Starwood Preferred Guest - Favorite/best Starwood property in Hawaii

i am planning a trip to Hawaii with the family (including 6yr old daughter) using points sometime this spring and would appreciate the wisdom of the folks on this board on selecting a Starwood property in Hawaii. We would like to get some feedback on hotels in different locations such as Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, etc. What's your favorite island and/or favorite Starwood hotel?

Thanks for your help!




[This message has been edited by tullupump (edited 12-05-2001).]

tullupump,

I'm partial to the Royal Hawaiian on Oahu, specifically the historic wing.

Kauai is a beautiful island as well, especially if you want quiet. The Sheraton Poipu is only average but near a great beach for children (short walk/drive). I've not stayed at the Princeville Resort but several other posters here have highly recommended it.

Search the forum for other recommendations as I've not stayed in Starwood properties on Maui or Lanai. There have been several threads in the last six months regarding Hawaii.

SMF

If your family enjoys swimming and a waterslide, the Westin Maui is tops! Also fronts on beautiful Ka'anapali Beach and the property has an active Westin Kids Club. Rooms in the North bldg. seem larger.

My favorite is The Orchid Mauna Lani in the big island (Hawaii). They may not have a lot of kids-focused stuff like Westin Maui has, but apparently the property has the quality - used to be Ritz Carlton until a couple of years ago.

I stayed there a couple of times and I always like the experience. This year, I stayed using free weekend deal - was upgraded to Executive Ocean Suite. I kind of felt sorry (nah! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ) not paying a penny for the room!!!

They have a lot of beach stuff including free snokeling equipment (by the way, you are kind of guaranteed to see sea turtles), canoe, walking tours, etc. Oceanside hammock is my favorite - I can just enjoy taking a nap... Not to mention, they have full resort hotel things like spa, tennis courts (w/lessons), etc...

I tend to agree with Flyman on the Orchid--It was a pleasure to stay there. We were on an award stay but got upgraded. The sea turtles were nesting on the beach, which the kids loved--and we enjoyed the pool and beach area too. They do not have as many kids activities as some other properties, but it was still enjoyable.

The Orchid is hands down my fav. That's where I honeymooned immediately after Ritz-Carlton sold it to Starwood. You cannot imagine the luxury of NOT having to be in Honolulu!!!

The Lodge at Koehle on the Island of Lanani.

I've read that the Sheraton Kauai isn't one of the greatest properties there are, but we have decided to stay there. I'm using points and can get either a Beach Suite or Ocean Suite. Does anyone know what the difference is or which one I should get?

Yes,

The Beach suites are by the pool directly looking out on the beach. The Ocean suites look out to the ocean but there's no beach in front of them.

Without a doubt get a Beach Suite. You can get an idea of what the layout is by looking here - Sheraton Kauai (http://www.sheraton-kauai.com/acc_flash.htm). The beach wing consists of the three buildings in the lower right.

Here's the view from an beach wing room - Beach wing surround video (http://www.sheraton-kauai.com/ac_svdlxocean.htm) and here's the view from an ocean wing room - Ocean wing surround video (http://www.sheraton-kauai.com/ac_svocean.htm)

[This message has been edited by SMF (edited 02-17-2002).]

[This message has been edited by SMF (edited 02-18-2002).]

Thanks for the info SMF. It looke like the Beach suite is what I'll get.

Do you know if that on your map it is the Deluxe Ocean Front Suite or the Ocean Front Suite?

Personally, I would recommend the Ocean Wing over the Beach Wing. The Ocean wing is a little closer to the water, and while there's no beach directly in front of the Ocean Wing rooms, I'd rather leave the sliding-door open to hear the sounds of the waves crashing on the rocks, rather than hear the sounds of people at the pool.

Both sections are wonderful, so you won't be disappointed either way.

