Aulani- Studio vs Hotel Room

[bunny]

I just changed my end of June booking to a hotel room from a studio. I needed to change the week due to a family reunion anyway. I know the hotel room will not have the kitchenette, but on the plus side we will have two queen beds. Are there any other differences? Are the hotel rooms larger? Can I fit a twin air mattress any where in the hotel room? My boys hate to sleep together. Thanks!

 

[drusba]

The hotel room is a little larger, 382 sq ft v 368 for the studio, and Disney's picture of the hotel room certainly makes it appear you could fit a twin air mattress http://resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort/accommodations/standard-room/

 

[LisaT91403]

I just changed my end of June booking to a hotel room from a studio. I needed to change the week due to a family reunion anyway. I know the hotel room will not have the kitchenette, but on the plus side we will have two queen beds. Are there any other differences? Are the hotel rooms larger? Can I fit a twin air mattress any where in the hotel room? My boys hate to sleep together. Thanks!

In the hotel, you get housekeeping service twice per day (regular service in the morning, and then turn down service at night). You do not get turn down service in the villas.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Since the hotel rooms being discussed are now DVC rooms I'm guessing there won't be daily maid service nor turn down unless some mistake were to happen.

 

[LisaT91403]

Since the hotel rooms being discussed are now DVC rooms I'm guessing there won't be daily maid service nor turn down unless some mistake were to happen.

Sorry, I should have realized that points were being used. My mistake

Mistakes do happen, though. We stayed in the villas a year ago, and had housekeeping on one of the days we weren't supposed to. Then on our trip this past November, we had turn down service one night (even though we were in the villas).

Enjoy!

 

[sweet angel]

I just noticed yesterday that they have point values assigned on the DVC site for Aulani hotel rooms, as well as the regular DVC units. The point values are lower. Aside from the bed configuration and lack of kitchenette (assuming this is the case?), what is the difference? Do you still get free parking if you've booked that on points? I have no problem going and buying a cheap coffee pot to save some points!!

 

[Cinderpamela]

I just noticed yesterday that they have point values assigned on the DVC site for Aulani hotel rooms, as well as the regular DVC units. The point values are lower. Aside from the bed configuration and lack of kitchenette (assuming this is the case?), what is the difference? Do you still get free parking if you've booked that on points? I have no problem going and buying a cheap coffee pot to save some points!!

When they converted the first floor grand villa into a counter service dining location Aulani had to offer more rooms for DVC, thus there is now a "hotel room" DVC booking category. It is only on some of the hotel rooms, and those rooms are only in the "standard view" category.

If you are booking with DVC points you should still get the DVC parking perks of free self parking.

Here is the list of whats included in the room from the DVC website:
Standard view (includes either a view of the parking lot or parking garage from the room or balcony).
Sleeps up to 4
2 queen-size beds.
•Coffee maker (pod style)
•Tea kettle
•Small refrigerator
•DVD player
•Full bathroom

 

[sweet angel]

Good to know...thanks!

 

[CailinFig]

When they converted the first floor grand villa into a counter service dining location Aulani had to offer more rooms for DVC, thus there is now a "hotel room" DVC booking category. It is only on some of the hotel rooms, and those rooms are only in the "standard view" category. If you are booking with DVC points you should still get the DVC parking perks of free self parking. Here is the list of whats included in the room from the DVC website: Standard view (includes either a view of the parking lot or parking garage from the room or balcony). Sleeps up to 4 2 queen-size beds. •Coffee maker (pod style) •Tea kettle •Small refrigerator •DVD player •Full bathroom

Just FYI, although the website states 2 queen beds for that category we received a King with a pull out couch. We preferred the King anyway so not a problem for us.

 

[sweet angel]

Just FYI, although the website states 2 queen beds for that category we received a King with a pull out couch. We preferred the King anyway so not a problem for us.

That's better yet! I was weighing pros and cons of 2 queens (we have king at home and like our space) vs. seating. That takes care of that issue. Now, to determine if we could deal with "standard" view.

 

[CailinFig]

That's better yet! I was weighing pros and cons of 2 queens (we have king at home and like our space) vs. seating. That takes care of that issue. Now, to determine if we could deal with "standard" view.

We stayed in a pool view 1 bedroom for part of the time (506). It was really nice because you could see everything going on and we pretty much had an ocean view too. The hotel standard had a view of the parking lot concealed by some trees (533). We had an ocean view studio the first time we went...it was too high for my taste (14xx) but still lovely to look at the ocean and pool area.

If you have the points and it's your first time visiting, I think the other views are worth it.

 

[sweet angel]

Thanks. We had an oceanview studio last time, so if we did standard I wouldn't feel like I was missing out. It WAS nice having breakfast out on the balcony though!

 

[topsy]

Does anyone know where the DVC hotel rooms are located? I think we're leaning towards booking one of these but would prefer to be a little higher up in terms of which floor we're on.

