Fairmont President's Club - The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

The subject says it all.

A simply AWESOME place! I got married there back in January 1996.

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And my favorite part of Maui---Wailea.

Anybody every used this location? Thoughts or words of wisdom?

I got married there in 1996. It wasn't a Fairmont property at the time but I don't imagine much has changed. All rooms are suites and have a bathroom to die for. We had an ocean view room with a spectacular view of Molikini. The hotel is located on the Wailea coast and is in a rather quiet, secluded area. My wife and I plan to stay there again for our 10th Anniversary.

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We will be staying there as part of our upcoming Hawaii trip. Does anyone have any experiences to share regarding this particular resort?

Can anyone tell me how the propert compares to the FS, the Kapalue or to any of the Kaanapali properties (I'm thinking Sheraton, Westin, Hyatt)?

I've spent a lot of time in Wailea and it's easily the nicest resort in that particular area. The Wailea Grand has lovely grounds (as does the Fairmont), but I believe the rooms are much nicer at the Fairmont. Regarding the resorts at Kaanapali, I think the resorts there are certainly no nicer, and the quiet and solitude of Wailea (and the slightly nicer weather on average, due to its more southern location) make it dominate in my books.

I'm planning far out ahead, but was interested in using a suite upgrade certificate for a stay over MLK weekend - January 16-19, '04.

The Fairmont site shows $369 is the lowest rate available (and $822 has to be prepaid and is non-refundable). I'm curious if anyone has an idea of typical January rates and if this one is "good".

Mahalo in advance. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

It is one of the most beautiful locations and hotels in all of Maui. We stayed there summer of '01 and they have it together. Perfect everything. Enjoy it.

My wife and I stayed there 5 nights for our honeymoon in August 01. Hands down, a spectacular resort. The Fairmont Kea Lani was just an awesome place to be. (Side editorial comment...it blew the pants off the Marriott on Kauai where we spent our second 5 nights).

OK - couple things. I'm a late 20's guy so have lots of friends who have been honeymooning out that way. Best friend spent Sept 2001 at FS, another friend went to Princeville Resort in 2000. We all seem to think they were all very nice.

As for FS vs Kea Lani vs Ritz vs Grand Wailea. The single most important reason to take the Fairmont is that the hotel (last time I checked) was all suites - so using your suite upgrade will just get you a better suite. I can't tell you how much I value a suite - its the most important thing to me. So you win there in my mind on accomodations - being our honeymoon we actually went all out and PAID (cringe at the word) for the corner ocean view suite. It was worth it. Over 800 sq feet, and yes the bathroom was spectacular. We did walk over to the FS and it looked stunning in the common areas and I am sure the rooms are top notch too - my friend confirms his 10 nights there were stellar.

That said, check out the latest Conde Nast Gold list and you'll see most recently the Kea Lani scored a perfect 100 for service. Yet another big win.

I can't honestly say that I know for a fact its better, but you cannot go wrong at the Fairmont! As far as pricing - I think its pretty common in Hawaii these days, but check for some sort of 5th night free award to help cut the costs. Enjoy!

Does anyone know of the discount codes for Fairmont. Am looking at staying at the Maui Fairmont in July.

Thanks.

Online I think you can only use the packages that come up on the website. There are other rates like CAA/AAA that you can get by phoning the reservation number. There doesn't seem to be an online code that will pull those up.

TORONTO, July 15 /CNW/ - Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Inc. ("FHR" or the
"Company") (TSX/NYSE: FHR) today announced that it has completed the sale of
its real estate interest in The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui to Host Marriott
Corporation ("HMT") (NYSE: HMT) for $355 million, or $789,000 per room. The
resort will continue to be known as The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui and will be
managed by Fairmont under the existing long-term management contract.
FHR expects to reinvest a portion of the proceeds in additional hotels
over the course of the next year. The Company also intends to use the sale
proceeds to acquire the remaining interest in the Fairmont management company,
to increase its share purchases under its existing share repurchase program
and, in the interim, to reduce existing indebtedness.
"We are pleased to have been able to capitalize on our success with The
Fairmont Kea Lani Maui. This sale reinforces our strategy of acquiring
attractive assets, realizing the value created through improved performance
and then redeploying the capital to continue growing the Company," commented
William R. Fatt, Chief Executive Officer of FHR. "We look forward to working
with such a well-respected hotel owner as Host Marriott and hope this
partnership is the first of many opportunities between both companies."
When the Company reports its second quarter results on July 22, FHR will
revise its 2004 earnings guidance to reflect the impact of this sale.

About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Inc.
FHR is one of North America's leading owner/operators of luxury hotels
and resorts. FHR's managed portfolio consists of 82 luxury and first-class
properties with more than 33,000 guestrooms in the United States, Canada,
Mexico, Bermuda, Barbados and the United Arab Emirates. FHR owns Fairmont
Hotels Inc., North America's largest luxury hotel management company, as
measured by rooms under management, with 44 distinctive city center and resort
hotels such as The Fairmont San Francisco, The Fairmont Banff Springs and The
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. FHR also owns Delta Hotels, Canada's largest
first-class hotel management company, which manages and franchises 38 city
center and resort properties in Canada. In addition to hotel management, FHR
holds real estate interests in 22 properties and an approximate 35% investment
interest in Legacy Hotels Real Estate Investment Trust, which owns 24
properties.

Somebody that have stayed at the Fairmont Kea lani in Maui?? Planing a weeklong vacation at this hotel. Thanks for any help!!

Somebody that have stayed at the Fairmont Kea lani in Maui?? Planing a weeklong vacation at this hotel. Thanks for any help!!

I love this property! As a matter of fact I will be going there this Monday for a week.

Rooms are excellent (every room is 800 sq ft plus). Service is up to FS quality. Pools are great including adult only pool wth swim up bar (rare for Hawaii). On site restaurants are excellent. OK fitness centre. Beach is quite good. Weather is fantastic in this part of Maui. Golf and tennis facilities are great.

The average room rate is North of $450 per night. I actually like the Fairmont Orchid (Big Island) just as much and their average rate is @ $300 per night. Two great choices if you ask me. You will love it.

I love this property! As a matter of fact I will be going there this Monday for a week.

Rooms are excellent (every room is 800 sq ft plus). Service is up to FS quality. Pools are great including adult only pool wth swim up bar (rare for Hawaii). On site restaurants are excellent. OK fitness centre. Beach is quite good. Weather is fantastic in this part of Maui. Golf and tennis facilities are great.

The average room rate is North of $450 per night. I actually like the Fairmont Orchid (Big Island) just as much and their average rate is @ $300 per night. Two great choices if you ask me. You will love it.

Thanks for your reply!
I heard that this hotel have renovated and not renovated rooms. about 50 and 50.
I am planning on booking the ocean view deluxe suites. any idea if this type of accomodation has been renovated?
Maybe during this upcoming trip you can find out. I was advised to ask for a renovated room when checking in. Not sure how the lay out works and what type of suites have been renovated and which not.
Have a great trip in Maui

Thanks for your reply!
I heard that this hotel have renovated and not renovated rooms. about 50 and 50.
I am planning on booking the ocean view deluxe suites. any idea if this type of accomodation has been renovated?
Maybe during this upcoming trip you can find out. I was advised to ask for a renovated room when checking in. Not sure how the lay out works and what type of suites have been renovated and which not.
Have a great trip in Maui

One way to improve your odds of a renovated room is to become a FPC member. If you are Platinum you will definatly receive a new room. Premier and Club members probably will be placed in a new room as well. I am not sure if you are a member or not. I am off to Hawaii in a few hours here and will report back to you when I can.

Thanks for your reply!
I heard that this hotel have renovated and not renovated rooms. about 50 and 50.
I am planning on booking the ocean view deluxe suites. any idea if this type of accomodation has been renovated?
Maybe during this upcoming trip you can find out. I was advised to ask for a renovated room when checking in. Not sure how the lay out works and what type of suites have been renovated and which not.
Have a great trip in Maui

My stay at the Kea Lani was spectacular! I did stay in a renovated ocean view room. In my opinion the new rooms are no better than the older rooms. If push comes to shove hold out for the view suite over a newer suite. The property is truly world class and in my opinion Wailea is the best spot to be on Maui.

My stay at the Kea Lani was spectacular! I did stay in a renovated ocean view room. In my opinion the new rooms are no better than the older rooms. If push comes to shove hold out for the view suite over a newer suite. The property is truly world class and in my opinion Wailea is the best spot to be on Maui.

Great that you had a good time at the resort!!
I booked a deluxe ocean view suite. I was told that it has oceant front views and it is located in the top floors.

I agree that Wailea is the place to be in Maui!!

Mobs of wild kids, substandard restaurants, blood on the sheets at the spa:

My wife and I had stayed at the Kea Lani previously, in Sep., 2000. We enjoyed our stay very much & decided to book there again. We did not notice that, in that time period, the Kea Lani had changed from a privately-owned & managed hotel to being owned by Fairmont Hotels.

To make a long story very short, the stories from other reviewers about the pool areas are right on. If you travel at anything other than the lowest of the low season, you will encounter literally hundreds of out-of-control kids playing, screaming, crying and generally raising Cain in every way. It is also extremely difficult to find a chair that is anywhere near the pools (i.e. less than 200 yards away).

As to the restaurants, the food at the breakfast restaurant is only one small step better than what you could find at a Shoney's buffet. An interesting note is that what they offer for their breakfast buffet (c. $25) is five steps lower in quality from what is offered on their a la carte breakfast menu (which would cost you close to $35 if you ordered each item you might want for a breakfast comparable in size to the buffet). Mass scrambled eggs on the buffet vs. special egg dishes on the menu. Portuguese sausage (nasty) on the buffet vs. applewood smoked sausage links on the menu. You get the point.

The food at Nick's was excellent, but the service was a crapshoot. One evening we had a server who was very attentive and took great care of us. Two evenings later we had a server who literally came to our table twice in over 2 hours. I spoke with the manager about that experience & he offered us one free dessert for our troubles (?!?). Needless to say, we would have much rather had attentive service than a free slice of cheesecake.

Finally, and most astoundingly, we made reservations at the spa for massages for each of us. At the end of my massage, the therapist opened the door and I see my wife standing there in tears. She says we need to talk & comes into my treatment room. Through sobs & profuse tears, she proceeds to tell me how, halfway through her massage, her therapist asked her if she was bleeding. She stated "no" and informed the therapist that her cycle had been 2 weeks prior. Extensive evaluation by the therapist and my wife of my wife's body revealed not so much as a tiny scrape. The problem is, the sheets on the massage table had blood spots in multiple places. It turns out that the massage therapist had some cuts on her hands & that these were the sources of the blood.

I spoke with hotel management immediately, who stated that they would involve hotel security and inform us how they intended to handle the matter. Hotel security, after extensively questioning us, asked us what we feel would be appropriate resolution. Naturally, we told them that something should be comp'd from our bill, whether room nights or restaurant tabs or whatever. Hotel security felt that was an appropriate request and said they would have to put it to hotel management. We received a letter under our door 2 days later stating that they would be unable to offer us any compensation for this travesty, other than the accommodation (?!?) that they would not charge for the massage received. Other than that, they simply provided us with the name, address and telephone number of Fairmont Hotels' corporate insurance carrier, located in Canada.

When I spoke directly with hotel management about this situation, they were extremely cold and did everything possible to avoid saying almost anything to me, repeatedly telling me that they should not discuss the matter on the advice of their attorneys. When I told them how abundantly displeased we were with their response, especially considering that we did not want to pursue this matter via litigation, but were satisfied to accept some manner of local comping, they simply repeated that they were unable to accommodate us beyond removing the spa charge for the massage, and that we should contact their insurance company if we wanted to pursue a legal claim.

Needless to say, we will never return to the Kea Lani, and will utilize the Four Seasons or the Grand Wailea in the future. Everything we have heard and read about those properties seems to indicate to us that they know how to handle unfortunate circumstances that arise because of their OWN FAULT. Sadly, the Kea Lani has apparently decided that it would rather pursue a cold, hostile, and legalistic approach to problem resolution than simply reaching out to its customers and making right what they made wrong. For $500 per night, you can do much, much better in the way of amenities received and service provided than the Kea Lani.