BradC,

I've stayed in both Ocean and Beach wing and you can hear the surf in both. The Ocean wing is somewhat quieter during the day as there is no beach or pool in front.

scrog,

Let's see if I can clarify. If you'll note on the room map most of the room in both the ocean and beach wings are "Deluxe Ocean Front" which are basically a simple ocean front room. The ocean luxury rooms in the beach wing are corner rooms with sliding glass doors and lanais on front and side - really nice. In the ocean wing the ocean luxury rooms are simply larger rooms (deeper not wider) on the ground floor. I prefered the ocean luxury room in the beach wing - they aren't on the ground floor - as I didn't like leaving the sliding glass door open on the ground floor in the ocean wing. The ocean front suites are limited to the Ocean wing. The Deluxe Ocean Front Suites are in the Beach wing - it appears there are only a couple of these rooms. You need to move your mouse over the various room types in the legend and carefully see the rooms become "highlighted" in the diagram above the legend.

Hopefully this makes everything clearer....

I think I understand. I think I'll stick with the Beach wing. Have either one of you stayed in the deluxe ocean front suites? Is it worth paying double the points for?

Thanks again.

Anyone ever stayed at the Sheraton Moana Surfider? I will be there 3/7-3/14. Also, has anyone who has ever stayed here had any luck with room upgrades? I am SPG Gold - hopefully I'll have some luck!

Go with the Sheraton Luxury Collection!

Manele Bay has to be the best for couples who are in Hawaii for each other, rather than going out to clubs. Lana'i is a private island! We were there last week and had a great time. We found a totally private beach while out 4-wheeling. The golf is amazing! And Ihilani restaurant was ranked by Gourmet Magazine as the number 1 in Hawaii. It was one of the best dinners I've ever had.


[This message has been edited by stimpy (edited 02-19-2002).]

I've stayed at the Moana Surfrider and it's lovely. Very quaint, white porch all around with rocking chairs and beautiful beach area with live entertainment at night. Superb breakfast buffet and wonderful location. Make sure to see the Society of Seven show next door at the Outrigger. It's wonderful. Also you will be right across from the International Marketplace.

scrog,

Sorry, I haven't stayed in a Deluxe Ocean Front Suite, only in a Garden Suite. I believe the Deluxe Ocean Front Suites are two rooms, one bedroom and one living room with a bath in each room.

I agree with Stimpy, Lanai has got the best Starwood properties. Personally I prefer the Lodge (bring a sweater). And the 4 wheeling is fantastic through the Garden of the Gods and finally onto a beach - throughout the trip we did not encounter any other human being, tlak about a private getaway! Ask them to pack a lunch picnic basket for you (more like a cooler).

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by CHaus21:
Anyone ever stayed at the Sheraton Moana Surfider? I will be there 3/7-3/14. Also, has anyone who has ever stayed here had any luck with room upgrades? I am SPG Gold - hopefully I'll have some luck!</font>

Was there about a month ago and was very pleased. Way better than the overpriced and overhyped Royal Hawaiian that looks like it is falling apart (although I do recommend going to the beach bar for the best Mai Tai's in Hawaii). Also I thought the rooms in the historic banyan wing at the Moana were the best, and I would avoid the diamond wing.

I stayed at the Moana 3x last year was upgraded 1x to a great suite. Huge corner room 2 completely windowed walls with 3 balconies.

Large living room area with seperate table area, wet bar w/refrig & nice sized bedroom.

Overlooked beach & Banyon courtyard. Would definitely recommend this hotel.

But can't say enough about the "W" - truly loved the hotel and it's distance away from the hubbub and spectacular view of Diamond Head.

I thought that the historic garden view rooms in the Royal Hawaiian were wonderful. I imagine that the bad experiences were probably in the newer part of the hotel.

I've never stayed at the Surfrider, but it has a beautiful entrance and lobby.

