For those who looking to use their Marriott points — or even rewards certificates from their Marriott credit card — in Hawaii, unfortunately, your options are about to get more limited if you are visiting The Big Island. The Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay is leaving the Marriott umbrella on Aug. 25. 2021 and will be named the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa. This property was the best for those looking to use Marriott points as the property was a category 5 property and at times only requiring 35,000 points.
I have an upcoming reservation later this year and received an email from Marriott about my stay. The email states:
“Effective August 25, 2021 the hotel will no longer be associated with Marriott, but will continue normal operations as the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa and your reservation will be honored. If you would like to keep your existing redemption reservation at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa (former Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay) no action is required.”
This is great that they are honoring reservations and not canceling reservations made with points. This is not always the case when hotels leave a chain and become an independent property — or part of another chain.
Unfortunately though, the big draw to staying at this property was the benefits I’d receive from having lifetime Platinum status. Additionally, for paid reservations or all incidentals charged to the room, Bonvoy points and Elite night credits will not be earned. Marriott gift certificates will also not be accepted.
As of now, I am still keeping my reservation at the property, although I do hope that the new owners make some updates. I’ve heard the property is quite tired, but the low number of points is worth it to me. With that being said, I still might look elsewhere to reap some benefits with my status.
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I stayed here in march, property is a little run down but it still felt like a good use of certs. Which had been stacking up during covid. Got upgraded to ocean front rooms which was cool. We were also able to get connecting rooms with our kids.
Sorry we’re losing them… The kids love the swimming pool probably the best on the Big Island. Rooms are small. Ask for room number 1234
One of the best rooms in the hotel
That’s a bummer. I think the only other Marriott 35k or less property in Hawaii is the crappy run-down Sheraton Princess on Oahu.
I have March 2022 nights booked on Cat 5 (35k) certificates. The Marriot email was unclear about how certificates or points would cover the Outrigger reservation, so I reached out to the Sheraton Kona front desk. Their response is that the certificates would be returned and instead they will withdraw points! What?!
That is not good. I had managed to use my relatively restrictive certificates, and now Marriott is going to reverse this and take the more flexible points instead? Not acceptable.
I am trying to get clarification from Marriott before Aug 21, but they are slow to respond. The call-in reps have no say in this, and only tell me that Marriott will email me in 3 – 6 business days. Almost out of time.
Anyone else have info on this?
Resolved. Marriott clarified that a certificate booking will remain as such.