A small group of us stayed at Royal Kona over new year and had a wonderful holiday. First impressions the hotel looks caught in a "time warp" - original 1967s. So this is not for those wanting a ritzy, refurbished hotel. However the front desk staff were always very helpful and tried their best at all times to look after us, with a smile and aloha! The location is only 2 mins from town, their is a very helpful expedia tour team always ready to help plan activities. The food at the hotel is much better than many of the local restaurants and good value. The bar staff were a big let down and didnt show the same level of service as the front desk team.
The Louau was great fun and suitable for the whole family. The rooms were large and clean. The bathrooms were tied but practical. The views are extraordinary from the ocean view rooms, the pool, restaurant and bar. Overall very good value for money hotel if you are happy with the furnishings (original 1967 Hawaiian)!

We've stayed at the Royal Kona every two years for the last decade. It is in a perfect location to take night strolls and enjoy some great breakfast restaurants. The grounds are very well kept, but our room could have had a little more TLC. If they would have taken a remodel of our room a little further, it would have made all the difference. Rooms we've had in the past have a granite countertop to place some of our odds and ends. This room was barren. Also, the hot water was scolding. It was impossible to control. Overall, we still love the Royal Kona because of all the memories there, but would love some simple improvements to make the hotel what it should be...paradise.

IT is truly a tacky, tacky tourist resort hotel. It reminds me of a old cruise ship that ran a ground. You get the same over priced, fast flung food + an old tired room (though a great ocean view) and yes, the same canned tourist events with paid Hawaiian dancer that attempt to show the audience a culture that was sold or stolen (it depends on the story teller) decades ago. We arrived here because we changed plans, arrived late and found our other desirable hotels full. It is a port in the storm but only if you have to find a place in a hurry - conditionally recommended.

Just returned from vacation, we knew from previous reviews the resort was in need of upgrading, but the price was right. We had a Corner King and the view we had everyday was so spectacular it was worth the stay. Michelle (from Oregon) checked us in, she was so friendly and informative, she really kick started our ALOHA welcome and spirit. Our only real complaint would be the bed comforter was clean but lumpy and 2 packs of coffee would be nice for the lazy morning wakeup enjoying the view. There was no computer access so we had to use an internet cafe, we didn't take our laptop so WiFi was of no use to us. The ocean view from the the bar and live music each night was very romantic. Yes, we would stay again, just know it isn't a first class resort.