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Did we make a mistake?

Los Angeles
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19 posts
Did we make a mistake?
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We were originally planning on staying at Royal Kona Resort but decided for a few bucks more to stay at The Sheraton. I know it's a bit further away from town, but did we make a wise choice? We will indeed have a car and are just wondering what everyone's thoughts were?

Thanks!

Kona, Hawaii
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4,239 posts
5 reviews
4 helpful votes
1. Re: Did we make a mistake?
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They are both nice, I like the Royal Kona more, but that is me. If you have kids I would go with the Sheraton. Why did you make the change?

Los Angeles
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19 posts
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We actually don't have kids but I made the change for the pools (and the comfy Sheraton beds, lol). I tend to spend a lot of time in the pool and the pools looked much nicer at the Sheraton. We've stayed at the Sheraton Maui several times and really liked it. But I've learned in the past that not all Sheraton hotels are created equal, so I hope it's just as nice. But how bad could it really be? I will be in Hawaii after all.

Kona, Hawaii
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5 reviews
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There you go.. a good reason.. I am not a pool person, for me it is all about the ocean. Don't second (or third) guess yourself.. just enjoy. When you are in town do stop by the Royal Kona and have a drink or dine oceanfront there :) that way next time you visit you will know if you want to give the RKR a try.

South Pole
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43,797 posts
4 reviews
25 helpful votes
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The Sheraton bought an older hotel that had been in the locale and folded, and was closed for a few years. They did renovate. But it was not built as a Sheraton.

I think the main issue with the Sheraton is that it's a little isolated, whereas the RKR you can walk all around town and access a lot of dining. That may or may not be important to you. I don't hear a lot of people recommend the Sheraton restaurant.

The big pools tend to be noisy kid magnets, but it's the best pool second to the Hilton.

The reviews for the Sheraton Keauhou from the beginning called it rather spare in its decor, not Hawaiian. Some like that. I personally would rather not have a loud floral bedspread like what some hotels do trying to look Hawaiian themed.

It's easy to get up to the main highway from Keauhou. Just don't take Ali'i if you want to be leaving town, because it's slow. It will be really convenient for you to head south.

It can take 10-15 minutes to get through Kailua on the main highway if you're heading north from Keauhou, so if you plan to drive north a lot you've added some time to your drive as opposed to RKR.

Washington DC...
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17,946 posts
26 reviews
184 helpful votes
5. Re: Did we make a mistake?
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The pools may be a bit cool, depending on your tastes. You'll be convenient to boat trips like Sea Paradise and Hula Kai.

Kona, Hawaii
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4,239 posts
5 reviews
4 helpful votes
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The drive along Alii is not bad at all, you will enjoy seeing the ocean, little churches and you can check out the condo complexes, beaches and surfing. It never takes me a long time to go from town to Keauhou, where I market. The traffic grid lock time is during lunch and I am sure you will be out and about at that time.

Island of Hawaii...
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7,943 posts
22 reviews
6 helpful votes
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As much as I like the Royal Kona Resort, I would switch to the Sheraton in a heartbeat! It's in a completely different category than any of the other hotels in Kona, and the service there is the same as at other Sheraton hotels. (The service at the "local" hotels is not even close to the corporate standards.) My wife and I usually spend a weekend at the Sheraton every year. (We got married there.)

As to the restaurants at the Sheraton, the only place I would be willing to eat at is at the Pool Bar at lunch time. Their flagship restaurant ("Kai") is really terrible. The "Crystal Blue Bar" is a good place for drinks and pupus, but if you want the bas scene in town, it takes only 20 minutes to drive to town from there, it's not a biggie.

Edited: 14 years ago
Los Angeles
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19 posts
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Thanks for all the great advice and opinions. I think we're going to stay at the Sheraton. I too like the beach, but it seems that neither has a beach, so that is a wash. I don't mind being 10 minutes to town. Both hotels look great so it really came down to the pools and the beds. I can't wait to get there. Like I said in an earlier post, first time on the big island since I was a kid, so I am really looking forward to the "new" experience.

Bryan, TX
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76 posts
21 reviews
71 helpful votes
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We recently stayed at the Outrigger, down near the Sheraton. We really liked staying in that area. There's a small shopping center nearby, and you can get into Kona faster by taking 11 up there (it's not necessary to take Alii the whole way). We don't mind driving, and if you are OK with some driving, then that area is good (plus it's MUCH closer to several of the snorkel tours).

Grimsby, Canada
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26 posts
4 reviews
43 helpful votes
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BEST THING YOU COULD HAVE DONE!!!!!!!!

We had our first trip to Hawaii last year, and did three islands which included the Big island. We coined it as a close first in being our Favorite island, so this year made sure we added KAuai, and did the Big island again.

We used points to stay at the Sheraton, but the vibe , room, overall ambience (quiet but enough to enjoy after a day of activities, great food), great lounge for a romantic sunset and stroll while enjoying some wine in the hot tubs that are AWESOME!!!!

Incredible pool area, and very very friendly and flexible staff.

We had such a great time, that even know it is at the end of the road from Kona (10 mins by car), the grounds and spot was great, so we check in next week during our 8 days this year.

you will not be disappointed

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