Starwood Preferred Guest - Rumor: Rennaisance Wailea (Maui) To Be Converted to 'W'?

Can't remember where I heard it from, but I definitely heard it. SPG desk doesn't know anything about it. Since I'm heading to Maui in Feb. and since Starwood has no existing properties in Wailea, this is of interest!!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by beaubo:
Can't remember where I heard it from, but I definitely heard it. SPG desk doesn't know anything about it. Since I'm heading to Maui in Feb. and since Starwood has no existing properties in Wailea, this is of interest!!</font>

My wife and I were at the Ren. a couple of weeks ago and the employees there were aware that the property was being sold to SPG. They did not know what brand it would become.

A couple of days later, we were at the Maui Westin and they indpendently confirmed that the Ren. was going to become an SPG property and that it would be a "W".

if they convert properties into W's, i guess the first thing they have to do is start ripping the light bulbs out of the sockets in the hallways. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

A couple of weeks ago, Honolulu advertiser (local newspaper)had the story regarding the offer to purchase Rennaisance Wailea (Maui) by Starwood, however, at that time, the deal had not been completed yet and still under negotiation.

Yank,

I too dont understand why the W hotel's hallways are so DARK... it's scary actually.. Not sure if this is because of the energy savings program...

I get really annoyed at their hallways - I've stayed at the W in NYC (Lexington) many times.. as well as the W LA&gt;

Perhaps it's to add to the chic atmosphere.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by JBLUA320:
Perhaps it's to add to the chic atmosphere.</font>

No perhaps about it -- that's exactly the reason. Though, I must say, the W San Diego is significantly lighter and brigher than the others. As it's one of the newest additions, perhaps that philosophy is evolving.

Bright lights give the normal hangover'ed/high clientèle, a headache.

Even when they are wearing their sunglasses indoors.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Any news on this? I'm planning a trip in mid April and would love the option of a *wood in Wailea (but I know that's very wishful thinking).

If this happens, my only reason for earning Marriot Points just ended!!!

I LOVE this hotel and have stayed there 4 times.

Guess I know where I will be using my Starwood Points.

Here's the dirt from the Marriott forum:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum63/HTML/003530.html

The link there to the article (http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m0FOS/36_14/108635790/p1/article.jhtml) discussing the deal is from October.

Starwood Lurker, any official word?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cactuspete:
...Starwood Lurker, any official word?

</font>

Nope. Basically, if it isn't listed here:

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/corporate/new_star_props.html

I'm not going to know anything about it.

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Staying at the Sheraton a week or so ago and the Time Share sales presentation setter upper mentioned the Rennaisance Wailea would be a Starwood property soon.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Starwood Lurker:
Nope. Basically, if it isn't listed here:

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/corporate/new_star_props.html

I'm not going to know anything about it.

</font>

Lurker, don't sell yourself short. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif That link is dead! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redface.gif

You would think they would keep Lurker in the know. It's not a big secret all the employees on the property know and talk about it. I have been staying at that hotel for 9 years in a row. My wife and I LOVE IT!! The best beach and staff in Wailea. I could go on and on.
Just my opinion.

Was also told by three different people at the Westin Mauii about this upcoming change... W Mauii !!! Can't wait. Anyone heard anything about opening dates ???

So does this mean that W will renovate the ample sized rooms at the Renaissance and make them smaller and trendier to suit the typical W clientele?

or just make the bar inaccessible to anyone not wearing black and not willing to shell out $15 for a glass of wine or cocktail?

I was at a time share presentation in Princeville a few days ago and they confirmed that this hotel will become the W Maui.

bump... anyone heard of an opening date for the W Maui?

I can't totally vouch for this third-hand information, so I'm passing it along strictly as rumor.

A friend of mine recently returned from a weeklong vacation on Maui. One day he was paired up on the golf course with a couple of guys who were working at the Westin timeshare property.

