all the Diamond members. Since it is either free or an upgraded ammenity, people might not complain about the daily hike. It is billed as the "more exclusive" tower. More Hilton crap.

We're glad we visited, especially as an award, but we'll never go back or recommend it. Next time, I think the Four Seasons is the shot.

Just my 2cents...stayed 2 nights on an award stay two weeks ago at the HWV.

We got a very nice room (not a bug in sight, well while the lights were still on) in the Ocean Tower overlooking the golf course and ocean. I live in Florida, so roaches are all over the place here and the only way to control them is using noxious chemicals. When the lights go out, what you don't see you don't know http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I felt that 40,000 points/night was abit too much for a free night (this is a criticism of HHonors in general, since I can redeem 10,000 starpoints for a comparable room as an alternative), but in the 2 1/2 days we were there, I have to say this hotel was really fantastic and I can't wait to go back.

The lagoon tower was closed for renovation, so I am not sure how the rooms were there, but our Ocean Tower room was very nice. The lagoon itself was awesome, and we enjoyed the morning snorkels with the local sea turtles followed by brunch at the Palm Terrace. I agree the distance between buildings is alot, and the wait for the tram or boat can get annoying over a long stay, but our overall impression of this property was a top notch 4 star resort that catered to a variety travelers. It was also much quieter than the Westin Maui, our next stop on the trip.

I wouldn't hesitate to rebook there, even for a paid stay

Yes, the Four Seasons was ranked MUCH higher than the Waikoloa. It is also much costlier; I did a rate inquiry for next July for both the 4S and the HWV. The best rate at 4S is a bed/breakfast rate of $575/night; the Waikoloa is offering rates as low as 188/night with AAA discount.

To each his own...

I enjoyed my stay immensely at the HWV, perhaps because I was on a family trip with the kids. My kids loved the place! I would recommend it to anyone with kids. I don't think that I would return, only because I did not like the 'isolated' nature of the Kohala coast resorts; the Hilton is not unique in that regard. A car is a must, and you must drive a lot!
While I do prefer say, Kaanapali Beach in Maui, or Waikiki beacuse of there being more 'action', I think the HWV is a good value for the price, be it cash or points-ALON2 (and was a steal at the old ALON rate!)

[This message has been edited by luv2go (edited 10-27-2003).]

I agree it is great for kids, I mena its Disney! Great for a family of 4 who vacation once a year and may not mind blowing $6000 for week's worth of peace and quiet (or isolation).

And sure, if my mom and dad are footing the bill, why not whine to swim with the dolphins. I would care less about $10 frozen drinks, or being scared that if we forgot something back in the room, it will be a 1.2M walk since I'm being wheeled around in a stroller.

Of course kids love it, what kid wouldn't?

[This message has been edited by PaulGQ (edited 10-27-2003).]

Mrs. MileKing and I just returned from our honeymoon, 6 nights of which were spent on an ALON at HWV. I will be posting a complete trip report (in a separate thread) within the next week.

In summary, our overall experience was positive. However, there are a number of issues we had with the property, some of which have already been noted by other FlyerTalkers and some which haven't. More in my report.

Paul,

IMHO, vacations are supposed to be fun. As I see it, no matter where you go, you would not like any Hilton property. Face it, your tastes have changed and Hilton/Sheraton does not fit the bill. A Four Seasons might be more closer to your liking.

The only downside I see is that you are holding on to a sizeable portfolio of HGVC properties that were bought primarily for generating HHonors points for hotel stays. I would presume you are generating ~500K HHonor points at a cost of about 3K a year. That is over and above a $25K+ initial investment.

If the quality of hotels and devaluation of points is giving you a serious heartburn, Cut your losses and move forward. If you bought all the units at resale, you should be able to recoup 90-100% of your initial investment.

Yeah, the thing is that some many properties are truly great. Like our stay at the Hilton Niagra Falls 2 weeks ago. Simply outstanding. When we see it done right at so many times, we are often dissapointed when some properties don't meet our expectations.

