MKO Regular 2BR vs. 2BR Penthouse

[shoeie]

Just booked MKO for next summer, taking family (2 adults, 4 kids, possibly a nanny). Currently I'm booked into a 2BR OV Penthouse, which is over 1,000 MVC points more expensive than the regular 2BR. I've been to MKO before, but only with my wife, never kids. So really, the question is, is it worth the extra 1150 points for the "penthouse" which I understand doesn't necessarily mean its on a high floor (although I've requested a high floor).

Appreciate the collective thoughts/wisdom.

 

[StevenTing]

I think the lowest Penthouse is on the 5th or 6th floor of Kona. If I had the extra points, I wouldn't mind using them for Penthouse. However, I've always had 11th floor or above when I've booked in MKO using Points or my week.

 

[GregT]

Just booked MKO for next summer, taking family (2 adults, 4 kids, possibly a nanny). Currently I'm booked into a 2BR OV Penthouse, which is over 1,000 MVC points more expensive than the regular 2BR. I've been to MKO before, but only with my wife, never kids. So really, the question is, is it worth the extra 1150 points for the "penthouse" which I understand doesn't necessarily mean its on a high floor (although I've requested a high floor).

Appreciate the collective thoughts/wisdom.

I had this same dilemma when we were at MKO over Spring Break last year. I was put on 10th floor in Kona, which was a great room and I liked the high floor. You can't go wrong with the Penthouse unit.

Your other alternative is to book a Single Entry 2BR OV, which means you will be in Naia tower. We were just there using points and were put on the 7th floor, which was just high enough to see over the trees. I believe week owners were put in the top floors of Naia, but I was very happy on the 7th floor and in Naia tower.

Since I don't want to routinely use points for the Penthouse view, I will try this method to try and stay in Naia tower. If this is a rare trip to Ko Olina, then by all means, keep your Penthouse view, it will be terrific.

Best,

Greg

 

[scpoidog]

Just booked MKO for next summer, taking family (2 adults, 4 kids, possibly a nanny). Currently I'm booked into a 2BR OV Penthouse, which is over 1,000 MVC points more expensive than the regular 2BR. I've been to MKO before, but only with my wife, never kids. So really, the question is, is it worth the extra 1150 points for the "penthouse" which I understand doesn't necessarily mean its on a high floor (although I've requested a high floor).

Appreciate the collective thoughts/wisdom.

PH view is nice, as your guaranteed a higher floor as previously stated. Also no one is walking above you. Downside is that it's more points and it gets hotter than other lower rooms ( hot air rises) and it's tougher to cool down if you like the unit really cool.

 

[dualrated2]

With the higher ceilings comes higher windows that can't be blocked (no curtains) from the early morning sun or any sun during the day for that matter. I most recently had a PH villa in Naia and would not use extra points for that again. You can't get the bedrooms dark during the day and if you have small kids that need a nap, it could be a problem.

 

[ljmiii]

With the higher ceilings comes higher windows that can't be blocked (no curtains) from the early morning sun...

You just made my day. We have a penthouse reservation for our first visit to Ko Olina in summer 2018 and getting the rest of the family out the door can be a challenge in Hawaii. Now I just have to practice saying, "Oh sorry, I guess there aren't any curtains to keep it dark in the morning", with a straight face...;-)

 

[shoeie]

With the higher ceilings comes higher windows that can't be blocked (no curtains) from the early morning sun or any sun during the day for that matter. I most recently had a PH villa in Naia and would not use extra points for that again. You can't get the bedrooms dark during the day and if you have small kids that need a nap, it could be a problem.

Good info. No small kids on this trip (will range from 10-17) so naps not an issue. But something I hadn't thought of. The A/C cooling issue could cause me to reconsider however.

We're actually likely going to bring a nanny as well for the younger two kids, so now my thought process has shifted between to whether to stick with the 2BR penthouse or move to the 3BR.

 

[brianfox]

With that entourage, I'd go with the 3BR over the penthouse.
Kids of that age might like Marriott Waiohai better, as Poipu Beach is far better than the Ko Olina lagoons. Just sayin...

 

[scpoidog]

PH units are ok, but if you have that many people a three BR might be better. Would the nanny get the couch in the living room in a 2 BR?

 

[shoeie]

PH units are ok, but if you have that many people a three BR might be better. Would the nanny get the couch in the living room in a 2 BR?

Yep-she's my niece so she's just happy to get a free trip to Hawaii!

Kids of that age might like Marriott Waiohai better, as Poipu Beach is far better than the Ko Olina lagoons. Just sayin...

None of the kids have ever been to HI. I always think Oahu is the place to start your HI exploration (I was born in Honolulu). We plan to rent a minivan and really explore. And yes, I agree the Ko Olina lagoons are just "meh," but we're more using MKO as a base of operations.

 

[jeepie]

With that entourage, I'd go with the 3BR over the penthouse.
Kids of that age might like Marriott Waiohai better, as Poipu Beach is far better than the Ko Olina lagoons. Just sayin...

Agreed, but of course Waiohai doesn't have 3BR units. Cheers.