Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, an Autograph Collection Hotel (Marriott)
Where: Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hawai’i
Highlights: art and mid-century architecture, a koi pond, a saltwater pool, and a white-sand beach on gorgeous Kauna’oa bay.
First impressions are so important, and I was happy and ready for vacation mode from the moment we stepped out of our rental car. We were greeted at the hotel with lei, fresh juice, and a cold oshibori (Japanese washcloth), which my daughter loved.
There was no line at the seated check-in desk, and our Marriott status gave us an upgrade to an oceanview room.
The Mauna Kea is situated on Kauna’oa Bay, a pristine white-sand beach.
We got an amazing kama’aina (Hawai’i resident) rate on a golf course view room and were lucky to be upgraded to an ocean view room due to Marriott status. Upgrades by no means ever a given even when you have status (despite what they say…), so it’s always nice when it actually happens.
We inquired about the cost of upgrading to a suite (because the baby sleeps so well in her own room!), but were told that they were sold out for the weekend.
Cutest little retro coffee and tea. Coffee is individually brewed in those one-cup / one-filter bag setups.
The Female Persuasion.
Another thing I really appreciated about the Mauna Kea was their use of paper straws. Sure, they suck (literally and figuratively), but they are so much better for the environment than plastic straws that I am willing to accept the tradeoff.
Overall, it was a wonderful stay, and I am already planning my next trip back. Let me know if you want to check it out, it’s a Virtuoso property so you’ll get added amenities if you book through TRAVELHAPPY
Virtuoso Amenities for 2018:
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Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
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Buffet breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests
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$100 USD Resort or Hotel credit ($200 for suites) to be utilized during stay (terms apply)
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
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Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability