Visited the Marriott Vacation Club section of the property which is now shared with the Royal Sonesta Hotel. As long time Vacation Club owners we have come to expect personalized service, numerous owner activities and a very welcoming atmosphere. Owners at this resort are now marginalized by the large scope of the Sonesta portion of the property and number of non Marriott guests. Would warn MVC owners to select a different property if they want the traditional MVC experience.
Countingcountries5c
As long you understand what you're getting, this is a great location. It is 5 minutes from the airport (occasional plane sightings and noise), but located on a quiet but not private lagoon. A few locals come by to surf or walk dogs. Never got crowded when we were there, pleasant to swim in the ocean or pool. Rooms are decently updated, bed comfy (although we did not use the pulldown). It served as a good spot for us to explore the whole island and still be home by dark, and also to just relax on a lounge chair for the day. Also 5 minute drive from Costco and Safeway if you don't need/want to eat out every meal. Had a very nice massage from Edwin. As others have noted, the attached hotel was sold to Royal Sonesta earlier this year. The Marriott Beach Club is a timeshare property, but does rent out rooms through the Marriott website, although those are still not Marriott “hotel” rooms subject to Marriott points/rewards. Basically, most the of the rooms are optionally attached (a “guest room” will have a mini fridge and be like a standard hotel room; a “parlor” is like a studio with kitchenette (no cooktop, only microwaves, sink, dishwasher and fridge; but dishes etc are provided) and a Murphy bed only; a 1 bed 2 bath villa will be a “guest room” adjoining a “parlor” (remember not to close the adjoining doors with both keys on the other side!); 2-bed villa have 2 “guest room' bedrooms and a “parlor ”); They might joke this is the worst timeshare in the MVCI portfolio, as it was converted from an old hotel, does have smaller rooms and no full kitchen, but even as an experienced timeshare traveler I was not disappointed by much - maybe the confusion about parking before check-in and the wait to check in, and yes if you want the vouchers you’ll sit thru the timeshare pitch, but you dont have to, and if you want to leave after your 90 min, do so. Occasional issues with the wi-fi, but never lasted long. no lifeguards if that’s important to you. 3 of the 5 hot tubs are swim up only, which is slightly silly to me, as i dont want to get cold again after a relaxing soak. even with it being a sort of indoor/outdoor hotel, everyone was good about masking in appropriate areas. wish the gym had yoga mats.
BOWILEY28
The first thing to know there are two properties here. Marriot Timeshare and Sonesta Hotel. There are two different check-in locations but good directions. This also is not a Marriott Hotel. A little research would provided a traveler this information. We had a one bedroom ocean front. The new renovations/decor is quite good. The larger refrigerator is a great upgrade. The units do not have a full kitchen but microwave and all the utensils. Walk to restaurants and ABC store. Great beach wonderful pool 5 hot tubs. Beautiful grounds. We love the resort.
John M
We just finished 7 nights at this resort and loved it. I have read the recent poor reviews and could not disagree more. We booked here after covid caused cancelations at St.Kitts and Aruba and we booked through Interval International. We are Marriott owners and have stayed at other resorts in Aruba, Oahu, Maui and Kauai. I was concerned because of the mixed reviews and because of booking through Interval instead of directly through Marriott. But our experience was outstanding. I corresponded with hotel staff ahead of time providing my preferred room location and such and the room provided was an excellent ocean front 1br unit with a separate lockoff. It was very comfortable and quiet with a great bed and small kitchen that only lacked a cook top. Every staff member that we spoke with was polite and courteous and helpful. There are a handful of restaurants and an abc store within walking distance but it would still be beneficial to have a car rental if you want to see the rest of the beautiful island. We would most definitely stay here again.
mike h
Stayed one night after arriving later in the day as the property is close to the airport. Property has split in 2 with the Sonesta running a hotel and Marriott running a timeshare. Location is not truly oceanfront, more like a bay behind a breakwater that also houses a small harbor and dock with containers that can be seen from your room. Check in was professional, but wait in line was subpar. As many others have written, don't expect any Marriott benefits regardless of level at a timeshare property. This is a huge miss on Marriott's part, but fairly standard across the system. (cant give a 2 hr late checkout after having spent thousands of $'s with Marriott over the years?) Room was small (converted hotel room from the 70's?), but well decorated and clean. Bathroom was tiny. Had a quick massage at the spa which was very nice. Net - good for 1 night before/after a flight. I would not recommend building my trip around this property.
Nate Rose
The sushi is not good! It’s not fresh, the hamachi was white, tough, and fishy tasting. The ahi was okay, and their rolls are meh. You’re better off eating sushi from a supermarket. ?
