stlrod

I'm trying to decide between the HHV (Tapa Tower) and the Embassy Suites. My children would probably prefer the restaurants at Beach Walk (Changs, Cheesecake, Yardhouse) Can you walk Kalia road to get from one area to the other and if so, how is the walk? Thanks.

stlrod

Sorry, double post.

FlyinHawaiian

The walk from the HHV to the new Beach Walk area woud take about 7-10 minutes. Do try and enjoy some of the "local" restaurants if you can; it seems a waste to eat at places on can find on the mainland.

Enjoy your stay!

jordieboy

Having lurked this thread a bit, I tried many of the email addresses, but essentially all were return to sender.

I did take this advice, and although I never received any confirmation, both of my rooms were upgraded upon arrival. I ended up in the rainbow tower with a full water view. I had initially booked a garden view not in the R tower.

Thanks for the advice!

tusphotog

It's not that bad of a walk. I did it nightly, and it took me ~15-20 mins, but I took my time. I agree with FlyinHawaiian though. Take your kids to some of the more local places. The lines at Cheesecake and PF Changs were horrific (like 2+ hours) when I was there. My mom and I didn't have to wait at any of the places we ate at, with the exception of the Wailana Coffee House.

Personally, I'd go with the HHV. Being right on the beach is worth the extra money, IMO.

discoboy

Which property did you like better HHV OR HWV?

DoubleJ

It really depends on whether you want to be in Waikiki/Honolulu/Oahu or Waikoloa/Kona/Big Island, but as for just the properties themselves, I personally prefer the HWV.

nearSACTO

I prefer HWV on the Big Island of Hawaii. Staff is very nice and friendly and nice location along Kohala Coast. Plus, the Big Island has so much more to offer...

Sabre1

We stayed at both last year. The grounds at Waikaoloa are great, however, is far more inconvenient to stay there if you want to get out and explore the big island. The resort is HUGE, and just getting to your car from your room can take 25 minutes or so. We learned the hard way not to forget something in the room. It was literally almost a 1 hour delay to RUN to the room and get back.

The HHV in Waikiki isn't the best location as it's a tad off from the center of the action, but it is still a very good location and within walking distance to some great areas.

We would definitely stay at the HHV again, but I think we would pass on the HWV for a more traditional hotel with easier access in and out so we could get out and explore the Big Island easier.

DoubleJ

I agree that the HWV is a large property, but almost an hour (and at a run) RT between the parking area and one's room? Even from the Ocean Tower I've never taken anywhere near this amount of time.

tallpkb

We are going to HHV 5/28-6/5, staying at Ali'i Tower, garden view. At the booking, I signed up for Hilton Honors, but have no miles/dollars accrued yet. What are the chances of being upgraded? Should I ask, or since I'm a "low status", is it not possible?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

cblaisd

The longer the stay, the more difficult. The HHV/HWV may have the highest percentage of HHonors elites on any given day of any HHonors property.

On the other hand, it certainly doesn't hurt to ask: I'd send a nice fax, explaining that it's your first time in Hawai`i, or your honeymoon, or your anniversary, or your first time away from the kids in 700 years, or whatever and ask for any consideration they might be able to give for an upgraded room.

It can't hurt; might help

tallpkb

Just thought I'd let you know what happened. I did send a very nice fax, letting them know, basically, that we've been dealing with a lot of stress (job lay-off, cancer), and I wanted to confirm our reservation and ask that whatever they could do to make our stay comfortable (easy check in, I said), we'd appreciate. WELL, they upgraded us to a full ocean view (from garden), and sent us this HUGE welcome fruit, nut, cheese, cracker, etc, welcome basket. WOW! We were soooooooooo happy, and had the trip of a lifetime! WE LOVED ALI'I TOWER, and would stay there again in a heartbeat!

frankhi

First time I stayed (as a silver, just for getting the amex cc) there I pd for OV and got top floor OF! So next time I just booked GV and got... GV.... plus the GV room itself wasn't nearly as nice, but probably was just one of the last rooms in a renovation cycle.

Poly Pal

Does anyone know which tower at the HHV has the largest 2 bedded rooms? Which tower has the nicest standard rooms?

Thanks for any advice!