Stayed here last week and of course was hit with the Resort Fee, which a few months ago at the Sheraton Kona was immediately removed by the check-in agent because he admitted it duplicated most of my Platinum benefits. Not here, at least initially.

Found the wifi signal in my room impossible to connect to so went down to the front desk to complain. Agent gave me a Verison wifi device to plug in and log into and when I raised the issue of not having any interest in the beach items covered by the Resort Fee, or the long distance and local phone allowance, as well as the other benefits duplicating my Platinum benefits, she agreed to remove the fee. The device worked fine (and I returned it at check-out). No charge.

In the evening I had a couple of those infamous drinks...which weren't really that bad, like a pineapple Singapore sling...listening to a local group by the outdoor pool free of charge (plus a tip for the server and group) with the two coupons I got at check-in. Because the hotel was full, I couldn't get a late check-out but was able to check my bag at noon, meet friends for lunch, then return and use a small guest room to shower and change at no charge before heading to the airport.

Yes, the place is nothing special but a very typical tourist hotel. Great location if you don't care for being right on the beach. Easy to catch #20 bus to/from the airport for $2.50, about an hour's drive. While the Moana is my favourite, with a BRG rate of $120, couldn't resist going a bit down market for the night I needed to be in Waikiki.