Marriott's Waikoloa Ocean Club

“YES!!!”

This was our first time on the Big Island and we carefully researched where to stay. We wanted a resort with beautiful grounds, nice rooms, good reviews, and a scenic location. What we didn't want was a place that was so expansive it resembles a small village. We chose this hotel due to its locatio… more

This was our first time on the Big Island and we carefully researched where to stay. We wanted a resort with beautiful grounds, nice rooms, good reviews, and a scenic location. What we didn't want was a place that was so expansive it resembles a small village. We chose this hotel due to its location. It was not too far from airport, and shops, and restaurants are close by, yet there is still a feel of being in a resort. We did have a slight problem with the entrance which we found to be underwhelming. There is a sign at the driveway entrance out on the street but we actually weren't sure if it was for the hotel or perhaps their condo/timeshare area. Just didn't stand out as much as we expected. (During the course of our stay, we noticed other cars wondering the same thing as they pulled in and drove up.) We think part of the problem is the entrance at the end of the circular driveway does not have a hotel sign over it. The entry is open-air but no signage on the overhead crossbeam or nearby. See attached pic. Check-in was quite slow. It took us about 20 minutes standing in line. Two receptionists: one was helping a couple and she left for several minutes to tend to whatever problem they had. The other one was registering a couple ahead of us. That receptionist was very friendly and helpful and she had a lot of info to pass on about the hotel. We used self-park for our car and while there were many cars in it, we never had a problem finding a spot. We were delighted with our clean and spacious room in the Kamehameha Wing! Gorgeous views overlooking the lush grounds, pools, Anaeho'omalu Bay, beach, and ancient fish ponds. There were three pool areas, including a large infinity pool with nearby spa, and a smaller one that had a slide. An additional small pool area had sand on the bottom (cute idea!) and was mainly used by children. In the morning when we swam, there weren't many people and there were plenty of pool chairs available. At night, when we sought out a quiet area to look at the stars, there was a lot of noise in the infinity pool from a large family group. The kids were jumping/diving into the pool, shouting, and the spa had double the amount of people that were supposed to be using it at a time. Wish there was an adult-only pool? Or perhaps adult pool hours in the evening? Hawaii Calls is the restaurant and we used it for dinner and for breakfast. The servers were great at both meals and always used our names which was an appreciated, classy touch. We used the buffet for breakfast and it was outstanding with a huge variety of foods. The landscaping is beautiful and it was pleasant to walk about the grounds, read the info signs about the Anaeho'omalu area, and walk out to the sandy beach area. The beach is longer than it is wide and the waters are a bit rocky in places. There are simple beach chairs out there that you can use, plus a business that rents more elaborate chairs, boating tours, etc. The Kings' Shops are right across the street from the entrance driveway, and the Queens' Marketplace a short walk away, too. The Lava Lava Beach Club restaurant can be accessed from the hotel grounds if you walk along the beach or pathway in the Anaeho'omalu area. This is a lovely resort. Just the right size! Wonderful, friendly, helpful staff! We'd stay here again for sure!

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“Convenient, clean, standard Marriott”

I only stayed one night at the Marriott on the Big Island, and it was a solid, standard Marriott experience. The room was clean and comfortable, just what you’d expect. While the ocean is accessible, it’s a bit farther away due to the lagoon, so don’t expect beachfront views right outside your wind… more

I only stayed one night at the Marriott on the Big Island, and it was a solid, standard Marriott experience. The room was clean and comfortable, just what you’d expect. While the ocean is accessible, it’s a bit farther away due to the lagoon, so don’t expect beachfront views right outside your window. On the plus side, the location is convenient with a mall close by for quick shopping or dining. Overall, a good spot for a short stay!

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“Not a real resort”

Other than a nice pool this is not a “resort”. I’ve seen better towels at a Marriott Courtyard. The internet connection is constantly interrupted. No restaurants other than one that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pretty but way overrated.