If you'd like quiet, the Ihilani won't disappoint!
Written: Sep 10 '02 (Updated Sep 12 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Quiet isolation, nice rooms, excellent spa
Cons: Very far from downtown, too isolated, overpriced dining options
The Bottom Line: Depending on what you're looking for, the Ihilani might be a good fit. If you want action, it's not a good choice, but if you'd like some quiet, it's perfect!
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| kristimnk's Full Review: Marriott J.W. Ihilani Resort and Spa |
Every year my grandmother, mother, sister, and I get away for my birthday for a few days. For one of my birthdays, we went to the Ihilani to enjoy a weekend of relaxation and bonding. I should add that my entire family lives on Oahu and my mom is in the travel industry, so we are well-acquainted with the hotel options available on the island.
Service
We drove to the hotel and enjoyed a speedy check-in. Everybody from the valet to the pool attendants were very friendly, greeting us with laid-back chit-chat and a smile. We didn’t have much contact with employees, but the little that we had was always welcoming and friendly.
Room
As soon as we arrived, the first thing we did was explore our room. The bathroom was huge with a separate shower large enough to comfortably fit two and a tub/shower combination. There were lovely amenities in the bathroom, and we stashed a few to take home with us. The room itself was rather spacious, and we had a terrific view of the ocean. The only complaint we had was that our balcony was rather dirty, and we’d have chosen to sit outside and enjoy the view more if they had spent more time sweeping the ground and cleaning the railings. Otherwise, we had no complaints at all.
Food
We only spent one meal at the hotel itself, because it was so ridiculously overpriced. They have several options, and I’ve heard the seafood buffet is terrific. We chose to go to the Japanese restaurant to celebrate my birthday, and we were very disappointed. The portions were meager at best, disappointing us even with our expectation that the portions would be small. We were also astounded at the exaggerated prices. We ordered a few things and spent twice as much as we would have at a better Japanese restaurant in town, so we chose not to eat at the hotel after that point. The only thing we ordered were drinks from the pool-side bar, and even they cost twice as much as it was worth. At least this is what you’d expect at a hotel - $6.50 or so for a mixed drink - but the Japanese food was a whole ‘nother story!
Spa
The spa was what we were really there for, so I have a lot to say about this area. I personally spent a full day and a half utilizing the services, and I enjoyed all of them. I had a Swedish massage, a manicure and pedicure, a full-body salt scrub, and a facial. The massage is one of the best I’ve ever had to this day (I’ve been to about half the spas in Hawaii). The manicure and pedicure were just average and a little overpriced since it was at a hotel. The salt scrub is not for those who are in any way shy about their bodies as you are often only covered by a wash cloth folded in thirds! It was spectacular, though, and I glowed for days. The facial was also just average, and I prefer to not use products with that much acid in them. My family only had good reviews of their services.
If you are looking to be isolated and to relax in peace and quiet, the Ihilani is terrific and won’t disappoint. They have a great spa, and they offer some of the most unusual services. They also have golfing nearby. If, however, you’d prefer to be near to shopping and nightlife, stay in Waikiki, as the Ihilani is a good 45-minute drive from the city without traffic and has neither of these things anywhere nearby.
Website: www.ihilani.com
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
kristimnk
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Location: California
Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 1 member
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