JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa
Written: Jun 25 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: quiet location with very nice rooms, family oriented
Cons: ocean views can be less than desirable for the price, food too expensive
The Bottom Line: I would definitely stay here again.
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| twopharmds's Full Review: Marriott J.W. Ihilani Resort and Spa |
We took a family of 4 - husband & wife with 2 girls, ages 10 & 15. We had a wonderful time at the Ihilani. The lagoon was nice and sheltered for swimming. We also enjoyed the pool. I brought my aqua weights and had no problem working out in the pool amongst the children. The room was awesome with lots of space. The bathroom was great with 2 sinks/vanities (note there are 3 females in our party). It was great having the shower and separate whirlpool tub. We actually used the tub to hang all the wet swimsuits, board shorts, etc.
We were not as impressed with our lanai as we were with the room. The lanai was spacious enough but was surrounded by a cement wall overlooking a roof overhang. We paid lots extra money for an ocean view and we had to stand up and look over the cement wall to see the ocean. I had envisioned eating on the lanai and looking out at the ocean. Not possible from our ocean front room! I actually paid the extra because of the reviews on this site recommended spending the extra. They all must have had much better ocean views. If I had not been so impressed with the room when we moved in I would have complained and asked for something else. (we checked in at 4:30pm). In spite of not seeing the ocean well, it was nice to fall asleep to the sound of the ocean.
We used the concierge a few times with mixed results. One lady steared my daughter and I to a great surf lesson experience. Another, did not follow through on our dinner reservation for Roy's (at the Ko'Olina golf course). Luckily, it was midweek and we were able to get in at the last minute.
The rooms do not have coffee makers which is more convenient than going down to the lobby. I usually like coffee while I'm getting dressed. There also are no ice machines which is unusual. I did not find it too cumbersome to call and they usually came quickly. (No, I did not tip for ice) They were supposed to refill twice daily.
The restaurants were very pricey, even the Naupaka Terrace which was more family oriented. We went to the breakfast brunch once and it was quite good and they did have a kid's price and a continental brunch choice. My girls are light eaters so this was not a good deal for us routinely. We ate at the Espresso Cafe in the lobby most mornings which had pastries and coffee. This was still expensive ($4.95 for a latte). We ate at the poolside grill a few times which was pleasant and convenient but overpriced. ($11.25 for a hamburger).
The Spa experience was fabulous - I had a lomilomi massage and a deluxe botanical body scrub and wash. Both were excellent. My husband had a great time at the golf course. We had a superb dinner at Roy's which even had a kid's meal.
The location of the hotel is great if you do not want to be in the Waikiki crowds. It was much more relaxing and the hotel is very family oriented. The location of the hotel is not so great when you consider that it is around a more industrial area of the island and there are not many choices for food around the hotel.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
twopharmds
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Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
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