Another Aulani Question!

[ToodlesRN]

Were looking to book in April 2015 and it the availability is pretty much wide open
I booked the Island view, but pool side and OV is wide open as well. If I make the right request and fingers crossed it happens I know we will be happy. But with a few more points should I just book PV or OV and then request a high room? Im a point saver as I always have a disney trip up my sleeve and prefer not use all/most of my points at one resort.

We like balconies with good views of the land, ocean and pools but not views of other balconies straight across from us and guest staring at each other! I like to sit on the balconies when the kids are sleeping and enjoy the quietness. That is the one of the reason why I picked the Island/garden view.

Any advice would be great! I did look through the main thread of views etc..

 

[Aurora1959]

I'm sure everyone will have their favorite room/view. But let me break down your last statement.

We like balconies with good views of the land, ocean and pools but not views of other balconies straight across from us and guest staring at each other!

The best for that is of course a grand villa.

I like to sit on the balconies when the kids are sleeping and enjoy the quietness.

Pool view can get noisy, not sure about from 5th floor up. We were on the 4th floor right above the little kids area. Every time the canoe fills with water it makes a sound and dumps. With the slider's open, taking full advantage of the cool breeze, we knew every time it dumped. Of course, once about 7-8 pm rolled around, that's all closed and it was rather peaceful.

However, it wouldn't go with your first preference, cause you can see across the pool to the other lanai's

That is the one of the reason why I picked the Island/garden view.

I was told by our DVC rep there (blanked on his name - sorry) - that the quietest is the side overlooking the conference center & rental pickup. There is a small grass area but it's not frequented by anyone. I suppose if a conference is being held, there could be noisy times. We met another couple on our last trip, they were staying in one of those rooms and loved it. They could sit and watch the sun rise, and when the sun set, it wasn't glaring into the room. I'm also told that you can request to be over there.

Now, we've also stayed in a grand villa and we are doing it again, only because of family size on the next trip.

The cons I quickly learned was that while the sunset is beautiful, and pretty much unobstructed, we couldn't open up all the draperies. So it was either, full sun and soak it up, or turn the room into a cave to watch tv. I don't know if the other rooms that face the sunset have the same issue. We were in room 901, and it was a beautiful view of the ocean. We were there the first week of June, and it was also a bit too warm in the late afternoon to just sit on the lanai. I'm considering changing the reservation to a 2-bedroom + a studio for my parents.

 

[ToodlesRN]

Carrie,
Thanks for the reply back!! Im used to having a ocean view/front when were in Waikiki! It sounds like the grand villas are the only way to go for a complete OV, but way too many points that I want to use!! My next room on the list is something with a land/garden/pool/ocean view for just the right amount of points! I don't want to fly all the way to Hawaii and have a view of a structure!!

 

[ToodlesRN]

Duplicate

 

[Girimama33]

We stayed in an IV 2 bedroom in July. We requested a room in the long wing Ewa Tower, high floor, overlooking the Halawai Lawn. We had a view of the ocean to the right from the balcony and were able to watch the Starlit Hui and Ohana Movies from our balcony.

If you like to save points, this would be where I would request if booking IV. We loved it, and were hardly in the room anyway.

 

[cedricandsophie]

We have been here three times. Going back in may 2015. Using our DVC points. We get a one bedroom ocean view at 50 points a night and stay 10 days. We always request Ewe building above 9th floor and in the 50 to 52 room number area. Great view of ocean and entire pool. Also get a view of rolling hills and ocean when looking opposite direction. We like being right above Ollieo room...sorry about spelling...to listen to music from our lanai every nite. Never had a problem getting room we wanted. We have points at aulani among other resorts and in April or may never have a problem getting a villa of our choice. I prefer 2 bedroom with 4 people to avoid sharing a bathroom but the 20 extra points per night make it a little too pricey points wise.

 

[slowly]

The points are always the dilema especially if you don't have that many. That is why cedricandsophie are my HEROs! They are will to spend 500 points on what makes them happy and have no quams about it. Now to reality and making the points stretch. It comes down to what you are willing to sacrifice. After staying at Aulani many times, since we live here, the OV is some what overrated on some floors because the OV is at an angle depending on what side of the resort you are staying in. Another words you have maybe viewing the poolside or the other hotels near by with the ocean 90 degrees depending on high your floor is. I've stayed at IV rooms which were better than some OV rooms I stayed in based on how high the fl was.

Honestly, we love Aulani so much it doesn't matter to us. There are rooms that face the conference side of the resort and if I traveled across the ocean to get here I would be pissed but since we live here it's minor. My suggestion is get there as early as possible and tell the front desk what area of the resort and the highest floor possible is and that you want it based on what catergory you booked! I've even told the front desk to give me the first available in any category even though we booked an OV to get in a room since we cook in the rooms. In addition, I know a tourist would appreciate it more than we would. There are places all around the resort and along the lagoons to get that view in peace. It comes down to how many points you are willing to use for your happiness. Just ask cedricandsophie!

 

[Anal Annie]

We were just there in August and had an IV studio - I had requested a high floor in the long wing of the Ewa tower hoping for a glimpse of the ocean but did not get it as the resort was at capacity when we arrived. I have posted a few pics in my trip report. I did not take any looking DOWN as that was of the roof / deck of the valet parking garage. Looking straight out it was a true view of the island. It was very quiet on that side. I would have preferred to have been in the long wing tho so I was a little disappointed...BUT if that's all we have the points for then I would book it again (we also try to maximize our points to get more trips). We spent very little time in the room. Not sure what the odds are to get the 5th floor for a poolview. Ocean view would be ideal if points are not an issue.