Lagoon Tower - Not Impressed!

[Ron98GT]

The issue with timeshares as well as real estate is location, location, location. Do you like the hustle and bustle of Waikiki or the quite of Ko'Olina. Do you want to walk to restaurants, shops and activities or do you want to drive. Do you want or need a car, or do you want the freedom of not needing a car but still being able to attend great activities away from the resort. If your answers point you to Ko'Olina go there or to one of the other 5 Hawaiian Islands, if your answers point you to the HHV and Waikiki go there.

I don't think I complained (I could be wrong, after all I screwed up reservation ) about the hustle & bustle of Waikiki or the noise at HHV (that was the OP complaining ), I was complaining/whining about being too far from all the action: the ocean, pools, beach (yes the beach), the bars, the music, etc, etc. Also too far from my DW's son, who is in the Lagoon Tower.

i thought that I had booked our 1-BDRM in the Lagoon Tower, so at the last minute when a studio became available in the Lagoon Tower, I booked it for my DW's son. But when we checked in, they put us in the Kalia Tower (the old folks home) and DW's son in the Lagoon Tower. I've tried numerous times to switch one of us to the other tower, too no avail. They say we can not switch building, because of there cost centers. They supposedly pre allocated rooms a certain way (costs centers) and say they can not change it in any way: my comment about being a corporate monster, just the way my home town of Las Vegas has become, a corporate mobster.

So, yes I like the tranquil beaches of Ka'anapali and Ko'olina. But I booked HHV to be on the beach, not a 1/2 mile way.

Next year, after a week at the Marriott on Kauai, I'll be more careful to book a week in a 2-BDRM in the Lagoon Tower here at HHV for all of us.

Luau in 2 hours.


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[HatTrick]

Luau in 2 hours.

Remember to keep the noise down. :hysterical:

 

[HatTrick]

Next year, after a week at the Marriott on Kauai, I'll be more careful to book a week in a 2-BDRM in the Lagoon Tower here at HHV for all of us.

If you liked the view of the fireworks from Kalia, you'll love it from a 2BR-Premier (ocean front) unit at Lagoon.

By the way, don't get any ideas about starting a rickshaw concession at HHV. I thought of it first!

 

[Ron98GT]

Remember to keep the noise down. :hysterical:

Party Party

I just popped the cap off a Longboard: getting ready for Kalua Pork and Mi-Ti's (?)

 

[Blues]

Let's not rub it in, now!

Would it help if I said that I'll have to work for at least a few of those days?

Your staying at HHV on the company dime. I retired a job that I loved and would have continued if I could stay at the HHV in the winter. I just hated the NY winters. Can I work for your company for no pay?

I dunno, do you have any experience in ocean science or ocean engineering?

Yeah, I too could retire now at age 62, but I'm enjoying the job too much; and the perks are too good. Oh, the perils of an enjoyable job! :hysterical:

But it's not like they send me there every year or anything. I think the last time I went to a work conference at HHV was about 15 years ago. (But they did send me to Hilton Waikoloa Village a couple years ago...)

-Bob

 

[HatTrick]

Would it help if I said that I'll have to work for at least a few of those days?

Not if you'll be wearing an aloha shirt while you're working!

 

[Ron98GT]

Anybody else getting PM's from the OP? I've gotten 3. Here's one of them:

[Content of private message removed. Posting without first obtaining approval of sender is not appropriate. - mg]


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[Tamaradarann]

Just Kidding of course

Would it help if I said that I'll have to work for at least a few of those days?



I dunno, do you have any experience in ocean science or ocean engineering?

Yeah, I too could retire now at age 62, but I'm enjoying the job too much; and the perks are too good. Oh, the perils of an enjoyable job! :hysterical:

But it's not like they send me there every year or anything. I think the last time I went to a work conference at HHV was about 15 years ago. (But they did send me to Hilton Waikoloa Village a couple years ago...)

