At WKORVN now, after a week at Hilton's Kings' Land

[PamMo]

I'm wondering, am I being too picky? We had great week on the Big Island at the new Kings' Land Resort in Hilton's Waikoloa area, and just checked in at WKORVN. I was so ready to come "home" to our oceanfront unit here at WKORVN, but I feel a bit let down. Other than location, it just doesn't compare with the other Hawaiian resorts we've stayed at this year (KL, WPORV, Hilton's Grand Waikikian, and Marriott's Kauai Beach Club). Check-in was busy, with several guests asking for problems to be fixed, different room assignments, etc, from harried staff. On the way to our rooms, we noticed worn and stained carpets, and the flooring in our villas is in the same condition, if not worse. The furniture has a dingy, greasy look and feel to it (sunscreen and wet bathing suits take a toll). The top sides of upholstered goods have faded in great contrast to the fabric on the sides. The dining table looks like a dog has been chewing on it's legs (aggressive vacuuming perhaps?). It was sad to see the lanais, with stained decking and every single chair cushion has ripped out zippers with the stuffing coming out the side. All this "luxury" for over $2,000 annual MF's? Unfortunately, our first impressions are not too good, so I hope it gets better from here. I'll post again later...

It is great to be back on Maui, though!

 

[GregT]

I'm wondering, am I being too picky? We had great week on the Big Island at the new Kings' Land Resort in Hilton's Waikoloa area, and just checked in at WKORVN. I was so ready to come "home" to our oceanfront unit here at WKORVN, but I feel a bit let down. Other than location, it just doesn't compare with the other Hawaiian resorts we've stayed at this year (KL, WPORV, Hilton's Grand Waikikian, and Marriott's Kauai Beach Club). Check-in was busy, with several guests asking for problems to be fixed, different room assignments, etc, from harried staff. On the way to our rooms, we noticed worn and stained carpets, and the flooring in our villas is in the same condition, if not worse. The furniture has a dingy, greasy look and feel to it (sunscreen and wet bathing suits take a toll). The top sides of upholstered goods have faded in great contrast to the fabric on the sides. The dining table looks like a dog has been chewing on it's legs (aggressive vacuuming perhaps?). It was sad to see the lanais, with stained decking and every single chair cushion has ripped out zippers with the stuffing coming out the side. All this "luxury" for over $2,000 annual MF's? Unfortunately, our first impressions are not too good, so I hope it gets better from here. I'll post again later...

It is great to be back on Maui, though!

Pam,

It's an interesting question -- and its tough going from any brand new property to one that is a little more mature.

However, I'm counting on the fact that once you've "adjusted" you'll be back to loving your WKORV like always. Personally, I've found that Day 1 at any property is always my worst day, because of the strain of travel/transfer. I've learned about myself that I need to wait until a couple of days in before fixating on any negative comments.

By then, I'm usually a happy camper, and my expectations are calibrated. I went to HHV earlier this month and was put in the Dreaded Room 68 (bright orange, and smaller/disjoined). I'd specifically requested not to be in the Dreaded Room -- and when check-in told me my room, I was very apprehensive.

But 48 hours later, I was happy and relaxed, and had made my peace with the room. It helped alot that I loved the property and had a great view.

I hope that on Tuesday that you're posting how happy you are to be at WKORV again.

Separately, we're doing the same thing in June 2012 -- we go to Kings Land June 16-23, followed by our fixed Maui Ocean Club week June 23-30.

Enjoy your trip!

Greg

 

[Carolyn]

We had to have the carpet cleaned in our villa when we were there in August. It was really dark in some areas and turned our feet black. I only noticed this when we walked on the white tile which left footprints! They tried to use a shampooer which didn't do anything. My husband insisted on more of a steam cleaning which worked OK. I am really surprised there is not some sort of maintenance schedule. We did not have this problem 2 years ago.

 

[ocdb8r]

PamMo,

So sorry to hear about your experience. We actually did what you're doing in reverse last month (WKORV first then Kingsland) and had the reverse impression. After being at WKORV we were less than impressed with Kingsland (as I mentioned in your other thread, we'll be sticking with Bay Club on the Big Island here on out). Our time at WKORV was wonderful.

However, I will note, we were in a room that had just finished the renovations (South phase) so everything looked nice and fresh. The last time we were at WKORV 2 years ago, we had a similar experience with the room being fairly worn and needing some TLC. But it's SO hard to have a bad time there that we just didn't let it bother us.

When is WKORVN up for a refresh?

 

[PamMo]

Today, housekeeping brought in cushions for the lanai chairs that look a lot better, and they started power washing Bldg 5 - which in the wind, drenched the sunbathers by the pool below! Everyone moved their lounge chairs over to the ocean side of the pool, and it looked just like sea lions crowded together on an island, clumsily bumping into and crawling all over each other. It was too funny! We were told the cleaning crew was with an outside painting contractor, and they are getting ready to paint the exterior, but I didn't get that confirmed. I am curious about the updating schedule for North. I don't particularly want a SA to do a major upgrade, but I'd sure like to see the rooms cleaned/spruced up.

It was a great day to be here in Maui. The weather was gorgeous, we got a good walk in this morning, then a couple of hours snorkeling (saw the biggest eel ever in front of the resort!), great fish tacos and lettuce wraps for lunch at the pool bar (WKORV), relaxing afternoon spa treatments, and then off to a wonderful meal at Lahaina Grill for dinner tonight. Life is good!

 

[LisaRex]

When I first visited WKORV-N, I was struck at how cheap the furniture was. It was laminated wood instead of solid wood. The drawers wouldn't stay shut, even though it was brand new. I chipped a piece of the laminate on the dresser by putting my gym shoe up on it to tie my shoe.

I think that in a place with so much sand, they should have installed tile throughout and forgotten the carpet, especially in the main areas.

I agree that for the price Starwood charged for these units, everything should have been top quality. And for the price we pay in MFs, things such as lounge chair covers should be replaced if the stuffing is coming out.

However, it is still a top tier resort IMO. The location is outstanding and I love the amenities.

 

[YYJMSP]

Looking at the 2011 MF statements and associated budgets, it appears there is a good hunk of money in the reserves to cover "replacement of unit furnishings and equipment and other capital expenditures" (WKORV has ~$7million, WKORVN has ~$5.5million), so I would be shocked to see a SA.

The estimated remaining life on these items is listed as up to 20 years (of which up to 16 years is left), so it should have lasted longer budget-wise...

WKORV has ~$850K in the "building painting" reserve, while WKORVN has ~$150K.

 

[DavidnRobin]

I was just in our 1Bd OFD in B2 (WKORV) from Sept10-17 and had zero issues with our unit or with the resort (either side)... we loved our stay. I guess our expectations are not as high as others.