Well, I’m goin’ in Leroyyy Jenkins style.

I’m currently on a flight to HNL as I write this and the only two properties in the “reasonable” points class that aren’t sold out tonight are the new Hampton on the west side and HHV.

Its a one-nighter, Diamond, app booked five hours before check in. Curious how breakfast will be handled. Haven’t been at this property for maybe 4 years. (ES Beachwalk is my usual place.) Let’s see how this goes.

if anyone one has any questions of current conditions/policies, I’ll be boots-on-the-ground in a few hours.

🌴🌈🐳🌺

TDM


Live Update: already frustrated with this place. Should have opted Hampton.
super slow checkin with upsells (“normally a good Ali’i Room sells for $600... how about $65 in addition to your 60k points?” - like it’s a secret favor.) I asked what the current breakfast arrangement was and she I think mistook me for asking if I get Continental. Apparently you get $10pp credit at a bunch of places, but not a flat-out “free” continental.. But... “we’ll make this ONE exception to give you a $10 muffin and juice continental breakfast however there’s a hot option to add for twice the price...”

There’s scuffs and chipped paint everywhere (Diamond Head Tower) elevator, rooms, bathroom.

Self Parking is like $45 bucks, which annoys me more than it usually does because it’s not easily accessible from the sprawl of towers. I’m wandering around the garage with my backpack, trying to find the stairs or exit. Not clearly marked.

Oh well. Nice Parking guy and a super gent named Daniel that helped me find the right line to stand in for Diamond Check in (which was molasses slow, as the girl took almost 15 minutes checking me in, having to run to a supervisor for the breakfast coupon, explain ever towel card and dvd borrowing card, look at availability for a room all over the sprawl, etc.

I’m gonna now go and try to not be cranky, but this has solidified my opinion that unless you’re a sucker with kids that need the pools here, and aren’t looking for a mellow/restful vacay, you’d do better at almost any other HH property on Waikiki.

Esp. since the “continental breakfast” is $29.95 pp. (But for only an upcharge to $40 I can have meat and eggs!) the $10pp wouldn’t get you far, no. They DO “honor you as a Diamond guest” by putting a hula girl bobblehead on your table tho. #SoTheresThat



I see on my check out receipt they wrongly billed me $45 resort fee on an all-points stay... so I guess I’ll be making the trek to the front desk again this morning.

Sigh.

We arrived home yesterday after 6 nights in Rainbow Tower. Odd #s will get you ocean views. Even #s have lagoon, marina, island views.

The Breakfast facilities are stunningly inadequate for a 3000 room hotel. The buffet opens at 5:30am because everyone going on a tour has to be at the bus pick up area at 5:50 and it’s a 10 minute walk across the property. For $29 you get pastries, fruit, cheese, breads, juices, pancakes, waffle maker, and Asian item area. For 10 more, you can have scrambled eggs, local fried rice, roasted potatoes, bacon, sausage, and sausage stuffed biscuits. SAME items every day.

The other sit down breakfast restaurant opens at 7 and has few than 50 tables. Bacon/eggs is $24.

Every concereige question becomes a pitch for 90 minute timeshare appointment. You can save $150 on a Tour or the luau if you want to go through that.

I’d be happy to answer any questions.
Finally, I can’t believe I’m mentioning this... their toilet paper is extremely low quality. Chafing will occur.



Despite the dire warnings on Trip Advisor, I thought my online check in as an Hilton Honors members would help...nope. Apparently no one can use the counter marked Digital Check In!

Our room this week had the TP just laying loose on the bathroom counter. You could see the paint scars where the holder had once been ripped from the wall. I guess just leaving a roll out on the shelf passes for “maintenance” here. I was told it was an upgraded room, but they plan on remodel next year or somesuch.

10/10 will not come back to HHV.

Embassy Suites next door is still my happy place. I just needed a quick stay on my first night in town. Sooo wish I’d have opted for the brand new Hampton with free breakfast, free parking and shiny clean rooms at 10k points less.

i checked the time on the photo. 2:45pm on Feb 4. It will get worse over the next few hours.