When Trip Advisor readers gave high marks to the new Koloa Landing at Poipu Beach Wyndham Grand Resort, I had to see for myself if the reviews lived up to the hype. Recently I checked in for an overnight stay as their guest. As much as I tried to find something that Trip Advisor missed, this time they got it right. Even the bathrobes fit my tall frame.

I think my photos tell the story. Take a look at the floor to ceiling glass walls that open to the outside. Then there’s the huge lanai for relaxing and entertaining. The kitchen is top notch, replete with granite, Wolf and Sub-Zero. It’s also beautifully furnished. Not surprising since one of their major investors is Bill Childs who made his fortune in furniture (think R.C. Wiley).

My two bedroom, two bath villa overlooked the lagoon pool which is perfect for families. Another pool for adults was close by with a waterfall backdrop. The resort is still under development with their main pool and spa coming in Phase Two. To compensate for on-site construction, the resort is offering deals which I’ve included at the end of my review.

Likes: Each bedroom has its own bathroom. The living area separates the two for added privacy. These condos are large at 1,300-1,600 square feet which includes lanai. I liked having a washer/dryer in my unit. Double walls created an effective sound barrier. The bed was more than comfortable with its pillow top mattress.

Interesting Feature: No interior hallways. Each building has multiple semi-private elevators that serve two condos per floor. With elevator doors opening front and back, it feels secluded as you walk to your villa entry.

Spacious Lanais: My end unit lanai was over 600 square feet. If you’re stuck in the middle, your lanai will average around 250 square feet.

What Could Have Been Better: I’m not a fan of resort fees and this one charges $20 a day (includes parking, WiFi, local calls, pool and  24-hour fitness center). While the glass walls are beautiful the doors are heavy and required some muscle to open and close.

Rate Tip: If you can’t take advantage of their special offers below, become a member of Wyndham rewards (no cost to join) and you may also score a good deal.

Two Deal Alerts:

1. 30% Off Two Bedroom Villas fall special using promo code DISLDS, September 1 and December 15. $199/night.

2. Kids Stay and Play for Free promotion, including free water activity, available now through December 15. $299/night.

Beat of Hawaii received a complimentary night.

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The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel is positioning itself to be the diamond again of Waikiki. So far twenty of its 125 rooms have been renovated with designer touches and furnishings.

My renovated Ocean Front Superior was 325 square feet but seemed huge thanks to the floor to ceiling glass walls.

The endless view that stretched for miles became the artwork to admire. I had a corner room with large wrap around lanai where I spent mornings and evenings. With trade winds gently blowing and the incredible Sans Souci beach below, I was in paradise.

Built back in 1963, this boutique hotel is at the Diamond Head side of Waikiki. It’s away from the crowds and on the best beach you’ll find with a large expanse of sand and fine ocean swimming. The walk between the hotel and Waikiki is a leisurely 10-15 minutes.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first walked through the hotel’s well worn hallways after check-in.

The interior view faces out to a rather bland atrium opening to the sky. A few rooms I passed looked small and average. My room, however, was incredible. If you can get one of the renovated rooms like I did, you’ll definitely score big.

My friend, Kirk Koenig, has been a return guest here for twelve years.

According to Kirk, he likes how the staff personalizes his stay and makes him feel like family. His other reason for staying here is Sans Souci Beach which is frequented by locals and less touristy than the Waikiki strip.

My only negative experience was dining at their Hau Tree Lanai restaurant. It’s been a frequent award winner but did not impress on my visit. On the plus side you sit outside and oceanfront under the same tree that Robert Louis Stevenson took shade. The food was not in any sense memorable. Another part of my dissatisfaction was that dirty dishes were left on the butler trays which meant that birds began to dive bomb us during a business meeting.

To save money on parking I was able to find free street parking close by in front of the Natatorium (usually at night). During the day I used metered parking except on my last day when none was available.

If you’ve stayed at The New Otani Kaimana Beach, let me know if you agree with my review. For now I join Kirk in giving their renovated rooms a thumbs up.

Details

Complimentary WiFi, in room refrigerator, weekly Manager’s Reception and tea service on request. My renovated guest room included L’Occitane bath products.

Website: http://kaimana.com

Address/Phone: 2863 Kalakaua Avenue. 808/923-1555

(Beat of Hawaii did not receive any compensation for this review. I paid the Kamaaina Rate for Hawaii residents).

Village Burger has been serving up low cost meals and getting rave reviews. It’s no wonder when you consider the credentials of their chef and owner, Edwin Goto. He has a solid track record of success from Lodge at Koele, Manele Bay and Mauna Lani.

Honolulu Magazine named Village Burger a top cheap eat. Since Beat of Hawaii readers are looking for deals, I decided to see for myself what the talk is about. I’m glad I did.