I've read and re-read takl's comments from where this was cross-posted in the Starwood forum.

The massage incident seems to have been a genuine question which precipitated some sort of hysterical response. I wondered at first why security were called, and I now suspect that they were called to ask Mr and Mrs takl to not attempt to pressure hotel staff to give them some sort of pay-off.

I'm genuinely sorry for Mrs takl that she become so distressed on her vacation, but I can't see any evidence of harm to them, or of intentional damage to them, or even of neglect.

Mobs of wild kids, substandard restaurants, blood on the sheets at the spa:

My wife and I had stayed at the Kea Lani previously, in Sep., 2000. We enjoyed our stay very much & decided to book there again. We did not notice that, in that time period, the Kea Lani had changed from a privately-owned & managed hotel to being owned by Fairmont Hotels.

To make a long story very short, the stories from other reviewers about the pool areas are right on. If you travel at anything other than the lowest of the low season, you will encounter literally hundreds of out-of-control kids playing, screaming, crying and generally raising Cain in every way. It is also extremely difficult to find a chair that is anywhere near the pools (i.e. less than 200 yards away).

As to the restaurants, the food at the breakfast restaurant is only one small step better than what you could find at a Shoney's buffet. An interesting note is that what they offer for their breakfast buffet (c. $25) is five steps lower in quality from what is offered on their a la carte breakfast menu (which would cost you close to $35 if you ordered each item you might want for a breakfast comparable in size to the buffet). Mass scrambled eggs on the buffet vs. special egg dishes on the menu. Portuguese sausage (nasty) on the buffet vs. applewood smoked sausage links on the menu. You get the point.

The food at Nick's was excellent, but the service was a crapshoot. One evening we had a server who was very attentive and took great care of us. Two evenings later we had a server who literally came to our table twice in over 2 hours. I spoke with the manager about that experience & he offered us one free dessert for our troubles (?!?). Needless to say, we would have much rather had attentive service than a free slice of cheesecake.

Finally, and most astoundingly, we made reservations at the spa for massages for each of us. At the end of my massage, the therapist opened the door and I see my wife standing there in tears. She says we need to talk & comes into my treatment room. Through sobs & profuse tears, she proceeds to tell me how, halfway through her massage, her therapist asked her if she was bleeding. She stated "no" and informed the therapist that her cycle had been 2 weeks prior. Extensive evaluation by the therapist and my wife of my wife's body revealed not so much as a tiny scrape. The problem is, the sheets on the massage table had blood spots in multiple places. It turns out that the massage therapist had some cuts on her hands & that these were the sources of the blood.

I spoke with hotel management immediately, who stated that they would involve hotel security and inform us how they intended to handle the matter. Hotel security, after extensively questioning us, asked us what we feel would be appropriate resolution. Naturally, we told them that something should be comp'd from our bill, whether room nights or restaurant tabs or whatever. Hotel security felt that was an appropriate request and said they would have to put it to hotel management. We received a letter under our door 2 days later stating that they would be unable to offer us any compensation for this travesty, other than the accommodation (?!?) that they would not charge for the massage received. Other than that, they simply provided us with the name, address and telephone number of Fairmont Hotels' corporate insurance carrier, located in Canada.

When I spoke directly with hotel management about this situation, they were extremely cold and did everything possible to avoid saying almost anything to me, repeatedly telling me that they should not discuss the matter on the advice of their attorneys. When I told them how abundantly displeased we were with their response, especially considering that we did not want to pursue this matter via litigation, but were satisfied to accept some manner of local comping, they simply repeated that they were unable to accommodate us beyond removing the spa charge for the massage, and that we should contact their insurance company if we wanted to pursue a legal claim.

Needless to say, we will never return to the Kea Lani, and will utilize the Four Seasons or the Grand Wailea in the future. Everything we have heard and read about those properties seems to indicate to us that they know how to handle unfortunate circumstances that arise because of their OWN FAULT. Sadly, the Kea Lani has apparently decided that it would rather pursue a cold, hostile, and legalistic approach to problem resolution than simply reaching out to its customers and making right what they made wrong. For $500 per night, you can do much, much better in the way of amenities received and service provided than the Kea Lani.

I very much disagree.

After my 6th visit to this property last week I still love it. Fantastic service and ammenities.

I very much disagree.

After my 6th visit to this property last week I still love it. Fantastic service and ammenities.

I'm with you. Just had our 4th stay Thanksgiving week and have already booked for next Thanksgiving. There is an adult pool if one wants to avoid the kids at the other pools. We splurge on a cabana so have no problems looking for chairs, although I never noticed a time (despite sold out hotel)when every chair was taken, and pool attendants were great at helping people move chairs.

Funny about lack of service at Nick's, there are usually 3 servers hanging around at all times. Food was excellent.

My only quibble is they now charge for valet parking - the valets looked very upset at the lost tips now that most everyone is self-parking.

Just got back from a short stay at the Fairmont Kea Lani (Wailea, Maui). It was fantastic ^^^ Upgraded to a partial ocean view suite. The suites could use to upgrade to HD TVs and put in DVD players, but other than that no complaints (after all we were not indoors much anyway).

As someone who is gluten intolerant, the resort made every effort to make sure I was taken care of, and the entire staff was knowledgeable about what ingredients were in different menu items. There did end up being a contamination issue, but the front office manager Victoria and the Asst. Food and Beverage Director Pete were so committed to finding out exactly what went wrong.

I can't say enough about how wonderful these people are and how stunning the property was. We were there for a wedding, and it was the most beautiful wedding I've ever been to. I will definitely be back! :D

We'll be back there this Thanksgiving - I think it will be our 6th stay.

Hi all,

Planning on surprise the wife for our anniversary and going to stay at Fairmont Kea Lani. Can anyone tell me what is the best way to get room upgrade at this hotel?

Any help would be appreciated.

Hi all,

Planning on surprise the wife for our anniversary and going to stay at Fairmont Kea Lani. Can anyone tell me what is the best way to get room upgrade at this hotel?

Any help would be appreciated.

The best way? Pay for it. @:-)

The best way? Pay for it. @:-)

This ;)

All the rooms in the main building are suites, and nearly identical. You can request an ocean view (especially if you are FPC platinum) if that is what you would like. Personally, I prefer a corner where the other balconies aren't able to watch you drink morning coffee.

We stayed at the Kea Lani for 6 nights last month and were upgraded to an ocean view room at arrival. We didn't request an upgrade were pleasantly surprised.
Beautiful grounds and gracious staff.
Enjoy your stay!

I am looking forward to an upcoming stay. I've booked a Signature Kilohana King for $770 and now I am wondering if there is a chance we would be upgraded to one of the Villas. I am not optimistic given the "low" price for the Kilohana room.

I think a villa upgrade is slim to none.

A couple of years back we were upgraded to a villa from a Kilohana suite. :D You can imagine our disappointment the next stay when we weren't so lucky.:( So this trip (we leave 8/3) I took no chances and booked the villa - the kids are getting two big to sleep on sleepers/rollaways, so with the great sale going on, I decided a villa was "better" than two regular rooms.

A couple of years back we were upgraded to a villa from a Kilohana suite. :D You can imagine our disappointment the next stay when we weren't so lucky.:( So this trip (we leave 8/3) I took no chances and booked the villa - the kids are getting two big to sleep on sleepers/rollaways, so with the great sale going on, I decided a villa was "better" than two regular rooms.

Going back to kea lani in october. 4th trip. upgrades have always been tough unless on a honeymoon (and you might get it for a day or two), but i have not been there during any time except summer when it is always crowded.

Hopeful we get one this time.

Next week, I have a reservation for the lowest priced suite at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui. Any tips on how to maximize my odds of getting an upgrade perhaps to an ocean view room?

$$$$$ always works...

Maximum odds would be to log on to Fairmont.com. Click Revise Reservation. Select Ocean View Suite. Click Submit.

Do you have any suite or room upgrade certificates (From Fairmont Plat or Premiere)


But other than that, you could politely ask at check in. If you are there for a special occasion you could call and let them know (please don't be one of the people that lies about their honeymoon). I find asking at check-in, and being very polite is nice, but don't expect anything. If they are busy, you will get what you booked.

Got an insider FPC tip. Kea Lani will have a rate that's about $20 more than NFAF after April 1st, 2010, and will include $100 per day dining credit. Keep posted.

Got an insider FPC tip. Kea Lani will have a rate that's about $20 more than NFAF after April 1st, 2010, and will include $100 per day dining credit. Keep posted.

Sounds like a great deal! There are too many great deals out there at the moment to take advantage of ... so I guess I´ll have to pass on this great offer. :(

Dining certs don't apply to Nick's Fishmarket.. Here's crossing my fingers that it can be applied to the Front Desk Discounted Breakfast package at Kea Lani, as well as Nick's Fishmarket.^^:cool:

you're not missing much by not being able to apply to Nick's. :-)

you're not missing much by not being able to apply to Nick's. :-)

Nick's isn't all that bad.. just convenient.. can only take so much of Tommy Bahama's and Ruth's Chris.. will be going to both on Maui an Big Island.. Leaning towards trying Spagos at FS. Anyone tried Spagos, and how is it?

You really need to try Joe's, over by the tennis courts. Sister to the Hali'maile GS. Great food, good prices, great service. All three of which I unfortunatly, cannot say for Nick's.

And don't forget Roy's, especially on the makai side of the big island.

Nick's isn't all that bad.. just convenient.. can only take so much of Tommy Bahama's and Ruth's Chris.. will be going to both on Maui an Big Island.. Leaning towards trying Spagos at FS. Anyone tried Spagos, and how is it?

I love Spago's at the FS.

I love Spago's at the FS.

I think this trip out we'll try Roy's and Spagos.. We'll see about Joes.. We'll do Sansei in Kihei because we like sushi.. Heard Ferraro's is spotty, and Mama's fish house although good food, is a bit overpriced. We'll go into Lahaina one night and sit at the restaurant where you oversee the fire show (can't remember the name), but its' in a white house.. Anyone out there think we should try Mama's fish house? :)

The Old Lahaina Luau is my favorite on Maui, unfortunately, my wife don't like the coconut girls, so in order keep wifey happy, probably will have to pass on this one too.:(

Here it is.. the special.. Note: More $$$ than I thought, but still cheaper than NFAF
http://www.fairmont.com/kealani/HotelPackages/SpecialOffer/100DollarFoodandBeverageDailyCreditandFifthNightFr eePromotion.htm

$100 Food & Beverage Daily Credit now includes the 5th Night Free! Time is Limited!
Stay longer and truly experience the luxury of The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui.

For a limited time our Food and Beverage Daily Credit Offer now also includes a Fifth Night Free when booking a luxurious one-bedroom suite during the eligible periods. The $100 credit may be used each day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at all the hotel’s restaurants and lounges excluding Nick’s Fishmarket.

Package Includes:
•The $100 food and beverage credit is per room per day and may be used at Kea Lani Restaurant, Kō, Polo Beach Grille and Bar, Luana Lounge, Caffe Ciao Bakery & Deli (food purchase only), and in-room dining. Offer is not applicable to Nick's Fishmarket, room service delivery charges or food and beverage taxes and gratuities, or room rate. Not redeemable for cash and not combinable with any other offer. Any unused credit is not refundable.
•Accommodations in a luxurious one-bedroom suite for a minimum of five nights (the fifth night free is calculated in the price displayed*).


Availability
This promotion is available for bookings made by May 31, 2010 for stays between April 7, 2010 and May 31, 2010; subject to availabilty.


Rates:
Rates vary due to availability.

*The fifth night has already been adjusted in the displayed rate.

*The daily $100 Food and Beverage credit will be adjusted upon check out.

This Promotion is not combinable with FairmontSavers rates.

Reservation & Cancellation Policy:
A one night non-refundable deposit will be charged at the time of booking.

Not only is this thread making me dream of waves and beaches but now it's making my mouth water....

Not only is this thread making me dream of waves and beaches but now it's making my mouth water....

Dude! It's going to be our third time there.. so 15 nights Orchid, 7 nights Kea Lani.. I was hoping to do 3 weeks at Kea Lani, but then the NFAF went up, and the Fairmont Suite wasn't available to book.. so extra $130 per night.. got some value out of the Orchid, so going to split up 22 nights between the two properties.

