Marriott's Waikoloa Ocean Club: Paradise Found (Hawaii's Hidden Gem!)
Marriott's Waikoloa Ocean Club: Paradise Found (Hawaii's Hidden Gem!) – My Honest Take (and Don't Tell My Boss!)
Okay, so you’re thinking about Hawaii? Good choice. Specifically, you’re eyeing the Marriott's Waikoloa Ocean Club, huh? Smart move. I’ve just spent a week there, and let me tell you, it’s a… experience. Let’s dive in, shall we? Strap in, because this is going to be less "professional hotel review" and more "drunken postcard from paradise."
(Remember, this is Waikoloa Ocean Club – SEO-friendly, baby!)
The Welcome (and the Initial Panic About My Luggage):
First impressions? The lobby is stunning. Seriously. High ceilings, that classic Hawaiian feel, and enough space to actually breathe. Accessibility? Very good. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I noticed ramps and elevators abound, so kudos to them. Check-in was… well, it's always hit or miss, isn't it? Contactless check-in/out is a bonus, I'm all for avoiding those awkward "can I see your ID?" moments. But… the line! Ugh, the line. It moved, eventually. And thankfully the staff was incredibly friendly. They even helped me track down my luggage (delayed, of course, thanks airlines!). That's a big win in my book.
Rooms & Creature Comforts (and the Quest for the Perfect Pillow):
Right, let’s talk rooms. My room, a non-smoking haven, was spacious. And thank god for air conditioning because…Hawaii. It gets hot. The air conditioning in public areas was also a lifesaver. But let’s be real, the most important thing in a hotel room? The bed. And this one was… pretty good. Not the best I’ve ever had, but definitely not a disaster. The extra long bed was a nice touch. Linens were crisp, the room was generally clean, and there was a decent desk for pretending to work (more on that later…). I'm a sucker for a refrigerator because I love stocking up on overpriced drinks. Free bottled water is a plus! Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor… oh, you get the idea. Everything you think you need is available.
Accessibility: The Ocean Club is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps, elevators, and thoughtfully designed rooms to cater to guests with disabilities.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Facilities for disabled guests
**My biggest complaint? *** The pillows!** I'm a picky pillow person, and the ones here were… well, let’s just say I might have smuggled my own from home next time. (Don't tell Marriott!). But hey, wake-up service got me out of bed, so success!
Internet – Or My Digital Addiction (and My Failed Attempts at Disconnecting):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Bless their hearts. Seriously. This is a necessity these days. And it worked. Usually. There were a few hiccups now and then, but overall, the internet access was reliable. I was a bit disappointed not to see Internet [LAN] as it could be a life-saver for some guests. I still had to deal with Internet services and Wi-Fi in public areas though! It's all there, pretty much. If you really need to disconnect, good luck. I, unfortunately, am not good at disconnecting.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Food Coma Diaries:
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Let's start with the basics: Restaurants, Coffee shop, Poolside bar – check. The food! Let’s start with breakfast. Breakfast [buffet] – you will be very happy. Asian breakfast available! I dove in. A Western breakfast. A la carte in restaurant. I recommend the buffet. It's a solid way to start your day. Happy hour at the bar? Absolutely. That poolside bar is a life-saver. Room service [24-hour] – a godsend for those late-night cravings. I may or may not have ordered fries and a burger at 2 am. Don't judge me. There were restaurants on site and I had a chance to enjoy Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, which were tasty. I also got to enjoy Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, and Soup in restaurant. On the downside I didn't find any Vegetarian restaurants. I really wish there was a Coffee/tea in restaurant.
Cleanliness and Safety – Do They Actually Care?:
Listen, in these crazy times, cleanliness is paramount. I was relieved. The Ocean Club takes it seriously, as they should. Anti-viral cleaning products? Daily disinfection in common areas? Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check, check, check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yes, with the option to Room sanitization opt-out available. The staff were ALWAYS cleaning which made me feel secure. The staff are trained in safety protocol. Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items- all good. It was reassuring to know that they were trying. I also noted Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
The hotel has CCTVs outside property meaning they also have CCTV in common areas. They had Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Smoke detectors, and more. It's all handled. The Ocean Club has many more safety features like First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call, and Cashless payment service.
