This post could get very long for a few reasons, but I will try to summarize as best as possible. I hesitated booking this hotel. In fact I booked a room, canceled, then re-booked last minute. Reviews were pretty good, but it was older and not right on the beach. So I was torn. Let me just say, I am RELIEVED I booked this property. I think all the reasons I was hesitant ended up being the reasons I loved it. From check in to check out …service was AMAZING! There was never an attempt to up-sell or upgrade anything or over-charge me for anything (which is rare these days). In fact, at check in I told them it was my birthday week. I had already booked an “ocean view” room…but she made sure I had an ocean view, on a high floor, with a view of the lagoon so that I could see the Friday Fireworks from my room. When I say “high floor” I mean she put us on the 25th floor…only 2 floors below the Penthouse. They gave us shells & guava juice to greet us. Not only that, but everything here runs like a well oiled machine. Which I think is a benefit of it being one of the older resorts. They give you coupons to redeem daily for water AND ICE CREAM…yes ICE CREAM DAILY! They provide you with cards to switch out beach towels daily. Oh and parking for valet is $45/daily (which is reasonable for the area), BUT at checkin they literally tell you there is parking all around and at the marina for much less ($1 day). Not only do they tell you this….THEY SHOW YOU A FREAKIN COLOR map to show you where else to park FOR LESS. They could have easily tried to just force their valet on us…NOPE it was pretty much encouraged that we use valet as a last resort. The rooms are spacious with a full kitchen in case you want to cook or re-heat food. This was probably one of the cleaner resorts/hotels I’ve stayed in recently. They give you Hawaiian Tropic products in the bathroom! The hallways, grounds, etc are always clean. I think because this is an older hotel…it gives more of an “exclusive” vibe because mostly older people and families stay here. It’s not a party hotel, and trust me…I love to party…but not where I’m laying my head on vacation. Also, it’s a residential complex so you have a mix of residents there as well. The customer service is great! From the front desk all the way up the rooftop restaurant (PESCA). One day I went to get my free ice cream and got a free pair of earrings too. The lady who was working that evening said she just “loves to give people things”. The hotel has a view of the beach & marina, but it’s not right on the beach if that’s what you are looking for. HOWEVER, you can literally walk out of the back of the hotel right to the beach at the Hilton property. So it gives you the access nearby to the beach without the ”overly crowded /so old it needs renovation” vibe that most of the beach hotels have. We stayed 8 days/7 nights and never had an issue with anything breaking, leaking, not working, etc. Oh AND we had a super late flight leaving out …and they even gave us a comp extended late checkout so we didn’t have to store our bags or find somewhere to waste hours. The only downside is that this hotel is right next to Hilton Village. There was a strike. So the employees were striking from 6am-10pm EVERY SINGLE DAY OF OUR TRIP. It was so annoying because since they had given me a high floor ocean view room…we were awaken every day at 6am with yelling, chanting, banging drums, bullhorns, etc. TO BE CLEAR….This is in no way the fault of the Illikai. They were subject to the non-sense simply as a result of being next door to Hilton. However, I will say that if you think that is something that will ruin your trip….consider staying elsewhere until the hotel union issues are resolved. That’s literally the only thing causing 4stars vs 5 is its proximity to Hilton and their shenanigans. As a loyal Hilton Honors member…I’m HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED at how Hilton is handling this for their guests, employees & neighbors. Needless to say….Illikai not only met but exceeded my expectations! MAHALO