Hawaii - Maui: Fairmont or Hyatt or others?

Never been to Maui. Help me choose - for two people staying 4 nights in early December:

Fairmont (no status) vs. Hyatt (top tier) - same rate X, guaranteed
or
Royal Lahaina (at 36% off rate X)
or
Priceline (roll the dice! :p - past bids indicate 40-60% off rate X - no Fairmont)

I suppose it's mostly choosing between the better room and location at Fairmont vs. free internet/club/breakfast at Hyatt. Is there any other factor?

Where's the better beach at - Wailea or Lahaina? Or elsewhere?

Thanks!

I have not stayed at any of those hotels, so I can't speak to that. One data point that I can add is that I just got the Hyatt on Hotwire for next April for less than 1/2 of the posted rate found on Hyatt.com.

I have not stayed at any of those hotels, so I can't speak to that. One data point that I can add is that I just got the Hyatt on Hotwire for next April for less than 1/2 of the posted rate found on Hyatt.com.
That sounds good. Just wondering if it's a no-brainer to book the Fairmont when it is the same rate as the Hyatt?

That sounds good. Just wondering if it's a no-brainer to book the Fairmont when it is the same rate as the Hyatt?

Fairmont Kea Lani is an all suite hotel.. I assume you're talking about Fairmont on Maui..

So you get a one bedroom suite..

All things equal.. Wailea is the place imo.. Hyatt is in Ka'anapali which is nice.. but Wailea destination is sought after and lower density..

Really only 3 main hotels in Wailea South area.. Fairmont, Four Seasons and Grand Wailea.

I am a Diamond at Hyatt, so we stay there, and it's a quality 4 star resort. But if I had a choice for the same money, I would bet that the Fairmont is nicer. I haven't stayed at the Maui Fairmont, but the Fairmonts I have stayed at impressed me very much.

I have never been to Maui although I'm going travelling there this July and will be staying at the fairmont. I have done a lot of research on it and hands down the Kea Lani blows the Hyatt Regency Maui out of the water. I don't think they ca really be compared as the same level.

Btw, I called the hotel today and they have complimentary wireless internet throughout the hotel. All you have to do to have the fee waived is to join the fairmont president's club which is free (I think it's fairmont.com/fpc).

I have never been to Maui although I'm going travelling there this July and will be staying at the fairmont. I have done a lot of research on it and hands down the Kea Lani blows the Hyatt Regency Maui out of the water. I don't think they ca really be compared as the same level.

Btw, I called the hotel today and they have complimentary wireless internet throughout the hotel. All you have to do to have the fee waived is to join the fairmont president's club which is free (I think it's fairmont.com/fpc).

^..

I thought you chose the Ritz over the Fairmont?

Kea Lani.. Heaven on Earth..

My favority place in the world..

^..

I thought you chose the Ritz over the Fairmont?

Kea Lani.. Heaven on Earth..

My favority place in the world..

Nope! Settled on the Kea Lani and feeling VERY good and excited about it...

Nope! Settled on the Kea Lani and feeling VERY good and excited about it...

Words cannot describe the feeling when visiting..

The building isn't say pristine as the Fairmont Orchid (former Ritz).. but the one bedroom suites and the location can't be beat.

We did not want to leave the Kea Lani this last spring break.. and it was the tail end of a 24 night vacation (25 with the red eye)

Here are some deals for the Kea Lani in case.. Suites for around $200 I've heard up until middle December..

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairmont-presidents-club/1066266-master-thread-fairmont-promos-special-rates-6.html

.. currently the last post #81

Thank you all - you've sold me on the Fairmont. Booked the renovation rate via Expedia FriendTrips to get $150 debit card. Woohoo! Love a great deal! :D

I suppose it's mostly choosing between the better room and location at Fairmont vs. free internet/club/breakfast at Hyatt. Is there any other factor?

Where's the better beach at - Wailea or Lahaina? Or elsewhere?

Thanks!

If you don't have hotel membership perks, you always get Virtuoso benefits at their member hotels; Fairmont Kea Lani is a Virtuoso-member resort. You just need to book reservation through a Virtuoso TA.

Virtuoso guests at Fairmont Kea Lani receive:
*** Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
*** Complimentary Daily Buffet Breakfast for up to two in-room guests
*** Welcome Ohana basket

Their suites are wonderful, good restaurants, service and location. Villas are great for families.

If you don't have hotel membership perks, you always get Virtuoso benefits at their member hotels; Fairmont Kea Lani is a Virtuoso-member resort. You just need to book reservation through a Virtuoso TA.

Virtuoso guests at Fairmont Kea Lani receive:
*** Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
*** Complimentary Daily Buffet Breakfast for up to two in-room guests
*** Welcome Ohana basket

Their suites are wonderful, good restaurants, service and location. Villas are great for families.
That sounds great. Thank you. I'll keep this in mind for future bookings.

That sounds great. Thank you. I'll keep this in mind for future bookings.

Awesome!

Enjoy Fab-u-lous Kea Lani..:cool:

Where does one find a Virtuoso TA and do they have the same (or better?) rates as seen on the major travel websites (i.e., Expedia, Orbitz)?

I stayed at both in Aug. 2006 for my honeymoon. We stayed at the Hyatt first (w/ regency club) for 3 nights then the Fairmont for 4. I really liked both, but to me, at that particular point in my life, I enjoyed the Hyatt more. (This could be biased b/c it was overcast 95% of the time we were at the Fkl.) They were on the same island but worlds away in "feel."
The Fairmont was very quiet, relaxing and offered loads of space both in the common
areas and rooms. While the Hyatt was flowing with energy from a fairly young and more
outgoing crowd.

I'm not a real fuss about service and if I get a smile from staff, Im satisfied. Both were excellent in that regard.

If you want to have a quiet, very laid back and unbothered vacation, then you did great by choosing Fkl. If you want a bit more fun, don't care about the occasional yell at the pool by a kid and want a more vibrant vacation then I would consider the Hyatt.

I stayed at both in Aug. 2006 for my honeymoon. We stayed at the Hyatt first (w/ regency club) for 3 nights then the Fairmont for 4. I really liked both, but to me, at that particular point in my life, I enjoyed the Hyatt more. (This could be biased b/c it was overcast 95% of the time we were at the Fkl.) They were on the same island but worlds away in "feel."
The Fairmont was very quiet, relaxing and offered loads of space both in the common
areas and rooms. While the Hyatt was flowing with energy from a fairly young and more
outgoing crowd.

I'm not a real fuss about service and if I get a smile from staff, Im satisfied. Both were excellent in that regard.

If you want to have a quiet, very laid back and unbothered vacation, then you did great by choosing Fkl. If you want a bit more fun, don't care about the occasional yell at the pool by a kid and want a more vibrant vacation then I would consider the Hyatt.
Thanks for the comparison. I think we just want to relax before the holidays. Also, we've been staying at Hyatts mostly so want this time to try a different brand to see the difference. But we'll head over to Hyatt to check it out.

Where does one find a Virtuoso TA and do they have the same (or better?) rates as seen on the major travel websites (i.e., Expedia, Orbitz)?

Lots in the Luxury Hotel Section of FT! They won't advertise.. but if you PM one or two of them, I imagine they'll offer to help..

or try the Virtuoso website..