Things to Do – My Attempt at “Relaxation” (and Failing Spectacularly):
Okay, this is the good stuff. The real reason to go to Hawaii. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yep. Several. Gorgeous. Pool with view? Oh, honey, you don't even know. Seriously, the views from the pools are breathtaking. I spent hours there. Like, sunburnt, slightly tipsy hours.
Fitness center for the uber active. I attempted it once. Briefly. Let’s just say my preferred workout involves a lounge chair and a Mai Tai. But hey, the option is there! They also have a Gym/fitness!
Spa/sauna - yes. Massage - also yes. I indulged! A Body scrub and Body wrap - also yes. They have a Steamroom. I did it all! Foot bath. I missed it.
For the Kids – Are We There Yet?
I don't have kids, but I saw plenty of families. The Ocean Club seems well-equipped. Babysitting service? Check. Family/child friendly? Absolutely. Kids facilities? Lots. I saw a Kids meal on the menu. I don't know if it was any good, but the kids seemed happy, and that’s half the battle, right?
Services and Conveniences – The Perks You Need to Know:
Daily housekeeping – thank goodness. They handle the dirty work. Concierge – super helpful. They helped me sort out a tricky situation with a rental car. Cash withdrawal available. Currency exchange – useful. Gift/souvenir shop – temptation central! Dry cleaning and Laundry service – practical. Elevator? Obviously. Luggage storage? Of course. They also have some cool features. On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Indoor venue for special events. I also noted Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking, Taxi service, and Airport transfer.
SEO Magic:
- Accessibility: The Ocean Club excels here. Wheelchair accessible is a big selling point. Elevator and Facilities for disabled guests are all available.
- Wi-fi: Okay, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a massive selling point. It's literally in the title of this review!
- Dining: Multiple restaurants, Poolside bar, and Room service [24-hour] means variety and convenience.
- Cleanliness: They've got the safety thing nailed. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the rest. People care about this.
- Things to Do: Swimming pool [outdoor] is obviously a draw. Spa, Massage, and all the other relaxing things. Pure Hawaii.
**The Verdict
Escape to Paradise: Perdikia Hill's Luxury Awaits in Fethiye
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your meticulously planned, sterile travel itinerary. This is the real deal, a Waikoloa Ocean Club diary cooked up by someone who actually just wants a Mai Tai and to avoid getting sunburned. Here we go… mess and all!
Waikoloa Ocean Club: Operation "Chill the Heck Out" - A Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Utter, Glorious Collapse
- 1:00 PM (ish): Arrive at Kona International Airport (KOA). Okay, first hiccup. The baggage claim conveyor belt is moving slower than molasses in January. Seriously, is it powered by hamsters? Fine, breathe. Island time, right? Okay, deep breath.
- 1:45 PM: Found our bags! Hallelujah! Now, the rental car. Ugh. The line is longer than the queue for a Black Friday sale. I'm already sweating and haven't even left the airport.
- 2:30 PM: Finally, in the rental car. (Mini-rant: Why are rentals always, ALWAYS the basic model? And why do they all have that weird, slightly stale smell?) Driving to Waikoloa. The landscape is stunning. The black lava fields are so… otherworldly. I actually almost ran off the road taking a photo. Oops. Told you it was messy.
- 3:30 PM: Check-in at the Waikoloa Ocean Club. This is the good part! The lobby is breezy and smells like… vacation. The friendly staff is an immediate mood lifter. They handed us a welcome Mai Tai, which was heaven.
- 4:00 PM: Unpack, and then… collapse. Seriously, just melt into the king-sized bed. Stare at the ocean view from the balcony. Swear I can hear the waves whispering, "Shhh… just chill."
- 5:00 PM: The ocean view gets a lot more appealing. So, it's time to hit the pool. I’m not even gonna pretend to be graceful. I'm just going to cannonball into the water. (Maybe a little wine first…)
- 6:00 PM: Poolside drinks. Attempt to read a book. Fail miserably. The sun, the sounds of laughter, it's all too distracting. "Research" a local restaurant with questionable reviews (the fun kind).
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at [Insert Restaurant Name Here] - hopefully, it's not a disaster. (I’ll let you know tomorrow.)