For what we pay for HGVC properties and Hilton points, we'll never give up the program, but we do try to let others know what to watch out for.

I'm not sure if the 4 seasons is our style, but I'd like to try it.

Sheraton Maui was incredible and blew the Walkalotta away I must say.

[This message has been edited by PaulGQ (edited 10-28-2003).]

I'm at HWV right now on an ALON (arrived on Sunday, 26 Oct). Diamond VIP so they gave me the 8th floor (top) of the Ocean Tower (which I guess is the norm). Nice view of the lagoon, Palace Tower, and Pacific in the distance. Very nice resort. Very large resort. Great for kids. Great for walking off dinner. I can see where it would not suit all tastes, but I like it. I'm here till Saturday, 1 Nov, when I head to HHV for 2 nights. Anybody else here now or will be at HHV 1-3 Nov? Let me know.

Paul,

Did you ever post your HHV review? I searched but couldn't find it.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PaulGQ:
The place is a one hitter. Good to visit once, never to return again.</font>

I'll be going for the 12th time next spring. It's heaven for kids.

Walking is OK too, because the place is beautiful and otherwise you'd gain weight on vacation. Time spent walking at HWV is hardly "wasted". Unless you are alone, I suppose, in which case 100% of your vacation time is wasted.

I suppose if one is hard to please and looking to be pampered, there are better places to go. If you don't like HWV, I'm sure you wouldn't like Southwest Airlines either, but I do.

Tram count has varied in the past and they may go back to 2 when the hotel is full. The original design was for 3 trams, which is what you need to eliminate the need to walk.

The only cutbacks I have a real beef about are layoff of the reservations staff and closure of the Ocean Towers lounge to non-Diamonds.

By the way, if you have kids, the prevalence of other kids of all ages is a real advantage...

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by luv2go:
The latest issue of Conde Naste Traveler has the rankings of top hotels and resorts in the world, based on reader feedback. The Hilton Waikoloa was ranked in the top 20 (number 19) of all resorts in the Pacific Rim, which includes Australia, French Polynesia, as well as Hawaii. I believe it was also ranked in the top 20 last year as well.
So, while the Waikoloa may not be for everybody, it apparently does have quite a number of fans out there. </font>

# of fans is very misleading in this case IMO.
I am assuming, but most that voted have not been to many other (if any other) of the top 20 listed. HWV gets traveled to by many, hence it gets many votes from people.

If I had only traveled to 2 or 3 fine hotels in the Pacific, the HWV would probably get a vote from me, but I've been fortunate to have been to more than 2 to 3 properties in the Pacific and the HWV does not make my top 20 list.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by attorney28:
...I think it was Sweet Willie (?) or someone else who had posted HWV - Negative here a while ago, </font>

it was me, the link for those interested: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/007309.html

------------------
Visit FlyerTalk Dining http://flyertalk.com/diningfr.shtml

[This message has been edited by Sweet Willie (edited 10-28-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by nsx:
If you don't like HWV, I'm sure you wouldn't like Southwest Airlines either, but I do. </font>

nsx,
Your post was good until you made this statement above. If you actually "like" Southwest, i.e., think the flying experience where you stand in line many times, get no food, here the cattle mooing sounds during boarding, is preferable, then I would have to discount your opinion about the HWV. WIN has cheap fares and good routes, but it ends there. It makes me think you have some desire for unpleasant experiences. No offense here, just poking a little fun.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by yyzflyer:
Paul,

Did you ever post your HHV review? I searched but couldn't find it.</font>

I had 3-4 people ask me for the review but many more people indicated I should quit "whining" and that they felt sorry for my wife.

While I thought I would be doing everyone well by posting a detailed review, I tabled the idea since we are getting back into the swing of things here at home.

I mean I wanted to, I just don't feel like being criticized. Lately, I feel the our climate here could use some improvement so this is my form of protest.