I usually end up staying accross the street at the Hyatt when I'm in Honolulu. For some reason, they always seem to have better "locals" rates than the the comparable Starwood properties. I just made another res for mid-March, 2 rooms, 1 night, locals rate, and tried the Surfrider, the Royal Hawaiian and the W, and still ended up at the Hyatt for $99 per room.

-David


[This message has been edited by LIH Prem (edited 03-02-2002).]

A high floor at tower at The Moana Hotel is like heaven on earth. A challenge to find a better view on this planet. Sure to not disappoint.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by sergio:
A high floor at tower at The Moana Hotel is like heaven on earth. A challenge to find a better view on this planet. Sure to not disappoint.</font>

Especially their corner suites, xx95 0r xx96 rooms are the best. I personally like xx96 so that I can see Diaond Head from Bedroom (instead of Outrigger Hotel rooms from xx95). You really feel like you are living on the ocean.

"Especially their corner suites, xx95 0r xx96 rooms are the best. "

I got to peek in when the maid was cleaning some of those suites and they were mostly emptied. At $900 bucks a night it was logically emptied.

I am looking to take my wife to Hawaii for thanksgiving and i have enough starwood points for a 5th night free award at a level four or five hotel and enough aa miles to fly first class. I was just at Princville in December for my honeymoon and it was a great property but i would like to try another nice property. Any help would be appriciated.
Mike P

I know some people look at things differently than I do - but I would ask the question "which is the best island" and then go from there. Since you've been to Kauai (my favorite) you may want to try something different.

My favorite island was the "Big Island" but now is Kauai, so second choice would now be the Big Island.

------------------
former EASTERN ET,AA Gold,US Gold. Current DL PM-MM,Marriott PL, SPG PLT, Hilton Gold

When I was in Kauai this last Sept, I have the luxury of staying at the Sheraton Kauai Resort. Great Property. I am a Gold SPG and I was upgraded to an Ocean View which was one floor up from the pool area. Wonderful view all for $199/night. Stayed 4 nights with them and hated going to the time share after that. I did have the chance to golf at the Princeville course but didn't make the resort to stay. I would def go back to the Sheraton.I am actually planning on going back before the christmas rush. Loved it there.

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My favorite island is Maui--Wailea. But I don't remember any Shearaon hotels in this location.

I am not sure when but the Renaissance is suppose to be come a W. This is in Wailea.

These cams aren't great but you can see something. Although I have never stayed at the W Diamond Head, I really like the area it is located in.
http://hawaiilive.sheraton-hawaii.com/

[This message has been edited by JumboJet (edited Jan 16, 2004).]

anybody have strong preference (or negative) views on Honolulu *wood properties. Will be going there in May and am looking for something that won't be a letdown after the Ihilani (JW MArriott) in Ko Olina - now that is what I call a great hotel although a distance from Honolulu.

I think the Lodge at Koele is the best, followed by Manele Bay -- both on Lanai. In my opinion they are far and away above any of the current Starwood options in Hawaii -- especially if Princeville or Kapalua Bay are the basis of comparison. The only issue is that the location is pretty isolated, so if you're looking for a Kaanapali- or Waikiki- type environment, this is not the place for you.

If you want access to Maui, you can easily stay in Lanai and take the 1-hour ferry over to Maui for several hours or the day.

Here is a link to the company that operates the (only) ferry:

http://www.go-lanai.com/index2.htm

No doubt about it in my mind: The Lodge at Keole, followed possibly by the Moana Surfrider and the Princeville.

We got married at the Westin Maui and are returning next week to the scene of the crime for our 5th anniversary...we liked the privacy, grounds and amenities, but also liked that you can stroll up and down the beach/hotel strip and have a variety of things to do w/o getting in a car.

I heard that the new Sheraton on the Big Island may be available by then. Hope William knows. It was the former Kona Surf hotel, but probably won't be as elaborate as thse Princeville one. The hotel had a lot of lava rock. I think they are pouring millions into its renovation because it became pretty shabby.

