Nice hotel, good pools and friendly staff. The grounds and the views are fantastic. Due to covid Ray's on the Bay was closed but we were able to watch sunsets on the terrace. A really pretty location. Definitely worth another visit.
We are silver elite reward members and would never stay here again. We paid for an upgraded room and the bathroom sink was full of hair. In the middle of Covid, what else wasn t cleaned? There was also animal poop on the lanai. We were moved to an upgraded room (despite already having paid for an upgrade) and there was hair in that sink as well. The sinks are recessed under granite, and the rim is clearly not being cleaned under. At dinner, we were seated by friendly staff and brought water right way. We then waited over 30 minutes for anyone to approach our table and that was only after we alerted other staff. The entree salad was small and the lettuce was browning. Never were we asked how our food was. The Oceanside Manta Ray bar is closed with no timeline for reopening, leaving one restaurant in the middle of the hotel open, with no bar seating and no ocean view. There is a stain on the carpet in our room and overall, the rooms need a deep cleaning and renovations. (The light switches were full of dust and grime) The pool closes at 10:00 and there was still someone out there singing and playing guitar at 10:30, disturbing all rooms facing the pool. There is no screen on the lanai door, so you have to choose between keeping critters out and having an ocean breeze. We stayed at another resort just two months ago, and for the price, you can find much better on the island.
We already wrote one and then we discovered that the "Resort Fees" did not cover parking at $55 a day self park with unlimited in and out.
This explains why so many cars were parked on surrounding streets when we arrived after dark on Friday. So with resort fee AND Parking
you are looking at the best part of $100 extra on your room rate.
Our other comment which is intended as a helpful suggestion is that the wristband/access key card has to go EXTREMELY close to both your door and the parking sensor...so if you wear a watch or fit bit be prepared with it on the tip of your fingers NOT on your wrist or it wont work....not sure what problem it solves while creating another. Make sure you keep it as you leave or you wont get out of parking..
Resort was very cozy and clean. Though the resort was built like 50 years ago but still well maintained. Staff is welcoming and respectful. But for the price you pay the resort seems to be a little expensive without the similar amenities and feel you get from a new resort. Restaurant food is good but not amazing and views depends on where you get the room. We took a half ocean and half mountain view which was really good and made our morning more beautiful. Check out the images below.
This place is hotel out of time, it looks retro late 50's but then you learn it was designed and built in the early 30's and it's mind-blowing how forward thinking the architecture was for the period. Must have been incredible in it's glory days. And it's in a pretty great location. Lots of history, loads of culture.
We had all in all a pleasant stay with Sheraton Kona Resort for the three nights in April we had here. We liked the facility, grounds, location and pool a lot. Staff was friendly and our room had an amazing view of both ocean and hillside. Thus we can definitely recommend the property to others coming to Hawaii. We arrived after the spring break rush so it was quite peaceful and while not all facilities were open it didn t bother us at all, we actually like it! The grounds are gorgeous and the whole property beautifully groomed and clean.
We ended up having to unexpectedly quarantine due to an issue with our covid tests on our way back from another island. The staff at the Sheraton were so friendly and took such good care of us. Our room was clean, well appointed, and had a lovely view of the beach. We ordered food from the resort lunch spot and were impressed with the quality. Kay was our go to person and she was exceptional. Next time we come to big island we would opt to stay here on purpose ;)
The location is magical. There are many benefits to this resort. The pools are clean and in great shape. The landscaping is beautiful. The resort was built in 1971 and it is showing in some areas. The rooms look dated and the bathrooms are cleaned as well as could be expected but they are not up to modern standards. I think COVID has affected staff talent. The front desk was mostly non existent. The main restaurant is closed. The servers are mixed - some excellent and others not. When booking, be aware of fees and taxes. There is a resort fee and a parking fee, both of which are also taxed. Room rates are only the beginning here. Aloha!
View was amazing and the woman at the front desk was incredibly friendly! She went out of her way and was very helpful, but everything shuts down at 9. I don't care what time Hawaii shuts down, this is a hotel/spa/resort and as a national chain, it shouldn't shut down at 9. Especially when you still have people and flight crew checking in.