We might actually go later on the year again to Kea Lani if the NFAF drops, or a good deal is to be had.

Kokinos.. do this.. book Aeroplan 40,000 miles a passenger, and fly united to Big Island.. Island hop using Hawaiian air to Maui.. its like only $100 per passenger one way.. and return to Calgary, from Maui.. so Flights are pretty much free except for taxes and fees.. and super specials at both properties.:cool:

You are all making me very jealous. Fairmont forum might be a little quiet without AM around!

You are all making me very jealous. Fairmont forum might be a little quiet without AM around!

IMO.. certs are good value at Hawaii properties.. Kea Lani is all suite hotel, and they accept the comp night on Fairmont suite.. anytime paying for a suite is typically more than paying for room. At the Orchid, suite cert.. Hawaii.. need I say more?:) Combine with Aeroplan flights.. 7 years to Islands of Hawaii and counting.:cool:

I'm looking at KL for mid April, was thinking nine nights based on dates we have available.
The $100 credit and 5th night free deal does look to be the best. Can one use a suite upgrade cert on this? If so, do we move up one category, so moderate king to Fairmont King? If one wants the partial oven view suite, I guess one has to book and pay for the Fairmont King to upgrade to the ocean view?
Can FPC Plat members use their free night with this offer?

I'm looking at KL for mid April, was thinking nine nights based on dates we have available.
The $100 credit and 5th night free deal does look to be the best. Can one use a suite upgrade cert on this? If so, do we move up one category, so moderate king to Fairmont King? If one wants the partial oven view suite, I guess one has to book and pay for the Fairmont King to upgrade to the ocean view?
Can FPC Plat members use their free night with this offer?

I can confirm that the Suite upgrade certificates move you up a single room category at Kea Lani. However, not sure if they apply to the moderate suite category or not... usually you need to book the "Fairmont" level room (or higher) in order to upgrade at Fairmont hotels using elite upgrade certificates. YMMV.

Best value is if you can book a Deluxe Ocean view and upgrade to their Signature, but may not fit your price point.

My experience using the Plat free night is that they keep you in whatever accomodation you have already booked. I'm planning on returning to Hawaii in November 2010 for a couple of nights as part of a 2 week Maui / Kauai excursion, and I am seriously contemplating spending $500 for a Deluxe Ocean View, upgrading to the signature suite, and using my free night to achieve an ADR of $250 per night for a $1200 per night room. Of course, hopefully there will be good NFAF or other sale rates between now and when I book to furthe reduce the cost.

SG

Fairmont forum might be a little quiet without AM around!

You're right it's quiet... where is AM?

You're right it's quiet... where is AM?

He is in Hawaii.

I can confirm that the Suite upgrade certificates move you up a single room category at Kea Lani. However, not sure if they apply to the moderate suite category or not... usually you need to book the "Fairmont" level room (or higher) in order to upgrade at Fairmont hotels using elite upgrade certificates. YMMV.

Best value is if you can book a Deluxe Ocean view and upgrade to their Signature, but may not fit your price point.

My experience using the Plat free night is that they keep you in whatever accomodation you have already booked. I'm planning on returning to Hawaii in November 2010 for a couple of nights as part of a 2 week Maui / Kauai excursion, and I am seriously contemplating spending $500 for a Deluxe Ocean View, upgrading to the signature suite, and using my free night to achieve an ADR of $250 per night for a $1200 per night room. Of course, hopefully there will be good NFAF or other sale rates between now and when I book to furthe reduce the cost.

SG

Sorry guys.. trying to settle down to this time change and finally getting a chance to post.. Lots of work with a couple of kids now, but looked at my infant son at brekkie today and it was worth it.. Anyways, we're still at the Orchid.

The free night cert applies from my memory to a Fairmont level room.. so applying a suite upgrade to it only gets you a partial ocean view suite at the Kea Lani. I checked with reservations, the hotel will not let us plats pay the difference and they're quite strict.. In fact, the reservations manager told Shelley that hotel policy nowadays than there are no further upgrades at check-in if the hotel has already granted guaranteed upgrades at check-in is no longer. :confused: We've been to Hawaii now six times over the past 7 years, and am a bit baffled that they are treating Plat members the way they do. Basically, on public websites, you can get free breakfast, amenity, guaranteed upgrade, etc. just by booking with them. I checked their package prices and its' exactly what they offer on fairmont.com. So why be a plat member, qualify, and be treated the way we do?.. when you go on a public website and basically better? Like, why would we qualify for plat, spend our certificates when we can book with these preferred partners and get a better deal? Anyways, I would have thought that would further upgrade at check-in for plats, but have the heads up straight from the hotel, and the FPC desk, that they absolutely will not treat plats better than the public, and that is now hotel policy.

Found out why the level of service at the Orchid has went south a bit for Plats. Orchid has this Ali'i program and basically for $2,100 per year, you pay $199 per night, and time of check-in the front desk will let you check into the best suite, including OF Suite, that is available. I imagine that the policy has changed at Kea Lani too because of some sort of program I haven't come accross with. Basically, beware right now of the new policy changes in Hawaii.. it seems like both hotels may be shifting to some of pre-paid loyalty program that is apart from the FPC program, and is putting pressure on the FPC members not getting the room upgrades experienced as in the past. I'm not saying that there won't be upgrades, with the suites, don't expect much.:cool: This Ali'i program is plugging up the system, and I've heard that the Ali'i members have priority over Platinum members of Fairmont.

Anyways, enough with the negative.. will concentrate on my infants' son vacation, and trying to make it special for my family. Aloha! :cool:

http://www.perfectescapes.com/Booking/BookHotel_CheckAvailability2.aspx?BookingPID=111#

Book your stay at The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui through Perfect Escapes and receive these complimentary extras:

12pm early check-in*
4pm late check-out*
Complimentary room upgrade*
Welcome amenity in room
Breakfast for two daily


Reservations must be made through Perfect Escapes to receive the special amenities listed. Please note that guaranteed amenities (e.g., those amenities not listed as 'subject to availability') are provided only for amenity-eligible rates and room categories. Group bookings, package bookings, and special-offer bookings may be defined as non-amenity-eligible rates, as determined by the hotel. Participating hotels and amenities are subject to change without notice. Unless listed as 'guaranteed' or 'confirmed', room upgrades and early check-in are based on availability at the time of arrival; late check-out is based on availability at the time requested. Amenities will be provided once per room, per stay, unless otherwise noted. Amenities must be consumed during the eligible stay and may not be redeemed for cash or any other form of credit. Perfect Escapes serves solely as a sales agent and is not responsible for a hotel's acts or omissions.
[]

I thought I would post this above as proof that the public is being treated better than platinum members.. I would not have concluded this except that the reservations manager, and FPC loyalty has confirmed that it is now hotel policy to refuse upgrade request to Premiere and Platinum members even if there is availability at check-in, as a result of policy change. Aloha!:cool:

Am, send am email to GRC.marketingsupport@frhi.com and voice your concerns. I believe that email address gets you pretty high and at least your voice will be heard. Changes will never be made if they don't know peoples opinion.

:td:Am, send am email to GRC.marketingsupport@frhi.com and voice your concerns. I believe that email address gets you pretty high and at least your voice will be heard. Changes will never be made if they don't know peoples opinion.

Thanks CFH.. I might just e-mail the hotel manager, but I'll contact Shelley at Loyalty desk and let her know to tell the hotel about the public websites and ask them for this free breakfast deal/upgrade, because I believe these are internal hotel decisions who make up these hotel policies. I'll see how they respond and report back. IMO, a good draw for many Prem/Plat FPCers is hotels in Hawaii (know personally a couple, and they've both stayed in Wailea)i.. the policies are going to affect Fairmont hotel business accross North America one way or another.. likely reduce stays by FPCers not maintaining status.. especially when you got websites offering public better deals than what Plats get. Why be loyal to Fairmont, when you get better treatment being the general public?

Further, this erosion of loyalty that will happen, will further be eroded because hotels like Four Seasons offer daily breakfast, amenity, upgrade.. without loyalty status. Hotels accross the board are competing harder for business, and increasing incentives and service.. so I guess eventually it doesn't matter what my opinion is, FPCers will start voting with their feet. This hotel policy is specifically directed at Prem/Plat members, thus directly handcuffing our ability to book and be treated like loyal members were treated in the past.. the result is that the general public is now treated better than Prem/Plat FPC members.. and is unfortunately now hotel policy.:td:

especially when you got websites offering public better deals than what Plats get.

The benefits listed are pretty similar to what you get as an Amex Platinum card holder through their Fine Hotels and Resorts program. For the Kea Lani they list:

Fine Hotels and Resorts Amenities
A room upgrade when available, upon check-in.
Daily continental breakfast for up to two people.
Guaranteed four o'clock p.m. late check-out.
Customized Special Amenity
•
A complimentary lunch for up to two people per room, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities, once during your stay.

It is possible to combine the FPC Platinum benefits with the FHR program. I generally book the room through the Amex travel people which gets me my breakfasts and the special amenity, then call or email FPC referencing my reservation number and confirm an upgrade using my cert. Usually I'll get the Platinum welcome gift in the room too. Sometimes it's an Amex one.

Maybe the same is possible using a "Perfect Escapes" reservation.

we just returned from maui, and if you really like sushi, you MUST try the sushi bar in Makawao town on the way up to the crater. Went there 3 times on a 9 night stay and always left stuffed and with money still in my pocket. Check out my review on trip advisor..Rockin' sushi house maui. and say hi to ben for me !!!

The benefits listed are pretty similar to what you get as an Amex Platinum card holder through their Fine Hotels and Resorts program. For the Kea Lani they list:

Fine Hotels and Resorts Amenities
A room upgrade when available, upon check-in.
Daily continental breakfast for up to two people.
Guaranteed four o'clock p.m. late check-out.
Customized Special Amenity
•
A complimentary lunch for up to two people per room, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities, once during your stay.

It is possible to combine the FPC Platinum benefits with the FHR program. I generally book the room through the Amex travel people which gets me my breakfasts and the special amenity, then call or email FPC referencing my reservation number and confirm an upgrade using my cert. Usually I'll get the Platinum welcome gift in the room too. Sometimes it's an Amex one.

Maybe the same is possible using a "Perfect Escapes" reservation.

Shall do.. when I talk to Shelley I'll quote both and see how iron clad this policy is.. Will Report Back!^

Shall do.. when I talk to Shelley I'll quote both and see how iron clad this policy is.. Will Report Back!^

Just to be clear - you can only book the Amex FHR rate by going through Amex travel. (And often they don't have rates as cheap as the Fairmont specials.) Once you have an Amex booking, you can get the FPC Plat desk to handle your upgrade.

Just to be clear - you can only book the Amex FHR rate by going through Amex travel. (And often they don't have rates as cheap as the Fairmont specials.) Once you have an Amex booking, you can get the FPC Plat desk to handle your upgrade.

I think more importantly is to point out that the public gets free upgrades through preferred partners.. so why qualify Platinum and use hard earned certs if the hotel policy is not to treat Platinum Members any better than the general public.. will try sometime this week.. Gee.. I see some whales breaching.:cool:

After contacting FPC regarding the deals offered to the public, they upgraded our room guaranteed to OV. No free breakfast, because we are getting a discounted rate further to the public websites.. which doesn't really matter to us anyway.. The hotel policy about no upgrades at check-in for FPC Premier and Platinum members communicated to us still doesn't make sense. If you're upgrading the public at check-in, why deny this to loyal members of FPC? FPC are loyal members to the hotel, and provide a better chance of increased revenue streams in the future. So why kick FPC members in the head by treating the public to free breakfast, free upgrade, free amenity, etc... and not doing the same for members?

These public websites get upgrades on higher than Fairmont categories. Say if you book Deluxe Ocean View, you get Kilohana if its available at check in. Premiere and Platinum certificates only gets upgrades from Fairmont category to Partial Ocean View guaranteed at reservation (this is revenue adversive..) a suggestion... they should make certificates upgradeable at any category at this hotel.. and/or give the extra upgrade if available at check-in.