MIKEM, Southwest's kiosks have eliminated the wait to get a boarding pass. You can choose to wait in line (or mob) to board, or you can stay seated and jump in after the other 44 in your group (A, B, or C) board. I find that I get a better seat more consistently with WN than with any airline offering assigned seats. And I can choose to sit next to a cutie if I like. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

My point is that if you look at Southwest from the narrow perspective of what it does not offer that other majors offer, you will see deficiencies. Whereas if you fly Southwest several times, get to know the system, then adjust your attitude, expectations, and strategies, you will find mostly advantages. Same with HWV.

It's like having a wife or girlfriend who is truly outstanding in several ways: you won't find happiness by constantly thinking about the one or two aspects in which someone else may be better.

My $.02.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PaulGQ:
I had 3-4 people ask me for the review but many more people indicated I should quit "whining" and that they felt sorry for my wife.

While I thought I would be doing everyone well by posting a detailed review, I tabled the idea since we are getting back into the swing of things here at home.

I mean I wanted to, I just don't feel like being criticized. Lately, I feel the our climate here could use some improvement so this is my form of protest.</font>

Paul,
Your post has stayed active for a month now. Your journalistic artwork provoked thought. You provided a view that is seldom discussed here. 90% of the HWV threads paint a picture of this property as being better than s*x, which it is not. The property is nice and all, but one should scale back their expectations some. Realize, a good many people here are redeeming awards at the HWV. They feel fortunate they will get their "free" stay. They do not want to cause any friction and may attack if challenged. Any adults that have been there know the drawbacks. Moreover, a good many have no other experiences to compare it to and lash out defending their limited point of view. You have had many experiences to reflect upon and therefore have a more respected point of view IMHO. So, write on I say, I'm one of your fans.

HWV is not better than s*x. It is however very, very nice. It was marginally nicer when it was a Hyatt (no stupid Hilton signs at the photogenic spots, for one thing).

I have stayed at the Grand Wailea and the Hyatt on Maui. Both are marginally better for adults (I found the grounds a bit too small), but if you have children, HWV is unbeatable. I still recommend that you go to the Grand Wailea just to take a photo or video of the check-in desk.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by nsx:
but if you have children, HWV is unbeatable. </font>

AGREED, also if you are a stay at the resort most of the time type traveler.

OTHERWISE, stay elsewhere.

Our family has just returned (10/26) from HWV on an ALON. This was not our first vist.

As a fellow FT'er suggested we had read all the posts prior to our first vist, so we knew what to expect.

Roaches, we have only seen one, by a drink machine, dead.

Trams, Two were running, small wait but, we were on vacation and no one was in a hurry.

Prices, no one said you have to pay these prices. There are many great restraunts in the area and lovely scenery enroute.

In conclution, no, its not perfect, but my family enjoys it and we will return.

A fellow FTer's suggestion to purchase a $6 ice chest at Kmart or Costco was the key to saving big bucks on our last visit. On the last day, we left it outside the door for some other guest.

We spent 10 days at HWV last month for our anniversary. We're pretty picky and know exactly what we like. Here's what we really liked at the HWV.

Gorgeous sunsets, lots of chairs including easily located shaded chairs, breeze, shade, many different places to sit and swim, shade, food okay, lounge okay, easy to get around, took us less than 7 minutes to get from 6th floor Ocean tower to front desk and we walked it several times daily, no problem with self-parking, shade, great view from our balcony, good walking areas, pleasant but unobtrusive service, really nice grounds, easy to find privacy.

I don't get the walking complaints, we're hardly in great shape and aren't big walkers but the distances, assuming you explored and found the shortcuts, were modest. The first day the distances seemed daunting, but after that, not so. Plus, how many times does one use the lobby? We took day trips, didn't find that there was a lot of value in driving around looking for better drinks. Too far for too little gain, and Kona certainly is nothing to write home about. Did I mention the shade? You may think we're nuts, but, we burn very easily and my husband gets sun-poisoning even when he uses SPF 45 sunblock so we appreciate the shade. At every other resort we've ever visited, one had to block a chair with towels and books by 8am to have a shady spot all day. There were rarely more than 5-10 shady chairs in an entire resort. HWV must have 50 that are shaded all day and 100 that are shaded parts of the day. Of course the adult pool has zero such spots. But we never found the lagoon or the other two pools or the hot tubs very full even though the resort was fully booked.

