Oct 29, 2019, 5:18 am
Last edit by: Oxon Flyer
Hotel email: [email protected]
This property was reflagged to become a Westin in 2018. Pre-2018 (and therefore SPG-era) reviews and discussion can be found in this thread :
Hapuna Beach Resort, Waimea, Hawaii [to become a Westin Spring 2018 after renovation] - FlyerTalk Forums
This property was reflagged to become a Westin in 2018. Pre-2018 (and therefore SPG-era) reviews and discussion can be found in this thread :
Hapuna Beach Resort, Waimea, Hawaii [to become a Westin Spring 2018 after renovation] - FlyerTalk Forums
Hapuna Beach Westin Resort, Waimea, Big Island of Hawaii [Master Thread]
Apr 9, 2019, 11:01 am
#76
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
I'm currently staying here and in discussions to waive/discount resort fee as part of my fight against resort fees , with these 4 arguments
- WiFi internet is too slow in the room
- Replacement amenity or discount on resort fees should be provided since I am already entitled to internet as Bonvoy Elite
- Ukelele lessons are advertised as being included as part of the resort fees but no Ukele lessons were scheduled for the week before or following our check-in date.
- Construction noise was not disclosed and is caused by property under same ownership
Apr 12, 2019, 7:09 am
#78
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Apr 12, 2019, 8:39 am
#79
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Kan@da
Programs: Anything with sweet spots
Posts: 1,790
After my initial email to GM listing arguments 1 and 2, they sent and IT guy to come check for the WiFi in our room and he witnessed and reported that the internet speeds were very low (barely 1 mbps download), that made a good argument against resort charges but I also researched further arguments: I investigated every item being advertised as being included in the resort fee to see if it's actually offered during my stay and found that the advertised Ukulele lessons were not actually scheduled. So I sent a second email with the arguments below and received a response that the resort fees will be waived:
- WiFi internet is too slow in the room
- Replacement amenity or discount on resort fees should be provided since I am already entitled to internet as Bonvoy Elite
- Ukelele lessons are advertised as being included as part of the resort fees but no Ukele lessons were scheduled for the week before or following our check-in date.
- Construction noise was not disclosed and is caused by property under same ownership. A staff claimed that construction belongs to different ownership but I argued that it's all under the Mauna Kea ownership and that the residences under construction are even advertised within the premises of the hotel.
Apr 16, 2019, 6:03 pm
#80
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DAY
Programs: Rapid Rewards, Skymiles, Hilton HHonors, SPG/Marriott Rewards
Posts: 4,949
I'm currently staying here and in discussions to waive/discount resort fee as part of my fight against resort fees , with these 4 arguments
- WiFi internet is too slow in the room
- Replacement amenity or discount on resort fees should be provided since I am already entitled to internet as Bonvoy Elite
- Ukelele lessons are advertised as being included as part of the resort fees but no Ukele lessons were scheduled for the week before or following our check-in date.
- Construction noise was not disclosed and is caused by property under same ownership
Apr 20, 2019, 10:11 am
#84
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: San Jose, CA USA
Posts: 1,792
I, too, got my resort fees credited on a 4-day stay last week. I didn't demand it, but commented that the whole thing was a needless ripoff and we were put right across from the construction. So I noticed the amount deducted from out bill after signet.
a somewhat decent gesture. Still doesn't deter me form my feeling that resort fees are a needless ripoff.
a somewhat decent gesture. Still doesn't deter me form my feeling that resort fees are a needless ripoff.
Apr 28, 2019, 3:21 am
#85
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 20
Isn’t 4:00 pm checkout a guaranteed perk of platinum status? I’m Looking at all these posts, will be in Kona for 2nights in early June. Looking for a Marriott property and must say last summer at Marriott Waikiki I was a 75+ night status (highest one Marriott had) at the time and the woman at the desk tried to tell me there many more statuses above that one. When I returned home I phoned Marriott and was told her information to me was incorrect. I was trying to get the resort fee waved from her and she basically spoke down to me. Maybe it’s just a Hawaii thing? Where should I stay in Kona? Thanks!