THe Lodge is like being on the mainland, it does not have a Hawaii feeling. Most of the rich physicians here in the islands do go there for the weekend.

It all depends on what you are looking for. It's too bad that the former Prince Hotels are no longer Westins.

Are you interested in food, room size?

I personally favor the Moana. The victorian ambiance makes it just delightful.

I agree the Lodge is very different from other Hawaiian hotels because it is up in the hills and not on a beach. Not sure about it being like the mainland though... I live on the mainland and travel thousands of miles just to get to the Lodge!

What appeals to me about the lodge is its English country estate / plantation bungalow atmoshpere, and the lovely grounds and scenery all around. It transports me to another age, like stepping into a Merchant-Ivory movie...! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by hulagirl:


THe Lodge is like being on the mainland, it does not have a Hawaii feeling. Most of the rich physicians here in the islands do go there for the weekend.


</font>

I am planning another trip to Hawaii after my first one went so well. I am Starwood Gold and am looking for an affordable Starwood Hotel, probably around $200/night and am willing to go to any island. Thank you for your responses.

Best affordable? Ocean Front rooms at Sheraton Kauai. If you get any other you'll probably be disappointed but these have great sunset views from the lanai.

Best? Princeville, if it's still a Starwood property at that time. No lanais though. Could use a makeover but it's still a classy place. Great pool.

That covers Kauai. I really don't go anywhere else (although I'd rather be on any Hawaiian island than most other places in the world)

Maui and Westin or Sheraton

And they are running a promotion: 5night for around $600 plus 10000 starpoint.

The Sheraton Maui. Much quieter than the nearby Westin. Please keep in mind the mandatory $15.00 a day "resort fee" above the room rate. That includes local telephone calls, newspaper, fitness club, etc. It is annoying but most resorts seem to have it.
Have a good trip!
MrsExecPlat

I like the Sheraton Moana Surfrider in Waikiki. But you are then stuck in Waikiki. I do prefer the big island, kauai, and Maui, then Oahu in that order.
If you find yourself there, you may want to stop in their Banyon Court for a cocktail, or do Sunday Brunch there. Their brunch is the best I have had since the Breakers' brunch in Palm Beach.

Seems like I am always in the minority on which island....I prefer Oahu (maybe just because I know so many people there) and I think the the Sheraton Moana Surfrider in Waikiki is a really nice hotel. Its location can be a sore spot as it is smack in the middle of all the tourist "stuff". It all depends on what you want but that hotel has some decent rates sometimes and if you want to be in the middle of touristy stuff then that is a good one especially with the rate mentioned.

I think Maui will be hard to do on 200/night. The Westin is ok there but I think the sheraton property is defintely better but I have always paid a lot more than 200 bucks a night there.

I agree with slippahs on the search....there are a lot of details in previous threads that should give you a good feel for what is out there an maybe you can match it up with what you are looking for.

I do think that the Sheraton Moana is the nicest property on Oahu, but I don't know about all of Hawaii. I liked the Princeville and the Westin Maui a lot too. I suppose you should decide on the island first based on activities and interests, then go with the Hotel. >>>Westin Maui

Westin Maui Vacation Club condos then Marriott's Ko Olina. I don't think Starwood has anything comparable in location, hotel itself and service compared to Ko Olina

I am planning another trip to Hawaii after my first one went so well. I am Starwood Gold and am looking for an affordable Starwood Hotel, probably around $200/night and am willing to go to any island. Thank you for your responses.

Aloha vanderbilt and welcome to FlyerTalk. :)

Just wanted to let you know in case you are unaware, that if you were to do a search on this board you would come up with countless more opinions, different ways to get better rates in HI (i.e. there are many ways to get half rack rates and also 35% off, etc) and overall fascinating stuff.

You could start by searching for threads with Hawaii in the subject line - that yields tons. Then as you narrow down your choices you could do a search with the property's name or specific island.

Hope you have a great trip.

