Horace

Great observation! Yes, Marriott.com currently shows the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection to be a hotel, not a resort!

If you look at a Marriott.com page for a resort, it has a tab called "Our Resort." For a hotel, it has a tab called "Our Hotel." The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has a tab called "Our Hotel." Take a look:

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...ph-collection/

The word "resort" does not appear on the landing page for the the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection. Nor does it appear on the other pages that I looked at.

To me the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is the very definition of a resort, even if its name has the word "Hotel," not "Resort." But that doesn't matter. All that matters is how Marriott categorizes the property. It goes both ways. Keep in mind that there are properties like the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort that Marriott.com considers to be resorts, but that are really just suburban hotels.

Any Gold Elite or Platinum Elite member who made a reservation at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel based on Marriott.com's description can makes a good case that Autograph Collection Hotel (not Resort) benefits apply -- including the Lounge/Breakfast benefit.

It might be a good idea to print out the current Marriott.com content for the Kea Beach Hotel.

travelinmanS

I'm happy that I'll be able to earn MR points here, but I really hope that the property doesn't become "Marriottized". It's a special gem in Hawaii and it'd be a shame to see it turn into something like the Ritz Kapalua or heaven forbid the other Waikoloa Marriott.

This leaves only two resorts not affiliated with one of the major brands on the Kohala coast. The Hapuna Prince and the Mauna Lani.

ohmark

That's the point of the Autograph Collection. Provide Marriott benefits, but retain the property's individuality.

SkiAdcock

It's officially a resort. Marriott press release (also details more things like Saturday clambakes).

http://news.marriott.com/2015/01/aut...ala-coast.html

Cheers.

BOSOGG

I attempted to make reservations for family of four (2 adults/2 children) in single room. My kids were 9 and 12. Travel agent said it was unusual that she could not book it for more than 3 in a room. She tried to make reservation, but was denied.
I called the resort directly and the policy of not allowing family of 4 in a single room was confirmed.

Horace

Marriott guests should be able to rely on a property's content on Marrriott.com. According to Marriott.com, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a hotel, not a resort:

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...ph-collection/

Also, Marriott guests should be able to rely on resort lists by state at Marriott.com. Hawaii has a number of resorts under Marriott brands, but the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is not one of them:

https://www.marriott.com/hotel-searc...states.resort/

Marriott guests should not have to rely on press releases -- especially not on ones that call the same property a resort and a hotel.

To be honest, I think it's only a matter of before the Marriott.com content for the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is changed and it can really be said, "It's officially a resort."

Until then, it's officially a hotel. Gold Elite and Platinum Elite members can make a strong case for the lounge/breakfast benefit.

VickiSoCal

Autograph Collection breakfast benefits aren't worth fighting for IME.

SkiAdcock

1. Agree.
2. Agree.
3. In your opinion. In Marriott's view it's a resort. One can try to make a case for cont'l brekkie, but not be surprised if it's denied.

Cheers.

SkiAdcock

Am assuming there will be a resort fee. If you could report back on how much & specifically what the resort fee covers, that would be great.

Also let us know if there are any bennies for Plats (or Golds). Some (not many) resorts will offer a reduction on resort fee or reduction on breakfast or access to the spa or reduction on parking fees.

Cheers.

HappyCheesehead

Interestingly, there is no resort fee but they do charge a $15 per night self park fee. I will be happy to report back on any bennies we receive (or not, LOL) and on how the stay goes.

pokee

It's really too bad, but I think it likely has to do with the fire code - that's typically why they are sticklers when it comes to room occupancy and why they can be more lenient and make exceptions for families with very small children/babies.

BOSOGG

Unlikely a Fire Code issue; standard rooms are 590 sq ft or larger which is more than average.
More a long standing policy to limit number of rug rats. Target guest is mature and affluent. You can bring 2 kids as long as you can afford a second room.
Mauna Kea's sister property, the Hapuna Beach Hotel is right next door, and shares all facilities with MK. Same ownership/ management: Prince Resorts.
Hapuna Beach allows 2 kids in same room with parents. That's where we stay.

jumpdogjump

I was fortunate enough to stay at this hotel as a young child in it's 2nd year of operation. Very disappointed they didn't remember me when I called .

They just yesterday received notice that Platinum members should get their choice of a 500 point bonus or $10 credit at check-in - nothing mentioned yet for Golds. The gentleman stated they may still be working on it.

schriste

I stayed at the MKBH just 2 weeks ago. I think the sq. ft. numbers you mention include the spacious lanais in the total... so the room itself is not as large as those numbers suggest.

SkiAdcock

Given that the 500 points or $10 Food/Beverage coupon are the domestic Platinum Arrival Gift options, Golds shouldn't expect it

Cheers.