Simply put, the Ihilani is a tourist trap of the highest order. Since most folks will only know what they see on the Marriott website, it looks like paradise. Only when you get there and its too late to do anything about it will you realize that you’ve been hoodwinked.

First, you’ll be assigned to the lowest grade room at the lowest level consistent with your reservation. When you decide you would rather not have a view of the air conditioning compressor in a room with beat up furniture, they will graciously offer to upgrade you for a 20-50% increase in the room rate. Welcome to Hawaii. Only after you are there a few days and realize the place is only 50% full, will you ask why you could not have had the better room for little or no extra cost.

They also neglect to mention the major construction going on right next door where a new hotel is being built. If your idea of relaxation is taking a chase lounge into the middle of Times Square, then you’ll be right at home. Otherwise, the back-up warning beeps, pounding, and general construction concussions are a now a part of that relaxing get-away vacation. You would think they would at least have the decency to note the construction on their website.

Since the place is at 30-45 minutes from the airport, you are well outside Honolulu, and away from anything worth seeing on the island. So factor in that you will waste at least two hours a day in the car if you want to see any sites. Longer if you travel during rush hour, since the Honolulu traffic feeds onto the only route out to the hotel. And don’t forget to add $30+ per day for parking (before tips), since that isn’t included – unless you agree to the 50% room upgrade cost.

The pool is ok, but the beach is a joke. They constructed a sheltered lagoon in front of the hotel which eliminates the surf. They sell that as kid-friendly, but if you want water without surf isn’t that what the pool is for? The point of going to the beach is to get at least some surf. The design of the lagoon is terrible, since there is a huge dead-spot in the water on the beach in front of the hotel, which accumulates all the flotsam and gunk and turns the water a slimy, smelly, green mess that I did not want to even wade into.

Since you are in the middle of nowhere, don’t even think about not getting a car. The prices are absurd at the hotel. A simple gin and tonic will set you back $10, a bottle of beer $5, and can of soda $3. The food is also grossly overpriced, with the same kitchen serving both restaurants you do however get the choice of overpaying in the informal restaurant, or being robbed in the “high class” restaurant – for the same food in both.

The Marriott in Waikiki is a much better choice. Yes, the beach is more crowded, but I’d rather a crowded beach with clean water, then a less crowded beach with slimy, smelly green water with unidentifiable white lumps floating on top. Plus you won’t waste the time driving all the way out to the Ihilani, and you won’t have to put up with the construction. If you are looking for a true resort experience, look up the Kahala outside Waikiki – for about the same cost you’ll get the real thing – and that is where I’ll stay next time.

I spend 150+ nights per year in Marriott properties. I also choose to spend my vacations in those properties as well. Is it because of the points - not really. I have the means go anywhere. This place is relaxation and they do it to perfection. Thos

Initiall arrival was aweinspiring. We reserved Ocean front room for three people and found one king size bed. The room was very nice, a bit outdated and not kept as clean as a 5-star should be. We had to ask for a roll away, but one night we were ...

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The staff members are very friendly and courteous. I had a good experience here. The best part of the spa is that they have this great warm bubbling pool that you can relax in.

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there was no refrigerator in the room. bart and wait staff and front desk was rude. the lights in the room wouldn't work. had red fire ants in the room. the food was poor and overpriced. i woudn't stay here again.

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This hotel makes a very clear distinction between guests who are there for a vacation and those who are participating in a conference.

The staff is very discourteous and the rooms provided to vacationing guests are terrible.

Our room had a huge wall in front of the patio door eliminating any view. The bathroom had ants in it that were trying to eat our toothpaste. It was horrible.

The tiny little kiosk that was serving breakfast bagels and croissants was charging $5.00 for each day-old pastry. Coffee was horrible, it tasted like left-overs from yesterday and heated to be served again.

Our experience at this hotel was so extremely disappointing that we cut up our Marriott Credit Card.

After spending all that money on airfare (from the eastern coast) our vacation was destroyed with the awful hotel accommodations at the JW. To make matters even worse, there are NO amenities on the property. If you want to do anything when staying at this property, you always have to get in the car and travel at least a minimum of 10 miles to the nearest shopping mall.

It is extremely obvious (upon arrival) that this hotel caters only to groups. They treat individual travelers as a necessary evil and a menace to deal with.

DON'T STAY AT THIS HOTEL UNLESS YOU ARE WITH A CONVENTION OR GROUP! If you are on a vacation, DEFINITELY DO NOT STAY HERE, it will ruin your holiday.

My husband and I, along with our 10-month old son, recently stayed at the Marriot Ihilani Ko'olina Resort during our relocation from the island to the mainland.

We loved it. The room was amazing. Spacious and clean. The bathroom was pristine and beautiful (large shower, soaking tub, two sinks). The staff was very friendly and very helpful. Food was great. We ordered room service most times but ate at one of the restaurants on property, Azul. That was a memorable experience.

I highly recommend this hotel. If you are vacationing on Oahu for the first time, stay there. It is much better than anything you will find in crowded Waikiki.

$30.00 a day to park on property, self parking or valet. $12.95 for a Mai Tai (with tax and tip that would be $15.00), $12.95 for internet service, $10.99 for 2 boarding passes (total of 5 minutes on line and printing) in the business center. All of these charges are not included with the nightly room rate. So keep them in mind for your budget. At $30.00 per day we chose to valet park and they were not attentive at all you'd think they would want to stop talking amongest themselves and open your car door.... NOPE! Free coffee or tea downstairs in the am. That was a nice touch. The view from the room PRICELESS.

Absolutely wonderful. We enjoyed the privacy of a jacuzzi room. Total relaxation. The staff was accommodating and resourceful. I would recommend that you take advantage of the evening and morning activities. The Sunday brunch at Azuls is a must!!!!!!!!!!!! 5 star food at its best. I totally recommend this resort. I would have given this resort a ten but did not due to the need for minor paint and carpet touch up repairs. The Ihilani Spa is great as well.

I will stay at this resort each time I visit!

Do not attend the festival at Paradise Cove! Its a rip off! The food is horrible!

If you want privacy and beauty this is the resort. It has sting rays and sharks swimming throughout!

amazing trip.. amazing hotel.. everyone was so helpful and nice. we booked a mountainview room and when we arrived we were given a free upgrade to an oceanview. it was nice being on the "private" side of the island.. very calm and quiet. the...

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