On my visit I tried both the Hamakua Mushroom Burger and the Asian Style Ahi Burger. I also added an order of their hand cut, twice baked french fries smothered in Parmesean.

The fresh ingredients from the Big Island enhanced the flavors. There’s nothing fast food about Village Burger. This is gourmet fast food where you least expect it: a shopping center. Everything is uniquely handmade with generous portions.

Of the two burgers I tried the Hamakua was my favorite. With Big Island mushrooms and an expert chef to bring out its intensity, I was ready to order another one if I only had room. Another table next to me ordered their Epic Shake. I’m saving that for another time.

If you’ve been to Village Burger let me know your thoughts.

Follow Village Burger on Facebook and Twitter. Better yet, visit their location on the Big Island in person. Located at Parker Ranch Shopping Center in Kamuela/Waimea. Open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 9pm and Sunday from 10:30am to 6pm. Telephone 808-885-7319. Website: http://www.villageburgerwaimea.com

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Complete lunch under $9

You’ve got to love the price that starts at less than $9.00 for a complete lunch. It includes entree, rice, naan, salad and raita. We usually share the entrees and dine family style. The many times I’ve been to Chutney’s for lunch the food was flavorful, hot, not greasy and reasonably authentic. The staff are efficient and welcoming. Be sure and ask for the complimentary chutney condiments that includes tamarind, mint and sweet mango.

Three islands

In addition to the Kauai location, the owners have recently taken over Honolulu’s previously failing Bombay Restaurant (near Ala Moana shopping center). They also own a Maui Indian eatery, Monsoon.

Back to the food

What do I mean by “reasonably authentic?” If you’ve ever traveled to India you’ll understand. Indian food is sophisticated and complex, represented by twenty regional cuisines with highly varied tastes not duplicated in our country. I’ve visited both India and Nepal and speak from my own experience.

Chutney blends both Indian and Nepalese cuisines. Owner Bindeshor Kakshapati is from Nepal. He comes to the islands via Colorado where he owned 14 similar restaurants.

Dinner Deal: You can save 10 percent on your dinner (lunch not included) by downloading the coupon on their website. Another good deal is the Tuesday night buffet and Sunday brunch.

Details:

Lunch served 7 days a week from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Dinner served nightly from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Located in Kapaa at 4-1387 A Kuhio Hwy (across from Java Kai).

Telephone: 808-821-2040

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Just last week we talked about the social media group buying sites that have recently set their sights on Honolulu. These can be a real mixed bag, especially for small businesses that can underestimate the cost of heavily discounting goods and services in hopes of perhaps elusive ongoing business.

How it works

Much like the other social shopping sites, TripAlertz’ new deals go live every Tuesday (starting on October 19) and each one last two weeks. There is a basic offer price when they are announced and a lower price should the number of needed participants be met. Deals now on the site show discounts up to 50 percent off rack pricing.

In their game, you become the salesperson by sharing TripAlertz deals with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. When enough people buy in, the further discounted price is hatched and everyone who signed up gets it.  You also receive $1 in “deal cash” for every friend you refer who joins.

You can select your travel dates before purchasing. Deals aren’t completely last minute and are more likely available as a 45-60 day advance purchase.

Win one of 250 trips; a good reason to try signing up

The company is currently offering 250 free trips (stated retail value $350) to be awarded among its first 10,000 members. Please let me know if you are one of them so that I can congratulate you.

TripAlertz has also pledged to donate $1 to A Home In Haiti for every new member that joins the site (up to $100,000 total) through November.

Company philosophy

TripAlertz believes they can provide hoteliers access to the 25-40 year old hip market. Also, in order to drive consumers to hotel doors using Social Media, they believe hoteliers need to engage them (through discounted pricing). Their promise to advertisers is that they will receive a high volume of sales, which I’m sure will be true.

Amenities (wanted or not) are often included

In some of the premiere offers now on their site, deal are for multiple nights accommodations, and sometimes include breakfasts, welcome cocktails, massages and more. Given the packaging of amenities that cost conscious travel consumers may wish to avoid, it remains to be seen how good a deal TripAlertz will yield.

PS: We have no affiliation with TripAlertz. If enough of you join, I may get a discounted hotel package, in the same way you can if you share the site with your friends. We’ll all see just how this site works out.

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We had a five star dining experience last week on the Big Island, however, that won’t completely blow your budget. It’s The CanoeHouse at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel. If you read further I’ll tell you how for $40 you can enjoy a 3 course dinner including wine.

Location. Oceanfront and secluded; no cars. Just walking along the beach to the restaurant has a calming effect with the anticipation of something memorable ahead. We were there at sunset which was spectacular as you see from the opening photo. Many of the tables are open air so we dined under the stars and felt the trades blowing.