During their conversation, he said that they mentioned the Renaissance Wailea conversion. He thinks he remembers them saying that they would shut down the Renaissance in April 2005 for a "long conversion period". He wasn't positive he was remembering correctly, but thought they said it would be down for a year or so while they did a "gut and remodel" on the inside.

I've decided I need friends who pay more attention to detail when discussing Starwood-related matters!

It is posted on the Marriott website that this hotel will close Feb and re-open July.

It is posted on the Marriott website that this hotel will close Feb and re-open July.

That's interesting, given that marriott.com is showing rooms available on April 2, 2005 (the last day I could find rooms availble doing random queries).

testtttttt

I called the Renaissance and inquired, first person couldn't figure out what year I was talking about. Hang up try again later. Second person seemed knowledgeable and stated it would close in April. Last week when I tried to book rooms through a travel agent, for January or Febuary, wasn't possible due to closing. So the "official "word seems to be April. Sorry for the incorrect information.

My wife & I stayed @ the Renn. Maui in July & had a real nice vacation. The staff was very nice & helpful- especially @ the front desk.

I hope these employees have the opportunity to keep their jobs.

Wingtip

I heard about 10th hand that the conversion handoff is going to take place late 3Q or early 4Q, possible Sept or Oct.

FYI, this is not inside info, just rumors and hearsay.



Can't remember where I heard it from, but I definitely heard it. SPG desk doesn't know anything about it. Since I'm heading to Maui in Feb. and since Starwood has no existing properties in Wailea, this is of interest!!

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=342569

"According to my records, the Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort will cease to affilitate with Marriott on April 1, 2005." - Marriott Concierge

Update: I just returned from Maui and was asking about this hotel conversion.

The front-desk agent at the Renaissance stated they would be open until the end of 2005 as the Renaissance Wailea. She said she heard the conversion would take around a year-and-a-half before reopening as the W Maui. The concierge at the Westin had similar (although slightly more vague) information.

I wonder why the date slipped? And I wonder exactly what they're going to do to this place that would take 18 months (it's not like this is a dump or anything)?

What's the latest on the conversion to Starwood?

Most recent info in Marriott forum (doesn't answer the question):

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3948236&postcount=11

What's the latest on the conversion to Starwood?

Most recent info in Marriott forum (doesn't answer the question):

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3948236&postcount=11


The hotel is still taking reservations through April 2006 under the Renaissance flag. William, any word on when the hotel will become a W?

...William, any word on when the hotel will become a W?

Nope. Not even sure "if" at this point. But then, I will be the last person at Starwood to know. ;)

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I was there in May. According to the staff I spoke with (you decide how credible), the reason the date keeps moving is that it is taking longer than expected for the building permits. I heard lots of speculation about the building proposals including complete demolition of the hotel and rebuild. I also heard the office that approves permits is not in favor of the demo rebuild scenario and are holding it up. Again, all rumors from staff with no official confirmation.

In the mean time, I'd pefer they keep it the way it is. I much prefer a smaller hotel.

The hotel is still taking reservations through April 2006 under the Renaissance flag. William, any word on when the hotel will become a W?

In the mean time, I'd pefer they keep it the way it is. I much prefer a smaller hotel.

^ That's why we picked this hotel for our honeymoon to begin with. We loved the fact that it's a bit smaller than most of the other resorts along this stretch. Sort of a quiet elegance about the place, as opposed to the major convention hotel feel that you get at a lot of big Hawaiian resorts.

I hope they don't demolish it. It seems like it could fit well into the W brand at its current size.

... and it didn't hurt that I'm a lowly silver and they put me in the Mokapu wing <G>.

All in all, I enjoyed the feel of the hotel and the staff couldn't have been nicer.

^ That's why we picked this hotel for our honeymoon to begin with. We loved the fact that it's a bit smaller than most of the other resorts along this stretch. Sort of a quiet elegance about the place, as opposed to the major convention hotel feel that you get at a lot of big Hawaiian resorts.

I hope they don't demolish it. It seems like it could fit well into the W brand at its current size.