66nater
The sushi was not good. The Hamachi was tough and fishy (not pink or translucent at all) the ahi was ok, and their rolls are meh. No real flavor or value. You’re better off getting supermarket sushi at Safeway.
876leighm
The bar for sushi should be high in Hawaii. I’ve had fabulous sushi on various Hawaiian islands. This isn’t it. There are a few rolls along the lines of a California roll. The flavor is akin to crab salad made from a can. Nothing original or creative. We had no interaction with the sushi chef. My home town of Sausalito has Sushi Ran, which sets the bar very high. This is a two star sushi spot which equated to why bother.
John H
Toro Tei is a sushi bar that is colocated with Kukui's, the main restaurant at the Marriott at Kalapaki. It is off to the side and if you sit at the bar, it seems really like a separate establishment. You can also sit anywhere at Kukui's and order sushi but then you miss the experience of getting to know Bryce and, if you ask, seeing pictures of his toddler. TT does only sushi but everything else is available from Kukui's, including drinks, miso soup, desert or anything else on its menu. TT is open five days a week and run by Bryce who is very knowledgable and very skilled. Offerings range from standard nigiri and sashimi stuff to a variety of rolls of various kinds. It's not way out there as are some sushi restaurants today but there is good variety in the rolls and Bryce will make you other stuff if you ask and he has what it takes. The key to any sushi restaurant is the quality of the ingredients and TT's are absolutely at the top of the chart. Stands to reason that a sushi bar in the middle of the Pacific ocean should have access to great fish and they certainly do. As other reviews have suggested, they don't have fifty different kinds of seafood on offer but I would rather have the ten they do have as long as they are world class quality, which they are. And Bryce's creativity can do a lot of different things with what they do have so you won't be bored unless you want to be. I was there two nights ago and, after ordering a beer and a bowl of miso soup from Kukui's, I just asked Bryce to serve me whatever he thought I should be eating. (First time I have ever done that at a sushi restaurant but we have been going to TT for a while now.) The sashimi was to die for (ahi, hamachi, salmon and scallop) and then came three cone rolls, all three different and all three excellent. I would have kept going but I was stuffed. Kukui's is fine if you want to mix and match but, like most on-premises Marriott restaurants, it is determinedly middle of the road in terms of both quality and interest. (It's actually better than most Marriott restaurants but that doesn't make it great.) TT is a notable exception to the Marriott culinary experience. I highly recommend it for hotel and timeshare guests and it is worth a trip if you are not fortunate enough to be lodged just upstairs.
Yummy, fresh sushi. Located near the bar in Kukuis next to the pool at the Kauai Marriott Resort in Lihue. You can order at the counter, the bar or at Kukuis as well.
NickellFamilyTravel
toro tei is located inside the Marriot in Lihue. over by the pool. they have all outside dining. slightly covered if it is raining. you can eat at the bar, the sushi bar, or outside tables. They have everything you would want for a sushi bar. a few specialities, but otherwise all the basics, plus sake, beer or cocktails. nice conversations as well. Aloha
TRAVELINGCWS
We had a decent experience at Toro Tei which is at the Marriott within Kukui and only open for Dinner from Th thru Sat while we were in town. We had a few rolls, pot stickers and my wife the Toro Tei Special -shrimp, avocado, unagi, topped with crab mix and broiled) We enjoyed everything except the service was spotty and most important when they fried food in the fryer which appeared to be an after thought, it projected greasy fumes into the sushi bar seating area. I do not find this the kind of seating experience enjoyable. Don't site at the bar, sit at a table. Not a bad overall expereiece - I'd return again. There is a sushi spot across the street in the Harbor Mall if you are looking for Sushi when Toro Tei is closed - every day and most evenings.
Robert W
Once again this trip, we ate at Toro Tei more than once. While the menu doesn't have as many items as some others, the consistency in terms of both preparation and plating makes it our favorite. It is consistently fresh, correctly sliced and prepped to maximize both flavor and texture, always attractive plating. It's a little bit more expensive than some other places, but not bad for being a hotel based restaurant. We often opt for sashimi given the high grade of fish and consistent just-caught freshness. Add most pleasant staff and sushi chef, and one has a great dining experience.
SusanR365
How many sushi restaurants can boast that their chef has worked for them for over ten years? Bryce is skilled with the knife and knows his fish. Yes the selection is limited but delicious. Ask for suggestions based on what is on hand. The hand rolls are one of our favorites filled with spicy tuna, eel and other selections. The newer lobster roll topped with small fish eggs is yummy. The cold sakes are very tasty. Japanese beer is also available at very reasonable prices. We dine here twice every year we stay in our timeshare. See you next year!
