Royal Kona Resort
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Summary of reviewsThe Royal Kona Resort enjoys a fantastic location in downtown Kona, right on the ocean, which consistently receives praise from guests for its convenience and scenic beauty. Visitors benefit from stunning ocean views, easy access to a wide array of restaurants, shops and entertainment options and beautifully maintained grounds. This prime positioning allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the local charm and vibrancy without traveling far.
Breakfast at the resort offers delicious food with beautiful ocean views. Guests cherish moments like watching dolphins while dining. However, some have noted the limited offerings and slow service, hoping for more variety and efficiency. Dinner experiences fare better, highlighted by excellent oceanfront settings and dishes. Don’s Mai Tai Bar is a favorite for its ambiance and sunset views. Although there are a few criticisms about limited selections and early closing times, the overall sentiment remains positive.
Rooms at the Royal Kona Resort are spacious, comfortable and often come with breathtaking ocean views and private balconies. Cleanliness and tropical vibes in recently renovated rooms add to the comfort, although the older infrastructure shows in some areas with outdated decor and maintenance issues. Some guests faced noise disruptions due to thin walls and neighboring activities and a few reported cleanliness issues in communal areas.
The staff at Royal Kona Resort are generally well-regarded for their friendliness, helpfulness and courteousness with many specific employees receiving commendations for exceptional service. However, occasional inconsistencies in behavior, especially in the restaurant, have been noted.
The resort’s wifi offerings are somewhat mixed with some guests appreciating the free internet in common areas and others frustrated by its absence in rooms and occasional instability. The spa, in contrast, is generally well-received for its cleanliness, relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff, even though it sometimes feels overpriced to some guests.
The gym is generally seen as lacking, described as small with inadequate equipment and inconvenient hours, but those who enjoy working out appreciate its sea views. The pool area, while beautiful and offering stunning ocean views, faces issues with cleanliness and overcrowding during peak times. The beach experience near the resort is highlighted by a small private lagoon perfect for snorkeling, even though the main beach area can be rocky and occasionally under renovation, complemented by nearby public beaches boosting the overall beachside experience.
In summary, the Royal Kona Resort delivers a strong blend of comfort, excellent location, stunning views and generally good dining, despite having a few areas that could benefit from modernization and improvements.
Categories
Breakfast at the resort offers delicious food with beautiful ocean views. Guests cherish moments like watching dolphins while dining. However, some have noted the limited offerings and slow service, hoping for more variety and efficiency. Dinner experiences fare better, highlighted by excellent oceanfront settings and dishes. Don’s Mai Tai Bar is a favorite for its ambiance and sunset views. Although there are a few criticisms about limited selections and early closing times, the overall sentiment remains positive.
Rooms at the Royal Kona Resort are spacious, comfortable and often come with breathtaking ocean views and private balconies. Cleanliness and tropical vibes in recently renovated rooms add to the comfort, although the older infrastructure shows in some areas with outdated decor and maintenance issues. Some guests faced noise disruptions due to thin walls and neighboring activities and a few reported cleanliness issues in communal areas.
The staff at Royal Kona Resort are generally well-regarded for their friendliness, helpfulness and courteousness with many specific employees receiving commendations for exceptional service. However, occasional inconsistencies in behavior, especially in the restaurant, have been noted.
The resort’s wifi offerings are somewhat mixed with some guests appreciating the free internet in common areas and others frustrated by its absence in rooms and occasional instability. The spa, in contrast, is generally well-received for its cleanliness, relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff, even though it sometimes feels overpriced to some guests.
The gym is generally seen as lacking, described as small with inadequate equipment and inconvenient hours, but those who enjoy working out appreciate its sea views. The pool area, while beautiful and offering stunning ocean views, faces issues with cleanliness and overcrowding during peak times. The beach experience near the resort is highlighted by a small private lagoon perfect for snorkeling, even though the main beach area can be rocky and occasionally under renovation, complemented by nearby public beaches boosting the overall beachside experience.
In summary, the Royal Kona Resort delivers a strong blend of comfort, excellent location, stunning views and generally good dining, despite having a few areas that could benefit from modernization and improvements.
Resort near The Beach
Royal Kona Resort is located in Kailua-Kona and offers oceanfront views. It provides easy access to the beach and nearby attractions.
Resort with Spa
Royal Kona Resort features The Lotus Center spa, which offers a range of treatments including traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massages, facials, and body treatments in an oceanfront setting. They also provide yoga and chiropractic care.
Resort with Swimming Pool
The Royal Kona Resort boasts an oceanfront pool with a swim-up bar. The pool area offers stunning views of the Kona coastline and is a popular spot for sunset cocktails.
Panoramic View Pool Outdoor Pool
Resort with Free Wi-Fi
This resort offers free Wi-Fi, making it easy for guests to stay connected. The reliable internet service is available in all rooms and public areas.
Accessible Resort
Royal Kona Resort ensures wide-ranging wheelchair accessibility across its premises, including parking, public washrooms, concierge, business center, and restaurant. It features accessible rooms with roll-in showers and accessible bathrooms, along with pool access ramps and hoists, and assistive listening devices.