Food Review: Jeff is the ultimate critic and chef. He’s also very honest about what he does and doesn’t like. Here’s his overall assessment of the food:

“Flavorful without the heavier feel and taste typical of gourmet food in Hawaii. Good balance. Clear, clean European sophistication yet an island feel using local ingredients. Beyond trite Eurasian.  

The quality, quantity and service were all spot on. The only things I didn’t find exceptional were the desserts. We had the Sweet Potato Beignet with Puna Goat Cheese Snow and Kona coffee ice cream and and assortment of sorbets”.

Favorites: The appetizers scored highest overall in our opinion:  Ahi Tuna Napoleon, Day Boat Scallops and Waimea Beets and Honokaa Goat Cheese Ravioli. Kabocha Squash Soup was delicious. For the entree we had Shutome (local swordfish) and Big Island Shellfish Bowl.

Chef James Ortiaga: As a bonus, we met their new chef who comes from the New York Four Seasons’ Cafe Pierre and L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon. He told us not to expect Macadamia Crusted Mahi. James instead wants to challenge diners’ expectations and showcase delicacies unique to Hawaii. He was right.

Service: Professional, attentive and understated.

Best Deals: For travelers on a budget, there are two prix fixe menus that offer a good value. This is nonetheless a splurge for us and for our budget oriented followers. It was worth it considering the food, service and location of The CanoeHouse.

The first one is $40 and called “Meat Free Monday.” Included is appetizer, entree, dessert and glass of wine. Offered only on Monday, this menu pays homage to Sir Paul, Stella and Mary McCartney’s environmental campaign.

The Chef’s Menu is available nightly for $60. It features a selection of starters, entree and dessert. Included is a glass of wine with the entree and coffee at conclusion.

Reservations and information: 808/881-7911

Address: Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, 68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive, on Big Islands’ Kohala Coast.

Photo Credits: Beat of Hawaii. Pictured is sunset from our table at The CanoeHouse and our appetizers.

Disclosure:  This meal was complementary (although our stay there was not). There was no expectation of a review.

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Consumer beware.

Hospitality marketing firms are promoting their ability to concoct systematic fake reviews to improve a hotel’s rating and lambaste the competitors.  Consumers, however, are poised to be hurt the worst.

Can you spot these fake reviews?

I assert, definitely not.

The wide-spread belief that real reviews can be sorted from the bogus is rapidly changing through more elaborate (though not abstruse) means.

Basing your trust on those who have written more reviews, or a wider range of reviews no longer matters.  It doesn’t take a scientist to opinion that someone with few reviews and an angled perspective is likely fake, or in any event, not credible.  Professional review creators certainly understand that even better than we do, and write accordingly.

The fraud problem, previously seen as a potentially self-limiting number of fake reviews contrived by employees, friends and families in a relatively low-scale, low-tech way, is now progressing to an entirely new level of reviewer identities specifically fashioned with multiple reviews of different properties.

How it’s done:

Not requiring Herculean technology, marketers are using a multitude of reviewer locations and IP addresses, among other means, in order to to circumvent both the manual and automated fraud prevention methods that TripAdvisor employs.  Likely these black hat sculptors are several steps ahead of TripAdvisor and the rest of us in this regard.

Proof:

On a small scale, the photo example above points to a job offer to sculpt fraudulent TripAdvisor reviews.  You won’t find hotel marketers offering these services on Google. They use other, less traceable means to engage prospective properties.  It is hard to imagine many hotels which wouldn’t at least want to listen to such a potentially lucrative ploy.

Why this is working:

With an extremely challenging hospitality economy predicted for some time to come, hotels can simply not afford to leave reviews to chance.  The value in a higher TripAdvisor rating equates to rooms filled vs. rooms empty and to a great deal of money.  Or simply the ability to stay in business.

Where is TripAdvisor in all this?

Expedia’s TripAdvisor regularly states their position that while they are aware of attempts to systematically subvert reviews, they take this very seriously and have the matter under control.  As you’ll recall TripAdvisor not long ago went to the extent of putting punitive red badges on properties believed to be taking part in these nefarious activities.

That having been said, however, I believe TripAdvisor continues to be wary of anything that would reduce its number of reviews, real or otherwise. Doing so would likely bring serious damage to its advertising business, which is Expedia’s cash cow.

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Alice Walker said that, “tea to the English is really a picnic indoors.”  We felt the same way after visiting Honolulu’s Tea at 1024.

The bright airy tearoom in historic Chinatown had a festive atmosphere from the moment we walked in.  We were invited to select our teacup and saucer and a hat to wear from a large selection.  Feather boas were available too which we decided to leave for next time.

