HHV - Kalia or Grand Waikikian?

[momala1]

Making reservations for my son and his future bride for their honeymoon in July. They want to spend the first 2 nights in Oahu. I have the option of the Kalia Tower or the Grand Waikikian. I know the GW is newer, but is that the only reason it would be a better choice (location, room size, views, etc.)?
Also wondering - in the Kalia, I have a choice of 1 bedroom or 1 bedroom plus - any idea what the plus represents?
Thank you for any and all info!
Janet

 

[linsj]

I don't think GW is worth the extra points.

For Kalia: 1 bedroom plus is ocean view--the better choice. Kalia is set back further from the beach, but that's never bothered me.

 

[GregT]

I agree with Linsj -- Kalia will have a much superior view. Most of the 1BR's in Grand Waikikian are along Ala Moana Blvd, and the view plane is going to be restricted by the Illikai. So even a Partial Ocean View in GW (the 1BR+) is just that very partial ocean view.

I think they will be very happy with Kalia, that is a very nice gift.

Best,

Greg

 

[momala1]

Thank you!

Thank you both - I went with your advice and booked the 1 bdrm plus in Kalia Tower!

 

[Aptman]

I prefer GW

For what it's worth, since it's probably too late, I say GW over Kalia. Newer is certainly nicer, but more importantly, the Kalia tower is just out of the way so much that I don't like it. GW is more in the center of things, but it's still peaceful. Of course, I think Lagoon is the best.

But, full disclosure, I've never stayed at Kalia. I stayed a couple of times in the Lagoon tower, and our friends stayed in the GW after I got them rooms through open season.

 

[frank808]

For what it's worth, since it's probably too late, I say GW over Kalia. Newer is certainly nicer, but more importantly, the Kalia tower is just out of the way so much that I don't like it. GW is more in the center of things, but it's still peaceful. Of course, I think Lagoon is the best.

But, full disclosure, I've never stayed at Kalia. I stayed a couple of times in the Lagoon tower, and our friends stayed in the GW after I got them rooms through open season.

How did you get around the checking in part for open season?

I like the lagoon tower the most out of all 3 after the remodel. For open season rates I would look for lagoon first then GW because it is closer and newer. Kalia would be my last choice as it is farthest from the lagoon. Though the spa being right down stairs is nice.

 

[Talent312]

They want to spend the first 2 nights in Oahu.... I went with your advice and booked the 1 bdrm plus in Kalia Tower!

I was under the impression that club reservations had a 3-N minimum.
Are they checking out early, or was this a "hotel" type booking?

 

[bastroum]

Kalia better choice for honeymoon. They'll love the spa. Starbucks in the lobby and closer walk to Waikiki.

 

[GregT]

Kalia better choice for honeymoon. They'll love the spa. Starbucks in the lobby and closer walk to Waikiki.

Concur -- I just came back and had the same reaction -- also the walk from Kalia to the main pool is 5 minutes -- thx

 

[jehb2]

Kalia better choice for honeymoon. They'll love the spa. Starbucks in the lobby and closer walk to Waikiki.

For honeymooners I also vote for Kalia. But really, a free stay at HHV for your honeymoon - you can't go wrong.

 

[Aptman]

How did you get around the checking in part for open season?

We were already at the Lagoon Tower staying in a 1BD. Our friends had reservations split between the GW and across the street at the Ilikai (paying cash). I looked on Open Season, saw the whole time was available on Open Season, so I booked it for them for more than 2 weeks. Since I was there, I was able to check them in (you only have to be there for check-in). Total cost for them was under $2k. They were able to cancel their reservations and saved over $3k (and all I got was this lousy t-shirt) :rofl:

As a funny aside, they were so desperate for this they were going to fly another friend of mine who's an HGVC member over to Hawaii 1st class just so he could check them in through Open Season.

If only Hawaii wasn't such an expensive pain to get to, I'd use whatever open season I could for it all the time - and I live relatively close by in Los Angeles.

 

[frank808]

We were already at the Lagoon Tower staying in a 1BD. Our friends had reservations split between the GW and across the street at the Ilikai (paying cash). I looked on Open Season, saw the whole time was available on Open Season, so I booked it for them for more than 2 weeks. Since I was there, I was able to check them in (you only have to be there for check-in). Total cost for them was under $2k. They were able to cancel their reservations and saved over $3k (and all I got was this lousy t-shirt) :rofl:

As a funny aside, they were so desperate for this they were going to fly another friend of mine who's an HGVC member over to Hawaii 1st class just so he could check them in through Open Season.

If only Hawaii wasn't such an expensive pain to get to, I'd use whatever open season I could for it all the time - and I live relatively close by in Los Angeles.

That explains a lot. I thought there was a way around checking in myself.

If your friend wants to buy me a 1st class ticket to LAX I would be more than happy to check in for them. LOL

I agree with open season at HHV. I have been able to book whenever I want at the 2 or 3 month mark. Also if I look exactly at 30 days I have always gotten the date I want. Seems like inventory gets dumped when it gets closer to check in date. Needless to say ihave been VERY IMPRESSED with HGVC in booking availabilty. Guess it is lucky I live here so I can use open season.