Originally Posted by
superdav42
I would really appreciate any advice from someone with personal experiences at any of these properties as I have never been to Hawaii and I am not sure what to expect. We only have Silver status so I don't think we can expect any free breakfast or lounge access at the resorts. Which of these properties would you stay at?
I haven't stayed at any these properties, but I'm familiar with their locations and surroundings. I even drove by the Residence Inn construction site in Kapolei seven months ago, specifically to see where the property is.
None of them qualify as "great resorts," but I would gladly stay at any of them. Allow me to add a few points for your consideration:
Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
— Only hotel on this list with a beach (albeit a small one)
— Older property which has been a Hilton and unbranded over the years
— In the heart of the town of Kona
Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay
— Former Kona Surf Hotel, opened in 1971
— Dramatic oceanfront resort, but without a beach
— Don't know if Silver Elite will score an upgrade to an ocean-view room
Residence Inn Oahu Kapolei
— Brand new hotel, so it should be in great condition
— Located in a new suburban community
— Only a few miles from the Ko Olina Resort area, but parking is limited there
— Decent base for visits to the North Shore
— Freeway access to Pearl Harbor and Waikiki, but slow traffic during commute times
Courtyard Oahu North Shore
— Newer hotel
— Located at the Polynesian Cultural Center
— No alcohol is served in the town of Laie
— Decent base for visits to the North Shore
Which hotel is best depends on what you want to do on the Big Island and Oahu.