For reference, the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa is now the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa. Our check in date was 8/26, the official name change occurred 8/25. No one from Expedia, Sheraton, or Outrigger reached out to us to let us know that a name change had occurred. The signs were all changed to Outrigger and did not even say "previously Sheraton", so we were really confused upon arrival. An email, phone call or any type of communication should have occurred. Aside from that big hiccup, the hotel was as to be expected. As stated by previous reviewers, the grounds are beautiful but the rooms are dated. They have that clean but musty smell that kind of hits you when you enter, could definitely do with some updating. Only the pool bar and the cafe were open during our stay, which wasn't a problem since we had a car and planned to eat outside of the hotel anyway. Location wise, it's far from most places we wanted to go, but it worked out since it was right in between Captain Cook and Kailua Kona, which made it a 15 minute to either spots. A car is definitely needed since there are very few food options nearby. We did like that the night snorkeling with Manta Rays was a quick 5 minute walk from the room. I'm not sure if the hotel was operating on limited capacity but it wasn't crowded at all, which was nice, everyone kept their distance and seemed to be following Covid protocols.