I think Kea Lani is providing to the public these incentives because Four Seasons, their neighbors are doing it. The problem is Four Seasons don't have a loyalty incentive program, but Fairmont does. Now they are isolating FPC members which in my opinion is a negative.

Arrived at Fabulous Wailea.. Hotel is dated, and the facility seems to be falling apart throughout the property. Views are exceptional from the Ocean View Room we've got, but the rooms could use a bit of TLC.. marbles are cracked, grout filled with dirt, the ceiling has some black on it.. but don't let the rooms fool you, because we always have a fabulous time here, and will come back again, barring unforeseen circumstances that is.

It seems the tile in the outside halls were there from the first day of install.. almost seems like rot where the floor meets the walls. I wouldn't be surprised if mold was growing all over the place. The foyer inlaid marble is something else.. a work of art.. the grounds are well manicured, and the pool although falling apart from the seams, have kids in it filled to the brim as a result of spring break. Everyone is having a great time here. The bones of a great hotel, that environmentalists will stop at any cost from ever having another hotel built like this ever again on the shores of Wailea. So hopefully a reno in the rooms, or hotel sometime to keep things updated.

Spa Special! Pool Side massage $120 for 50 minutes. FPC gets spa access (special at Spa Kea Lani). Mark this in your calendars.. This is Maui, Hawai'i. Don't forget the 10% discount too. The Fairmont Orchid charges $169 for the same massage beside a Water Fall, and $189 for the Ocean Front massage

OK.. Poolside massage for my wife was outstanding.. way better massage therapist than the Orchid.. made her feel really comfortable and good value out of the massage.

Poolside massage was a flop. I usually tip your typical 15% to 20%, but couldn't bring myself to do it. Supervisor of massages did my therapy, and he was outstanding.. but it was the grass cutters who made this one over the top dissappointing. Its' one thing to get the noise of grass cutters on the background.. but its' another thing to have grass cutters so close that I'm breathing in exhaust during my massage. So had to cut poolside short, and went upstairs into a private room (dissapointing as I really enjoy massages outside). Supervisor finished the massage up.. gave me a 30% discount on this massage for the trouble, as well as 30% off the next time we're out in Maui. Still couldn't bring myself to tip as I was not relaxed by the entire experience at all.. Note: I didn't ask for the discount, the supervisor just gave it to me without request.

Anyways.. Spago's at Four Seasons was excellent. It was quite entertaining watching all the movie star and celebrity wannabes walk in and out of the restaurant. Most of the ladies were on 8" cfms and wearing bright dresses dressed up to the 10s.. and the guys, dressed up in Don Cherry type suites walking in and out. Well worth the $250US drop.. and the food was excellent, not big portions, but some 9 dimensions of levels of taste. If you want to save coin, do the pre-fixe menu each day early or late for only $49 pp

Did Ruth's Chris for the third time in the islands.. Shops at Wailea. We did the Prime Time.. 5 pm to 6 pm for $39.99 or $49.99 for a four course meal. Salad, side, steak and dessert. Met with some parents from my child's private school and had a great time. The dad of my child's friend, doubted that this is the best steak he was ever going to have.. and then left saying that he'll be back in Calgary visiting Ruth's.

Nick's Fishmarket was excellent. Front desk manager gave us an exception to use F&B credit towards it. Made our stay feel welcomed, cause Nick's is the best restaurant at the resort. (Kea Lani does not credit F&B at this restaurant so don't try.. we got something out of the ordinary because we told the front desk manager that we got the exception the last couple of times we stayed there). Rack of Lamb was awesome.. Got 7 pieces with spinach and sweet mashed potatoes. Sauce had 5 dimensions of taste in itself and the meal was simply outstanding. My wife got the Mahi Mahi and that was outstanding as well. But the best Mahi was at Spago's this trip that she's ever had in her lifetime.

Ocean View Room was outstanding. The reservation manager got us the best Ocean Room on the property.. Room 338.. The way they set the whole property up, this is the best room in its' category.

Lastly, a thank you to all the Barbara's working at Kea Lani.. they seemed to pop up all over the place.. my wife's first name is Barbara.^

Booking a side trip to front end a wedding trip in Kauai, I've stumbled across the Kea Lani room rates through AMEX FHR at as low as $199/night for the Moderate Suite, to only $349 for the Deluxe Ocean View, which technically gets a one-category upgrade to Signature Kilohana...... good deal!

Although I do also know that the hotel is undergoing renovations starting late-Summer.....so, caveat emptor....

Per Below.. The deal!.. as posted in the Special Rates and Packages Thread..



Fairmont Kea Lani Renovation Sale

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ocean View Suite for $264 per night when I checked!


__________________________________________________ ______________


Renovation with Aloha Promotion

We are pleased to announce exciting enhancements to The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui. Complete renovations to all three swimming pools are scheduled to take place this fall in an effort to maintain our high standards in guest amenities.

Take advantage of spectacular discounts with our “Renovation with Aloha” promotion during the enhancement project.

During this time, The Fairmont Kea Lani will continue to be a full service resort. There will be no disruption to the villas or Polo Beach. All hotel departments will remain open during their normal business hours and there will be at least one restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

All three swimming pool decks will be replaced with quartzite, a naturally beautiful stone that will dramatically enhance the expansive pool areas. During the pool renovations, at least one swimming pool will always be open. The waterslide and remaining pool(s) will be closed and blocked off to allow the crew to complete their work and to ensure safety for all our guests. Tasteful, temporary enclosures will surround all work areas. Measures are being taken to minimize the level of noise by installing soundproof huts, however, there will be several days of noise disruption especially at the start of the remodeling project (August 30 – September 3, 2010). Work for the pool enhancement is scheduled 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday – Friday.

Learn more about current renovation details.

Package Includes:
Accommodation in a luxurious one-bedroom suite or spacious villa.


Availability
Our Renovation with Aloha Promotion is available for travel dates from August 30, 2010 to October 28, 2010, subject to availability and rate changes.

Rates:
The Renovation with Aloha Promotion rates start from $199 USD per night plus applicable taxes. This promotion may not be used in conjuction with any other offer or promotion.

Reservation & Cancellation Policy:
A two-night deposit will be charged at the time of booking. To receive a full refund for cancellation, notice must be received 21 days prior to arrival. New bookings only; promotion not combinable with other offers or packages.


__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _____________________

Renovation with Aloha Breakfast Package
We are pleased to announce exciting enhancements to The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui. Complete renovations to all three swimming pools are scheduled to take place this fall in an effort to maintain our high standards in guest amenities.

Take advantage of spectacular discounts with our “Renovation with Aloha Breakfast Package” promotion during the enhancement project.

Each morning relax and enjoy the fresh flavors of our deluxe breakfast buffet at Kea Lani Restaurant. And with our Breakfast package, you can enjoy the bountiful buffet featuring an omelet station, pancakes, waffles, link sausage, and smoked bacon as well as authentic Asian style breakfast foods including miso soup. A wide variety of local seasonal fruit, and freshly baked pastries such as mango and banana nut bread are freshly baked in the resort’s pastry shop.

During this time, The Fairmont Kea Lani will continue to be a full service resort. There will be no disruption to the villas or Polo Beach. All hotel departments will remain open during their normal business hours and there will be at least one restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

All three swimming pool decks will be replaced with quartzite, a naturally beautiful stone that will dramatically enhance the expansive pool areas. During the pool renovations, at least one swimming pool will always be open. The waterslide and remaining pool(s) will be closed and blocked off to allow the crew to complete their work and to ensure safety for all our guests. Tasteful, temporary enclosures will surround all work areas. Measures are being taken to minimize the level of noise by installing soundproof huts, however, there will be several days of noise disruption especially at the start of the remodeling project (August 30 – September 3, 2010). Work for the pool enhancement is scheduled 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday – Friday.

Package Includes:
•Accommodations in any luxurious one bedroom suite
•Deluxe buffet breakfast at Kea Lani Restaurant for two daily (tax and gratuity included)


Availability
The Renovation with Aloha Breakfast Package is available August 30 through October 28, 2010; subject to availability.


Rates:
The Renovation with Aloha Breakfast Package rates start from $234 USD per night plus applicable taxes; subject to availability.
Reservation & Cancellation Policy
A two night deposit will be charged at the time of booking. To receive a full refund for cancellation, notice must be received 21 days prior to arrival.

Got a better deal at the Kea Lani through Travelocity than any other source. $400/nt during Christmas week vs. $780 on fairmont.com.

Will be staying here for the second time with husband and kids.

Hotel Wailea up the hill looks interesting to me, though.

Got a better deal at the Kea Lani through Travelocity than any other source. $400/nt during Christmas week vs. $780 on fairmont.com.

Will be staying here for the second time with husband and kids.

Hotel Wailea up the hill looks interesting to me, though.

$400/nt is a great rate for Christmas week.. NFAF won't work and year's past the upgrades/free night certs doesn't work.. Our family and kids (4 year old is already attending school) would like to go to a fairmont during Christmas week somewhere.. thanks for the tip.^

EDIT: I just looked up travelocity and its $723 cdn for Kea Lani Moderate Suite.. I looked up Travelocity.com US and the room rates are similar at $699 for a Moderate Suite. I would be interested in a deal like the one you've got jujubean71.. what dates did you use, so I can recreate this.. Looks like the room breakdowns each night shown doesn't get anywhere near $400 per night.

Wow, you're right. The rates on Travelocity have gone up. Guess I got lucky when I booked May 1.

It's a lousy Fairmont room, though, which I'm very disappointed about, and I know my upgrade coupons won't apply. So we might choose to stay at a different property.

I re-checked my confirmation, and my rate is actually $399 Dec 25-Jan1. We're spending a few days on the Big Island beforehand.

Wow, you're right. The rates on Travelocity have gone up. Guess I got lucky when I booked May 1.

It's a lousy Fairmont room, though, which I'm very disappointed about, and I know my upgrade coupons won't apply. So we might choose to stay at a different property.

Limited access didn't say that the suite upgrades or free nights didn't apply.. maybe double check this with Fairmont, because maybe they can make an exception because it doesn't specifically exclude Kea Lani your reservation dates.

Any feedback on the renovation? Noise? Dust? restaurant closures?

When we stayed there in 2009 our Kilohana suite was in dire need of updating and not worth the price (I still kick myself for not paying more for the neighboring Four Seasons).

Given the "renovation" special I am hesitant to book the Kea Lani for our 2010 trip. All I could find on the website is the renovation involves the pools. Anyone stay recently have feedback on the renovations?

thanks in advance. :)

Any feedback on the renovation? Noise? Dust? restaurant closures?

When we stayed there in 2009 our Kilohana suite was in dire need of updating and not worth the price (I still kick myself for not paying more for the neighboring Four Seasons).

Given the "renovation" special I am hesitant to book the Kea Lani for our 2010 trip. All I could find on the website is the renovation involves the pools. Anyone stay recently have feedback on the renovations?

thanks in advance. :)

A note.. I would go in October for the reno special as the adult pool and the main pool would have been finished by then.. they'll be working on the upper pool, and the waterslide will be closed. But for the screamin' deals to be had, to put up with the inconvenience, I think it would be worth it to go.. I'd just stay two or three weeks to take it all in.. and build in supplementary activities for the reno thats' happening.

they'll be working on the upper pool, and the waterslide will be closed.

Do you know how long the waterslide will be closed?

Do you know how long the waterslide will be closed?

They are working on the big pool Sept, and the upper pool Oct. Obviously with the waterslide connecting both pools, the slide will not be operating for September and October.. for your reservation in December, the renovations will be done by then.^

I'm thinking of heading there either end of Dec or early Jan for about 5 nights. Does anyone know what the blackout dates for free nights are (either Premier 3for2 or Plat free night)?

I'm thinking of heading there either end of Dec or early Jan for about 5 nights. Does anyone know what the blackout dates for free nights are (either Premier 3for2 or Plat free night)?

Interestingly the Kea Lani doesn´t seem to have black-out dates over NYE while the Orchid does: FPC website (https://www.fairmont.com/EN_FA/FPC/LimitedAccess)

Good luck!

I'm thinking of heading there either end of Dec or early Jan for about 5 nights. Does anyone know what the blackout dates for free nights are (either Premier 3for2 or Plat free night)?

