escapefromphl

On the Marriott hotel page: "Rooms were renovated in 2013"

cmatthews11

I've done it a couple of a different ways, but the first was complete luck. And these instances aren't from Marriott properties, but as an example...

- First time, my wife and I were laying by the pool at a resort in Mexico and a part of staff with a leather portfolio stopped by and asked if we'd be interested in some specials at the spa. She was even willing to negotiate with me further when I wouldn't bite immediately, but ended up with a couples massage for 50% off the listed price.

- After having this experience, the next time around while at a resort in Florida we went to the concierge one morning and I basically said "Hey, we'd love to use the spa, but we're looking for a better price." She said she'd look into it... and later that day we had a voicemail in our room from the spa, called them back, and same thing... roughly half off.

Really, no idea if this is common... but 10% off is usually not enough to interest me (I get massages for free at work as it is ). I'm sure it depends on how busy their spa is on a given day with weddings and such, and some money is better than none in their eyes.

windhund

Interesting, thanks! I think some Marriott spas may be contracted out to larger operations, so I am not sure there is any room for negotiation. But I'll ask if they have any deals or specials next time for sure and go from there...

jja34-1

It depends on the category of room. All of the rooms in the main building were renovated in 2010. The beach wing rooms have been remodeled more recently than 2013, I believe.

cmatthews11

After arriving today, had some major issues with our first room that put my wife and I off almost immediately, but they've course corrected so far!

Look forward to sharing my review after our week here.

DJ_Iceman

We warned you!!

cmatthews11

Can confirm that snorkeling is NOT included as a platinum benefit anymore. Unfortunately didn't find out until after the fact but it isnt on the benefits slip they give you at check in.

Mr. Vker

When you say "not a plat benefit" what do you mean specifically? Use of equipment? Excursions? We are going there in Feb and getting our bearings in order.

cmatthews11

Per the wiki above: "-1 hr complimentary snorkel gear" ... thats no longer included. You can still rent equipment though.

Mr. Vker

Thanks...missed the Wiki entry.

SkiAdcock

Wiki updated.

EuropeanPete

I had a really pleasant stay at the Mauna Kea Hotel over the weekend, thanks to a tip from FTers. My evaluation of the hotel would be that depending on your preferences and needs the hotel sits anywhere from very good to outstanding.

I booked a Beachfront room on points plus $150 a night, which for someone used to SPG earn and burn levels was a steal. I was then upgraded to a Premier Oceanfront Deluxe which is the highest non-suite category level (from what I can tell was a 3 category upgrade). The hotel is full of life-long returning customers who are very demanding, so I would recommend booking the room you want to be in.

The positives:
- I loved the architecture of the main building. It deserves its place in all the awards it's won over the years. Incredibly cleverly done, with a lovely breeze throughout and lots of interesting features
- The beach is beautiful, as are the views in general
- The staff are considerate, competent and helpful, with quite a number having been with the hotel since the early 1970s
- Lots of thoughtfully placed chairs and benches around the place give the resort the impression of somewhere a bit special
- My room had an extraordinary view (see below) with direct ocean and beach views from both the bedroom and also the large bathroom. I'd strongly recommend people to try to get an ocean facing room in the main building on any of the top 3 floors (6-8)

The less positives:
- I would not describe the hotel as a conventional modern luxury hotel. I presume the high prices of today ($400+ for an entry level room, much more than that for the nicer ones) came as their baby boomer customers acquired massive wealth over the last 30 years. You do not get the level of intimacy and service you get in smaller hotels, but the staff try hard and it does feel very clubby for the regulars who come back year after year
- Just as I loved the main building, I really disliked the Beachfront building. I didn't see any of the rooms, but the vibe was part 1970s porn movie, part 3* Spain package hotel
- I'm not sure what level of F&B to expect in Hawaii, but overall we felt the food wasn't quite up to the standards we would have liked. The breakfast buffer was fine and we didn't try the fine dining restaurant (Manta), but the bar and beach food would ideally have been better for the cost. Do go to the luau for some kitsch Hawaii dancing, but eat beforehand and avoid the buffet!

I'll be going to the St Regis Princeville in 2 weeks, so I'll be curious to compare the two. At this stage I think the St Regis will have to work pretty hard to come out on top, despite their rates being even higher than those of the Mauna Kea (base rooms in Nov coming out at $720+ taxes).

SkiAdcock

Thanks for the trip report w/ pics. Much appreciated.

Cheers.

tattikat2

[QUOTE=EuropeanPete;28995296]I had a really pleasant stay at the Mauna Kea Hotel over the weekend, thanks to a tip from FTers.

Glad you enjoyed your stay!

escapefromphl

I enjoyed my second stay here a few weeks ago, no upgrade but I did get a decent view from the top floor on the golf view side. If you are all the way over on the northern side on the top floor you get some view over the bay towards Kohala.

I would say the food is the major drawback of staying here, Paying $25 for 2 small mahi-mahi fish tacos and crisps which barely touch sides gets old pretty quickly. We found a few decent food options at the Mauna Lani and up in Waimea, but they are still 15-20 minutes away which is a pain. It's like they know they that and take full advantage. They also did not have any draft beer on tap at the beach bar which was a little disappointing.

I also saw plenty of people "cooler boxing" it at the beach while in the MKBH chairs. The staff will not deliver drinks to the beach chairs, but the bar is not far away. I did not do this, but at $17 + tip for a cocktail I can guess why it's popular.