Normally when visiting the Big Island my last few trips I have always stayed at the Courtyard Kona property.  However since the pandemic, prices in the whole of HI has gone crazy when it comes to hotel and I was not prepared to pay those prices - so on this trip I stayed mainly on Hilo side and decided to do a 1 night/day trip to this side (just to get some better weather/sun) - I had wanted to in the end extend this to 2 nights, but due to a package I needed to collect, I needed to head back to Hilo.  I booked this property on points (the paying rate was like close to $400 per night.).

Location

This property is located in the resort area of Waikoloa - so basically it's just within sort of specialized resort area - filled with other hotels and open air mall.  Opposite this property is the open air shopping mall with lots of shops and F&B outlet.  Towards the beach, there is a nice historical King's Fishpond site.  From the area, it is about 20 mins drive to downtown Kona (depending on traffic).  Parking onsite at the property is chargeable - I parked further down the street in one of the common parking lots which at least seems complimentary and the car was not towed away (there was no such sign/noticed in the first place) since I left it overnight. 

Check In

I did not bother this time to do any online check-in.  Arrived at the resort around 2 pm to a rather quiet front desk.  I was helped immediately by a friendly associate.  As a LTT, I did ask about an upgraded room, but was told that they could only upgrade me 1 level to a partial oceanview room.  I was also given a run down of other benefits at the property - which included sadly the atrocious resort fee (even on points booking) and my option of my other elite benefit - breakfast or credit - which I went for the credit ($10 per guest/day, in total a $20 credit for use) - since as usual continental breakfast would be of low quality - another property with pathetic elite benefits which has gotten worst since the program was Bonvoy'ed.  In addition, I was also given a gift (not sure based on what reason, being an elite or part of the resort fee amenity) a property branded reusable water bottle.

I had quite an interesting discussion with the associate on this subject of how things have gone downhill for loyal guests, etc.  

Room

The room was located on the 5th floor of the hotel.  Room size was ok and well furnished/decorated.  It did have the resort/holiday feel to it, and from the looks, the property was well maintained and even seemed slightly refreshed.  

There was the usual tea/coffee making facilites and the minibar was not stocked.  Other than that, there were sufficient electrical outlets including some USB outlets for charging around the bed area.  Climate control in the room was good, with minimal noise coming from the unit at low speed. Internet was good and if I remember correctly, as an Elite member, i could select the premium internet without additional charges.  What I found interesting (and more hotels should follow) is that there is the possibility to stream your own device to the TV.  Outside of that it was the usual TV channels.

The bathroom size was large and furnished appropriately.  It was the modern type where you have also the view of the room if desired from the shower area.  

The room came with a small balcony (all rooms at the property has a balcony) with 2 chairs.  Sleep quality was good - with minimal noise from both exterior and interior.  Bed quality was good - and expected from a Marriott.  

Pool

The hotel has 3 (or 4) pools (depending on how you view them) - and during my visit, although busy, we were still able to find some deck chairs.  Although I can imagine if I had visited the pool area at a busier time, it would have been impossible.  There is a notice stating that if deck chairs are not in used for > 30 mins towels will be removed - however not sure how this is implemented since if someone leaves their personal belong and not come back in 30 mins, I doubt anyone would clear the chair nor how they would monitor who has been away for 30 mins.  

Anyways, for hotel guests, you do get a wristband - just to make sure that those using the facilities are from the hotel.  This seems to be distributed during the earlier part of the day.  There's also 3 different area for the hottub/jacuzzi area.  There is also a waterslide - opens from 10am -5pm -with a lifeguard/minder (to ensure only 1 person uses the slide each time).  Water temperature was just sufficient.   

There were also cabana's for rent.  I believe it was like $50 per day.

Bar

There is a bar area close to the pool area, spend my resort credit here.  Prices were reasonable - with happy hours running from 2-5pm.  Now with prices outside on the higher side, the prices at hotels seems to be quite reasonable.   Service level was also good.  

There was also another bar area, 1 level above (same level as the lobby) - which had a very nice vibe to it especially in the evening - lounging before or after dinner.  I used my resort fee drinks coupon here.  Service was also good and friendly.

Beach

The beach area is accessible via the pool area.  The hotel does provide their own deck chairs at the beach area for those preferring to lounge on the real beach instead of the pool.  The ocean water temperature was also ok - slightly colder compared to the pools.  During my visit, the water was quite calm so it was swimable if desired in the ocean instead of the pool.  

Overall

All in all, I was happy with this 1 night stay - as what would have been expected from Marriott.  Only dissapointing point is the benefits for elite members.   As from value point of view - at least at the level of asking price level, it was quite poor value (but this is the case for all other properties in the vicinity).  

If I were to return to the area, I will certainly consider coming back to this property.