I noticed this anomaly too, and pointed it out earlier on this thread (I think.. or is it another Kea Lani thread?). I would call and make sure that there are no exclusions or black out dates, as I've travelled Kea Lani numerous times in the past, and they've always blacked out Christmas Vacations til just after New Years. Right now Standard Fairmont is like around $800 per night for that time period.. Someone booked around $400 per night.. and when I checked it out, the rate got jacked up during this time period. It would have been a total score to book a Fairmont Suite for around $400 during Christmas holidays.. and have no restrictions to the certificates.

Quank, report back to us to see if we can use certs during this time period.. maybe an update on rate too.. as I was bantering about going down to Kea Lani during this time period as well (rates bit too high to digest right now.. looking for the can lol)..:cool:

I called and it's not blacked out. HOWEVER, they are sold out before Dec31 of Fairmont rooms which is the room you need to book free nights in. I checked Dec31 for 5 nights and the rates were between $539-799++/night. That is way too much for what we were hoping would be an affordable post Christmas trip.

I called and it's not blacked out. HOWEVER, they are sold out before Dec31 of Fairmont rooms which is the room you need to book free nights in. I checked Dec31 for 5 nights and the rates were between $539-799++/night. That is way too much for what we were hoping would be an affordable post Christmas trip.

They actually must have dropped the prices because Fairmont Suites were running $799 when I checked last month.. Believe it or not at $539 to $799 is actually a deal for this time period.

Which is why the free nights are so valuable, you save a ton.. but you pay a ton for the nights paid for too.. not for the faint of heart.. but its' the highest season of the year, so they'll charge for it.

I'm soliciting comments on the state/condition of the villas from those who have stayed there recently. My last stay in them was a good 8 years ago.

Seeing someone commented that the Kilohana Suites are in dire need of refurb, are the villas in better condition? I'm going in October and the renovation deals are too good to pass up, considering the villas also include a rental car worth $150/day......, on top of that I get AMEX FHR benefits.....

I'm soliciting comments on the state/condition of the villas from those who have stayed there recently. My last stay in them was a good 8 years ago.

Seeing someone commented that the Kilohana Suites are in dire need of refurb, are the villas in better condition? I'm going in October and the renovation deals are too good to pass up, considering the villas also include a rental car worth $150/day......, on top of that I get AMEX FHR benefits.....

The Virtual Tours of the Villas that appear on Fairmont.com were shot in Dec 2008. Although that's a year and a half ago they give you a very accurate feel on the decor and condition of the Villas.

2 Bedroom:
http://mediaserver.vrxstudios.com/flash/app/flashviewer.htm?id=18172.62185&template=131&width=572&height=680#

I heard that they will begin rolling out the renovated rooms around that time. You can request a renovated Villa, and see how it goes.. Being a repeat visitor, platinum member, Amex platinum, etc.. you're probably going to get one if its available.

Other side of the coin.. That's why a renovation sale is going on.. They're renovating rooms so that it will be updated for future visits.

Hello! I wanted to see if anyone has had any luck with adding their AMEX Platinum package to an existing Fairmont reservation? I booked at the Kea Lani a couple of months ago (my second stay this year) and just got my AMEX platinum card -- but the rate I booked at (Fairmont Savers) is a non-cancelable, so not sure if I can have both that rate code and my AMEX rate code attached to the same reservation since I originated this through Fairmont.

Any thoughts on this? :) Thanks!

Hello! I wanted to see if anyone has had any luck with adding their AMEX Platinum package to an existing Fairmont reservation? I booked at the Kea Lani a couple of months ago (my second stay this year) and just got my AMEX platinum card -- but the rate I booked at (Fairmont Savers) is a non-cancelable, so not sure if I can have both that rate code and my AMEX rate code attached to the same reservation since I originated this through Fairmont.

Any thoughts on this? :) Thanks!

If your talking about the extra benefits like breakfast, comp. upgrade etc. when booking through AMEX, the answer is unfortunately no. You can´t combine any rate with the benefits, you would have had to book the more expensive rate through AMEX to get the benefits.

I would call up reservations and/or AMEX.. and they may be able to work out an exception for you. There have been stories circulating that other advertised rates are honored with AMEX amenities, simply because AMEX can match it and provide the amenities over and above.

I second that. I had a reservation for a two-bedroom villa booked, called the hotel, and they were able to switch me to the FHR rate plan. The key is that the room rate between the rate plans must not change.

I would call up reservations and/or AMEX.. and they may be able to work out an exception for you. There have been stories circulating that other advertised rates are honored with AMEX amenities, simply because AMEX can match it and provide the amenities over and above.

...called the hotel, and they were able to switch me to the FHR rate plan...

Can someone point me to where the "FHR rate plan" is outlined? What is included? What does one need to access this rate plan? Thanks.

Can someone point me to where the "FHR rate plan" is outlined? What is included? What does one need to access this rate plan? Thanks.

You get the extra amenities when booking through the AMEX Platinum/Centurion travel agent.

The amenities are similar to the Virtuoso amenities and typically include:

- free breakfast for two
- upgrade either at time of booking or at check-in depending on availability
- early check-in / late check-out depending on availability
- welcome amenity, sometimes dinner for two/activity pass etc.

Rate usually is the same as the best available rate

A fellow FTer is a Virtuoso travel agent and has created a list of the benefits:
http://www.tophertravel.com/flyertalk

That's a good tip to book through a Virtuoso agent to get the amenities/upgrades. I've also heard that once the reservation is made, you can phone up Fairmont to upgrade your reservation using certificates on third party reservations. We will be at Kea Lani for Spring Break.. and for one reason or another, Kea Lani is treating FPC members by the book.. in terms of upgrades at check-in. So its important to negotiate all upgrades prior to arrival as much as possible..

I recently returned from a weekend stay at the Kea Lani using the special renovation rate. I'm a FPC member but have only stayed at a few Fairmont properties. Nevertheless, I had always considered the brand to be in the top tier for both service and quality. As a result I was quite disappointed in the Kea Lani. The property appeared dated and had an air of neglect. Service, while very friendly and kind, was lax and inattentive to detail.

I was upgraded to an Oceanview room, which had some very nice views of the sea as well adjacent islands but also looked over a large vacant lot. The suite itself was large and the marble bathroom was very luxurious. But the furniture, although of high quality, was nicked and scratched, and the sofa and bed throws all had large stains on them. The bell hop said all of the suites had been recently remodeled but I can't believe that was the case with mine.

Elevator doors were also nicked, scratched and dented, upholstered furniture in the lobby and other public areas was worn and faded and the exterior doors to many units were weathered, cracked and in general poor repair.

The much-heralded property renovations seem to be mostly about re-tiling the pool areas. Work on the adult pool is complete but continues on the mega-pool and the upper pool. The website said that no work would be done on Sundays but it certainly was when I was there. It is so noisy that it made sitting in the breezy, open lobby all but impossible, which was particularly annoying since this is one of the few areas where wi-fi is available. Noise was a problem at the breakfast buffet one day. Much of the seating was outside, overlooking the adult pool, but the hotel lawn service was busy with leaf blowers, hedge clippers and the like blowing fumes, grass and dirt all around the tables and customers. The waitstaff called management to try to stop the manic lawn work but to no avail. According to the staff, getting the adult pool ready for reopening was higher priority.

I ordered a $23 hamburger and fries at the pool one day and it was delivered in a cardboard box. At most upscale hotels this pool order would have been delivered on a tray and/or plate, with a cloth napkin and metal utensils rather than a paper napkin and plastic fork. The staff said they were trying to be enviro friendly but I think it was mainly about cutting costs.

I visited the Four Seasons next door for drinks and dinner one night and was struck by the contrast. The FS was vibrant, exceptionally well-maintained and service was pro-active and efficient.

I did get a good deal at the KL because of the renovation discount but when its prices go back up I think the Four Seasons would be a much better experience and value for the money.

Renovations are about half way now at the Kea Lani, and all the suites won't be done until end of October.. I think for the reno deal, its a steal.. so getting a room before its renovated is unfortunate. As a note, those going down to Kea Lani should request a renovated room, otherwise, you may be disappointed. Four Seasons is in receivership.. I've heard a $425 million dollar mortgage went into default.. Hopefully the creditors keep pumping in the money to keep the service levels up.

Will be down there Spring Break again.. Jetaway.. I'm glad you got an upgrade. Was it due to Amex or Vituoso, or are you just a regular member?

I knew about the Four Seasons receivership--read about it in the WSJ. But it doesn't appear to have affected the quality of the property. The KL, on the other hand, actually looks like it may be having money problems. I don't know why I got an upgrade although the hotel did not seem very full--actually, it seemed like a ghost ship, which also affected my perception.

I heard that they will begin rolling out the renovated rooms around that time. You can request a renovated Villa, and see how it goes.. Being a repeat visitor, platinum member, Amex platinum, etc.. you're probably going to get one if its available.

Other side of the coin.. That's why a renovation sale is going on.. They're renovating rooms so that it will be updated for future visits.

So I am here at the resort - as you have guessed, the resort upgraded me into an Oceanfront villa with a loft living room that has also been renovated (well, refurbished). There are obviously renovation work still ongoing with the second row of Oceanview villas...... Whilst I've no complaints about the villa, other areas of the hotel are visibly in need of renovation. This property clearly needs some work done soon....

So I am here at the resort - as you have guessed, the resort upgraded me into an Oceanfront villa with a loft living room that has also been renovated (well, refurbished). There are obviously renovation work still ongoing with the second row of Oceanview villas...... Whilst I've no complaints about the villa, other areas of the hotel are visibly in need of renovation. This property clearly needs some work done soon....

The price point, unfortunately would be reflective if the hotel was completely renovated. Although, the public parts are a bit dated and in need of a refreshing, I liked the fact I walked out paying $200 a night during spring break for an ocean view room. Four Seasons, may have some deals on, but for a smaller room you're going to pay for rooms starting $800 a night.. a deal maybe $650 after discounts.. for a parking/garden view room. During the summer, rates were $399 for a moderate suite at KL offered to the public. So we're talking larger rooms (suites) for about half of what Four Seasons go for. My Developer buddy was married at Maui Four Seasons.. its a nice property.

JKC22, did you book an ocean view villa and upgraded to ocean front? 2 or 3 bedrooms? Amex or Virtuoso? Or straight fpc?

AM-Your point about the KL rates are well taken; they are the reason I booked there. But I found the place to be so dreary that I didn't even like coming back there at night. So when planning a vacation at a paradise like Maui price is but one consideration. Experience is important too.

JKC22, did you book an ocean view villa and upgraded to ocean front? 2 or 3 bedrooms? Amex or Virtuoso? Or straight fpc?

Yes, booked two bedroom ocean view villa and upgraded to two bedroom ocean front villa. I was on a FHR rate plan - saw the reservation changed from OV to OF about a week out.

Rate was comparable to 2.5 times that for ocean view suites, so I figured with the rental car and the amenities (huge picnic basket, semi-stocked fridge, water and drinks replenished daily, etc.) the villa was a better choice than two suites.

FHR got us daily breakfast, and a lunch for four (2x2) once during stay (used at KO).

Are the discounted "renovation rates" still avaiable?

The BAR for the dates I´m looking at is >$400, not that great a deal.

Reno rates are only until end of October when the renos are supposed to be done.. IMO, $400 is still a great rate for a suite, seeing that suites at BSH is $850 pn.. Its just that we are used to a bit of a better deal on the reno rates, which is absolutely insane.. once in a lifetime sort of deals. Go to Four Seasons, and suites will run minimum $1,250 pn and up. Grand Wailea about the same as well.

IMO.. best rates are Friends and Family.. so hook up with one of your employee friends.

Hello! I thought I would give an update here -- my original question was if I could somehow transfer my existing Fairmont reservation that I made before I got my AMEX Plat. card to include the FHR rate plan without loosing my super great Fairmont Aloha 20% off rate -- the answer is "yes, but".

