Second time to the island, and first time to this resort. We stayed at the Hilton (fabulous) for a few days prior to our stay here. The...
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Second time to the island, and first time to this resort. We stayed at the Hilton (fabulous) for a few days prior to our stay here. The Hilton is located north of Kona and is in a much newer area of the island. The Wynhdam Kona Hawaiian Resort is located in the old section of Kona, close to all the in town amenities, but subject to in town traffic congestion. The staff is exceptionally responsive and friendly. A few minor issues with the unit and they were resolved within minutes.
The complex is located on a sloped lot, with the first phase on the lower section. We were told that all the units were furnished the same. NOT. The upper sloped units had newer furnishings and are usually reserved for owners of the resort who can reserve a specific unit up to 13 months in advance. We did a rental through an exchange company and got it for $375 for the week. Just paid cash. No trade. Despite this, we did get a choice of several units in the lower section and picked a nice upper floor end unit adjacent to a large (maybe 15 acre) vacant parcel. We arrived early, checked in and then went off grocery shopping at "The KTA" a few miles away while the unit was getting ready. While shopping, the staff called and informed us that the unit was ready for occupancy. Again, great service!! We later hit Costco a few days later to get the big stuff.
All units, both old and new are set up the same way. Only difference is slightly newer furniture. All have huge lanai's and great floorplans. The grounds are immaculate, quiet, and very pleasing. The outdoor BBQ's work great.
As mentioned by others, beach chairs, boogie boards, and sand toys for the kids are available to use at no cost. These are left overs by previous guest.
The concierge desk is helpful, but they make most of their money setting up timeshare presentations. Some one else does the presentation. They originally offered us a $100 amex cash card or an excersion discount card good for 20-40% off activities. We turned them down, and a few days later on our door, they left a note upping the cash card to $150 to attend.
We caved in, did the presentation and held the sales person to the 60 minutes promised. I gave them a 5 minute warning, and the sales staff got irritated and said I was "time crunching" her. She went on for another 15 minutes before wraping it up and giving us the amex card. A few other guests told me later they had been sucked in for 2-3 hours!!
FYI. They wanted around $22K for a points program membership through the developer.
Also, the Worldmark next door is poor. Looks like a cheap motel.Don't go there. The guest below us went last year and confirmed that.
Graet time and we have already arranged a return visit, this time doing and exchange.