------------------
Jan

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Dudrop:
Our family has just returned (10/26) from HWV on an ALON. This was not our first vist.

As a fellow FT'er suggested we had read all the posts prior to our first vist, so we knew what to expect.

Roaches, we have only seen one, by a drink machine, dead.

Trams, Two were running, small wait but, we were on vacation and no one was in a hurry.

Prices, no one said you have to pay these prices. There are many great restraunts in the area and lovely scenery enroute.

In conclution, no, its not perfect, but my family enjoys it and we will return.</font>

We must have been there at the same time as we were also on an ALON and left HWV on 10/25. I can assure you that two trams were NOT running at all times. There were a number of occasions when only a single tram was running. That, plus the fact that the tram locator terminals were inaccurate or not working about 75% of the time, was frustrating to say the least, regardless of whether one finds the walk from the Ocean Tower to the lobby long or reasonable. (I haven't heard anyone say it is a short walk, and it isn't.)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MileKing:
I can assure you that two trams were NOT running at all times. There were a number of occasions when only a single tram was running.</font>

AFAIK, only one tram runs late at night or early in the morning. There are also times when equipment or staff shortages appear to cause one of the trams to drop out of service. If the hotel is full, they should be running 2 trams most of the day.

Wow...I'm surprised at these nasty reviews of HWV. Especially from someone who was there on an ALON.

I'll concede a couple of things about HWV:
- It is overpriced, even by Hawaii standards.
- It is waaaaaay too Disneyesque.
- The food is mediocre.

However, the upside:
- I thought it was a wonderful place to spend an ALON. Great room high in Ocean Tower, nice lounge, etc.
- The people there were very friendly: they even gave us a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine for our honeymoon. Not top-shelf wine or anything, but it was a nice touch.
- The hotel offered activities to suit almost any taste. (Although we usually chose to go off-site for activities, we could have chosen to stay.)

We were able to mitigate the three problems I listed above by seeking out off-site restaurants and spending most of our on-site time on the Ocean Tower end (slightly less Disneyesque).

The walking wasn't really an issue for us. We kind of joked about it being a good buildup to fall marathon training. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif You definitely gotta walk-a-lotta, as the trams/boats are only really useful if you stumble upon them at exactly the right time.

I'm not sure whether I would actually *pay* $150+/night to stay at HWV, but I thought it was a wonderful ALON. If my travels ever take me to the Big Island again (and I have ALON points again), I would go back to HWV.

Pinniped, ALON should have nothing at all to do with guest satisfaction. Award stays are not free, we paid through the butt somewhere along the line to earn it, often through the following:

1) If I use my HGVC week that could have cost me $12,000 and $700/year and I convert it to Hilton points and thay place me at a property via an ALON

2) If I stayed at 125 Hampton Inns at $79/night last year to earn an an ALON

3) If I charged $34,000 on my Amex last month

4) Even If I bought an ALON on Ebay for $600,

Any way you look at it, it is earned, ebay included. I would never think to not voice a complaint just because they have me listed as a free stay. That is their problem, not mine. Nothing is free. We all pay plenty to use the award program.

Now that many awards are 75% more point costly, people should realize awards are just converted cash back. Does this mean they should feel more comfortable about voicing a complaint? I hope so.

Actually, my concern was just as much with flyertalk as it was with the property. I felt that after reading all the threads on the property, posters could have painted a much better picture in terms of how HWV related to one's visit to Hawaii, not just the property itself.

This may well be my own fault for misinterpreting the point of having individual forums like Hilton.

I treat it like travel, with Hiltons being the center peice but not focal point of our trips. As a result, my posts often include undercurrents of pros for how well the property did to suit our travel needs and cons for if they are acting like scumbags while they do it.