I contacted the hotel directly and they advised me to call AMEX and request that they take over the reservation. They were able to do this (took a bit of time - they had to call and talk to the hotel for a while). The catch here is that they told me they would not honor the FHR upgrade because I had already upgraded to a Deluxe Ocean View with my Fairmont Pres. Platinum suite upgrade certificate --- BUT, I did get the one free lunch, free breakfast everyday, late checkout, and FHR amenity in room. So -- not to shabby I would say. I will report back later if the upgrade was honored (I go to the Kea Lani in two weeks) regardless. Will see!

Thanks for the advice - really appreciate it!

Cowtippler.. that's super sweet.. workin the deal! Let us know if they pop you into the Kilohana Signature Suite (next category up) or one of the villas.^

I have a 7-night reservation at the Kea Lani for $399/nt starting Christmas Day in a moderate suite. We've stayed at Kea Lani before and really like it, but I'm thinking I might cancel and stay up the hill at Hotel Wailea for a quieter, more laid back environment.

Thoughts from anyone who's been to both? Am I making a mistake?

We're staying at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island for a few days beforehand, so I'm feeling like we'll get our fill of action and people during that leg of the trip.

(FYI - I booked the $399 rate months ago through Travelocity. I know the rate is incredible, especially since rates are about double that at the moment, but I don't want the deal to drive my decision. Edit: just checked rates for that week on fairmont.com, and the only room available is the partial oceanfront at $849/nt. Still ...)

IMHO.. if jujubean ends up not taking this reservation, somebody on FT should offer to take it over for her. The hotel is pretty much sold out, and for this price and room category, $399 is a smoking deal for Christmas week. Last I checked Moderate Rooms when available was double the price.

I'll be in Disney World over Christmas Holidays so won't be in Hawaii/Kea Lani until Spring Break.:(:D

Just returned from another fantastic stay at the Kea Lani. Rates were fairly high last week and I had booked a Fairmont Room for $399 and was using a certificate to a guaranteed upgrade to a POV room. F&F rates were even higher than the $399. The rate I booked was non-cancellable.

A few days after booking I spoke to an excellent Virtuoso agent who a friend of mine had put me in touch with. Apart from being a Virtuoso agent, he also happens to have a very strong connection with the Kea Lani in particular. To make a long story short, the hotel allowed him to take over my "non-cancellable" reservation and for the same $399 rate he got me a full OV room (without using my certificate), the daily buffet breakfast for two and a nice goodie basket in the room full of cookies, chips, soft drinks, chocolates and more (this in addition to my platinum amenity).

I received a fantastic room at the end corner of one of the towers which was slightly larger than the regular suites and which had a large wrap around balcony and amazing views. The service at the hotel was outstanding and we even received a call from the General Manager on our second day asking us how we were enjoying our stay and asking us to call him directly if there was anything he could do to make our stay more pleasant. And, if all that wasn't enough, the hotel graciously gave us a 6pm checkout as our flight wasn't leaving until the evening.

Just returned from another fantastic stay at the Kea Lani. Rates were fairly high last week and I had booked a Fairmont Room for $399 and was using a certificate to a guaranteed upgrade to a POV room. F&F rates were even higher than the $399. The rate I booked was non-cancellable.

A few days after booking I spoke to an excellent Virtuoso agent who a friend of mine had put me in touch with. Apart from being a Virtuoso agent, he also happens to have a very strong connection with the Kea Lani in particular. To make a long story short, the hotel allowed him to take over my "non-cancellable" reservation and for the same $399 rate he got me a full OV room (without using my certificate), the daily buffet breakfast for two and a nice goodie basket in the room full of cookies, chips, soft drinks, chocolates and more (this in addition to my platinum amenity).

I received a fantastic room at the end corner of one of the towers which was slightly larger than the regular suites and which had a large wrap around balcony and amazing views. The service at the hotel was outstanding and we even received a call from the General Manager on our second day asking us how we were enjoying our stay and asking us to call him directly if there was anything he could do to make our stay more pleasant. And, if all that wasn't enough, the hotel graciously gave us a 6pm checkout as our flight wasn't leaving until the evening.

Another +1 for Fairmont. As much as people complain about their loyalty program or website (including me), i keep going back for the service.

So original reservation for Spring Break was 5th night free plus use of 2 comp nights.. Checked Friends and Family rates.. and the rate for 7 nights was almost the same as 4 paid nights. So a bit of hassle, but still in the process of switching over to the new Friends and Family Rates.. I had a double upgrade on my original reservation, trying to get that transferred, and I guess with Friends and Family Rate, they don't take a deposit? At least this is what the reservation onsite attendant told me. Wow.. So trying to have my original reservation deposit transferred to the new reservation, so that way it doesn't refund to my foriegn credit card through exchange and end up losing 5% in the transfer.

All in all, a bit of a process to change over the current reservation, to Friends and Family Rate. Getting excited.. wouldn't mind spending three weeks on Maui, but got a smokin' deal at Fairmont Orchid that's going to be the centre of our family's attention.. an Ocean Front Suite One Bedroom 1,577 sq ft guaranteed booked.. and currently my rate is less than Fairmont Garden View room Bar. So two weeks at the Orchid in a double sized Kea Lani suite, and hopping over to a newly renovated Kea Lani Suite.. Sweet! Maybe one of these year's we'll do three weeks at the Fairmont Kea Lani, straight on.^

I am trying to decide whether to stay at the Kea Lani or the Ritz. While I realize that Wailea is a more preferable location than Kapalua (primarily because of better weather and proximity to beach), I am concerned by reports that the rooms and property at the Kea Lani seem run down and in need of renovation.

Did the renovations in Fall 2010 apply only to the pool, or did they refurbish/renovate all of the guest suites as well ?

Thanks,
S

I am trying to decide whether to stay at the Kea Lani or the Ritz. While I realize that Wailea is a more preferable location than Kapalua (primarily because of better weather and proximity to beach), I am concerned by reports that the rooms and property at the Kea Lani seem run down and in need of renovation.

Did the renovations in Fall 2010 apply only to the pool, or did they refurbish/renovate all of the guest suites as well ?

Thanks,
S

The renovations of rooms and all pools are now finished at the Kea Lani.. I haven't been there yet to check it out, but will be there Spring Break and I'll post a report afterwards here.

I'm really hoping the Friends & Family Rate at this hotel is manageable.. looking for the end of July / start of August for my honeymoon!

I'm really hoping the Friends & Family Rate at this hotel is manageable.. looking for the end of July / start of August for my honeymoon!

If you have an employee contact, you can start booking 90 days out from the first day of your reservation.

If you have an employee contact, you can start booking 90 days out from the first day of your reservation.

Does anyone happen to know the current F&F rates for the Kea Lani? I don't have an employee contact, but if the rates are no good I won't even try getting one.

Does anyone happen to know the current F&F rates for the Kea Lani? I don't have an employee contact, but if the rates are no good I won't even try getting one.

I'll be there in April.. sorry, not appropriate for me to disclose rates.

I'll be there in April.. sorry, not appropriate for me to disclose rates.

Fair enough. If there's a Fairmont employee here who does want to disclose rates feel free to PM me :) Thanks!

So people have successfully booked the F&F rate here? I tried a couple of 3 day stays in April and May a while back and there was no availability.

So people have successfully booked the F&F rate here? I tried a couple of 3 day stays in April and May a while back and there was no availability.

I can confirm that the F&F had wide range of availability at the Kea Lani. Just can't book online, that's all.

I can confirm that the F&F had wide range of availability at the Kea Lani. Just can't book online, that's all.

I have been very successful with the F&F rates every where but Hawaii this year. Guess I will have to keep trying ;)

I have been very successful with the F&F rates every where but Hawaii this year. Guess I will have to keep trying ;)

The Fairmont Orchid Pre-pay and F&F were pretty close when I booked. I ended up using the pre-pay, as a third party website guaranteed me an upgrade.. Ended up after working with the hotel, I didn't have to necessarily pre-pay everything all up front, so that was good. But the F&F wasn't that great a deal for the Orchid this year, and Kea Lani was actually half decent. But, with an Ocean Front Suite at the Orchid, we decided to vacation 2 weeks (14 nights) at the Orchid, and pared it back to 5 nights at the Kea Lani.

I am trying to decide whether to stay at the Kea Lani or the Ritz. While I realize that Wailea is a more preferable location than Kapalua (primarily because of better weather and proximity to beach), I am concerned by reports that the rooms and property at the Kea Lani seem run down and in need of renovation.

Did the renovations in Fall 2010 apply only to the pool, or did they refurbish/renovate all of the guest suites as well ?

Thanks,
S

FWIW, we stayed at the Kea Lani for a week in April, 2010. We absolutely loved it. We explored the entire island, including Kapalua, and would highly recommend staying in Wailea. The wind comes up in the afternoon in Kapalua and blows the sand. It makes the beach very uncomfortable. We went back and forth between Fairmont and Four Seasons. We finally stayed at the Fairmont for 1 week and FS for 1 night to try it for the future. I will go back to the Fairmont. The rooms and pools were updated (per the website). The pools, extensive lawns, and less crowded beach are great. Having a quick service cafe' available was great, parking was easy, staff was very friendly. The rooms are nice but not four seasons nice. However, the balcony is huge (tiny at the FS), the views are way better (little view at FS without a suite) and the staff is not so snooty. You are in paradise, so you should spend your time outside anyways. Explore the island also because it is beautiful!

One more thing. For miles junkies, all the restaurants at Kea Lani are part of the idine (AA Dining, UA dining, etc) so charge them to your cc and not your room.

Is there a water slide here? I thought I asked that before, sorry if i did...

I am only considering Westin and GW for that reason

Is there a water slide here? I thought I asked that before, sorry if i did...

I am only considering Westin and GW for that reason

Kea Lani has one waterslide and is supervised by a lifeguard via closed circuit television. The water slide is connected from the upper pool to the main pool. There is an adult pool as well.

Kea Lani has one waterslide and is supervised by a lifeguard via closed circuit television. The water slide is connected from the upper pool to the main pool. There is an adult pool as well.

hmm, i wonder how it compares in size and length to the one at GW or Westin

There is an adult pool as well.

the adult pool is nice, and calm and still. Drinks arrive quickly and if one gets the cabana on the west side end one can easily watch the nanny with the kids on the water slide. :-)

It's called a VACATION! :-)

Wife and I spent our honeymoon there at the end of 2009 and it was excellent. Great staff, good food, and a very nice hotel.

the adult pool is nice, and calm and still. Drinks arrive quickly and if one gets the cabana on the west side end one can easily watch the nanny with the kids on the water slide. :-)

It's called a VACATION! :-)

Its great that Kea Lani has the one water slide.. and a lifeguard to ensure kids don't end up piling up on each other.

Our close friends Doctor, wife and 5 kids always go to the Grand Wailea.. Sort of like Disney World meets Maui over there.. But we're loyal to Fairmont, as its nicely balanced, and the best location Wailea amongst the big 3; absolutely beautiful during Whale season. One year we must have watched one whale breach 35 times over a short period between Lanai and Molokai west of Molokini.

We can almost pinpoint where Kea Lani is located on Maui from the Kohala Coast, Big Island. The waters are beautiful and the whales are happy which is good to see. Will be there very soon.

Finally arrived to Fairmont Kea Lani today.. I refer this hotel to as Heaven on Earth.. Just a different world here of relaxation and escape.

We received an upgrade to Deluxe Ocean View Suite upon arrival.. so definitely Ono (Hawaiian for Good). Amenity was 4 bags of different flavored Mac Nuts in a shirt box.

Valet parking is free on the first night (change from last year), and self parking is still complimentary.^

Polo Beach and the pool tonite was amazing.. first thing we did when we arrived, my 5 year old son and I went into the pool.

Pool renos are immaculate with new flagstone walk ways. Room renos weren't really complete renos.. carpet was done in 09 anyways. New paint job, and new furniture. Same marble and carpet, and the lamps seem to be the same. Basically lipstick, but can't beat the location.. its' absolutely beautiful in Wailea, and with the Ohana treatment we received at check-in today, we are sure to be back as soon as we possible can.

We ate at Mama's Fish House.. great setting, atmosphere, attention to detail.. my wife had a rock tail lobster sandwich.. there was so much lobster meat, just the fresh lobster was worth the $32 price tag on the dish. Drinks were good, the restaurant is ocean front, and the surf had alot of action today. Free valet parking.. very nice and pricey experience.

