I’m all about keeping it positive. But when I click on an ad, and it disappoints, I need to check in here with you. Such was the case this morning with what I thought was going to be another Hawaii travel deal.
Ala Moana Hotel $69/night becomes $109/night
Okay, so I started reading the details. 2-night minimum, valid through January, Thanksgiving included. Sounds good. Complementary partial ocean view upon availability, sounding even better. I like the three star hotel, especially for its location directly across from my favorite, the Ala Moana Beach Park (pictured here), and adjacent to the shopping center.
Then I read the details that caused me to halt:
1. $20 “resort fee” covers Internet access, pool/beach towel checkout, fitness center and business center.
2. Self parking costs another $20/day, or valet $25, even though it’s a only a few hundred feet to the directly connected and free parking-rich Ala Moana shopping center. Just as a note, the shopping center specifically precludes overnight parking, which will I’ve done it, could result in a charge worse than the $20.
Frankly, $109 for Ala Moana hotel, isn’t such a great deal after all. What about for you?
Sherri Smith (7 months ago)
I bought a las Vegas Travelzoo voucher 2 weeks ago and was EXTREMELY unhappy with it. I think you can do better than this on your own and have the advantatage of dealing directly with the hotel. However, I don’t really know why people have to have a car in Honolulu, unless you have a big group. Use the bus, and rent a car for just the day or 2 you may need it.
Nadege S. (7 months ago)
They are doing the same thing in some of Las Vegas hotels too.
You really have to read the small print.
Lucinda Coffey (7 months ago)
I agree with you regarding the misleading advertising–but $109 bucks for a partial ocean view and parking-Internet-Fitness Center, and a room in paradise is still a great deal. You won’t find a deal like that on the mainland unless your accommodation is next to a freeway and has a view of a parking lot or worse.
Hawaii is still the best deal on the planet for getting your money’s worth out of a vacation-the air is pure, the ocean is inviting, it’s bursting with beauty and there’s still plenty of aloha and rainbows.
Now, really, how can you beat that??
ELLEN LECLAIR (7 months ago)
I used to stay at the Ala Moana but no longer do for the very reasons you have described. Since their reno, they have taken away all their frequent stay perks and have added on lots of additional costs. There are many more and better fish in the Honolulu sea.
Jeff (7 months ago)
Thanks for the comments! I appreciate it.
Aloha,
Jeff
MaryMargaret (7 months ago)
I say check out AQUA hotels….much better rates.