Visited the Marriott Vacation Club section of the property which is now shared with the Royal Sonesta Hotel. As long time Vacation Club owners we have come to expect personalized service, numerous owner activities and a very welcoming atmosphere. Owners at this resort are now marginalized by the large scope of the Sonesta portion of the property and number of non Marriott guests. Would warn MVC owners to select a different property if they want the traditional MVC experience.
As long you understand what you're getting, this is a great location. It is 5 minutes from the airport (occasional plane sightings and noise), but located on a quiet but not private lagoon. A few locals come by to surf or walk dogs. Never got crowded when we were there, pleasant to swim in the ocean or pool. Rooms are decently updated, bed comfy (although we did not use the pulldown). It served as a good spot for us to explore the whole island and still be home by dark, and also to just relax on a lounge chair for the day. Also 5 minute drive from Costco and Safeway if you don't need/want to eat out every meal. Had a very nice massage from Edwin. As others have noted, the attached hotel was sold to Royal Sonesta earlier this year. The Marriott Beach Club is a timeshare property, but does rent out rooms through the Marriott website, although those are still not Marriott “hotel” rooms subject to Marriott points/rewards. Basically, most the of the rooms are optionally attached (a “guest room” will have a mini fridge and be like a standard hotel room; a “parlor” is like a studio with kitchenette (no cooktop, only microwaves, sink, dishwasher and fridge; but dishes etc are provided) and a Murphy bed only; a 1 bed 2 bath villa will be a “guest room” adjoining a “parlor” (remember not to close the adjoining doors with both keys on the other side!); 2-bed villa have 2 “guest room' bedrooms and a “parlor ”); They might joke this is the worst timeshare in the MVCI portfolio, as it was converted from an old hotel, does have smaller rooms and no full kitchen, but even as an experienced timeshare traveler I was not disappointed by much - maybe the confusion about parking before check-in and the wait to check in, and yes if you want the vouchers you’ll sit thru the timeshare pitch, but you dont have to, and if you want to leave after your 90 min, do so. Occasional issues with the wi-fi, but never lasted long. no lifeguards if that’s important to you. 3 of the 5 hot tubs are swim up only, which is slightly silly to me, as i dont want to get cold again after a relaxing soak. even with it being a sort of indoor/outdoor hotel, everyone was good about masking in appropriate areas. wish the gym had yoga mats.
The first thing to know there are two properties here. Marriot Timeshare and Sonesta Hotel. There are two different check-in locations but good directions. This also is not a Marriott Hotel. A little research would provided a traveler this information. We had a one bedroom ocean front. The new renovations/decor is quite good. The larger refrigerator is a great upgrade. The units do not have a full kitchen but microwave and all the utensils. Walk to restaurants and ABC store. Great beach wonderful pool 5 hot tubs. Beautiful grounds. We love the resort.
We just finished 7 nights at this resort and loved it. I have read the recent poor reviews and could not disagree more. We booked here after covid caused cancelations at St.Kitts and Aruba and we booked through Interval International. We are Marriott owners and have stayed at other resorts in Aruba, Oahu, Maui and Kauai. I was concerned because of the mixed reviews and because of booking through Interval instead of directly through Marriott. But our experience was outstanding. I corresponded with hotel staff ahead of time providing my preferred room location and such and the room provided was an excellent ocean front 1br unit with a separate lockoff. It was very comfortable and quiet with a great bed and small kitchen that only lacked a cook top. Every staff member that we spoke with was polite and courteous and helpful. There are a handful of restaurants and an abc store within walking distance but it would still be beneficial to have a car rental if you want to see the rest of the beautiful island. We would most definitely stay here again.
Stayed one night after arriving later in the day as the property is close to the airport. Property has split in 2 with the Sonesta running a hotel and Marriott running a timeshare. Location is not truly oceanfront, more like a bay behind a breakwater that also houses a small harbor and dock with containers that can be seen from your room. Check in was professional, but wait in line was subpar. As many others have written, don't expect any Marriott benefits regardless of level at a timeshare property. This is a huge miss on Marriott's part, but fairly standard across the system. (cant give a 2 hr late checkout after having spent thousands of $'s with Marriott over the years?) Room was small (converted hotel room from the 70's?), but well decorated and clean. Bathroom was tiny. Had a quick massage at the spa which was very nice. Net - good for 1 night before/after a flight. I would not recommend building my trip around this property.
The sushi is not good! It’s not fresh, the hamachi was white, tough, and fishy tasting. The ahi was okay, and their rolls are meh. You’re better off eating sushi from a supermarket. ?