 

[Girimama33]

When they converted the first floor grand villa into a counter service dining location Aulani had to offer more rooms for DVC, thus there is now a "hotel room" DVC booking category. It is only on some of the hotel rooms, and those rooms are only in the "standard view" category.

If you are booking with DVC points you should still get the DVC parking perks of free self parking.

Here is the list of whats included in the room from the DVC website:
Standard view (includes either a view of the parking lot or parking garage from the room or balcony).
Sleeps up to 4
2 queen-size beds.
•Coffee maker (pod style)
•Tea kettle
•Small refrigerator
•DVD player
•Full bathroom

Pam,
When they say "pod style" coffee maker,do you know if it is a Keurig or the filter bag style?

 

[Cinderpamela]

Does anyone know where the DVC hotel rooms are located? I think we're leaning towards booking one of these but would prefer to be a little higher up in terms of which floor we're on.

From the reports back that I have seen posted, the highest I can recall someone getting was 5th floor, so in that case, they can be anywhere from the 1st through 5th looking out onto the parking lot area. If I recall correctly the Hotel Room category rooms are in the Wainaea Tower, I am pretty sure that's what I saw "wdrl" post over on the "Aulani Villas and Views" thread.


Girimama33- I assumed that it was a Keurig, but I don't know for sure... hopefully someone who has stayed in that category can reply.

I keep hoping someone will post pictures in the "views" thread of some of the new Aulani DVC Hotel category rooms soon!

 

[Pixie_Dust]

The hotel standard had a view of the parking lot concealed by some trees (533). We had an ocean view studio the first time we went...it was too high for my taste (14xx) but still lovely to look at the ocean and pool area.

If you have the points and it's your first time visiting, I think the other views are worth it.

This is why we chose the studio over the hotel, so we could get an ocean view! Looking forward to our first time there this September I didn't want to make all the effort and expense to go there and have a view of a parking lot, lol.

In the hotel, you get housekeeping service twice per day (regular service in the morning, and then turn down service at night). You do not get turn down service in the villas.

I hope the view compensates for the lack of daily room service plus being slightly smaller than the hotel room. On the plus side, the studio has a microwave and mini fridge, is that right?

 

[Anal Annie]

When they converted the first floor grand villa into a counter service dining location Aulani had to offer more rooms for DVC, thus there is now a "hotel room" DVC booking category. It is only on some of the hotel rooms, and those rooms are only in the "standard view" category.

If you are booking with DVC points you should still get the DVC parking perks of free self parking.

Here is the list of whats included in the room from the DVC website:
Standard view (includes either a view of the parking lot or parking garage from the room or balcony).
Sleeps up to 4
2 queen-size beds.
•Coffee maker (pod style)
•Tea kettle
•Small refrigerator
•DVD player
•Full bathroom

But the DVC villas still have like a regular Mr. Coffee style coffee pot tho, right? The pod ones are only in the hotel rooms aren't they??

 

[DenLo]

In the hotel, you get housekeeping service twice per day (regular service in the morning, and then turn down service at night). You do not get turn down service in the villas.

Are you sure you get the daily maid service if using DVC points for a hotel room at Aulani? If the room is labeled as a DVC room, I doubt you will be eligible for daily housekeeping.

 

[Cinderpamela]

But the DVC villas still have like a regular Mr. Coffee style coffee pot tho, right? The pod ones are only in the hotel rooms aren't they??

yes the DVC units still have the regular coffee pots with the exception of the new DVC Standard Hotel Room category.

Are you sure you get the daily maid service if using DVC points for a hotel room at Aulani? If the room is labeled as a DVC room, I doubt you will be eligible for daily housekeeping.

My understanding is that if you are using DVC points to book the new DVC room category "DVC Standard Hotel Room" then you get the same trash and towel ect. service as any other DVC unit.... not the everyday maid service of the regular cash hotel rooms. So if you are paying cash out of pocket for a DVC room or suite you get daily housekeeping. If you are using DVC points to book it then you get the standard DVC housekeeping.

If you are wondering/confused about how the DVC housekeeping works I like how Davids DVC Rentals explains it on his FAQ page:

Can I get daily housekeeping?
Trash and Towel service is included in all stays of more than four days. If your stay is for less than eight nights, you will receive Trash & Towel service on day four. If your stay is for eight nights or longer, you will receive a full cleaning service on day four, and Trash & Towel service on day eight. After that, the cycle begins again on day twelve. Day one is check-in day. Daily housekeeping can be arranged and paid for at time of check-in. The following rates are subject to change:

Additional Full Cleaning Rates:
Studio - $30.00 for each day requested
One-Bedroom - $45.00 for each day requested
Two-Bedroom - $60.00 for each day requested
Three-Bedroom - $75.00 for each day requested

Additional Trash & Towel Rates:
Studio - $15.00 for each day requested
One-Bedroom - $20.00 for each day requested
Two-Bedroom - $25.00 for each day requested
Three-Bedroom - $35.00 for each day requested