Courtyard

A quick review of our recent stay at the North Shore Marriott Courtyard Laie, Hawaii on Oahu.

Beach access 50 yards from Hotel on NE side of Oahu

Resort Pool, hot tub, surf board checkout, pickle ball, snorkle gear, volley ball area are all available at little to no cost. Cabana are very reasonable as well.

Beautiful and well kept property (lobby area with activities desk, hula and lei lessons)

A good fitness center and laundry is available

The Polynesian Cultural Center is across the parking lot with plenty of restaurants. BYU University is a few blocks away as well.

Loaner bikes are helpful as there is a nice bike path along this part of the highway

Very Clean well-appointed rooms. They do lack balconies but good views all around.

Good WiFi and internet TV with Showtime on Demand, YouTube and Netflix

Pros of this property: Located on the NE end of Oahu close to the North Shore big wave and surfing areas. Close to BYU University and the Morman run Polynesian Cultural Center which is a big tourist draw. Beautiful tropical area. Away from the busy Honolulu areas.

Cons of this property: Points cost is high for Marriott and only likely to get worse with the devaluation move to dynamic awards. Cast price is about average for Oahu. A long drive to Pearl Harbor sites. Laie Hawaii is a “dry” town so no alcohol sales in this area. Most restaurants are closed on Sundays with the exception of the hotel Bistro and McDonald’s nearby.

The last time I stayed at this property Dick Cheney was VP. I know this because he was staying here at the same time on a campaign stop. I also remember this because when I checked in the front desk gave me the wrong key and I walked in on a secret service agent in his room, yikes.

Anyway this hotel has aged well. It’s one of the designs that has a small atrium in the lobby. It has a restaurant in the parking lot but is equipped with the Hyatt Place style bistro for breakfast, evening drinks and food. I like this but still feel that not having free breakfast,, even for elites, has long hampered Courtyard business traveler business. Sure many can expense this cost anyway but it is just more complicated than being able to grab a quick coffee or breakfast on the way out the door for most roadwarriors.

This hotel has a small in door pool, decent fitness room and clean rooms. I find the bathrooms a bit dated but spotless. This property is right off I-44 and near the Springfield Regional Airport. They have shuttle but a cab might be worth it to save time.