For instance, I feel it was grossly neglectful on Hilton's part to not greet with us leis upon arrival as well as not having a Luao until the end of the week. As I indicated before, this is simply retarded and done on purpose.

I mean come on, 20 hours to get there and leis are $15 at the kiosk the next day? They can do better, they choose not to. The Sheraton Maui chooses to do better and they will get our repeat business.

You have to understand, I'm not talking about picky little things like whether or not we got a suite upgrade, breakfast certs, free water, etc... (which we got)

I'm talking the big things. proper introduction to a new land, poor layout, outragious pricing, fair shuttling, no look and feel of hawaii, pitting the kids against the parents in order to suck mom and dad dry. (tell me that dolphin on the bed doesn't grab the kids attention and dad's wallet every time), shoving the diamonds to the back of the bus and calling it "exclusive", and of course the mandatory 1.2 mile walk every time you leave the room.

The place is a suckers bet. And I got sucked in. All in all we had a very pleasant time there but people need to be made aware and limit their expectations.

Don't get me started on the actual face time we witnessed a group of 6 kids got.

6 minutes with the dolphin and they were all done. And of course the ads say "Dolphin Quest caters to your children"
Well at $1400 every 60 minutes I'd cater your children too. The 8 year olds have an attention span to last about 4 minutes with the dolphins then 3 more for photos.

But anything to satisfy the kids after they see dolphins on their bed.

Lastly, in my opinion, properties should not be praised for providing friendly staff, a variety of activities, and a nice location. That is the whole point of the resort. The champagne is a nice touch, but at $2.50 a bottle, they better. I'd be more dissapointed if they didnt.

Congrats and get off that computer and get to doing some honeymooning! (I realize now this may have been an uncessary rant.) oh well.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by nsx:
AFAIK, only one tram runs late at night or early in the morning. There are also times when equipment or staff shortages appear to cause one of the trams to drop out of service. If the hotel is full, they should be running 2 trams most of the day.

</font>

Maybe that is the way it is supposed to work, but that was not the situation when we were there. Sometimes late in the evening two trams were running, other times only one. There were also times during the middle of the day that only one tram was running. The inconsistency and seemingly random nature of how many trams were running at any particular time is a big part of the problem.

PaulGQ wrote:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Actually, my concern was just as much with flyertalk as it was with the property. I felt that after reading all the threads on the property, posters could have painted a much better picture in terms of how HWV related to one's visit to Hawaii, not just the property itself.</font>

Did you read any of the 43 archived threads on this property? (Not the ones that come up on search, but the ones where you click on FTArchives and then do a search. I think some of those threads might have given you what you were looking for.)

I've been to HWV many times and plan to return again next year, at least 1 or 2 times. For me, the HWV is my favorite US resort in the Hilton network...and find the current ALON rate, albeit more than last year, still decent....especially with Gold/Diamond perks you're able to add on to the value of the room.

On the Big Island, the HWV is my favorite resort. While there are probably more luxurious resorts on the island (like the Prince down the road), the scenery throughout the island is breathtaking ...so I'd rather spend a decent amount of my time exploring the island rather than getting my money's worth in a $400-$900/night room at a more exlusive hotel. I find the HWV an excellent compromise of value and luxury --its well maintained, I've found the service to be pleasant, and the food to be good.

Speaking of food, when on vacation at resort locations, I budget myself $20/breakfast, $40/lunch, and $100 dinner --all per person. It is a vacation so I expect to live it up a bit. The HWV resteraunt offerings fall into and below this range ...and I've found the food to be worth the money spent. At my last dinner at Imari, the Japanese dinner on the grounds, I spent about $150 on myself for dinner + 2 rounds of drinks + appetizer + dessert ...and I think the food was fantastic and the cost was irrelevent. On vacation, I'm there to enjoy it ...and not beancount. When I'm not on vacation, that's when I beancount...and I'd probably be hesitant to spend more than $20 on myself for dinner, let alone breakfast. After vacationing at other great places around the world, I think the HWV prices are in-line with other vacation/resort ranges. If you're looking for a $9.95 steak or a $7.95 all-you-can eat buffet, don't expect it in Hawaii ..especially on the somewhat more exclusive Big Island.