Day 2: Sun, Sand, and Almost Losing My Camera
- 8:00 AM: Wake up ridiculously happy. Smell the coffee. And the ocean air. Life is good.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast on the balcony. Over-enthusiastically pour my coffee and wear it. The joy of vacations, am I right?
- 10:00 AM: Beach time! Head to Anaehoomalu Bay. The sand is like powdered sugar. I’m pretty sure I’ll be finding grains of it for weeks. Snorkeling, because, you know, gotta see the fish.
- 11:00 AM: Snorkeling. First, I can't get my mask to fit. Then, water goes up my nose. Finally, get the hang of it and… WOW! Fish! So many colours! Lost my focus and nearly ditched my camera in the ocean. My inner dialogue screamed: "Oh GOD, no! My Instagram followers will kill me!"
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a beachside cafe. Delicious. Simple. Perfect. Feeling a deep, primal contentment. Perhaps I'll never leave.
- 1:30 PM: Nap on the beach. I'm not usually a napper, but the combination of sun, sand and sea is pure bliss. I woke up with a seagull staring directly at my face. I swear it winked.
- 3:00 PM: More pool time. Work that tan – carefully! I burned pretty bad yesterday and still managed to catch a bit of sun in my new spots!
- 5:00 PM: Happy hour! Mandatory. Because, Hawaii. Seriously, who doesn't love happy hour in Hawaii?
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the restaurant I researched on my first day. Cross our fingers that the reviews are wrong. I'll let you know if I change my mind on that.
- 9:00 PM: Stargazing. The night sky here. Holy Moly. I feel so insignificant and yet, somehow, connected to everything. Just beautiful.
Day 3: A Deep Dive into… Relaxation (and Possibly a Few Regrets)
- 9:00 AM: Slept in! Wonderful!
- 10:00 AM: Spa day! Because I deserve it. Got a massage so good, I almost drooled.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch and a mimosa at the spa café. Consider staying there forever.
- 2:00 PM: Decision Time. Consider two options.
- Option A: Explore Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (Place of Refuge). (We'll see, I have a hard time with the ‘historical’ bits because I can't sit still for long. Plus, it's a drive…)
- Option B: Poolside, book, and repeat. (Sounds more my speed. And I'm very good at repeating.)
- 4:00 PM: Make up our minds! (Hint: it rhymes with 'poolside').
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at another restaurant. I have this feeling I am going to be full for weeks.
- 8:00 PM: Last sunset. This might make me a little sad. Maybe I'll just have another cocktail and not think about it.
Day 4: Departure (With a Heavy Heart, and Possibly a Tan)
- 8:00 AM: Pack. Sigh. That's the worst part.
- 9:00 AM: Final breakfast on the balcony. Soak it all in. That view won't be the same when I get back to [Insert Home City Here].
- 10:00 AM: One last wander around Waikoloa. Maybe grab a souvenir. Try not to cry.
- 11:00 AM: Check-out. Say goodbye to the staff. Honestly, they're amazing.
- 12:00 PM: Drive to Kona International Airport.
- 1:00 PM: Airport chaos. (See: Day 1.)
- ??? On the plane. Staring out the window. Already planning my return.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- The good: The ocean is mesmerizing. The cocktails are strong. I relaxed, but mostly I just wanted to stare at the water.
- The bad: My sunburn. My bank account (ouch!). The impending return to reality.
- The messy: Did I mention I lost my sunglasses? (And probably my mind).
- The takeaway: This was the best vacation ever. Come here. Just come and relax. Just remember to wear sunscreen, tip generously, and don't overthink it. Mahalo, Hawaii!
Marriott's Waikoloa Ocean Club: Paradise Found...Or Found Us (and Slightly Annoyed Us)?! FAQ
So, is Waikoloa *really* a hidden gem? Everyone and their chihuahua seems to know about it!
Okay, "hidden" might be a *bit* of a stretch. Let's be real, the cat's outta the bag. Everyone knows about it. But, hear me out. Big Island, generally? Feels a bit less…over-the-top developed than, say, Maui. Waikoloa itself *feels* a little more secluded than other resort areas, especially if you're coming from Kona side. Like, the *vibe* is still chill, not quite Coachella-meets-cruise-ship-buffet. Still, you'll probably meet your neighbor's uncle's golf instructor's cat. It's not truly "hidden," it's just, you know, Big Island-chill.