Finally arrived to Fairmont Kea Lani today.. I refer this hotel to as Heaven on Earth.. Just a different world here of relaxation and escape.

We received an upgrade to Deluxe Ocean View Suite upon arrival.. so definitely Ono (Hawaiian for Good). Amenity was 4 bags of different flavored Mac Nuts in a shirt box.

Valet parking is free on the first night (change from last year), and self parking is still complimentary.^

Polo Beach and the pool tonite was amazing.. first thing we did when we arrived, my 5 year old son and I went into the pool.

Pool renos are immaculate with new flagstone walk ways. Room renos weren't really complete renos.. carpet was done in 09 anyways. New paint job, and new furniture. Same marble and carpet, and the lamps seem to be the same. Basically lipstick, but can't beat the location.. its' absolutely beautiful in Wailea, and with the Ohana treatment we received at check-in today, we are sure to be back as soon as we possible can.

We ate at Mama's Fish House.. great setting, atmosphere, attention to detail.. my wife had a rock tail lobster sandwich.. there was so much lobster meat, just the fresh lobster was worth the $32 price tag on the dish. Drinks were good, the restaurant is ocean front, and the surf had alot of action today. Free valet parking.. very nice and pricey experience.

Good to know about the free valet on the first night. We're going next month and we'll make sure we take advantage.

No problem with the kids at Mama's Fish House? We'll be bringing our 9 month old and I would hate to drive out there and find out it's not welcoming for little ones.

Have a great time there!

Good to know about the free valet on the first night. We're going next month and we'll make sure we take advantage.

No problem with the kids at Mama's Fish House? We'll be bringing our 9 month old and I would hate to drive out there and find out it's not welcoming for little ones.

Have a great time there!

Thanks Bobofoosh! Glad to hear that you've got a fabulous guaranteed upgrade.. better than me.. you'll have to PM me your methods.;)

Mama's Fish House I've avoided for 4 trips hearing comments its overpriced, and the food wasn't worth it. Contrary, the service is excellent, the restaurant is Ocean Front with a beach.. so you can just hang out at the beach afterwards and get some pictures.. and the restuarant was pristine with authentic Hawaiian Ohana feel.. fresh flowers put out everyday.. table clothes are doubled up and Hawaiian.. free bread (good for our one year old).. stroller went into the restaurant with no fuss.. even the plates were the shape of a fish.. Keiki plates the shape of a small fish.. btw, child meals are $19, and keiki drinks are $2.50 (in the menu $8, don't know if waitress gave me a deal.. so prepared to pay the piper as its the most expensive grilled cheese I've ever paid)

Edit: I need to mention that the fish for lunch is caught the night before, and the fish for dinner is caught day of..

Nice kick off to a vacation arrival to Maui.. we ate lunch there before checking in to Fairmont Kea Lani

Does anyone know if you can still get the friends and family rate for the kea lani?

Does anyone know if you can still get the friends and family rate for the kea lani?

You can still get the friends and family rate only through an employee you know.

Does anyone know if you can still get the friends and family rate for the kea lani?

There have been countless new users here in the Fairmont Forum with between 1-5 posts to their credit, and they always include a post with a question essentially directed to Ancien Maestro who is able to answer them, along with advertising the Ancien Maestro Facebook page, or previously the Ancien Maestro NFAF booking service, or the Ancien Maestro Secrets of Fairmont.

Does anyone else think this is odd? Can the IP addresses of those users be tracked to a single user possibly by the Mods? All of it really clutters up ALL the postings in the Fairmont Forum.

There have been countless new users here in the Fairmont Forum with between 1-5 posts to their credit, and they always include a post with a question essentially directed to Ancien Maestro who is able to answer them, along with advertising the Ancien Maestro Facebook page, or previously the Ancien Maestro NFAF booking service, or the Ancien Maestro Secrets of Fairmont.

Does anyone else think this is odd? Can the IP addresses of those users be tracked to a single user possibly by the Mods? All of it really clutters up ALL the postings in the Fairmont Forum.

I'm not as concerned as you that something nefarious is going on. That would be most likely more effort than it is worth. these threads seem to move well enough on their own not to warrant any nudging from anyone.

There have been countless new users here in the Fairmont Forum with between 1-5 posts to their credit, and they always include a post with a question essentially directed to Ancien Maestro who is able to answer them, along with advertising the Ancien Maestro Facebook page, or previously the Ancien Maestro NFAF booking service, or the Ancien Maestro Secrets of Fairmont.

Does anyone else think this is odd? Can the IP addresses of those users be tracked to a single user possibly by the Mods? All of it really clutters up ALL the postings in the Fairmont Forum.

sfcaFLYER.. you've brought this up now a couple times. I can assure you that I am not the one moving forums with anonymous names as you allude to. If you check, quite of those who post 1-5 times, have been at this forum even longer than I have.. and many have signed up many of months, and even many of years before they decide to post.

I'll admit, I have received quite a few PMs from posters who post very seldomly, and a number who actually don't post on the forum at all, but who have been reading flyertalk for many years and want in on the deal. I encourage those who are new, or those who post very seldomly to get involved with Flyer Talk.. I'm very happy to be of service, and appreciate anybody who wants in on the deals.

That is why FT has Flyer Talk Ambassadors.. to encourage new users and long time lurkers to get involved. For those new to Flyer Talk.. Welcome to Flyer Talk.. This forum is for you!

One of the things that always confuses me is free night offers, for instance on Fairmont Kea Lani, 5th night free with breakfast, when you look at room rate summary the total reflects having paid for all 7 nights of a 7 night reservation.

Now, does this mean that the free night is adjusted when you check out and that is NOT the correct total if you stay 5 nights or more?

One of the things that always confuses me is free night offers, for instance on Fairmont Kea Lani, 5th night free with breakfast, when you look at room rate summary the total reflects having paid for all 7 nights of a 7 night reservation.

Now, does this mean that the free night is adjusted when you check out and that is NOT the correct total if you stay 5 nights or more?

If you press on room rate summary, the rate for the 5th night is adjusted to 0. I agree this is confusing, so I would have central reservations e-mail you the rates broken down by each day so its clear, print it out, and bring it to the hotel with you.. or if its' on your mobile device have the e-mail on your device.

Other details must be on your print out as well.. such as package inclusions, nights free, certificates use, rates, and suite type.

My wife and I are back at the Kea Lani now for another incredible stay. Booking through a Virtuoso agent, as I have the past 3 times, really makes a difference. I got a better rate than I found on the website and a guaranteed upgrade to our favourite deluxe ocean view room, guaranteed 6pm checkout and the free breakfast buffet.
The renos look great and the staff are as friendly as always, many greeting my wife and myself by name having remembered us from previous trips.
Noticed a celeb staying here this time. Paul Lieberstein, Toby on The Office, is here with his family.

My wife and I are back at the Kea Lani now for another incredible stay. Booking through a Virtuoso agent, as I have the past 3 times, really makes a difference. I got a better rate than I found on the website and a guaranteed upgrade to our favourite deluxe ocean view room, guaranteed 6pm checkout and the free breakfast buffet.
The renos look great and the staff are as friendly as always, many greeting my wife and myself by name having remembered us from previous trips.
Noticed a celeb staying here this time. Paul Lieberstein, Toby on The Office, is here with his family.

Glad to hear everything is going excellent.. We just got back from Fairmont Kea Lani.. really, Wailea is our very favorite location in the world. And yes, the Deluxe Ocean View Suite is something to take behold of.. The site of Molokini from the room, an incredible volcanic phenomenon and the site of whales breaching is beyond what words can describe.. at least for us.. Wailea is about as Heaven on Earth one can get. The sun beating down on the many waves of the ocean, glimmering in the sunlight.. sorry getting side tracked from the thread.

Will be booking for next year tomorrow.. hopefully all the stars line up, and the big guy upstairs extends more heaven on earth. Kea Lani.. means Heavenly White. Enjoy, and Warmest Alohas.

And yes, the Deluxe Ocean View Suite is something to take behold of.. The site of Molokini from the room, an incredible volcanic phenomenon and the site of whales breaching is beyond what words can describe.. at least for us.. Wailea is about as Heaven on Earth one can get.

Yesterday morning we watched from the room a spinner dolphin jumping for 20minutes and last night, just before sunset, we had a great view from our lanai of a whale breaching repeatedly.

Yesterday morning we watched from the room a spinner dolphin jumping for 20minutes and last night, just before sunset, we had a great view from our lanai of a whale breaching repeatedly.

Tail end of whale season.. Wailea is so beautiful, it attracts the whales in bunches.. Just the perfect amount of sunlight, beautiful sunsets, excellent weather, being at the base of Haleakala.. the warmest part of the island, and the last place to rain on the island.

sfcaFLYER.. you've brought this up now a couple times. I can assure you that I am not the one moving forums with anonymous names as you allude to. If you check, quite of those who post 1-5 times, have been at this forum even longer than I have.. and many have signed up many of months, and even many of years before they decide to post.

I'll admit, I have received quite a few PMs from posters who post very seldomly, and a number who actually don't post on the forum at all, but who have been reading flyertalk for many years and want in on the deal. I encourage those who are new, or those who post very seldomly to get involved with Flyer Talk.. I'm very happy to be of service, and appreciate anybody who wants in on the deals.

That is why FT has Flyer Talk Ambassadors.. to encourage new users and long time lurkers to get involved. For those new to Flyer Talk.. Welcome to Flyer Talk.. This forum is for you!

Glad to hear you have nothing at all to do with all of those dozens and dozens of postings. And am sure you or no one you know is receiving any financial or other type of "compensation" (credits, points, etc.) for the reservations you are making for all of these brand new FlyerTalk members who are so shy except to ask for help in getting a discount hotel rate.

Am confused though, you are now a Flyer Talk Ambassador charged with encouraging new members to speak up? Not sure what that means. I've never heard of that title.

you know, if one does a google search for fairmont and friends, or fairmont and friends & family the flyertalk.com link is the SECOND link to come up.

If one searches for fairmont and discount, it is the fifth link.

Soo, it MIGHT be that people who come here are being directed by google after doing a search for a discount?

Glad to hear you have nothing at all to do with all of those dozens and dozens of postings. And am sure you or no one you know is receiving any financial or other type of "compensation" (credits, points, etc.) for the reservations you are making for all of these brand new FlyerTalk members who are so shy except to ask for help in getting a discount hotel rate.

Am confused though, you are now a Flyer Talk Ambassador charged with encouraging new members to speak up? Not sure what that means. I've never heard of that title.

To clarify, I am not a Flyer Talk Ambassador, and I've never made one reservation or a penny. I encourage those who want to get involved to do so. That is just my character day in and day out. Its common knowledge that the employees who book do receive a $10 per night credit towards their employee stays at Fairmonts.. That was clear with CanuckFlyHigh's NFAF deal thread, before I offered my contacts to FTers.

you know, if one does a google search for fairmont and friends, or fairmont and friends & family the flyertalk.com link is the SECOND link to come up.

If one searches for fairmont and discount, it is the fifth link.

Soo, it MIGHT be that people who come here are being directed by google after doing a search for a discount?

This is a very good point.. The search engines has everything pointed to FT, when Fairmont friends and family is being searched.

Fairmont Friends and Family has been a very powerful tool for a very long time.. nowadays, in order to access friends and family rates, you must be a friend or family of the employee.

My reservation at Kea Lani this past spring break was on friends and family rates, and made a huge difference. I spoke to a few of those paying the going rate (didn't ask, they told me.. but I didn't respond with what I paid because I didn't want to ruin their vacation), and one FPC Premier member paid almost triple and got a lesser suite category than us.

I'll be honest.. Currently, I would not pay the going rates, and stay at the Kea Lani.. I stay there because I can get a decent rate (doesn't have to be F and F, because the year before I got fifth night free, $100 food and beverage credit each day.. which was slightly better than F and F) and get a few upgrade perks. I'll do two week stays if the price is right (as I did at the Orchid previous to Kea Lani this spring break for two weeks in an Ocean Front suite).. so I end up paying the same, but always staying longer..

