icemann0220
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Nov 16, 2011
Would you stay at Aulani or a Higher end, newer marriott nearby for free for a week? Why, sorry bc it's Disney isn't valid.
Oh man, The spa is a great idea!!! You could do ama ama breakfast, then a spa treatment, or spa then dinner, and spend all day there! Great idea.And I agree with the idea that you can still book a meal at Makahiki or AMA AMA for even more of the Aulani experience - or even a spa treatment!
Another option, similar to what someone else posted.... Stay for the week at the Marriott, and then rent the cheapest room you can find at Aulani during that same week, but on days one day apart. (Like Monday/Wednesday, or Tuesday/Thursday). Still sleep at the Marriott, but use the facilities at Aulani. You get full use of the resort on both the check-in and check-out days, so you get 4 days of use! AND double the toiletries and leis upon check-in.
I'd most likely go with free and do Makahiki or AMA AMA for dinner one night and hang around for storytelling and live music. I just find it very hard to compete with free!!!
I never saw anyone check a room key. If you just walk up and sit down, I don't think anyone would ask. Of course, since seating is pretty limited, if I wasn't staying there, I'd probably hang back and stand around the perimeter if guests are needing seats. But there's plenty of room for that, so I don't think you'd be hindering anyone's experience.Doesn't storytelling at the fire pit require a room key (for resort guests only)? Just curious It's part of the inclusions a resort guest has access to.
No more farmers market at Marriott Koolina since July of last year. The new vendor that runs the marketplace shut the farmers market and the bakery that used to come every monday. Now there is a local craft bazaar every friday and two or three different vendors selling stuff most days of the week.When we stayed at Aulani they were between shows (the new luau hadn’t started yet). We went to the Fia Fia luau at the Marriott Beach Club and loved it. They also have a small famers market there on Mondays. Nice selection of locally grown fresh fruit and veggies as well as baked goods.
I would go for the free stay too. (I am a DVC member and that is one of the biggest reasons why we went! I couldn’t have afforded an eight night stay in Hawaii in such a beautiful resort otherwise.)
No more farmers market at Marriott Koolina since July of last year. The new vendor that runs the marketplace shut the farmers market and the bakery that used to come every monday. Now there is a local craft bazaar every friday and two or three different vendors selling stuff most days of the week.
I own at both Aulani and Marriott Koolina. Much prefer Marriott when we do not have visitors and such. Resort is less crowded, rooms are larger overall, chairs around pool always available, multiple bar b ques available to use all day, multiple hot tubs, sauna, steam room and bigger gym are just some pros. Also pools and hot tubs do not close until 10pm.
A better and quieter one for late at night is the hot tub right by longboards. It overlooks the beach and is hidden by hedges right next to the stage in the dinning area of longboards. That is a nice spot when no one is around.I totally agree with you on all points @frank808 especially the pools and hottub closure. There is a hot tub at the Marriott between the sandy beach entry family pool and the adults pool that is so quiet and private at night, I just love that one. Now if only the Marriott had a lazy river pool I would probably not even look at staying at Aulani.