Apr 29, 2019, 1:31 am
#86
Company Representative, Marriott Bonvoy
Join Date: Feb 2019
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
Posts: 1,089
Hi skeets50,
The 4 p.m. Late Checkout benefit is guaranteed at all Participating Properties, except at resort and convention hotels and Design HotelsTM, where it is based upon availability. Marriott Vacation Club, Marriott Grand Residence Club, and Vistana properties are excluded from this benefit.
Best Regards,
Christina Zhou
Specialist, Social Media
Marriott International
[email protected]
Apr 30, 2019, 8:17 am
#87
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Depends on the day!
Programs: Marriott/Lifetime Titanium Hyatt/Explorist, Hilton/Silver, IHG Spire,UA Gold
Posts: 17,832
Anyone know if there is a way to guarantee a suite using points at this property?
Looking to go over spring break next year, and would prefer to get a suite with my family...would like to use points and/or suite upgrades for the whole thing if possible.
Looking to go over spring break next year, and would prefer to get a suite with my family...would like to use points and/or suite upgrades for the whole thing if possible.
May 2, 2019, 9:12 am
#88
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: DFW - North Texas
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, Marriot Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum/2022 Titanium
Posts: 960
Hello all,
I am making my fourth trip to this hotel at the end of this month. It is a pleasure trip with my wife and kids booked on points. I have visited three times before when it was a Prince Hotel, with my last stay in August 2013. This will be my first visit as part of Marriott Bonvoy.
The resort has been great in previous stays for me. And the beach is simply picture perfect. From looking at the pictures I think the renovations have made the hotel even nicer. We are an active family and snorkel, hike, and drive and enjoy all of the Big Island while there. Looking forward to doing this again on our trip.
I booked the standard double queen room. I did not use any SNA's to request an upgrade as there were not any suites with double queens available (and not are available for purchase either). I will let take my chances with seeing what upgrades might be for a Platinum, if any. Regardless, I have stayed in several room types and the standard room will be fine if that is what we get.
The Hotel Concierge reached out to me via email this week and warned me about construction and that she would try to upgrade if anything is possible. I asked for a 2pm check in, 2pm check out, upgrade if available, and room in south tower if available, (understanding none of those may be available at a busy time.) She did let me know that as a Plat I would receive breakfast for two each day in the buffet. Which is great because that is an incredible breakfast.
That is the plan for now. I will try and come back and provide a review on this stay when we return.
I am making my fourth trip to this hotel at the end of this month. It is a pleasure trip with my wife and kids booked on points. I have visited three times before when it was a Prince Hotel, with my last stay in August 2013. This will be my first visit as part of Marriott Bonvoy.
The resort has been great in previous stays for me. And the beach is simply picture perfect. From looking at the pictures I think the renovations have made the hotel even nicer. We are an active family and snorkel, hike, and drive and enjoy all of the Big Island while there. Looking forward to doing this again on our trip.
I booked the standard double queen room. I did not use any SNA's to request an upgrade as there were not any suites with double queens available (and not are available for purchase either). I will let take my chances with seeing what upgrades might be for a Platinum, if any. Regardless, I have stayed in several room types and the standard room will be fine if that is what we get.
The Hotel Concierge reached out to me via email this week and warned me about construction and that she would try to upgrade if anything is possible. I asked for a 2pm check in, 2pm check out, upgrade if available, and room in south tower if available, (understanding none of those may be available at a busy time.) She did let me know that as a Plat I would receive breakfast for two each day in the buffet. Which is great because that is an incredible breakfast.
That is the plan for now. I will try and come back and provide a review on this stay when we return.
May 3, 2019, 9:41 pm
#89
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Tokyo, JP
Programs: DL DM/2 MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, National Exec Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 288
I booked the standard double queen room. I did not use any SNA's to request an upgrade as there were not any suites with double queens available (and not are available for purchase either). I will let take my chances with seeing what upgrades might be for a Platinum, if any. Regardless, I have stayed in several room types and the standard room will be fine if that is what we get.
May 6, 2019, 7:28 am
#90
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: AA Plat, HH Diamond, SPG Platinum, ...
Posts: 76
I am going to this hotel later this summer. Does anyone know how long the "louder" construction is supposed to last for? I know 6 months ago, you couldn't be at the pool without hearing construction noise. Is it still that bad?!?