Resort with Gym
The Royal Kona Resort has an on-site fitness center, providing guests with a convenient way to exercise during their stay. It also offers a private beach area, a saltwater lagoon, and an outdoor swimming pool for relaxation and recreation.
Resort for Yoga
While specific yoga offerings are not detailed, the resort's beachfront location and amenities can support personal wellness practices and relaxation.
3-Star Resort
Facing the Pacific Ocean on Kailua Bay, this resort boasts a private beach area and a saltwater lagoon, ideal for snorkeling. Rooms include a TV, refrigerator, and coffee machine. Customer reviews highlight the great location and lagoon, with many guests feeling at home upon arrival. It also features a spa, pool, and on-site dining.
Resort with Outdoor Pool
Offers an oceanfront setting with a large outdoor pool area, providing guests with stunning views while they relax and swim. Its central location also allows easy access to other Kona attractions.
Beachfront Resort
Resort near Nightlife Spots
Resort with Tennis Courts
Resort with Panoramic View Pool
About Royal Kona Resort
License: TA-130-995-4048-01
Guest Reviews
Location
The proximity to Alii Drive means that guests are just steps away from enjoying the bustling nightlife, local eateries and unique shopping experiences. The ease of access to downtown Kona allows visitors to immerse themselves in the charm of the area without needing to travel far. Additionally, the beautifully maintained grounds and well-appointed rooms with ocean views enhance the overall experience, making it a picturesque and practical choice for travelers.
In essence, the Royal Kona Resort's location is celebrated for its perfect blend of convenience, accessibility and breathtaking waterfront views, serving as a prime spot for those looking to fully experience the vibrancy and natural beauty of Kona.
Breakfast
However, several guests noted significant shortcomings. The breakfast options are limited with only an à la carte menu available and no buffet, which was especially disappointing for those who expected more variety. Service issues were a recurrent theme with several reviewers mentioning slow service and inattentive staff, leading to long waiting times to order and be served. The perceived high cost of the breakfast did not seem justified for many, given the limited selection and service quality. Additionally, some guests found the breakfast area staff needing further training and the overall dining experience lacking in attentiveness.
While the location and views are commendable, there is a clear call for improved service efficiency and a wider range of breakfast options to better meet guest expectations.
Dinner
Guests appreciated the variety offered, describing the bar and grill as providing good, reasonably priced meals. The convenience of the onsite dining options is a highlight with some guests even noting that the restaurant's dishes are better than some other local eateries. The facility's beautiful Luau dinner and show also received praise for both the experience and location.
However, there are some areas for improvement. Limited food selections, frequent understaffing and early closing times of restaurants and bars were common points of criticism. Some diners found the food to be overpriced or of inconsistent quality. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment towards dining at Royal Kona Resort leans positively, largely due to the spectacular views and generally satisfactory meal experiences.
Rooms
However, the resort's older infrastructure is evident with numerous mentions of outdated decor, worn-out furniture and needing upgrades throughout various rooms and facilities. Common issues include thin walls that allow noise penetration, malfunctioning sliding doors, dated fixtures and less-than-ideal bathroom conditions. Some rooms have reported problems like mold, musty odors and the occasional insect intrusion.
While some guests enjoyed beautiful balconies and scenic views, others experienced disruptions from neighboring noise and lack of privacy due to the connected balconies. The air conditioning and lighting solutions also draw mixed reviews with some units being overly noisy or ineffective. Moreover, specific rooms facing less pleasant vistas, such as parking lots or kitchen roofs, received less favorable feedback.
In summary, the Royal Kona Resort offers a mixed bag of experiences. The spacious, clean and comfortable rooms, particularly the renovated ones with stunning ocean views, provide a satisfactory stay. However, the evident need for modernization and attention to noise issues might affect the overall experience for some visitors.
Beds
However, there were also numerous criticisms regarding the beds. A common complaint was about the size; many guests felt that the double beds were too small for two people with some even referring to them as more like single beds. The mattresses were another point of contention with various reports describing them as too soft, too hard, old or uncomfortable. A few mentioned specific issues such as mattresses needing replacement or being bouncy.
Additionally, the bedding itself was often highlighted as needing improvement with mentions of thin blankets, sparse bedding and rough linens. Some guests also noted discomfort arising from beds being very low to the ground or the configuration of the room not matching their expectations.
Overall, while some guests had a restful experience, a notable number felt that the beds at the Royal Kona Resort could benefit from upgrades in both size and condition to ensure a more universally comfortable stay.
Cleanliness
However, the resort's communal areas received consistent criticism with multiple mentions of dirty pool areas, communal spaces not well-cleaned and hallways needing more frequent vacuuming. Guests frequently noted that bathrooms needed updates and better maintenance with some describing mold, mildew and other unsanitary conditions. Additionally, cleanliness issues included dirty carpets, spiderwebs, stained sheets and bathtubs not draining properly.
