Kona Kai Resort & Spa

I recently hosted a destination corporate meeting for 65 people over the course of 4 days at Kona Kai Resort and Kerry-Lee made it a breeze to plan; she was on top of everything and was always quick to respond when I had questions. CHECK IN: Upon arrival, my colleagues were greeted by the most cheerful valet team I've ever met, especially Gus! Our bags were stored with the front desk so they could explore the city without baggage, which was helpful for those who flew in early in the day. RESORT: The quality of the hotel was great and Liz (group rooming coordinator) stuck with me through all the changes I made for our group. The rooms were complimented by many of my colleagues, most of which stayed in regular rooms and the others in junior suites. My junior suite overlooked the marina and had a stunning view as the sun went down. Daniella was a great on-site contact during my meetings, and she made sure that all was set up correctly and the show was running smoothly. FOOD: Compliments to the chef & kitchen staff who kept everyone happily fueled each day for breakfast, lunch and dinner! The food was commented on by almost all the guests; they were very pleased with every meal (the Rueben sandwiches were my favorite). AMMENITIES: The beach cruiser bikes were a hit along with the kayak rentals! The two pools were also great; they offered a bit of variety as one was adults-only and the other was for families. I did not experience the spa but was told by colleagues that it was very nice. Another great bonus was the gym and the fitness classes! Overall, my meeting went smoothly and I have Kerry-Lee, Daniella, Gus and Liz to thank for that! Read less

This was the best resort we've ever stayed at, hands down. Once you walk in, the lobby makes you feel like you're in paradise. Staff was super friendly and helpful, the hotel is extremely clean, they offer a ton of amenities which helped make everything very convenient (from pool, hot tub, private beach, free bikes, comfortable rooms/bed/pillows, HUGE fitness center, restaurant and bar with AMAZING food and drinks, spa, salon plus much more). I recommend this place to anyone for weddings, business or pleasure. We will definitely be back again, hopefully sooner rather than later. Read less

1/5 6 minutes ago on Google First let me say what was good... valet and bellman! Personal and cheerful. Always professional and kind. Valet guys were outstanding had great personalities! First of all let me say that we are a PLNU family! We always stay at the Best Western Palms because they give PLNU families a special discount and free breakfast in the restaurant daily! I made our reservations weeks in advance and explained that it was a special occasion and requested one of the newly renovated junior suites with a marina view at the beach end of the property near fire Pits! After a long flight we checked in and were put in a room facing a concrete wall of a building. After calling the front desk and requesting a move we were told “Sorry, we are full, maybe tomorrow”. I called again in the morning and there was no record of my request and again told “ sorry we are full!” My husband and I then went to the restaurant for a late dinner, which was packed. Our waiter was very pleasant, we order a cup of soup and an appetizer which took ALMOST AN HOUR to show up at our table. The kitchen was incredibly slow! UPon going to our room.... please note that while the newly renovated rooms are aesthetically attractive, there is NO SOUNDPROOFING between the rooms. You can here every single thing your neighbors are saying. The floor was dirty, light fixtures were so dusty you could write your name in it and the headboards were covered in dust! The bathroom mirrors looked like they had been cleaned with oil. The next night my teenage girls were headed to the fire pits, they were told by the front desk that they would be turned off at 10:00 pm. I called and requested just that they leave one on until 10:15 and was told they would call me back and let me know.... never a phone call My girls ( PLNU students) went back to the fire pits the next night and were told “leave immediately this is a private party”. There were no signs or taped off barriers indicating such Also we did stay here one night 3 weeks ago and were put in an older room, tiny, cramped, terribly old bathroom, tile and fixtures that looked like they were from 1959 when the hotel originally opened. Upon check out in the morning? 8 people in line, 4 employees behind counter and only one working. Be prepared to over pay for loud unclean accommodations, uncaring staff that NEVER follows up, very slow restaurant kitchen that delivers Luke warm food that is mediocre. Don’t bank on them checking any special requests or trying to make things right..... it ain’t gonna happen! However the first faces you see will be valet ($30/day and self park is the same) and they are delightful! You want to stay on Shelter Island? It’s beautiful so stay at the Best Western Island Palms, the rooms are newly decorated, the staff is personable and very attentive all the way to restaurant servers and housekeeping. They remember you from previous visits and bend over backwards to make your stay wonderful. If your a PLNU family, definitely stay at the Palms! The Kona Kai looked lovely, but pretty is as pretty does..... not a pretty place to stay! Read less

BEWARE THE FINE PRINT. We were charged $30/day to park, and $31/day for a resort fee. The girl at the front desk during check out was condescending about the extra $305 that I was being extorted. The upgraded room, 269, was nice inside. Nothing about Kona Kai is worth an extra $61/night. The view of the parking lot and storage containers wasn't good. They closed the "beach" for a private event. The "beach" was man made, and there was no water access. The sliders and pulled pork at the restaurant was delicious. The outdoor gaming area was fun for the kids. The bartender at the pool bar was very ice and service was excellent. Overall San Diego was great, but if you a traveling with kids, I would recommend staying somewhere else. Read less