A luncheon menu was offered but we selected a British style Afternoon Tea for $15.95 per person.  Two people can share for an additional $6.95 on weekdays.

Honolulu Advertiser said, “it’s the best afternoon tea value in town.”  We agree.  The tea, food and service lived up to our expectations.  There’s a lot of Aloha served here too under the direction of Michele Henry who has owned Tea at 1024 since 1999.

What’s Included in Afternoon Tea at 1024:

A tasty spinach salad with strawberries and feta cheese, four types of tea sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream (jam too) and dessert.  The tea selection included a variety of Black, Green, Red and Herbal teas.

Location, Hours and Parking:

1024 Nu’uanu Street in Chinatown (near King Street).  Validated parking available (ask for details when you make reservations).

Open Tuesday-Saturday at 11:00 a.m.  The last seating is 2:00pm during the week and 3:00pm Saturday.

Reservations Accepted: call 808-521-9596

Rob’s Guide to Afternoon Tea for Men:

• Place the tea strainer on your cup when pouring tea: it’s loose leaf.

• Start with scones, then tea sandwiches and finish with dessert.

• Use milk in black tea instead of cream for a better taste.

• Stir tea in a back and forth motion careful not to touch the bottom or sides of cup.  This will impress.

• Leave spoon on your saucer when not in use.  Don’t cradle cup.

• Relax and enjoy the company of the person you’re with.

• Remember, tea was first a man’s beverage so you’re in good company.

Note:  We receive no compensation of any kind for our reviews.

Our top dining pick at Ala Moana Shopping Center is the Mariposa.  It’s located on the third level of Neiman Marcus.  We recently had a most pleasant and reasonable lunch there for under twenty dollars per person.

The location is incredible; upstairs and ocean side in the center of the mall.  It’s a large restaurant with fabulous views of Ala Moana beach through the park.

Half of the seating is on a covered lanai and the rest is indoors though still facing the ocean.  While still very much in the department store and the mall, the feeling is completely removed from both, and delightfully so.

We still love the warm, freshly baked popovers which arrived together with consomme, soon after we were seated.  Both are complementary.  Neiman Marcus has been serving those as I recall for at least 30 years, and I still enjoy them just as much.

Mariposa is the 2008 Honolulu Advertiser’s pick for best business lunch.

Atmosphere.

Dignified while still island casual.  Great views all day long with spectacular sunsets.

Food.

The menu is traditional Hawaiiana in the fusion sense.  We really enjoyed everything we ate.  So either the food was great or I was starving as I’m not that easy to please.  You can check out the menus on their website.

Service.

The service was okay by Hawaii standards, but not exceptional.  Others have commented similarly.

We made our reservation using Open Table, which was simple and hassle-free.  Within a few minutes of our arrival we were seated.

Details.

Open 11 am-9:30 pm (Sundays-Wednesdays) and 11 am-10 pm (Thursdays-Saturdays). Reservations recommended.  Phone: (808) 951-3420.  Level Three, Ala Moana Shopping Center.

Note:  If you want to try the popovers but can’t make it to Neiman Marcus, here’s the recipe.

Just look at the view from my spacious oceanfront lanai.  With a view like this, who cares about the hotel’s vintage (1960′s), basic room furniture and old air conditioning.  My room also had a side window looking out to Diamond Head.

Price tag for this category starts at $154 a night (depending on Aqua’s deal at the moment).  There are also partial ocean view rooms available for considerably less.

Standard Rooms are a bargain starting at $89 a night, but have no ocean view.  If you’re stuck with this type of room there may be paid upgrades available at check-in.

Best Feature:  The hotel faces away from the strip and looks to the ocean, Diamond Head and Kapiolani Park.  You have the feeling of space and privacy.  In that way, it is reminiscent of old Waikiki.

You’re a good fit for the Park Shore if:

You prefer location and view over luxury accommodation.

I liked the comfortable king size bed (from which you could watch the ocean), roomy lanai which compensated for the smaller room, spectacular ocean views, and unpretentious feel.  The staff were also courteous and helpful.

Things I’d Change: Most rooms do not have a microwave.  There’s also no guest laundry on site.

Amenities:  Two restaurants, swimming pool, ABC Store and Starbucks on property.  Free daily newspaper except on Sunday.  Coffee maker, refrigerator and ironing set included.

Money Savings Tip: Pass on the $20 a day valet.  I parked each night at the Waikiki Shell which is a five minute walk.  During the day I used the Zoo parking lot across from the hotel at 25 cents an hour.  The Waikiki Shell lot was full during the day but not at night.

Note:  This property had one of the oddest set of TripAdvisor reviews I’ve seen.  While that caused me considerable trepidation, all concerns went out the window on arrival.