Guests also commented that the overall property appeared old and outdated, which might have contributed to the perceived cleanliness issues. Some reviews pointed out musty and mildew smells in the rooms and the presence of bugs and cockroaches. Despite these negatives, various guests reflected positively on the resort's traditional Hawaiian ambiance and enjoyed scenic views, suggesting that the experience can be quite enjoyable if cleanliness concerns are addressed.
Staff
Wi-Fi
Guests mentioned the provided free internet, including both standard and premium options. Nevertheless, the wifi reliability was questioned with reports of it being spotty, weak and slow at times. A minor inconvenience noted was the tendency for the internet connection to drop intermittently. Despite this, some guests found the overall wifi service satisfactory, if not exceptional. The reviews suggest a need for improvement, particularly in providing a more secure and stable connection.
Spa
Gym
Pool
On the downside, several reviews noted maintenance issues, including murkiness and a lack of cleanliness at times. Additionally, some felt the pool area was dated and in need of sun shading and more seating options. Despite these drawbacks, the pool received praise for its enjoyment and scenic view with some highlighting the beautifully kept and large pool area suitable for relaxation. However, potential guests should be aware of its limited space and the early closure at sunset.
Beach
The beachfront is complemented by very nice beach chairs, offering a relaxing spot to enjoy the stunning sea views. The tidal lagoon is frequently mentioned as a nice perk, providing a safe setting for swimming and snorkeling. However, it’s worth noting that the lagoon area can sometimes be rocky and dangerous and on occasion, the freshwater shower might be out of order.
While some guests mention the absence of an extensive sandy beach and highlight the rocky areas, others point out the closeness to nearby public beaches that can easily be visited. Despite the lack of a proper beach at the hotel itself, nearby beaches make up for it, providing additional swimming options.
In summary, while Royal Kona Resort may not offer a typical sandy beach directly on its property, its accessible location, serene lagoon and proximity to other beaches make it a lovely choice for guests seeking a beachside retreat.
Tennis
Nightlife
Although the nightlife scene is a significant draw, it does come with some drawbacks. Noise from nearby clubs, bars and street traffic can be quite disruptive with reports of loud music playing until the early hours of the morning. Some guests have mentioned that the music from local bars and restaurants can be disturbingly loud, affecting the overall tranquility of their stay. Additionally, the hotel's own bar and restaurant closing early, sometimes even by 8:30 PM, left some guests wishing for later dining and drinking options within the resort itself.
Despite these noise concerns, the resort remains popular for its fantastic sunset views of the ocean and its proximity to the best places to go out at night. The lively nightlife, while noisy at times, offers a range of activities and entertainment that many guests find enjoyable and worth the stay.
3 Star
However, despite its dated appearance, many find it to be a clean, quiet and affordable option, making it a decent place for the price, particularly in Hawaii. The resort is often praised for its professional, polite and helpful staff, which many believe is a significant factor in maintaining its three-star rating.
Some guests mention that the price point feels a bit steep for a three-star resort with some rooms not meeting the cleanliness standards expected at such rates. Yet, the overall experience with the staff and the peaceful seafront views from the balcony somewhat compensate for these downsides.
In summary, Royal Kona Resort offers a balanced price-performance ratio. Although it may not exhibit the luxury of a higher-starred establishment, it remains a viable choice for travelers looking for value in a picturesque location.
Accessible
The hotel maintains a high standard of cleanliness, ensuring that both the rooms and the overall facility are always clean. However, some areas require renovation. The hotel staff is generally helpful, although there were mentions of partly unfriendly interactions.
Despite being functional and clean, some issues remain, like limited handicapped parking and only having one elevator in operation. Also, the room balconies share dividers with neighboring rooms, which might intrude on privacy. Parking accessibility is good, although it comes with an extra charge.
Outdoor Pool
Guests appreciate the natural setting with the pool nestled next to a lagoon and bordered by natural rock formations. The poolside restaurant ensures your dining experience comes with ocean views, adding to the resort's appeal. The accessibility of the pool is a plus, being at a good distance from the hotel, which facilitates easy use.
While some guests mention that the pool area felt small and highlighted that shaded spots come at a cost, the overall reception of the pool is positive. The presence of an outdoor lanai with tables and chairs, as well as morning yoga sessions, adds to the ambiance and relaxation. For those looking to enjoy a swim, the resort provides a nice pool with both natural features and modern conveniences.
Yoga
Beachfront
Despite some minor detractors about ocean access and certain room conditions, the proximity to the water remains a standout feature. The lagoon nearby offers a charming spot for wading and observing fish, adding to the peaceful and secluded ambiance that many guests appreciate. The integration of the hotel with its surroundings further enhances its appeal, making it a perfect spot to watch dolphins over breakfast or simply take in the wonderful views right from the ocean shore.
The resort is conveniently located close to various activities and nightlife, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. The combination of its amazing beachfront location, outstanding scenic views and easy access to the oceanfront make Royal Kona Resort a favored destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the sea without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Yes, Royal Kona Resort has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Panoramic View Pool, Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Royal Kona Resort.
No, Royal Kona Resort doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Royal Kona Resort.
Yes, Royal Kona Resort has a gym.
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