The sushi was not good. The Hamachi was tough and fishy (not pink or translucent at all) the ahi was ok, and their rolls are meh. No real flavor or value. You’re better off getting supermarket sushi at Safeway.
The bar for sushi should be high in Hawaii. I’ve had fabulous sushi on various Hawaiian islands. This isn’t it. There are a few rolls along the lines of a California roll. The flavor is akin to crab salad made from a can. Nothing original or creative. We had no interaction with the sushi chef. My home town of Sausalito has Sushi Ran, which sets the bar very high. This is a two star sushi spot which equated to why bother.
Toro Tei is a sushi bar that is colocated with Kukui's, the main restaurant at the Marriott at Kalapaki. It is off to the side and if you sit at the bar, it seems really like a separate establishment. You can also sit anywhere at Kukui's and order sushi but then you miss the experience of getting to know Bryce and, if you ask, seeing pictures of his toddler. TT does only sushi but everything else is available from Kukui's, including drinks, miso soup, desert or anything else on its menu. TT is open five days a week and run by Bryce who is very knowledgable and very skilled. Offerings range from standard nigiri and sashimi stuff to a variety of rolls of various kinds. It's not way out there as are some sushi restaurants today but there is good variety in the rolls and Bryce will make you other stuff if you ask and he has what it takes. The key to any sushi restaurant is the quality of the ingredients and TT's are absolutely at the top of the chart. Stands to reason that a sushi bar in the middle of the Pacific ocean should have access to great fish and they certainly do. As other reviews have suggested, they don't have fifty different kinds of seafood on offer but I would rather have the ten they do have as long as they are world class quality, which they are. And Bryce's creativity can do a lot of different things with what they do have so you won't be bored unless you want to be. I was there two nights ago and, after ordering a beer and a bowl of miso soup from Kukui's, I just asked Bryce to serve me whatever he thought I should be eating. (First time I have ever done that at a sushi restaurant but we have been going to TT for a while now.) The sashimi was to die for (ahi, hamachi, salmon and scallop) and then came three cone rolls, all three different and all three excellent. I would have kept going but I was stuffed. Kukui's is fine if you want to mix and match but, like most on-premises Marriott restaurants, it is determinedly middle of the road in terms of both quality and interest. (It's actually better than most Marriott restaurants but that doesn't make it great.) TT is a notable exception to the Marriott culinary experience. I highly recommend it for hotel and timeshare guests and it is worth a trip if you are not fortunate enough to be lodged just upstairs.
Outstanding!
Restaurantji Recommends
Yummy, fresh sushi. Located near the bar in Kukuis next to the pool at the Kauai Marriott Resort in Lihue. You can order at the counter, the bar or at Kukuis as well.
toro tei is located inside the Marriot in Lihue. over by the pool. they have all outside dining. slightly covered if it is raining. you can eat at the bar, the sushi bar, or outside tables. They have everything you would want for a sushi bar. a few specialities, but otherwise all the basics, plus sake, beer or cocktails. nice conversations as well. Aloha
We had a decent experience at Toro Tei which is at the Marriott within Kukui and only open for Dinner from Th thru Sat while we were in town. We had a few rolls, pot stickers and my wife the Toro Tei Special -shrimp, avocado, unagi, topped with crab mix and broiled) We enjoyed everything except the service was spotty and most important when they fried food in the fryer which appeared to be an after thought, it projected greasy fumes into the sushi bar seating area. I do not find this the kind of seating experience enjoyable. Don't site at the bar, sit at a table. Not a bad overall expereiece - I'd return again. There is a sushi spot across the street in the Harbor Mall if you are looking for Sushi when Toro Tei is closed - every day and most evenings.
Once again this trip, we ate at Toro Tei more than once. While the menu doesn't have as many items as some others, the consistency in terms of both preparation and plating makes it our favorite. It is consistently fresh, correctly sliced and prepped to maximize both flavor and texture, always attractive plating. It's a little bit more expensive than some other places, but not bad for being a hotel based restaurant. We often opt for sashimi given the high grade of fish and consistent just-caught freshness. Add most pleasant staff and sushi chef, and one has a great dining experience.
How many sushi restaurants can boast that their chef has worked for them for over ten years? Bryce is skilled with the knife and knows his fish. Yes the selection is limited but delicious. Ask for suggestions based on what is on hand. The hand rolls are one of our favorites filled with spicy tuna, eel and other selections. The newer lobster roll topped with small fish eggs is yummy. The cold sakes are very tasty. Japanese beer is also available at very reasonable prices. We dine here twice every year we stay in our timeshare. See you next year!
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