Posts: 282
Threads: 20
Joined: Feb 2006
Over the weekend my husband and I took a little trip to the other side to try out the Royal Kona Resort and honestly I've seen Motel 6's in better condition. Both kingsized beds (we changed rooms but no improvement) were as hard as our dining room table and the metal fixtures were rusty. Also, the wallpaper was in terrible condition in both rooms. Just an f.y.i., if you happen to be planning a getaway over there, for $110.00 a night plus $10.00 parking I would have expected more. If you know of a CLEAN comfortable place to stay over there kindly enlighten us all as I've not had the best luck w/ hotels on that side. Stayed at the King Kam. one night and had a horrible cough for three long months. Coincidence? You be the judge.
Posts: 88
Threads: 2
Joined: Jan 2006
If you don't mind being about 20 miles south of Kailua-Kona, you could try the Hotel Manago in Captain Cook. It is an "old Hawaii" hotel, now in third generation of management by same family. The rooms are simplly furnished (no TV or phone in rooms), but those that we have had in three separate visits have always been clean, comfortable, adequate in size, with a small lanai that had a great view (especially at sunset). It isn't elegant or exciting, but it also isn't expensive - the last time we were there a room for two on a weeknight was only $67, almost certainly the best bargain on the west side of the island.
Howard
Posts: 542
Threads: 41
Joined: Nov 2005
We would have to reccomend the Keauhou Beach Resort near the end of Ali'i Dr. nice short walk to the shopping ctr. a sweet tropical path to Kahaluu Beach Park. Tide pools surronding the hotel which is built out over the water. nice lanais with great views. beautiful gardens and extremely friendly staff. They also have a restaurant which is a bit pricey but good great pool area for stretching out in the sun with a good book. easy and ample parking. Turtles everywhere I personally swam with three for about 35 minutes and used up a roll of film. If the hotel not busy they seem quite happy to upgrade your room for free. 10 min drive back to restaurant row. I've heard so many talk about bad experiences on the west side but we had 15 wonderful days exploring and talking to folks all over the Island and was never sorry to have been anywhere. I've heard the Kona Seaside next to King Kam is pretty inexpensive and shares a nice beach along the pier with the King Kam. The best sunset views on the island can be had from the Wendy's parking lot up behind the Keauhou Shopping Ctr. Is there any place more wonderous on Earth than The Big Island of Hawaii..........I think not
Aloha! HADave & Peggy
HADave
Aloha HADave & Mz P
Hawaiian Acres
The best things in life are free.... or have no interest or payments for one full year.
Posts: 645
Threads: 19
Joined: Jul 2003
we always stay at the kona seaside. request the back where you can sit on their deck overlooking alii drive. around $60 with $3 off breakfast at their restaurant. small rooms, but clean, 2 pools and right across the street from the ocean.
Posts: 159
Threads: 21
Joined: Jul 2005
Last month we spent the weekend in Kona and stayed at the Royal Kona Resort. We were given the Kamaaina rate and given one of the newly rennovated rooms. Very dissapointed in the quality of workmanship with paint slopped on the walls it looked like high school kids did it. I wanted to complain to management but decided not to.
Posts: 773
Threads: 83
Joined: Dec 2005
Pam,
Before you travel I recommend that you vist Trip Advior.com Take a look at the reviews of people who stayed there.
If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it cost when it’s free...now here come the taxes.....
Posts: 174
Threads: 4
Joined: Jan 2006
Hi Pam!
Outrigger Keauhou Beach Hotel would be my first choice with the King Kamehameha the second. Third would be the Royal Kona Resort until it is finished being remodeled.
You are right, the Royal Kona is in desparate need of remodeling. My wife and I were there at Christmas and we asked for a remodeled room and were told they were all booked. So they gave us a room in need of remodeling with an ocean view! I kinda forgot about the peeling wallpaper and rusty fixtures when I was hypnotised by the ocean.
The Kona Forum
http://www.konaforum.com
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former". --Albert Einstein
Posts: 45
Threads: 1
Joined: Jan 2006
Aloha all,
We try to avoid staying in hotels altogether. We've always had better luck with quality and upkeep issues staying at condos in the Kona area and renting one of the smaller cottages or beach houses up in Puako for a real get-away. The only problem may be the minimum night stay which can range from 2 to 5 days, though that has sometimes been waived depending on bookings. Occasional last minute deals are often available on the 'web.
Linda in CO
Hi Pam - RKR just can't seem to get it right in my opinion. The attitude of the place shows on the faces of some of its employees.
The good news for me is that I found that out by just attending a few functions and dining. I really feel for those that had to spend their days on the BI in a place that reflected a lack of aloha. If the is the "Essence of ..." anything that Hawaii represents I am embarrased.
This is just my opinion based on experience.
I can't necessarily recommend staying at the Kona Seaside but at least you "more or less" get what you paid for and it is convenient if you don't plan on staying in your room the whole time.
Anthony
