Marriott’s Waikoloa Ocean Club

I really don't understand the negative reviews. We had a great stay. Our room was great -- we got the 1 BR, ocean view, clean, everything was in working condition, bed was comfortable, staff were friendly and helpful. Our room has no full kitchen --- but why do major cooking chore when on vacation?! It does have microwave, full size refrigerator, instapot, kettle, toaster, etc. There's a nice in-house restaurant and some great restaurants across the street at Kings Shops. And if on a budget, Queens Marketplace is a short walk from the resort. The Waikola Beach is a short walk from the hotel premises, is in a cove and kept the water calm even on windy days. Water is not that clear though during my visit, but we spotted some turtles while snorkeling. A great beach to watch the sunset. There's a petroglyph reserve also within walking distance. It's a great base to explore the Kona side of the Big Island. Now if you want to explore the Hilo side of the island, you may need to plan more time; there was a reason this was called the Big Island.

Had two two-night stays back to back… last minute reservation… the room renovations are very noticeable and they did a great job…the amenities at the resort are top- notch, parking remains horrible- spaces are two narrow, double-spaces,front to back are not helpful, so a minivan effectively takes up 4 spaces…it was explained to me that the lot was at one time a “valet lot” and only had experts parking the vehicles- the lines painted are the responsibility of the hotel-resort, NOT THE VACATION CLUB… the resort manager Mr Nourollahi cares deeply about each owner… his staff, including Kanani Abe, were extremely helpful during our stay…will certainly return again next fall…

This property is a little strange because half of it is a beach resort hotel with a lot of conference facilities. Then another tower is a timeshare - Marriott Ocean Club. Our one-bedroom unit was very well equipped and newly renovated. BUT there is no oven or cooktop; not allowed by the local authorities. But they do have a lovely outdoor grill area that we used a few times. Only one restaurant plus a coffee place. Three different pool areas, plus the ocean. Very convenient to have two little shopping/restaurant malls next door and right across the street. You definitely need a car to get here, though. It's about a half hour north of the Kona airport. Staff and management were impressive. We had one little issue with our room, and they immediately took care of it. Very well run property.

We have owned a Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare since 2008 and have been very pleased with the services provided at many Marriott facilities worldwide. However, we just returned from a 10-day trip to Marriott’s Waikoloa Ocean Club on the Big Island of Hawaii that changed that perspective. We booked the trip in January 2024 and received confirmation from Marriott that stated in the Summary of Charges that: • 10 nights at $0.0 USD per night per room (using 4.050 Destination points) • Taxes $ Fees (per night per room and Estimated Government Taxes & Fees INCLUDED On September 1, 2024 (ten days before we were to arrive in Hawaii), we received an email from Marriott saying that there would be a daily charge of $23.60 for Hawaii State Occupancy Tax—a total of $236.00 for our stay, and that many of Marriott’s Bonvoy benefits would NOT apply--classic BAIT and SWITCH! As Marriott Rules and Regulations concerning trip cancelation within 60 days of arrival puts a severe restriction on re-using the points (in this case 4,050 points) allocated for the stay, changing our minds was not an option given that we would have to use the points before the end of 2024! On our arrival at Marriott’s Waikoloa Ocean Club, I contacted the Resort Manager to inform him how upset we were with this chain of communications. His response was that it was out of his control--he did give us a $50 resort credit! My response was that I would be cancelling the 2025 family trip to his resort for 10 members of our family that I had just booked! While we have visited Hawaii many times, and I actually lived and worked in Hawaii for ten years, we hadn’t been to Hawaii since before Covid. It was a shock to find that a Happy Hour Pina Colada at the Marriott runs $19 plus tip, making it approximately a $25 drink (with very little alcohol). The property itself has seen better days and food and service in the restaurant was mediocre. We will not return

Food - breakfast buffet - underwelming. Salad, fruits, and pastries for continental. Add omelet and same warm options- 45 USD pp. not worth the price. - lunch- one option at resort. Mediocre food, limited options. - dinner - one option. Room Tiny. It worked for 2 adults and one child. But, wow, so small. Had to rearrange move tv just to be able to fit our suitcases Stayed 2 weeks- so we felt the small space. The balcony had 1 small table that was really not usable for anything. Positive/ beautiful location. Beautiful beach. Calm water - atleast in July . Not best visibility for snorkeling, but great for swimming. Short drive to some other nice beaches and hikes

We stopped in the restaurant because there was “live music” but the music was above the restaurant and advertised incorrectly. It said listen to live music with dinner. We could not hear the music at all, and the dinner was not worth it. The menu was blah and way over priced. The space and amenities were gorgeous. People were kind, but not worth is to go to that restaurant and spend that kind of money.