Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay

Had an ocean front room in the red building that was absolutely phenomenal. The sunsets here were just fantastic every evening and the sound and site of the waves crashing against the lava cliffs was remarkable.

We had all in all a pleasant stay with Sheraton Kona Resort for the three nights in April we had here. We liked the facility, the location and pool a lot. Staff was friendly and our room had an amazing view of both ocean and hillside. Would definitely recommend the property to others coming to Hawaii. We arrived after the spring break rush so it was quite peaceful and while not all facilities were open it didn’t bother us at all, we actually like it! The grounds are gorgeous and the whole property beautifully groomed and clean.

Nice location, if situated well to the south of Kailua-Kona. Biggest problem here is the service, with overcrowded check-in leading to the staff not informing us of the charges to be expected (yes, I am sure it is buried in the Web site somewhere). So what we heard as we were checking in was that parking was included in the resort fee, but apparently as we found out when we left, this was not true. The guy checking us out informed me that "everybody knows parking is separate", which is a good indication of the way they treat their guests (even those who are Marriott members). Namely, they are invisible, nonexistent entities, because I am evidently "not somebody". Anyway, expect to pay $25 for parking, $30 for resort fee, and $22 for county taxes, all added on to the costs actually shown on their Web site. And do not expect the staff to inform you of this when you check-in. After all, "everybody knows it..."

We stayed at this hotel because it was one of two hotels on the island that accepted travelers who were waiting for their negative Covid 19 test results. It is a 30 minute drive from the airport and not within walking distance to anything. We checked in and were quarantined to our room even though only one person needed their results. The room was not up to the standards that most Sheraton's have. The bathroom mirror had spots on it. There was a towel bar only big enough for a towel and one half. The door had a fixture for a hook but no hook. After 45 minutes the Quarantine was removed because the negative results were received. We were free to leave the hotel but no one told us that due to Covid and while we were away from the room all day, housekeeping would not set foot in our room to make our beds and replenish coffee, cups and water. Besides this there was no cell service through the concrete block walls and the rug smelled like milldew. Pool end tables were not wiped down daily and not full service restaurant is available on the property. Not a relaxing vacation stay for the price you pay!

From the front desk to housekeeping to the bellmen - everyone went out of his or her way to make our stay wonderful. Erica at the front desk and her manager kindly upgraded us to an ocean-view room in honor of our Marriott Bonvoy membership. The rooms are beautiful. I believe all the rooms have private balconies. The resort is absolutely gorgeous - it was a great pleasure strolling through all the different park-like settings – the greenery, flowers, and birds chirping in the background – such a beautiful resort. We took advantage of the complimentary paddle-boat rentals, Lei Making classes, and manta talk, but the hotel has other activities which we did not join such as historic Keauhou land tours, hula classes, yoga, live music, etc. The resort fee includes other benefits such as enhanced wifi (which was well appreciated by my husband who had to join a couple of professional meetings), access to outdoor games, welcome Shell lei, welcome bag, and 2 complimentary water bottles per room. We had both breakfast and dinner at the hotel's dining restaurant, the "Wailele Cafe" and found the food delicious and beautifully presented (Seafood Chowder, Poke Bowl, Mac Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi, Farfalle Pasta with shrimp, etc. for dinner and vegetable omelets, Hawaiian Malasadas, pastries, croissants, coffee/tea etc. for breakfast). There is a grocery store called the "Holoholo" market in the hotel that appears to have everything a traveller would need at very reasonable price. One morning, we decided to explore a route an uber driver showed us that went from behind the hotel to the Keauhou Shopping Center in just 15-20 minutes walk. While there, we had savory crêpes breakfast at the "Peaberry and Gallette" at the shopping complex. Overall, we loved our stay at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay.