hailstorm

So it's the principle of the thing? Hard to get a straight answer to what I thought was a simple question...

JetAway

The straight answer is that a lot of people think resort fees are a scam and waste of money and they prefer to spend that $30 or whatever on somethings else such a nice lunch, cocktails, etc. If you don't mind paying resort fees then have at it.

Mary2e

It's a matter of principle for me.

The "resort" fee now includes what they used to give us for free (beach chairs & towels) and internet access (diamond benefit). The rest is pretty much garbage - phone calls? Seriously? I only use the phone to call within the hotel and sometimes I never use it.

My corporate rate isn't as good this year, I think it's around $200, versus the $179 I was paying, makes the corp rate not so special. However, I have to check the negotiated benefits. At one time they included breakfast for 1, no resort fee, and free internet access.

BUT - this year alone, they have been running at 90+ occupancy most of the time. Often it's 95% or sold out. That's probably the reason rates have climbed and they feel they don't have to give away the resort fee.

That, and I'm guessing the club is overrun with diamonds, and the $30 is really to cover the cost of the club

edgewood49

I don't think that all that use the club are Diamonds, many many are Asians and have access included in rate, my thoughts.

Again I say ( and I do a lot of work for the hospitality industry) (construction) that if you look at the properties that are own by VC firms you will see the pattern. When the Japanese owner sold this hotel to GS, that marked the end of an era, first to go was the limo!

Sad

JetAway

I, too, don't think there are many Diamonds in the Club lounge and that most are paid rates, including group rates. Many Diamonds, including myself (in the past) are likely to be business stopovers. Perhaps some Diamond leisure guests, of course, but this hotel is certainly not an "aspirational" property-not by a long shot.

Kacee

It's a little of both, but for me it's mostly about the money.

They're not going to lower their rates, so this is really an across-the-board increase for Diamonds of $30 per night. It certainly affects the value proposition, and this property with its many flaws was already on the bubble for me. Especially since my recent Diamond upgrade was to a 7th floor traffic-view room.

edgewood49

They tend to default to the Asian travelers first, as for Diamonds I wrote my "My Hyatt Concierge " a short note on this. Not that anything will happen and looking at other properties for next stay or going to another island where there is still some intrinsic value

Markie

Exactly - of the offering in the fee I probably use none of the 'benefits'.

Frindle

Resort fees are nothing but a way to raise the prices without advertising higher prices. The vast majority of people will not use the "amenities" or the "activities" included (with the exception of the water bottles) and it's a waste of money.

Mary2e

I actually do, and always have, used to beach chair & towels.

Kacee

They really need a stand on the beach. It's such a hassle going to the pool, then down the stairs, then across Kalakaua.

Mary2e

Agree. Which is why I pick it up when I arrive and return it when I'm leaving

LASUA1K

I still remember trying to figure out how to close those chairs for the first time with twin 2 year olds and a 3 year old crying.

jason8612

Agreed. It's a waste of money. Absolutely nothing for $

EmeraldLady

I will be staying here for the first time over the New Year - booked back in August. I just got this pre arrival mail, which I thought might be of interest ....


.....

Following is a list of enhanced benefits you’ll receive as a valued Diamond Member:

- · A welcome lei upon arrival
- · Complimentary daily resort fee
- · Complimentary cocktails at the Regency Club lounge
- · 20% off pool cabana rentals
- · 15% orders at Kai Coffee
- · 15% off Na Ho’ola Spa retail items
- · 15% off food orders from SHOR, SWIM, & Japengo
- · Extended happy hour at SWIM pool bar to 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
- · Express check-in line on the far left of the front desk
- · Special offers from Star Beachboys concession on Waikiki beach
- · $25 off a minimum two-day car rental from Hertz Rent-a-Car
- · 24 hour texting service for anything and anytime 808-518-2844
- (Please include your name when sending your first text to us)

We are excited to announce that our highly anticipated full renovation of all guestrooms has been completed! Due to recent storms and floods in the Waikiki area, you may see our public areas undergoing minimal restoration. Please pardon our dust as we work hard to complete this project!

.....

and a link to a time lapse video of a room renovation (forgive me if this has been posted before, I haven't managed to go through all the pages in this thread )