-Bob

Of course I am kidding. I am a Chemical Engineer, but my only experience that could be related is working on waste management operations when the Ocean Garbage Barge was floating around the east coast of the US with no place to dock and dump in the late 1980's. I would only be interested in the position if it could give me about 3 months in the winter stationed in Hawaii.

 

[zora]

They say we can not switch building, because of there cost centers. They supposedly pre allocated rooms a certain way (costs centers) and say they can not change it in any way:


Last year DD2 stayed 1 night in the lagoon twr, thought it was too far from beach walk, asked to switch to Kalia, and stayed the next 2 nights (the rest of her stay) in Kalia. So it's possible.

 

[Sandy VDH]

It might only be possible IF, and that's a big IF, there is actual inventory. Many times at HHV all of the TS rooms are booked solid.

 

[momteresa1987]

Hi, it looks like I'm in the minority here but I love the HHV. We stayed there for 3 years before buying into HGVC (resale). We bought the Lagoon Tower because we loved the HHV so much. We just completed a stay at the Lagoon Tower (12/6-12/13) and we really enjoyed it. We were on the side directly across from the Ilikai but had a nice ocean view. The construction was a little annoying but it really didn't bother us. The events on the lawn were usually over with by the time we got back to the unit. I saw where someone said it was 'fake Hawaiian' or something like that. I don't mean any disrespect to anyone but I really love the décor. In my opinion there is something really pretty look at all over the grounds and the grounds are immaculate.

The other reviews here as opposed to my opinion bring to mind what someone told me years ago when I was expecting by first babies (twins!). The advice was to ask everyone for their opinion and then make up your own mind My husband and I, a couple who traveled with us this last time, and a co-worker who independently traveled there.... all of us love the HHV and the Lagoon Tower. If you are looking for a really laid back place that isn't crowded then the Big Island would be a better choice (in my opinion). I love Oahu but we really stay on the go there and don't spend much time truly relaxing. We love walking around Waikiki in the evening looking at al the stores and eating at the YardHouse, Hard Rock Café, and Waikiki Cheeseburger. In the day time we love renting a car and checking out all the beaches on the East and North shores. The sunset cruise is our very favorite thing to do in Waikiki. We love to use the HHV as a base for all our activities on the island. Our room was a refreshing oasis when we took time to actually stay in it

Good luck with your decision

 

[Ron98GT]

Hi, it looks like I'm in the minority here but I love the HHV. We stayed there for 3 years before buying into HGVC (resale). We bought the Lagoon Tower because we loved the HHV so much. We just completed a stay at the Lagoon Tower (12/6-12/13) and we really enjoyed it. We were on the side directly across from the Ilikai but had a nice ocean view. The construction was a little annoying but it really didn't bother us. The events on the lawn were usually over with by the time we got back to the unit. I saw where someone said it was 'fake Hawaiian' or something like that. I don't mean any disrespect to anyone but I really love the décor. In my opinion there is something really pretty look at all over the grounds and the grounds are immaculate.



The other reviews here as opposed to my opinion bring to mind what someone told me years ago when I was expecting by first babies (twins!). The advice was to ask everyone for their opinion and then make up your own mind My husband and I, a couple who traveled with us this last time, and a co-worker who independently traveled there.... all of us love the HHV and the Lagoon Tower. If you are looking for a really laid back place that isn't crowded then the Big Island would be a better choice (in my opinion). I love Oahu but we really stay on the go there and don't spend much time truly relaxing. We love walking around Waikiki in the evening looking at al the stores and eating at the YardHouse, Hard Rock Café, and Waikiki Cheeseburger. In the day time we love renting a car and checking out all the beaches on the East and North shores. The sunset cruise is our very favorite thing to do in Waikiki. We love to use the HHV as a base for all our activities on the island. Our room was a refreshing oasis when we took time to actually stay in it



Good luck with your decision

Have you stayed in the Kalia Tower? If so, what's your opinion and how do you compare it to the Lagoon Tower?

