Aulani cabana vs room on check out day

[DVCTigger]

The post regarding cabanas and the fact that the lounge is restricted on check out day has us thinking........DH mentioned that he would be willing to use points for a cabana if that option was available. That got me thinking, if he would be willing to use points, why not just get the room for one more night, just check out that evening? That way we have the room during the day and a place to get ready before we head out to the airport.
So I guess what I'm wondering is, what have others thought about the limited use of the lounge on check out day? What are your opinions on having a room vs not on check out day. Our flight doesn't leave until 10:30pm, so we would want to stay at Aulani until 8-8:30. This would be a Sunday night early September. Any opinions are welcome! TIA

 

[Anal Annie]

The post regarding cabanas and the fact that the lounge is restricted on check out day has us thinking........DH mentioned that he would be willing to use points for a cabana if that option was available. That got me thinking, if he would be willing to use points, why not just get the room for one more night, just check out that evening? That way we have the room during the day and a place to get ready before we head out to the airport.
So I guess what I'm wondering is, what have others thought about the limited use of the lounge on check out day? What are your opinions on having a room vs not on check out day. Our flight doesn't leave until 10:30pm, so we would want to stay at Aulani until 8-8:30. This would be a Sunday night early September. Any opinions are welcome! TIA

Someone else pointed out on another thread (about the cabanas) that they cost ALMOST as much as just getting a room for the day. They seem very over priced now (IMO). It would be nice if they had a daily rate (for the rooms)...

 

[Cinderpamela]

That is an interesting idea DVC Tigger.... it would be something to compare and see if its worth it.

Either points or even paying cash vs. what you could get with a Cabana Rental. At least with a hotel room you have access to a shower and bathroom if you were leaving late.

The one hastle might be switching rooms and being in room limbo for the afternoon. We switched rooms mid stay and Bell services just came and got our luggage and then brought it up to our new room when it was ready... was very easy... if your leaving late enough it might be worth it.

On our last day we did not fly out until 9:30pm so we were poolside at the resort until around 5pm when we headed to the lounge to get cleaned up. The line for the 2 showers already had 3 people in front of me. It took a while for them to get showered and toweled dry and clear the shower before it was my turn.

This was at a really busy time of year (Christmas) so the crowd could be less if you are there during a less busy season. One thought if you wanted to go the cash route would be to wait until the day of check out and if the lounge is hectic then go to the front desk and see about getting a room for cash.... just a thought. I just think you may not have as much of a crowd in September.

 

[DVCTigger]

We figured out that the points that we would use (23 for a pool view studio), will cost us approx $115 in maintenance fees. The cabana would be around $300 for the day, with still no shower except for the lounge. The advantage of having a room is very tempting. We can use the room, shower, kitchenette, and use our room/charging card all the way through the very end of our stay. Not to mention we will not have to pack up and get bags to bell services and not have easy access to them, and have the safe to keep our valuables. We have pretty much talked ourselves into using the extra points and really finish our stay comfortably.

 

[Cinderpamela]

You know they now have the DVC "standard hotel room" category for a few points less.... 17 pts.... than a DVC studio too so that may be a good option.

 

[DVCTigger]

You know they now have the DVC "standard hotel room" category for a few points less.... 17 pts.... than a DVC studio too so that may be a good option.

I did notice that, and actually made that suggestion. But DH said he would rather spend the extra 6 points and stay in our room. Not have to worry about changing rooms. It would be a different story if we were in a bigger villa!

 

[cinjam]

We are doing exactly that for our April visit. We are headed home on a flight Sunday evening that leaves at 9pm. We are keeping the room through Monday. I love the idea of having the room at my disposal for the day (bathroom, shower napping, etc)

 

[DVCTigger]

We are doing exactly that for our April visit. We are headed home on a flight Sunday evening that leaves at 9pm. We are keeping the room through Monday. I love the idea of having the room at my disposal for the day (bathroom, shower napping, etc)

You will have to let us know what you think! We think this is a great idea, enjoy your stay!

 

[myty5]

Great idea

 

[Fuhnuh]

We always book a cabana instead of a room on our last day, but we also always go back to Waikiki between 4-6. I think I would rather have the room if I had a late flight.

 

[DVCTigger]

We did it......added one night to our reservations! It will be a nice relaxing last day that we can enjoy! Won't have to check out until about 8:30pm