Checking back to update this thread. (We've been out and about most of the time we've been here. Imagine that!
We started in Palm unit 2011, a nice location on the 20th floor, with a good view on the Lewers Street side of the building. But the second day the sink cabinet developed a leak that was flooding out the place, and we asked to move to another room. They were willing to put us in another Palm unit up on the 25th floor, but since we have a friend with us, I asked about upgrading to a 2br unit, if they had one available. They did, so now we're in a 2br Hala unit on the 8th floor. It's a much nicer fit for us. (Nice enough that I'm considering trying to change my ownership from a Palm to a Hala unit. The 2br is a lot more spacious. The Palm is a snug fit for two, but was positively tight for three adults.)
The two units I've seen are both very clean, and in good repair (notwithstanding the leak in 2011.) I haven't seen any bugs anywhere. Beds are excellent. The 8th floor unit is in slightly better condition than the 20th floor unit. The desk clerk I talked with explained that everyone wants a view room, so the upper floors have much more use than lower floors, and show more wear and tear.
Now that I've been here a few days, the thing about the need to have a fancy view is that, for us, it is overrated in this location. The view from the top floors is really nice, but unless you're sitting on the lanai angled toward the water, the view is less important because about all you'll see is other high-rise buildings and a patch of blue water here and there. We also found the 20th floor was so high up, sitting on that open lanai was a bit vertigo-inducing. Our room on the 8th floor has a much more usable lanai, and the view is more in touch with the street. If we look between the two hotels across the street, we can see the water, so there is a peekaboo view even from this floor. If we want that amazing unrestricted view, the Owner's Lounge on the 26th floor is awesome, with views from all sides. And for the ultimate view, a short walk between those two hotels puts you right on the sand. (It literally is less than a five-minute walk to the beach from here.)
My overall impression of the Imperial so far is that it's a nice building in a fantastic location. It is a high-rise surrounded by other high-rises, but has some very nice neighbors. (President Obama is currently vacationing on this island, and he and his entourage came to have supper at Roy's restaurant, which is directly across the street from where I'm sitting.) Beach access is easy, the street is clean and safe, and I am perfectly at home here. I will gladly stay here again.
I have found the staff to be very accommodating, as long as you keep in mind this is a timeshare with hotel units, not just a timeshare. The rooms are smaller, compared with other timeshares where we've stayed, but it's an urban setting in a hugely popular vacation destination where land comes at a very premium price. For a building constructed in the 1970's, the Imperial is typical of its era, but is well-maintained and worth the cost. I know I'll enjoy my ownership here, and I can't wait to come back in six months for our next stay here.
For now, Hanauma Bay is calling my name. I'll catch up with everyone later!
Dave
