Originally Posted by
nomad420
I stay at the 4 Season on business frequently and while nice it is NOT worth the price. It is actually getting a little run down for the money. The gym and locker room area need to be redone. The restaurants are often crowded and difficult to get reservations at. Golfing is VERY expensive, I think it is now north of $250. A lot of weird rules with owners, renters, hotel guests, and property guest having different status levels of priorities on pool seating, reservations, and golf times/costs (kind of like the airlines). Having said all that it is still one of the nicest places to stay on the island.
While I agree the gym and its equipment have seen better days, the locker room is perfectly fine and follows the traditional Hawaiian design concept throughout the resort. I am there frequently as well, and I think it's worth every penny when you consider the combination of room quality, bedding, amenities and service.
There aren't many weird rules - owners of Hualalai residences have priority at all Hualalai facilities outside the FS resort, specifically certain golf courses including one course off limits to non owners/members, and the Residents Beach House restaurant which is sort of a hybrid facility which can prioritize tables for owners/members (there is another restaurant which is off-limits to hotel guests and even unaccompanied guests of the residential properties).
At Hualalai, you're either a property owner, and as such can be a club member or non-member (further distinguishing your rights to certain amenities), or a guest (all renters are considered guests) with no rights or access unless accompanied by an owner or member, or you're a hotel guest who is restricted to the resort proper. I don't really see anything wrong with this arrangement as the hotel exists as a standalone operation inside of a residential resort which is normal for much of Hawaii and also governs hotels inside Waikoloa and Mauna Lani.