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Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows - Guest Reviews

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"A memorable stay"

A real destination resort that feels like Hawaii and takes the time to show respect for the Hawaiian culture. The rooms are nicely situated for privacy and the staff is genuinely friendly. We found out about this resort in a book called Hawaii The Big Island Trailblazer. It devotes a whole page to pictures of the resort and it sold us on the place. The "Talk Story" event they held on a moonlit evening right on the hotel shoreline was a moment we'll never forget. The only time we spent away from the hotel grounds was a short trip to see the volcano. Other than that, we didn't drift too far away from the hotel's beautiful beach.

"Fun in the sun"

Our family had a little break in mid February, and this was our first trip to the Big Island. We had visited Maui back in 2003 and were excited to try a different island.The hotel is very nice, in a classy, understated kind of way. The kids enjoyed the fish ponds in the entryway of the lobby. The grounds of the hotel are well kept, and the hotel has an interesting architectural design.Room: We had an ocean view room on the top floor, which had was very close to the water. I would say that the room was just average, but the bathrooms are above average. Housekeeping stopped by each night for a turn-down service.Food: We enjoyed the breakfasts the most. The lunches by the pool were just so so. We did not eat dinner at the hotel, and would usually go exploring at the nearby shops.Water: The kids loved the heated pool. It isn't a huge pool, but it's big enough to have fun and enjoy the sun. The ocean water is very calm, especially compared to they Hyatt in Maui. The water is very shallow and kid-friendly.Nice surprises: + Included Valet Parking. By the second day, they were greeting me by name. + Leis for everyone and cold juice as we checked in + Ice buckets in the room were re-filled every day + Free wifi access in the lobby and by the pool + The pool has a lift-chair for people who need help and are unable to use the stairs + Fresh frozen grapes and cold towels were handed out to everyone at the pool at mid day. + Wonderful ponds with turtles, fish, and even sharks! + Nightly music entertainment in the lobby + Perfect weather

"Loved it"

This was our final spot after visiting Oahu and Maui. Stayed at the Hyatt both places.This was by far the best. Hotel was referred by family members who visited last summer so we knew what to expect. It is an older place. It's not brand new, but it's classic and classy. The marble lobby is beautiful. The rooms are spacious and well appointed. Comfortable bed with nice linens, nice private patio, very small TV, but who cares! The most distinct thing is the huge sliding wooden shudder doors that you can close at night while leaving the sliding glass door open and listen to the waves while you sleep. The marble bathrooms are beautiful and huge. The beach is incredible with hammocks and upholstered lounge chairs. The service is impeccable which overshadows any possible shortcomings. Comp. valet parking. Greeted with leis, escorted to the lobby and given fresh juice, seated for checkin, upgraded 3 room levels. They are always at your service. They replenish your ice for you daily, have standard turn down service at night. Comp. champagne sent for the honeymooners was greatly appreciated. Lots of privacy, even in the public areas. We hardly saw any of the other guests except by the pool. The pool is nice, large and clean, very plain no waterfalls or gimmicks. The beach is so great here you don't even need the pool. Separate hot tub for kids and adults is nice. Beach side dining good, a little pricy. The Canoehouse restaurant is a must. The ambiance is priceless although the menu there is also a tad high. Hope this review helps...Had this been our first stop, I am not sure we would have left!

"Vacation of a lifetime"

Last October my husband and I spent a week at the Mauna Lani and it was the vacation of a lifetime. From the moment we walked into the lobby, there was a group of Hawaiian musicians and dancers performing beautiful soft music amidst the palm trees and streams flowing through the inside of the hotel. These salt water ponds and streams run throughout the property and are filled with marine fish and baby turtles, being raised for release each year as part of the hotel's turtle preservation program. Each room is gorgeous, with balconies looking over the meticulously groomed and tropical gardens, pool area and past that, to the hotel's own white sand beach and fabulous sunsets. This is more of an adult hotel, although there were many families there. It is marvelously quiet and very laid back. No discos, no screaming children, no wild and wacky pretend Hawaiian "shows". This felt like the real Hawaii. Although large, it has an intimate feel to it and very personal attention is given each guest. The concierges have any information you need about the island and will make any reservation you request. The morning's buffet breakfast is like none we've ever had - ask for a personal omelet made to order and it is made as you watch and then you sit in the open air patio, watching the tropical birds in the palm trees and the fish jumping in the streams that meander by your table. I cannot say enough about this incredible resort. Sit on the white sand beach in your own canvas covered chaise and your drink is brought to you, as you watch the blazing sunsets each evening. Walk into the calm water and within 20 feet you are face to face with a grazing, gentle, enormous turtle. Your beds are turned down each evening with a chocolate on the pillow. We will never forget the Mauna Lani (even though it costs a pretty penny).

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