Lesser Known Military Resorts
Most military members are aware of at least some of the military-run resorts that are set up to offer military families as first-class hotel at a discounted rate. The four resorts are:
Shades of Green at Disneyworld
Hale Koa in Waikiki, HI
Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul, Korea
Edelweiss in Garmisch, Germany (the German Alps)
All of these are fantastic to stay at, I particulary enjoyed staying at Edelweiss during my first R&R from Iraq.
However, there are several lesser known military resorts that I find many people are totally unaware of and thus never that advantage of. Here are a few:
PARC is comprised of 39 beachfront cabins, one distinguished visitor cabin, an equipment rental center, club facility and cove pavilion area for group outings. All cabins are air conditioned, with ceiling fans, cable TV and telephone. The kitchens are equipped with cooking utensils, tableware, dishes and linen, a private sundeck and barbecue grill.
I love this one as it is a nice quiet way to enjoy Hawaii and sits near my favorite beach on Oahu. A real get away as opposed to the excitment of Waikiki.
sits amidst spectacular scenery, natural wonders, and cultural treasures
including the marvels of the active Kilauea Volcano. Hawaii Volcanoes National
Park is Hawaii’s number one visitor attraction in the state featuring one of the
most active volcano on earth. It has also been designated as a World Heritage
Site (one of 20 in the United States) by the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as well as an International
Biosphere Reserve.
Hello sir! I never knew about some of these sites! Do you think any of them are better than 4 star hotels? I’m wondering if its’ better just to book these sites or just use points toward a hyatt, hilton, or starwood hotel.
Thank you sir!
@Ryan – All of these are cabins or bungalows. Nice and rustic, but definitely in the three star category. You want soft beds and room service go the hyatt, hilton, starwood route. The main draw for these is location. For example, on the Big Island, the nearest four or five star hotel is a good three hour drive away from Volcanos National Park and Anchorage is a (beautiful) two hour drive away from Seward’s fishing and glacier watching.
I’ve stayed at the PARC on Oahu for years. It is definitely rustic. I would give it about 2.5 stars. Not good for surfing but decent snorkeling. The main reason I like it is the waves are very calm most of the time. Nice sunsets. PARC is comprised of 39 beachfront cabins. Nice beach, and all cabins/bungalows are within 100 feet of the cove. Mostly quiet except on weekends when some partying goes on but the police will quiet it down after about 11pm. Weekdays are better. You are within 1/4 mile of Waianae and the local grocery store. You are right in with the locals. Not really near any great golf courses, and about 1 hour from Waikiki. Stay at PARC if you want to just relax, sit by the ocean and read a good book, dip in the water, snorkel a bit, have a Mi-Ti, take a nap, then do it all again. Accommodations are very basic. 2 Single beds in one room with a double in the other (2BR) or 4 single beds in 2 rooms and double in other (3Br). (I never stayed in the 1BR’s so don’t know) Efficiently type kitchen setup. Small Living Room, and nice size decks to sit out on. Depending on time of year you could be inundated with ants (Don’t leave food or medication out to attract them and you won’t have much problem, I store all mine in the fridge), but they will come and spray if need be. Pleasant staff if you are pleasant to them. Be aware the staff seems to be on island time, (Not real hop to it) but will fill your request within reasonable time. They don’t jump like you would expect from a Hilton or Hyatt. No food service but Quick Shop on premises. Restaurants within 1/4 mile.