Royal Kona or something else
 

Hi,

I am scheduling my trip to Hawaii for next February and March. I am going to be on the BI for 5 days/4 nights and currently have a room at the Royal Kona for 80.00 a night, but I am worried about the room and if the bed is comfortable as I have seen some negative posts on a few boards.

Can someone let me know? Also, what would be a better place to stay if not. I would like to keep it under 100.00/night if possible, but might be willing to spend more for great deals with extras.

Thanks in advance.

Go pick up a copy of the guidebook The Big Island Revealed. I have found them to be quite honest in their appraisal of Big Island hotels and resorts. I am sure they list some things in your price range.

We usually stay at the Hapuna Beach Prince Resort in Kohala, but the best rate we get there is about $220/night, more than what you want to spend. However, if you are interested there is a recent report with pictures on the Trip Report board.

Thanks!

I have the book and have read the report. I am just seeing what other people think.

We've stayed at both the the Royal Kona and King Kam and would rate the Royal Kona the better of the two by far. Location, meals, ambience, rooms are all better. At the King Kam we had to DEMAND a room change because the ceiling was shedding surface material.

The Big Island Revealed as mentioned above is online and the web page has updates to the book. Hope this helps.
http://www.wizardpub.com/bigisland/bigupdate.html

I stayed at the Royal Kona last December. The place is o.k. if just a bit old (fridge, coat hangers still have the old curvy H Hilton logo). My wing only had one elevator working which made it slow (was on top or one but top floor). If you can get the rate cheaper at Priceline.com (I booked the stay both at priceline.com and Travelscape.com for $40-70), go for it.

When you booked through Priceline, did you do 3* or 4*? Also, how far in advance did you book?

I may be partial. I have stayed at the Royal Kona about 6 times so far. As mentioned above, sometimes the elevators are slow (but then again, what is the rush?). An alternative might be to stay in one of the two adjacent buildings than in the tower.

Also, the sliding doors seem to stick a bit.

The hotel is smaller than many, but I find the staff quite friendly and it is in a great location.

The Kona side is the dryer side of the island and the hotel is a short drive to the KOA airport and you can walk into town from the hotel.

I can't remember what category the Royal Kona was in. I seem to recall 3*.

The Royal Kona Resort is undergoing a complete room refurbishment which includes carpets, furniture, mirrors, box springs and mattresses, bed linens, etc. Completion date is December 15, 2001. It has a great location, good value and now will be a great product.

I hope this is true, as I know it has been reported several times over the years. I can tell you I'd never recommend it unless the place is being renovated...totally as in your report.
If you do stay there, be sure to eat at Huggo's next door...it is great w/a great view, location. Lots of whale sightings
Enjoy!!!

The only problem with Hugo's is that you can reserve a table but you can't specify a table at the rail. These are by far the best seats and, in peak season, you usually must arrive before 6PM to get one.

The rolls are great at Hugo's. You almost hate to waste them by feeding the fish...