As far as insect issues, I've been there many times and never had a bug issue or wild animal issue. But even if I did, I wouldn't worry too much about it: its located in a large, natural tropical environment...so of course Mother Nature will have her own treats along the way.

As far as the long walks, slow boats, and missing shuttles, this doesn't irk me either. It's a large, sprawling resort ...so of course you'll need to walk around a bit. If it was more compact, I'm sure people would complain about that too http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

The Ocean Tower is a "far walk" ...but you don't have to be a trained runner to survive the hike around the resort or to/from the Ocean Tower to the rest of the resort. I do find the Ocean Tower to be the best in the bunch ...and do find it to be more "exclusive" than others ...mainly because of its distance from the Lagoon pools and the rest of the Waikoloa resort.

It all comes down to preference: if you're a family of 4 with young children on a tight budget and need to skimp/save wherever possible and not deal with the hassles of a walk here/there, this resort isn't for you. But if you're looking for a moderate resort experience with a good compromise between value and luxury on the Big Island and don't pay over-attention to pricetags and the time it takes you to walk from your room to the lobby, this is a fantastic place for you.

I enjoy vacationing in Hawaii ...and try to get out there from the east coast at least 3x/year. The HWV isn't my favorite property in Hawaii, but is my favorite on the Big Island.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by letiole:
PaulGQ wrote:
Did you read any of the 43 archived threads on this property? (Not the ones that come up on search, but the ones where you click on FTArchives and then do a search. I think some of those threads might have given you what you were looking for.)</font>

I thought the same thing myself, but am not surprised.
And even more interesting I cannot recall so far any discussion " as how the property relates to Hawaii itself.." certainly a more interesting subject than the 3 pages so far.
mike

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PaulGQ:
I'm not talking about picky little things like whether or not we got a suite upgrade, breakfast certs, free water, etc... (which we got)</font>

How did you get breakfast certs? I thought they were gone forever!

I agree that points are not really free.

And the stuffed dolphin in the room is a bit annoying.

But I guess my priorities (big things vs. little things) are backwards from yours. To each his own.

In reponse to another poster, I have paid $150 or so per night at HWV many times in the past, mostly using UA M+ 50% off coupons.

NSX, it was easy, every time we saw a roach or every day they left moldy rotten food in our room, we called down for more certs.

We didnt mind too much (well, I didn't my wife did). I agree, no free certs on checkin, only when you show them where they screwed up.

PaulGQ, lei's are now $15? They were $10 when we were there in August and the young lady made them fresh right in front of you. It was a nice treat for me, but my husband and son didn't want one (girl stuff). Should you have gotten one free because the Sheraton gave them to you? Because you are PaulGQ? The Ritz in Maui did not give leis; does this mean they are a bad hotel?

My son was in with the dolphins the full time we paid for. As for walking, I have spent 20 nights at the HWV and ridden the tram three times. Maybe just because I walk our dog for exercise at home but I find the grounds there a real delight to explore and enjoy, whether on the covered paths with artwork or the garden and pool paths. We never appreciated the "fake" Disney Hawaii more than after a getting back from a long day at the volcano (barely, because we forgot to buy gas in Hilo and thought we'd have to sleep in the Blazer).

Again, agree with above re the prices, nothing unusual for Hawaii. The food was good at Imari and great at Kamuela Provision. The Kamuela hostess Bertha is an angel and took great care of us on our numerous visits, which can be hard to do with numerous in-laws in tow.

LLM,

Its not that I was demanding something for free. It was the fact that for many people getting to Hawaii is a big deal, no matter how much one travels.

So it is a nice touch. PaulGQ or not, I think all guests should be presented with leis upon arrival to Hawaii, the gateway to Polynesia.

Perhaps a smaller property can't do this, but Hilton can. Further, it does something else as well. It lets staff know that people wearing them are new arrivals, so as to greet people with a Welcome, at least for the first day or two while they are still fresh and still wearable.

