This resort has a nice oceanfront location in downtown Kona. Of the three buildings, the Lagoon Building is the quietest in terms of human activity. Because of the layout of the building, most rooms have a view of the ocean. (Of course, just because you can see the ocean doesn’t mean it’s a good view.) Connecting rooms are only at corners of the buildings. The rooms improved after some renovations in 2021 (they look modern, though they feel a bit stark), but the bathrooms didn’t get upgraded. There’s no beach here, but you do have a saltwater lagoon to swim in next to the Lagoon Tower.
We prefer the other big downtown Kona hotel—Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. However, the Royal Kona staff is very attentive. Their “Romance Center” is exceptionally helpful if you’re in need of wedding (or wedding-related) assistance. Even if you aren’t staying here, stop by on Thursday nights when Don’s Mai Tai Bar has live local music. The well-known, over-the-water bar has featured some of Hawaii’s favorite musicians over the years and offers a great ocean view along with umbrella’d cocktails.
Rooms are 337–450 sq. ft., deluxe rooms are 598–1,348 sq. ft. (Every room is a “deluxe” room here, even a “deluxe standard,” whatever that means.)
75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona