Starwood Preferred Guest - Sheraton Maui Hotel and Resort

Has anybody recently stayed at that apparently completely refurbished and upgraded property and can advise whether is it only a rip-off operation (like the Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki) or good value for money - which buildings/views/promotions would be enjoyable and affordable. Thanks.

I can't say anything about what it's like now, but when I stayed there in 1992 it wasn't a top tier property, and the rates reflected that. I recall thinking that I probably wouldn't stay there again, but it may be much nicer than it was when I was there. As you know, they are advertising a renovation at that property. Still, it isn't part of the luxury collection as far as I know, so it still isn't a top tier property.

Why do you think the Royal Hawaiian is a 'rip-off' property? We stayed there 1 night in October at the locals rate and we liked it. It's an old historic hotel. If you don't like that sort of thing, I guess you might think it's a 'rip-off'. (Of course, at the locals rate, it's hard to deem anything much of a 'rip-off'.) We stayed in a garden view room in the old, original part of the hotel. Each room was unique.

-David

I've got to ask. Can you elaborate on the 'local rate' please? If we know someone who lives in Hawaii can they book for us and receive a discount?

We recently stayed at the Westin Maui next door to the Sheraton. We did a lengthy "walk-through" the Sheraton and were not impressed. I can't say what the rooms or service were like, however, since we didn't actually stay there. But I would definitely go back to the Westin if I had a choice.

Don't know much about the hotel, so can't help you there. However, I can tell you that regardless of where you stay, you have to go back to the Sheraton for snorkeling. There is a large "Black Rock" on the beach at the sheraton, and the snorkeling off of the black rock is terrific, especially for kids or new snorkelers. We introduced our kids to snorkeling here, and they were instantly hooked. Enjoy.

Originally posted by dingo:
I've got to ask. Can you elaborate on the 'local rate' please? If we know someone who lives in Hawaii can they book for us and receive a discount?

Locals are entitled to a locals rate at many hawaiian properties. On Waikiki, we stay at the Hyatt Regency for $149 per night or less for a really nice view room and get similar rates at other top tier properties. I think we stayed at the Royal Hawaiian for $139 because the Hyatt was booked last time we went on a "shopping trip" to the "big city".

In order to get the locals rate, you have to be a resident of HI and be able to prove it. And they do check for this. I use my HI drivers license.

If you have friends that live on Mauai, sure, they should be able to book a room for themselves at the residents rate. The key thing to remember here, is that the rate is for HI residents only, so we can't book the locals rate for our visitors.

I should also say, that if you have friends that are local residents, have them call the property for you and explain the situation. (Hi, I'm Joe Blow, and we have friends arriving from the mainland on such and such a date .. can we book them into a locals rate. If not, what's the best rate I can get for them?) They may not offer you a locals rate for you, but they might offer some other type of discount package depending on how much they want your business. Of course, you can usually do the same thing yourself.

-David


[This message has been edited by LIH Prem (edited 11-26-2000).]

Is the Westin the hotel with the swim-up bar? If it is, yes, that was a beautiful property.

We stayed there in April of 99. It had just reopened. All rooms in the south wing faced the water. Very sunny and bright. It was set well back from the water, but the view was great. The staff was just fine. Breakfast, which came with room was very good. Parking was done by valet and at no charge at that time. I consider the Ritz and the Weston (the only other two I have stayed at) to be clastrophobic. This place was very open.

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regards

jer

I have also stayed in 1995 at the Westin for USD 105 PRPN plus taxes room only (50 % off UA Mileage Plus Offer) and therefore did not complain. It is a nice but very crowded hotel. OK with small children because of the nice pools and waterslides, but the beach is by far worse than at the Sheraton Maui which has the prime location. Have all the Garden Cabanas of the Sheraton vanished or do they still exist ? How about the adjacent property the Kanapaali Beach Hotel which is said to be very Hawaiian. Is it a little run down or good value for our money ? Or is Waimea the better location ? I ruled out the Kapalua area 8Villas, Ritz Carlton and Kapalua bay Hotel), because it is far from everywhere (for golfers it must be a good choice, though) and no beachwalks during sunrise or sunset as in Waimea or Kanapaali.

The Westin is crowded, has small rooms, and BADLY in need of a "make-over", and you will be totally blinded-n-sunburned at the poolside morning buffet. The Sheraton had a $20 mil "make-over" about 2 years ago but the grounds are being eroded by the Pacific Ocean and not too much seems improved for the average guest.

If you want Starwood, go with the Hawaii Prince in Makena. Nice hotel and a quiet relaxing location.

Ka'anapali was really crowded with the mega hotels and condos. Kapalua, however, was much nice and quite. Now Kapalua Bay hotel is part of Starwood, I'd recommend it over the Westin and the Sheraton.

The Westin is nice, if you get the corner rooms in the new tower.

Thank you for your reccomendation of Kapalua. I have heard that the Resort is adding even more Condominium Villas to its property (or developing adjacent grounds) - so there must be some construction going on. Has anybody reliable information about this ?

There was construction at the Kapalua when we were there in April. Condos are going up directly above the beach, adjacent to the hotel property.

The hotel is shaped like a "U", so the construction only directly impacts rooms on one side of the hotel. It does make the beach at Kapalua (great for snorkeling) a little nosier, but otherwise, had no impact on our stay.

Great property for those looking for a more relaxing and refined experience than Ka'anapali, IMO.

The Maui Prince is a Westin with an atrium and Japanese garden. This hotel is quiet, not a fancy swimming pool, but has good golf courses. Local Hawaii people like this for honeymoons. It differs from the other properties. This place is noted for its food. It has both a Japanese and Western restaurant.
The Sheraton Maui was rebuilt for millions and has a gorgeous swimming pool. It has spacious rooms. I was offered an ocean view when it first opened, but because I am handicapped, the front desk offered something more convenient to the parking lot. There is a parking per day charge. It is much larger than the Westin Maui Prince but great if you like to walk. The restaurant food was not as good. The staff explained that the architect had built the kitchen far away from the restaurant so that they have to walk the food to the customers. Since it was not busy, they did not have buffets. This hotel is at the end of the Kaanapali Beach section.

The Kapalua was not always a Sheraton. Yes, it has a lot of condos next to it. It is hilly if it is a concern to you. It is a smaller property than the Maui Sheraton or the Maui Prince. It once was gorgeous in its heyday.

The Westin Kaaanapali is the oldest property. It was built decades ago. They gutted out the shell and rebuilt the rooms. It is noted for its swimming pool, not its food or rooms.

The choice varies widely.

Yes, I know that if you don't need Starwood points all of these hotels can be purchased for low rates through local travel agents at very good rates near the local rate. Otherwise the 35% off for food & room is a good deal.

Each of these properties has its advantages and disadvantages. It depends on which airport you arrive in. The farthest away will be the Kapalua from the Kahului airport unless you are flying into the tiny Kaanapali airport. You will definitely need a car unless you want to be isolated at Kapalua, and could get by with a shuttle at some of the others.

I need more information about what you are interested in. I am a Hawaii resident.

Thank you very much hulagirl for providing all these informations. We will be on Maui just for six days next July flying into Kahului, but not minding even a two hours drive to our hotel and being in a remote but excellent value for money location. We will just visit Maui, no island hopping or so, because we travel to the Big Island for Easter Break and also have visited Waikiki and Makaha on Oahu on as well as Princeville and the Hyatt on Kauai on other ocasions. I will be there with my wife and two teenager kids of 15 and 16 yrs. Visiting from Europe we have the problem of the weak EURO, so probably the top end properties are out of reach. I have never found local agents offering really good savings (50 % or more off advertised rack rates) or who have an excellent room & car - best would be full size - package, but do welcome any advice on all this. We have stayed various times on Maui - at the old Sheraton, the Westin and at Hana. Our first choice would be HHotel ana Maui, but their Sea Ranch Cottages are USD 500 rack++ and I would only be rady to pay half of that including either a car or BF for four. Which is your first choice on Car Rental Companies on Big Island and Maui ? We do not like high-rise properties like Westin or Hyatt and the kids neither need evening entertainment; they like beach walks and quiet small restaurants, not the disco fever. We do not play golf, but enjoy swimming (more in the calm ocean than in pools) and the kids snorkeling (no need for scuba). Thanks again and regards, moellernotarcgn.