What's the deal with the timeshare? (Be honest!)
Ugh, the timeshare. Okay, okay, deep breaths. Listen, here's the deal. If you're REALLY good at saying "NO" and have an iron will, you can get through the presentation and score some seriously discounted fun. I *personally* am not good at saying no. I have a friend who got sucked in. She now owns a timeshare. She loves it (mostly). She says it’s worth it. She also, let's be honest, is a VERY organized person. Me? I just want a vacation! The presentation is LONG. And honestly, the sales pressure is *real*. But the resort itself IS nice. So, if you can stomach the pitch, you might get a better deal. Proceed with caution and an escape plan! (A really, really good escape plan.)
The pools... are they any good? REALLY?
The pools? Oh, the pools. Okay, so, this is a solid 'yes.' The main pool area is fantastic, kid-friendly, plenty of space for lounging, and beautiful views. The swim-up bar *is* dangerous. In a good way. You might find yourself making new best friends over Pineapple Mojitos and realizing you've spent the entire afternoon in the water. There's also the adult pool. It is, glorious. Quiet. A little more refined. And the hot tubs? Forget about it. I may or may not have spent a whole afternoon there, happily stewing and occasionally complaining about how I got sunburned. (I'm a complex individual, okay?)
Is it family-friendly? Or just pandering?
Totally family-friendly, but not in a "Nickelodeon resort" kind of way. It's more like…a relaxed, everyone-can-have-a-good-time vibe. Tons of activities for kids, but you're not overwhelmed with screaming toddlers *constantly*. There are kids there, of course. You *are* in Hawaii! Just... they are mostly well-behaved kids. The resort offers babysitting services, which I, personally, have never used, but I heard good things, and I am always judging people. This is not a judgement, this is just me being honest about something.
Is the beach walkable and swimable?
Good question! The beach is just… a bit of a walk off. But it is walkable, and *technically* swimable. It's not a powdery white sand beach. It's more… volcanic and rugged. The water can be a little choppy at times, or at other times, completely still depending on the time of year and the tide. But the views are stunning, the sunsets are *chef's kiss*, and the snorkeling is pretty darn good. If you are into that.
What about food & drink?
Okay, let's talk sustenance. There are a few restaurants on-site. It’s convenient, but *can* get a little pricey. The poolside bar *is* your friend. Great cocktails. Surprisingly decent apps. My strategy? Hit up the local grocery store (about a 5-minute drive) for snack supplies and drinks to chill in your room. And *definitely* venture out to some of the restaurants in the Waikoloa Beach Resort area. There are some killer places there, offering everything from casual eats to upscale dining. The fresh fish is a must. Just, don't be afraid to experiment off-property. You *will* have to drive, but the options are vast.
Tell me about that *whole* snorkeling thing.
Right, snorkeling. Okay, *this* is where I get passionate! I *love* snorkeling. And the snorkeling experience is largely determined by the time of year you visit and your choice of location. The main beach is decent, but honestly, it's a bit crowded in the prime snorkeling spots. You'll see fish, sure, but it's more of a "peek-a-boo, I saw a fish!" experience. But… and here's the GOOD stuff...
One time, I took a snorkeling tour at Mauna Kea Beach. This was not a Marriott excursion, just a local recommendation. I am still recovering from the experience. It was incredible. The water was so clear, I could see the coral forests and an abundance of fish, and, wait for it… *sea turtles.* I cried a little from happiness. I'm not exaggerating. I saw dolphins! The sea turtles were magnificent. This is when it became Paradise Found (for me, *personally*). One of the staff members pointed out all of the local wildlife! I spent a good chunk of my week booking any excursion I could and swimming and snorkeling. Waikoloa Ocean Club… it gave me a starting point to discover the true essence of the Big Island.
Any gripes? Gotta be some.
Oh, there are always gripes. Let’s be honest. The elevators can be slow. The "resort fees"…always a joy. Sometimes, you could swear the pool towels are magically disappearing. I personally could happily get rid of the timeshare salesman. But hey, that's life, right? And tiny problems really do fade away once you're sipping a fruity drink, watching the sunset over the ocean and realizing – hey, I am actually in Hawaii. So, yeah, there are a few imperfections, but the overall experience *largely* outshines them.
Would you go back?
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