From what I remember (it's been a whole 2-weeks since we were there), the only advantage to the Kalia Tower over the Lagoon Tower is the balcony in/off the bedrooms and they don't care about the towel cards. Otherwise, I like the Lagoon Tower so much more than Kalia.


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[bastroum]

Have you stayed in the Kalia Tower? If so, what's your opinion and how do you compare it to the Lagoon Tower?

From what I remember (it's been a whole 2-weeks since we were there), the only advantage to the Kalia Tower over the Lagoon Tower is the balcony in/off the bedrooms and they don't care about the towel cards. Otherwise, I like the Lagoon Tower so much more than Kalia.


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There is a Starbucks in the Kalia Tower!

 

[Ron98GT]

There is a Starbucks in the Kalia Tower!

I kept debating that one.

1 other advantage of Kalia would be the closer proximity to the buses if you want to use them. But, I'd rather be close to the beach and Tropics. We enjoyed the entertainment, food, & drinks at Tropics. If you happen to be at Tropics when a game (Pro Football when we were there) comes on, they have some really good specials on food & drinks.


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[Tamaradarann]

There could be a Starbucks in my Apartment

There is a Starbucks in the Kalia Tower!

There could be a Starbucks in my Apartment and I wouldn't use it. Why would I pay for coffee when I can make it and drink it for free in my apartment?

 

[bastroum]

There could be a Starbucks in my Apartment and I wouldn't use it. Why would I pay for coffee when I can make it and drink it for free in my apartment?

We all do what we enjoy.

 

[HatTrick]

Have you stayed in the Kalia Tower? If so, what's your opinion and how do you compare it to the Lagoon Tower?

Faster elevators (by far) at Kalia. And an air-conditioned lobby which, on some days, is a welcome thing!

 

[momteresa1987]

Kalia tower versus Lagoon

Have you stayed in the Kalia Tower? If so, what's your opinion and how do you compare it to the Lagoon Tower?

From what I remember (it's been a whole 2-weeks since we were there), the only advantage to the Kalia Tower over the Lagoon Tower is the balcony in/off the bedrooms and they don't care about the towel cards. Otherwise, I like the Lagoon Tower so much more than Kalia.


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Hi, we've never stayed in the Kalia Tower. This was our first trip using the timeshare; the previous 3 trips were all in the Rainbow Tower. When we decided to buy in to the HGVC we only really looked at the Lagoon Tower because it's right by the Rainbow Tower and we always loved being so close to the beach and the lagoon. I think the Kalia is newer but I understand they've been remodeling the Lagoon tower. I'm not sure if they are finished, I think they are. We loved it and don't regret our decision at all. We are already booked to go back on 11/29. We always said it shouldn't matter to us where we stay on Oahu because we are never in our room but we just love the HHV so we couldn't bring ourselves to stay anywhere else. We did spend one night at the Outrigger Waikiki (it was fine but not "home") and I want to spend one night in the "pink hotel" (Royal Hawaiian) just because of the history

 

[linsj]

This is one of my favorite resorts in the world. I've stayed in the hotel side and timeshare units in both Lagoon and Kalia towers. I wrote a comparison review of studios in Kalia here, review #4:
http://tug2.com/RnR/TabResortReview...sortGUID=7a8b61c3-9c5f-4098-bbbe-13a0f2de1833

Some of it applies to tower comparisons.

 

[Tamaradarann]

And we Should!

We all do what we enjoy.

Those who have a need or great desire for Starbucks should enjoy. But, I bet the difference in cost between the free coffee in the room versus a cup or two at Starbucks a day for two people in a ten day vacation could mean an extra night at the "Open Season" rental rate.

 

[Ron98GT]

Those who have a need or great desire for Starbucks should enjoy. But, I bet the difference in cost between the free coffee in the room versus a cup or two at Starbucks a day for two people in a ten day vacation could mean an extra night at the "Open Season" rental rate.