As a business owner, I can think of 5 reasons this should be standard practice and no reason why not. There is simply no cost and there is plenty of time and people througout the day to make them.

Know this, if you look at my posts, I didnt do too much complaining until we got to the Sheraton. This was simply because we didnt know any better. The sheraton plainly outclassed HWV in many ways.

If you havent been to both places, trust me, dump the HWV and get there some day. I'm sure the majority of people who have visited both places would agree.

This was out first stay as SPG platinum so maybe thats it. We were treaded so well, maybe its the difference between the programs and as well as the properties.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PaulGQ:
LLM,

So it is a nice touch. PaulGQ or not, I think all guests should be presented with leis upon arrival to Hawaii, the gateway to Polynesia.

.</font>


If they gave out leis, then maybe they would charge a mandatory 12.50 day resort fee like the Sheraton does! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

First, it isnt mandatory as I demanded ours be waived and was.

Second, the resort fee is fine because you don't have to pay for parking.

The HWV wacks you for valet plus the optional $18 resort fee.

Parking is so convenient at the Sheraton, no need for valet. They'll even come pick you up in a golf cart if necessary.

Again, on every front, Sheraton Maui blows HWV out of the water. I've studied this subject very carefully and extensively.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PaulGQ:


If you havent been to both places, trust me, dump the HWV and get there some day. I'm sure the majority of people who have visited both places would agree.

</font>

We've been to the Sheraton. We prefer the HWV.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PaulGQ:
I mean come on, 20 hours to get there and leis are $15 at the kiosk the next day? They can do better, they choose not to. The Sheraton Maui chooses to do better and they will get our repeat business.</font>

For a kama'aina's two cents whose seen the construction of the HWV when it was first a Hyatt in 1988 and then when it was transformed to a Hilton, I too agree that it has changed remarkably.

When it was a Hyatt, the Waikoloa Village was a jewel of the islands. It was the "premiere" hotel, and now it has lost that notion amongst locals who have seen other hotels pop up along the Kohala Coast. Top that off with a bumbling economy and you've got less locals traveling to the HWV, etc.

Sure, I will agree that the hotel is old in age. And, we all know that PaulGQ will put his money where his mouth is and choose the right hotel, but it is important to stress, as it has been done so many times, that the HWV targets a certain demographic of people. There are many hotels within the islands that are much more up-scale in terms of class. I can think of a number off the bat including the Ritz, the Princeville, etc.

As for that occasional cockroach. Living in the islands for all my life, I can tell you that once you've seen one, you sure as heck don't even think about the 100 living behind your walls... and you also realize that sometimes these roaches (our state bird, as FTers like to call it) just fly into random places. The year-round 80 degree weather is a thriving place for these critters and I'm sure the other up-scale resorts have seen their fair share of roaches. What are you going to do? Gas them? They're everywhere...

Try the Sheraton. We liked it. We like the HWV village too. It's all a matter of what you'd like in a vacation.

Wishing all of you the best of Halloweens.

Aloha

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PaulGQ:
First, it isnt mandatory as I demanded ours be waived and was.</font>

Paul, I love your attitude!

Agree with slippahs there.

The HWV, the Westin Maui, and the Westin Kauai (now Marriott Kauai)...all had exceptional world-class service levels and were elegant, button-down and classy joints that despite their polish, still maintained that wonderful friendly Aloha Spirit when they first opened. And today all have sadly "downgraded" in price and "class" a great, great amount. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif Largely loud Disney-type family joints now, all 3 of them. IMHO. And not at all like "they used to be."

Unlike these 3 resorts, I believe the Hyatt Maui has largely managed to maintain much of their "class" over the years. A bit of a slip maybe, but still up there.

The only one that I can think of that actually has improved over the years vs. when it opened...is the Sheraton Maui. Their recent renovation and improvement in service levels, certainly bumped them up a notch or two, IMHO. More quiet. More refined.

The HWV is ok, but you should really check out the Mauna Lani or the Mauna Kea.