Aulani Studio OV vs One Bedroom PV

[cindyzig]

We currently have a deluxe studio ocean view reserved for 10 days at the end of January at Aulani. It is me, my husband, and our 7 year old son staying in the room. We are starting to think we might like a one bedroom better, but the one bedroom ocean view rooms are booked. We went on a wait list, but we were thinking we might stay the first 4 nights in the ocean view studio and then move to a one bedroom pool view for the last 6 nights. The one bedroom pool view is available without a wait list for the last 6 days. We have looked at the pictures of views from the rooms in the view thread.

I was wondering if anyone had opinions on the one bedroom pool view room. Is the extra room and kitchen worth leaving a studio with an ocean view in your opinion?

Thanks!

 

[bethy]

We have stayed in both and for us YES, the extra space is sooo worth it and the pool view is still delightful - often with the ocean visible in the distance. The studios are very small there. Even if it were just me and my DH I'd prefer a one bedroom especially for that long. But with kids, the extra bedroom and overall space would be absolutely priceless for more than about 2 nights.

But we like our space a LOT and it's why we bought DVC. We spend a lot of time in our room.

Also, even if you prefer not to cook very often you might find you need to at Aulani - especially since you are staying for so long. There are not all that many eating options and even if money were no object I couldn't eat every single meal there for 10 days. So for me the kitchen is very helpful.

 

[cindyzig]

We have stayed in both and for us YES, the extra space is sooo worth it and the pool view is still delightful - often with the ocean visible in the distance. The studios are very small there. Even if it were just me and my DH I'd prefer a one bedroom especially for that long. But with kids, the extra bedroom and overall space would be absolutely priceless for more than about 2 nights.

But we like our space a LOT and it's why we bought DVC. We spend a lot of time in our room.

Also, even if you prefer not to cook very often you might find you need to at Aulani - especially since you are staying for so long. There are not all that many eating options and even if money were no object I couldn't eat every single meal there for 10 days. So for me the kitchen is very helpful.

That was VERY helpful! We were also thinking we would like the washer/dryer in the room too rather than having to go to a laundry area. Thanks again!

 

[bethy]

Goodness! How could I have forgot to mention the W/D? Those are priceless too, especially for a vacation that's longer than about 5 days. Because it's a beach vacation you can pack SUPER light if you have a W/D in the room. So nice!

 

[Sir William]

We have stayed in both and for us YES, the extra space is sooo worth it and the pool view is still delightful - often with the ocean visible in the distance. The studios are very small there. Even if it were just me and my DH I'd prefer a one bedroom especially for that long. But with kids, the extra bedroom and overall space would be absolutely priceless for more than about 2 nights.

But we like our space a LOT and it's why we bought DVC. We spend a lot of time in our room.

Also, even if you prefer not to cook very often you might find you need to at Aulani - especially since you are staying for so long. There are not all that many eating options and even if money were no object I couldn't eat every single meal there for 10 days. So for me the kitchen is very helpful.

Completely agree. Our last stay was a pool view and we liked it. We've had an ocean view elsewhere and while nice don't find it essential. We also like the kitchen, and the washer/dryer that the 1 bdrm provides.

I also like having the bedroom separate as DW likes to sleep in while I get up early, so I can sit on the lanai and read, and maybe even fix some breakfast, while she sleeps.

 

[cindyzig]

Completely agree. Our last stay was a pool view and we liked it. We've had an ocean view elsewhere and while nice don't find it essential. We also like the kitchen, and the washer/dryer that the 1 bdrm provides.

I also like having the bedroom separate as DW likes to sleep in while I get up early, so I can sit on the lanai and read, and maybe even fix some breakfast, while she sleeps.

Good to know! I really like hearing from those that have already stayed in one of the pool view rooms. We plan on being out and about much of the time since our 7 year old is very active, so we won't be looking at the view from the room as much. In fact, we expect him to want to be on the beach much of that time or in the pools.

I like sitting on the lanai with a cup of coffee while the rest of the world sleeps in our previous trips to Maui. I wake up with the sun, and my husband and son usually sleep a little later.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Carrie in AZ]

We have stayed in both a studio and one bedroom. With kids along, I would choose a one bedroom every single time for the space, kitchen, washer dryer AND that second TV! We all like TV in our family, having one for the kids and one for us is more relaxing. You are going to be there a long while, I would go for the one bedroom. You will not regret it! I am excited for you, Aulani and Oahu are amazing!

 

[DenLo]

I would never spend extra points for a larger room (1BR versus studio) if I did not need the extra space due to the number of guests in a room. Staying more nights is more important to my family. As to having a washer and dryer in the room, we often did the laundry while sitting pool side, just running back inside to take the dried items up to the room.

However, cindyzig mentions that they would be downgrading from Ocean View to Pool View and they would be saving points by downgrading so that savings could offset much of the expense of switching to a 1 BR. It could be a wash. And it might be convenient to have a separate room for the baby to sleep in for naps.

 

[shelly3girls]

I personally would go for the bigger room over view. We had an island Gardenview and loved it. The size of the one bedrooms are very nice and having the kitchen and washer and dryer are ideal. We are a family of five so maybe it is different for us but I just do not think I would want to give up those benefits being there 10 days. I do not like to cook but there is no way that I could eat out every meal for 10 days straight especially at Hawaii prices.

 

[cedricandsophie]

Been to Aulani three times and going again in April. The one bedroom is wonderful. Even without an ocean view if you request the Ewe building, a lower floor, closer to the lobby, you can sit on lanai and listen to music at night from the Ohana room. We always get a one bedroom on the 9th floor or above because it is ocean view and you can still hear the music.

 

[cindyzig]

I appreciate all of the great input on this question! We ended up booking 4 of the 10 days in the Studio OV and then we move to the 1 bedroom Poolside View for the last 6 days. We didn't have enough points to be in the 1 bedroom for the full 10 days. I think we will be happy with the decision and once we have four days in close quarters, we will be able to spread out.

I am not planning on cooking a lot, but we had a 1 bedroom at Kidani in October, and I made simple breakfasts, mac and cheese, and had the big refrigerator the whole time. I wondered on that trip if we would feel some pain moving to a studio for this trip.

I really am beside myself with excitement as we leave in 24 days. Yay!

 

[VallCopen]

Your going to love it!!! We just got back and we had an ocean view but only got the 6th floor but it was still great, maybe you'll be blessed with the 5th floor when you get your pool view. We also had an island view one night and it was nice with a view of the ocean and starlit hui. Enjoy.