Hippster

Missed this thread the last few months where it was noted already but just saw it when I went to go look for a room. Very disappointed to see they've finally caved to hotel crack and implemented a resort fee. This property is in no way shape or form a resort. This is a hotel, several blocks from the beach, that caters more to business travel and those who do not want to stay at an actual resort. More importantly since they think they are now a resort, I can no longer stay there as I cannot get those fees reimbursed because "resorts" are excluded. Yikes. I guess I'll shift over to the Embassy Suites Kapolei, which is a very nice new property I stayed at a few weeks ago. Not as convenient but free of resort fees and valet charges too.

As a Diamond, I already got free premium internet. Unlimited movies that I would never use. Pool toys? A savings passport? BOGO admission for a show? Those last few with a daily charge not a once per stay extra charge. Are they serious?

ignoramus

Thanks, that's what I would have thought. Was just thrown off with one of the earlier posts from a member in a similar situation, but think I just misinterpreted it.

Regardless, I've been somewhat fortunate to secure a MVP rate for my upcoming stay, so even if the resort fee is enforced, it still looks cheaper than any other comparable property.

wwongo

I can report that I was not charged the resort fee on a stay this past weekend that I reserved before the resort fee was added. When I checked in there was no mention of it and it did not show up on my bill. I did hear them giving some other people the talk about the "benefits" but no one offered me the coupon book. The hotel was a reasonable value minus the resort fee but it is certainly not a resort and $30 is just ridiculous. I booked an ocean view room and I was given one on a high floor which did have a nice view. I didn't care for the breakfast in the lounge but I'd rather have good oatmeal and yogurt and skip the meat and potatoes, so that's just me.

CMK10

Stay Report - 11/9 - 11/11

Location: The hotel is located in Waikiki an easy three walks to the beach. Nearby are a huge number of restaurants, indoor shopping centers, an ABC Store literally across the street and plenty else to do. You can walk to nearly anything in Waikiki from here. HNL is a $25 Uber and it was easy to get rides at any time of the day from the hotel including on Saturday morning.

Hotel: An older property but in overall good shape. The driveway is annoying and hard to get into so I would meet my rides on the street at the front entrance. There's a large lobby with a Starbucks, a bar and restaurant and an outdoor garden type courtyard. I did not visit the pool on the 10th floor but I did frequent the lounge. Having access to that was nice. Do note that due to the current protests at the Marriott hotels you can hear yelling, chanting, singing and drums at all hours of the day and night







Check In: Preupgraded to an Executive King Beach View from my two queens mountain view so big plus there

Room: Surprisingly nice. Large bed, SmarTV which I almost never see at Hiltons, large bathroom with a really good shower (the hotel uses unique toiletries too), and a balcony with a great view of the beach and nearby hotels. Soundproofing is okay but I sure heard those protesters.











Lounge:



Hours:
- Breakfast: M-F 6-9, Sat-Sun 7-10
- Appetizers: Daily 5-7
- Lounge Closes Daily at 10 PM

Lounge is in the basement with no direct access to the upper floors, you can only access it from the lobby. There is no desk agent, just a key card activated door. It has two computer terminals, sitting area and the dining area which has several large TVs. I went for breakfast twice and the spread was above average. Each day scrambled eggs, meats (sausages one day, bacon the other), pancakes one day and French Toast sticks the other, breakfast potatoes both days plus cereal, fruit, yogurt juice and coffee.

I liked this hotel, I was happy to pay the ~$250 or so all in a night. But the resort fee is an insult and I won't return.

Concerto

Isn't this resort fee spree a new way of implementing a tourist tax? Many places are introducing so-called tourist taxes (e.g. Bahamas and Croatia) to help maintain the tourist infrastructure. Or is really just a greedy extra profit stream, a bit like airline bag charges?

The _Banking_Scot

Hi,

The resort fee is an extra profit stream as this goes straight to the hotel rather than the local tax raising authority to help maintain the infrastructure ( apart from the tax on the resort fee)

Regards

TBS

ORD-TGU

This nasty practice is spreading, last summer I was in Niagara Falls, ONT and restaurants charge a city fee % on bill to pay for fireworks.

Concerto

flyerCO

No on full award, yes on points and money.

Concerto

dinotoon

soccerguy985

I am here now, and I can tell you, I will be booking elsewhere on my next stay. Take out the outrageous resort fees. I come here after traveling 18 hours, go to checkin. I digitally checked in. No welcoming me back as a diamond member. I asked about an upgrade, checkin attendant says "we are booked full" bring up the app, oh really? here are 7 room categories higher than mine available for my entire stay. E-mailed guest services, they took the side of the check in guy! They said oh we are almost always sold out. I am like it took him 30 seconds to check and it wasn't that hard. I am going to vote with my feet and stay the doubletree on my next business trip. Don't stay here unless you want to fight for your upgrade, and pay $35 in resort fees for literally no benefit you wouldn't get as a diamond.

transportprof

Can anyone confirm that resort fees are (not) charged on bookings made entirely with Hhonors points based on a recent stay?

I am looking at making such a booking and the Hhonors web site shows the points booking rate as still being charged the resort fee.

Thanks!

Kacee

Hilton does not charge resort fees on awards. That's official Hilton Honors policy:
Hilton Honors T&C

transportprof

Thanks! Now I have to choose between spending one night at the Hilton Waikiki versus the Hilton Garden Inn in Waikiki. Seems like the HGI has a better breakfast for Golds. But the old Prince Kuhio may have other advantages?