Turtle Bay Resort

My wife and son and I spent a week here end of March/early April. In November of 2023, my wife and son and other son and daughter-in-law and two grandchildren spent a week here. In both cases, my limited mobility meant I used a mobility scooter. This place gets a 12.5 outta 10 for location, 12.5 outta 10 for staff and at least a 9 outta 10 for most everything else. Now, because I use a mobility scooter I have a problem reaching door handles. And it is exceedingly difficult to use a bracelet on one hand to unlock a door and then use the other hand to push the door open for entry. A scooter perforce means the front of the scooter prevents the rider from reaching anything in front. Not a problem for one standing or in a chair. The common solution for the problem is a push plaque a short distance from the door; push the plaque ad the door then opens. I dealt with three of these. The one at The Club unlocked the door but it took too long to get to the door to open it before it locked again. Fortunately, most of the time there was an exceedingly pleasant woman who hurried to open the door.The one to our accessible room did not work at all. We let the front desk know. They sent a guy up who spent a great deal of time trying to fix it before he gave up and said they would need to talk to “the company.” The next morning another guy showed up. He finally gave up telling us that there was no power getting to the push plaque. The “manager” appeared during these efforts and assured us that all would be taken care of and they would do all they could to make our stay wonderful. The plaque push for our door was not fixed during our stay. Look, generally accessibility was fine and with all the grounds available and paved ways, it offers fine opportunities to get out and about; to explore. BUT…*** here’s kudos to Angela at the concierge desk. I wanted to get to the adult pool. I recalled that there was an elevator for that. I tried it: doors to hold open, buttons to hold to get the elevator to work and level options so simple as to be confusing. After getting clobbered by the door trying to get in and failing to hold the button faultlessly I ended up right where I started and got door clobbered getting out, I expressed my frustration to Angela. She told me she’d check on it. She was gone longer than I anticipated, but came back and explained that she’d gone down and tried the elevator and greed that it was a bit difficult. She had no other way to get me to the adult pool. But there is: on the pool deck, north side of the eastern pool, starting parallel to the path up to the slide, is a ramp that goes to the adult pool level. Angela should have known this; should have been so trained. She certainly didn’t lack dedication. Also a special shout out to Charlie who gave me his arm to steady my way in to a restroom and waited to help me out. If you can walk and have the shekels, this is a fantastic place. If your wheels are mechanical and have the shekels, this a great place.

This is the only resort on Oahu north shore. It’s a ritz branded property but not like most ritz properties. The lobby is beautiful with a bit crowded bar and great views. The rooms are fine but be aware the bldg in in three wings off a central core and two sides of two wings face the very very noisy pool - we asked to be moved from the first room. The is an on site restaurant which is the only real option for breakfast. It also serves dinner which was really just ok and very expensive. The pool restaurant was casual as one would expect and the food there just ok. We had no problems getting a chair at beach - the daybeds are extra and really not worth it. Pool chairs fill up by 10. In a serious design flaw the top of the kids pool slides are on the adult pool deck - huh? It’s not possible to walk anywhere else to eat so it’s there or you need a car.

We have been staying at Turtle Bay for over 30 years, and unfortunately this was the worst stay we have had. We love Turtle Bay for the appreciation of Hawaiian culture, breathtaking views and zen-like experience. We didnt mind paying for the Ritz Carlton "up-charge" as we are bonvoy members and have stayed at many Ritz Carltons before. Unfortunately the Marriott has made the experience here average at best - the resort was quite crowded, cookie-cutter and "vanilla." There were WAY too many people there, the Ritz has not provided more staffing or increased other amenities, so the actual experience and quality has gotten worse. So much more to say, but I will leave it at that - I dont think we will frequent this resort as often anymore. Hoping Marriott will read this and not ruin what used to be one of the most incredible hidden gems in the country.

This hotel was absolutely stunning with endless activities for the entire family! My 4yr old absolutely loved the pools and both waterslides. The hotel was a perfect mixture of family and romance if you do not have kids. All restaurants and bars were absolutely delicious with great service. The concierge, Seya, set us up with the perfect schedule when we arrived and she was so kind and really took care of us. We will be returning for sure!

This hotel is not up To Ritz standards. The property which used to be the turtle bay resort is exactly the same. The only thing the ritz did was change the name. For the price charged - the rooms are old, musty , limited pools and the food was not great either. Disappointment. This is not bang for the buck nor a ritz experience.