The prices weren't that bad. When I went to make coffee our 1st morning, I had a cracked coffee pot, which had to be replaced. The front desk told me to get our coffees at Starbucks, charge it to the room, and they would pay for it, which they did. The coffee was about/less-than $2 and my french vanilla latte was about/less-than $5. But, like you, I'd rather make a pot of Hawaiian coffee in the TS room each morning, but to each his/her own.

Kalia is both a hotel and TS tower. Plus you have 3 hotel towers next to Kalia. So for those staying in hotel rooms and those staying in a TS room for a short stay, I could see Starbucks being a tasty convenience: that's when I'd use it.



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[Tamaradarann]

How much does that add up to?

The prices weren't that bad. When I went to make coffee our 1st morning, I had a cracked coffee pot, which had to be replaced. The front desk told me to get our coffees at Starbucks, charge it to the room, and they would pay for it, which they did. The coffee was about/less-than $2 and my french vanilla latte was about/less-than $5. But, like you, I'd rather make a pot of Hawaiian coffee in the TS room each morning, but to each his/her own.

Kalia is both a hotel and TS tower. Plus you have 3 hotel towers next to Kalia. So for those staying in hotel rooms and those staying in a TS room for a short stay, I could see Starbucks being a tasty convenience: that's when I'd use it.

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So how much does that add up to? $2+$5 X 2 cups a day equals $14/day x 10 days equals $140. I believe that certainly does equal or exceed the cost of an open season night in a one bedroom. I would take the extra night. By the way we stay for approximately 100 nights each year so that savings would be an extra 10 nights, which could be a vacation of a lifetime for many people!

 

[bastroum]

So how much does that add up to? $2+$5 X 2 cups a day equals $14/day x 10 days equals $140. I believe that certainly does equal or exceed the cost of an open season night in a one bedroom. I would take the extra night. By the way we stay for approximately 100 nights each year so that savings would be an extra 10 nights, which could be a vacation of a lifetime for many people!

So you have proven that Starbucks is expensive. Why stop there. I know people that think airplane tickets are too expensive, so instead of going to Hawaii they drive to timeshares close by. The Wall Street Journal is worth a couple of nights a year. If you lower the temperature in your home in the winter you could pick up a few more nights. Don't run the air conditioning in the summer and get a couple more. BTW, I don't buy a Starbucks very often, I think the prices are way out of line. I do however believe that some people really enjoy Starbucks. They go not only for the product, but also go for the social experience of meeting their friends and new people. In that way, I feel that I'd rather have a Starbucks in the Tower than not have one as in the Lagoon or GW.

I am currently at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club and it just put in a Starbucks last year. It's packed every day.

 

[Ron98GT]

So you have proven that Starbucks is expensive. Why stop there. I know people that think airplane tickets are too expensive, so instead of going to Hawaii they drive to timeshares close by. The Wall Street Journal is worth a couple of nights a year. If you lower the temperature in your home in the winter you could pick up a few more nights. Don't run the air conditioning in the summer and get a couple more. BTW, I don't buy a Starbucks very often, I think the prices are way out of line. I do however believe that some people really enjoy Starbucks. They go not only for the product, but also go for the social experience of meeting their friends and new people. In that way, I feel that I'd rather have a Starbucks in the Tower than not have one as in the Lagoon or GW.

I am currently at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club and it just put in a Starbucks last year. It's packed every day.

What are they mostly getting, cold drinks like the Frap's?

I got an email from Starbucks this morning. If your a Starbucks Rewards member, they have a member exclusive: their espresso beverage drinks (latte's) are 1/2 off today only. It says offer code 354.

 

[bastroum]

What are they mostly getting, cold drinks like the Frap's?

I got an email from Starbucks this morning. If your a Starbucks Rewards member, they have a member exclusive: their espresso beverage drinks (latte's) are 1/2 off today only. It says offer code 354.

Busy in the am for coffee and breakfast. Slows down as the day progresses. The Marketplace, is the only other location for food at the resort and it is EXTREMELY expensive. ie, $17.00 Cheeseburgers, $13.00 footlong hotdogs. About the same prices you'd find at the HHV places to eat.