The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Luxury Waikoloa Beach Hotel for Family Travel and Romanic Vacations
Jan 5, 2009
Let's face it, a vacation in Hawaii can really be expensive. Travel there over the holiday season, and having an upscale family vacation there, can really add up fast. Once a luxury family vacation in Hawaii has been decided upon, though, these days travel planners still want to keep an eye on their budgets. If the Big Island is the destination, the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is well worth looking into for lodging. A luxury vacation here is far more affordable than one up the road at, say, the Four Seasons or Mauna Lani Resorts.
Located north of the Kona Airport, the Waikoloa Beach resort area abuts the Kohala Coast. The location is perfect; Kona-side Big Island has the best beaches and weather on the island, with none of that "vog" (volcanic fog) that can plague Hilo-side and the southern part of the Big Island. The 15 acre Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa has been recently renovated, and is as clean and fresh in appearance as any hotel around. The staff is incredibly friendly (and helpful; the concierge had many child-friendly activities to suggest), and the separate adults-only pool made for a nice respite from the sounds of many happy children.
Recommended Restaurants in the Waikoloa Beach Resort Area
As with most high-end resorts, the meals at this Marriott are expensive. The breakfast buffet is, as always, all you can eat - useful for travelers capable of having a large enough breakfast to see them through to dinner (or not above stuffing a couple of apples in an oversized purse). Families enjoy the variety of the buffet, and the made-to-order omelettes are generously portioned. The Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge also had light lunches - these can be served poolside for added relaxation and pampering. Dinner here is mostly fresh seafood and classic American favorites.
There are a couple of good restaurants right across the street from the Waikoloa Beach Marriott at the King's Marketplace; Roy's and Merriman's Market Cafe here are, in fact, closer to the hotel than restaurants would be at opposite ends of larger, more sprawling resorts (such as the Atlantis). The Queen's Marketplace is a five to ten minute walk away. Here, Charley's Thai Cuisine and Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar are popular favorites.
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Oceanfront Property
The beach here is a long stretch of sand, broken up by occasional breakers made of the island's natural lava. Sea turtles abound; in fact, a hotel guest would have to work hard not to see them. These are the harmless, vegetarian green sea turtles native to the area, so have no fear.
Snorkelers see a good variety of fish on the south side of the beach property, but this is not a beginner's snorkel area. When the waves are a little rough, it's easy for a novice to get tossed into the hard, sharp lava rocks. There are a couple clearly designated snorkel areas for beginner snorkelers at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, but the surf here is best for swimming and splashing around in. Yes, it's always warm enough to go in; this is Hawaii, after all!
Luxury Stays at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
To have a real luxury vacation at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, go ahead and reserve one of the 20 cabana rooms. These are in a 2-story structure a little bit away from the 6-story hotel proper (but not by much). Each of the rooms has a lanai that opens up to the pond and ocean views. It's lovely, more private-feeling, and highly recommended for travelers wanting to stay at this resort and "kick it up a notch." Especially recommended are the ground floor cabana rooms, as they are walk-in, walk-out from the lanai right to the pond and ocean.
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Resort Fees
Most luxury resorts have resort fees on top of the room and food costs. The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is no exception. For this fee, though, guests get parking, local phone calls (these usually cost an arm and a leg), snorkel equipment rentals, and - best of all, for some - free internet. People unaccustomed to resort fees may be put off by this add-on cost, but for inveterate luxury travelers, this is actually quite a deal. Some hotels just count the resort fee towards upkeep. Oh, and two free mai tais sweeten the deal even further.
Family vacations on the Big Island of Hawaii are wonderful experiences. For a luxury vacation that doesn't break the bank, stay at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. It's a beautiful resort on the most lovely coast of the island, and nothing is sacrificed to make it one of the best luxury hotels on the island.
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