Just stayed at Manele Bay on Lanai in early July for $260/night plus tax as part of a SPG promotion. However, beware that everything else beyond the room rate is quite expensive and there are really no other options for dining, etc. on Lanai other than the two hotels (Manele Bay & Lodge At Koele). Also, I understand that management of Manele Bay is changing over to Four Seasons later this year.

Thank you for all your responses. I think I will go with Maui since I am a college student and need some sort of a nightlife. Any suggestions for Maui?

Thank you for all your responses. I think I will go with Maui since I am a college student and need some sort of a nightlife. Any suggestions for Maui?

Nightlife? Maui? "Some sort" is probably the best way to describe it.

Thank you for all your responses. I think I will go with Maui since I am a college student and need some sort of a nightlife. Any suggestions for Maui?

As a college student, you'd probably enjoy Waikīkī a lot more because of its proximity to the "college" nightclubs (and because Waikīkī is just a little more happening then the neighbor islands).

Have you considered looking at the SPG properties in Waikīkī? You might want to do a search...

aloha

Quite seriously, the only island with any Nightlife is Oahu. Per my previous post, (telling us what you'd like in a vacation), recommendations come more easily. Waikiki is the place for you. The W Hotel is the hippest joint around in Waikiki. Famous people frequent there according to the Travel Channel.

Quite seriously, the only island with any Nightlife is Oahu. Per my previous post, (telling us what you'd like in a vacation), recommendations come more easily. Waikiki is the place for you. The W Hotel is the hippest joint around in Waikiki. Famous people frequent there according to the Travel Channel.

^ W HNL.

Not as good as other Ws, perhaps, but it's located in a nice out-of-the-way area (toward Diamondhead), and it comes complete with the loudest nightclub in town, or so it seems.

Honolulu Advertiser
2nd June 2008

Travelers planning vacations are discovering that more and more hotels are tacking on resort fees to cover the cost of "extra" services, such as Internet access and fitness center use.

(...)

Starwood's Hawai'i properties include: The Royal Hawaiian, Sheraton Waikiki, Moana Surfrider, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and W Hotel Diamond Head on O'ahu; the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Westin Ka'anapali and Sheraton Maui Resort on Maui; the Princeville Resort, Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas and Sheraton Kaua'i Resort on Kaua'i; and the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa on the Big Island.

Yet only three of them charge a resort fee: The Westin Maui Resort, Sheraton Maui Resort and the Sheraton Kaua'i Resort.

Why not raise rates instead of charging a mandatory fee? Bloom said that's a response to guests who "have told us they prefer to pay a single discounted fee as opposed to being charged for each of these services during their stay."
People normally hate hidden charge. I prefer to pay raised rate. I don't like resort fee idea either.

From a Platinum member perspective:

Best of all is Royal Hawaiian. Always upgraded. Great service. The best beach set up. Classic Hotel. ^

Second best is Moana Surfrider. Usually placed in good room or suite. Another classic hotel. Beach set up OK. ^

Avoid Sheraton Waikiki. No consistent respect for Platinums. Always feels crowded. Beach not good. :td:

Midge, welcome to the Starwood forum. It's great to have another well traveled, knowledgeable platinum posting - and one from San Diego, no less.

If your family enjoys swimming and a waterslide, the Westin Maui is tops! Also fronts on beautiful Ka'anapali Beach and the property has an active Westin Kids Club. Rooms in the North bldg. seem larger.



We stayed at this property in April '08 and found it just to be okay.
The pools were COLD and the only hot tub to go warm up in is for adults only. :(

We had a standard garden view room and found it quite small. (The main building was built in teh 1960's.) Two double beds, night table and chair with about 6 inches to spare on the sides.
The property was full during our stay so maid service did not arrive until late afternoon - usually around 4 pm! :td: With a 2 yr old that made napping time and wanting to get the room tidied difficult.

The one good thing was children 5 and under eat FREE!