Tonight the Kea Lani is transitioning to a high definition cable signal in the rooms. It will make a big difference to the quality of picture on the new flat screens in the rooms. Not sure if they are adding channels and I won't find out as I'm departing tonight.

In addition, Ko restaurant is closed today and tomorrow for work being done in preparation for the restaurant remodel. I was told by one of the beach guys that they are going to make it more of an indoor type restaurant and are adding a poolside bar next to the adult pool.

To compensate for the disruptions, beach umbrellas, boogie boards and snorkel sets are all complimentary today and tomorrow.

Tonight the Kea Lani is transitioning to a high definition cable signal in the rooms. It will make a big difference to the quality of picture on the new flat screens in the rooms. Not sure if they are adding channels and I won't find out as I'm departing tonight.

In addition, Ko restaurant is closed today and tomorrow for work being done in preparation for the restaurant remodel. I was told by one of the beach guys that they are going to make it more of an indoor type restaurant and are adding a poolside bar next to the adult pool.

To compensate for the disruptions, beach umbrellas, boogie boards and snorkel sets are all complimentary today and tomorrow.

The new flat panels were nice.. I think they are LG.. and btw the Orchid had new LG flat screens as well. There's 2 per suite. I thought the quality of the reception was quite good anyways.. but we had the cartoon channels on most of the time when the TV's are on, so that the kids kept pre-occupied.

Its good that Ko is getting renovated to have an indoor type option.. when it rains, eating at Ko is not an option. Plus, their early bird pre-fixe menu is not much of an option neither, if you're sitting in the heat of the day with no shade.

I think the pool umbrellas are free.. we didn't spend that much time at Polo Beach (right at Beachfront of Hotel) because my 5 year old son likes the pools and waterslide better.. so didn't rent the beach umbrellas.. we came accross a few boogie boards laying around during the stay.. actually met two couples staying in a Villa from Calgary (they paid $1,500 per night for a 2 bedroom Villa ocean view, and stayed 2 weeks.. I didn't ask, but they lent the info.. that's alot of coin).. and they gave us their treasure trove of pool toy goodies to use for the balance of the stay. Really nice people, and we passed the goodies along once we finished our vacation there ourselves to other families with kids.

For those interested in Cabanas at the pool, its' $150 per day, and FPC gets a 15% discount. It goes down to $100 less 15% discount after 12:00 pm noon. We rented the Cabana once, because my wife came out to pool with our 1 year old for the first time, and I wanted to make sure there was lots of drinks, ice and fruit (which comes included).. it was really nice watching my little baby son floating around the pool. We used a regular diaper on him first time in, and ballooned huge.. so changed him out of his regular diaper and put him into a swimmer diaper.^ Cute as a bug, he attracted alot of attention.. But swimming at Kea Lani in the middle of the day was heaven on earth.. and created some of our finest memories that will last a lifetime. I've got plenty of photos for sure of the family by the pool. Lots of families with kids by the pool and waterslide.

i am curious as to what rates people are booking for this summer? when i looked at a few dates the best rate i came up was $430/night and as much as $630/night. it seems when i enter the different discount packages and aaa discount on their site it does nothing to the rate. the only "deal" seemed to be 5th night free that i found. i am talking about the standard "moderate room" here as well. are f and f rates significantly less than these numbers?

you know, if one does a google search for fairmont and friends, or fairmont and friends & family the flyertalk.com link is the SECOND link to come up.

If one searches for fairmont and discount, it is the fifth link.

Soo, it MIGHT be that people who come here are being directed by google after doing a search for a discount?

Sure, not out of the realm of possibility. But almost every thread in the Fairmont forum includes newish users asking for the information, and Ancien Maestro answering them.

One can't, and shouldn't; ask new users to not ask questions (though as the mods sometimes do, welcome them first and ask them to read up on how FlyerTalk works - or ask them to search first before posting) but there is no reason for Ancien Maestro to answer each and every one of them every time with a public posting. And there is no reason for Ancien Maestro to advertise "services" in every posting as well - either in the text of the posting or a signature line. Whether they are called "secrets" or "savings" or "friends" it is still advertising a service that someone somewhere is receiving some type of compensation for in return.

It just degrades the quality of the forum, and people will stop reading and contributing to it if looks like it has what amounts to spam.

Now back to the beautiful Kea Lani . . .

Sure, not out of the realm of possibility. But almost every thread in the Fairmont forum includes newish users asking for the information, and Ancien Maestro answering them.

One can't, and shouldn't; ask new users to not ask questions (though as the mods sometimes do, welcome them first and ask them to read up on how FlyerTalk works - or ask them to search first before posting) but there is no reason for Ancien Maestro to answer each and every one of them every time with a public posting. And there is no reason for Ancien Maestro to advertise "services" in every posting as well - either in the text of the posting or a signature line. Whether they are called "secrets" or "savings" or "friends" it is still advertising a service that someone somewhere is receiving some type of compensation for in return.

It just degrades the quality of the forum, and people will stop reading and contributing to it if looks like it has what amounts to spam.

Now back to the beautiful Kea Lani . . .

yeah, I gotta agree on only the beautiful Kea Lani on this one, and have to disagree on the suspect behavior.

I'm not here to defend AM by the way, just reading, interpreting and making a point.

Maybe I'm just a bit naive but I just don't see the issue. Not that it wouldn't BE an issue but I just don't see the REALITY or PRESENCE of the issue.

A couple points. Having participated in online forums for more than two decades now, a few things come to mind.

1) new members, new participants will ALWAYS arrive to a thread or forum, read SOME of the information and throw out totally unnecessary requests for understanding, links, contacts, etc. Some just don't search, some won't search, some CAN'T search, (sometimes the search doesn't work) some can't or WON'T read, etc.

sometimes that is due to the forum or thread itself. A thread of information or deals, etc., should be updated at the FIRST POST with the latest information, links, etc. Unfortunately, this is rarely done well. The thread lives and grows and most people just post to the end of the thread.

Sometimes these threads are very very long and again, people just don't read. so, I don't suspect in any way that someone (you're indicating that you think it is AM in this case) is creating multiple logins, posting leading posts just to boost either thread count or stump his own embedded links for further INFORMATION. I'm just not buying that.

Sometimes it is best for everyone to jump onboard with "RTFM" or "search is your friend" or that fun little video that shows people just HOW to use GOOGLE, but especially when users are new that might just scare them away. So, it might be advisable to simply just answer their question and hope they pick things up over time. Like SEARCHING.

2) Forum owners and mods don't like thread boosting or bumping any more than we do/don't. Here on FT they are pretty on top of people bumping unnecessarily or posting links to personally advantages information without CLEAR disclaimers. While MANY people have information in their footer/signature I don't see these here by AM or any others for that matter as somehow advancing their objectives. And what WOULD that objective be? Do you think that AM pimps for Fairmont? While he might have Friends there, who bring to him deals of which he sometimes brings to here on FT (although WHEN/IF there are real F&F deals it is pretty much posted anywhere and everyone in the online travel communities)

I don't see his facebook page as a shill for fairmont or friends in fairmont and I don't see any direct advertising related to it. What I HAVE found there is a resource of information for fairmont customers/FPC members to try and find more and better, yes and sometimes cheaper ways to enjoy the fairmont hotels and experiences. There is no charge for this information and there are no promises of links to friends or further discounts. It would appear to be more of a wiki of topics, best practices, discount codes, insider information about the hotels, restaurants, and a place for fans of fairmont hotels to share experiences with the hotels and brand.

At SOME point in the worlds history there WERE people posting here, who said they were F&F employees promising to hook users up with F&F discounts but one had to have a special code or be a member of their facebook page. That netted them I think 10$ a booking, and that ended quite a while ago. I don't think in any way that AM was receiving anything from this per transaction income that went to the employee. Other than maybe any thanks that employee might have. I don't recall AM every "running a booking service" or making any reservations directly, it was historically (and is no longer) a link to information about some fairmont EMPLOYEES who were willing to book on behalf of referred users. These were fairmont employees whom I think AM KNEW which was in some sense advantageous as one is normally required to have the employee book on BEHALF of the customer with their CC and such. It is nothing I ever did, but some did and having a direct referral WOULD be somewhat advantageous prior to giving out CC numbers on the interwebs. But who WON in those historical cases was the CUSTOMER since the deals were simply exceptional and in the end netted Fairmont quite a bit of revenue in my mind and always more valuable that than, netted them possibly new loyal customers to the brand. For Fairmont that was very valuable, but again, many people both here and on other forums were posting this same information online.

3) There are just some people who are on forums to provide information, answer questions, post deals and such. some focus around specific areas of interest, skill, knowledge or access to information. They follow topics and forum categories and when something new comes up that they have an answer for they jump on the response. Either they have the time to do it, or a job which allows them to multi-task such activities that they CAN participate in a very quick and relevant way. This servers the questioner quite well as many are looking for information in a real time sense and a fast quality answer is better than a slow one.

While these people are not mods, and they may not be ambassodors per se they are certainly some of the primary contributors to the forum threads-and this is exactly what the website and forum owners want. User generated content, champions and knowledge experts providing just the information that participants are searching for - newbies and legacy members alike.

So, as you can see I don't see the issue. If there is some problem I am sure that people more authoritative than we will come to the rescue and curb the behavior soon.

For the record.. I never booked any reservations for anyone, nor have I made a cent.. The Friends and Family deal was championed by CanuckFlyHigh.. which I'll have the pleasure of meeting at our GolfDo.. He is the one who championed a thread on Hotel Deals Forum on NFAF "New Friends and Family", and got over 250,000 views on it.. my thread pales in comparison compared to that gargantuan monster created that has put the FlyerTalk Fairmont Friends and Family deal on the map. Pat on the back CFH.. looking forward to the 2 for 1 golf round.. on a twilight rate. Kokinos and I did this deal last year.^

F and F is only one aspect, there are like 200 other ways to skin a cat.. and I've found better deals than F and F at the Kea Lani. Its not about just getting friends and family rate which is a legitimate tool, but its' about navigating, stacking deals, loyalty program inclusions, third party websites.. all tools combined, that when you make a reservation and show up, you maximize the value out of your stay.

Particularly, the Kea Lani, last year, I did the Fifth Night Free Package, used two complimentary Plaitnum free night certs to make it 7 nights.. Got food and beverage $100 per night for the package.. stacked www.perfectescapes.com room upgrade for a guaranteed upgrade at reservation.. stacked another suite upgrade.. stacked the front desk breakfast deal, offsetted by the food and beverage credit.. and received airmiles for doing a package this way.

This year on friends and family, I paid a bit more than last year, and I didn't get my miles, but I did get an upgrade to Deluxe Ocean View Suite at check-in.

Its about knowing the system that Fairmont puts out, and knowledge of utilizing the system. I learn alot from here and everyone here seems to have alot of knowledge, not just myself.. we all have something to contribute.

www.perfectescapes.com[/url] room upgrade for a guaranteed upgrade at reservation.. stacked another suite upgrade.. stacked the front desk breakfast deal, offsetted by the food and beverage credit.. and received airmiles for doing a package this way.

that sounds like what I like to call the PERFECT STORM!

that sounds like what I like to call the PERFECT STORM!

:D.. and the funny thing is I didn't get the best deal neither.. I actually don't go to the depths of the earth to score the finest and shiniest deal. For example, Fairmont employees get Kea Lani for 1/3 what I paid (this year), and I met probably 3 TA's that stayed at Kea Lani for free over the years.

I pay what's ethically accessible, and in my mind I'm par for the course.. the result should be excellent treatment during the stay.. upgrades, some exceptions (not all, but some).. I care about employees, and try to be personable with all I get in contact with.. eventually they get to know us.. There were those around Kea Lani and the Orchid that remembered us from past stays.. amazingly employees remembered my son by name, and our last name.. and we talked like we were old friends, they share their stories, we listen attentively. Its' not a cold blooded, hi there, see ya, good bye sort of thing. We are family (O'hana) and treated like O'hana, and vice versa we treat employees like family as well, and we are very respectful of Hawaiian culture. The same thing at our home hotel, the Banff Springs.. we address employees by name when we can, recognize excellent service.. I know front desk, guest relations, executive office, Willowstream Spa, BVG staff.. when Brunch is sold out and I forgot to reserve, I was able to make my wife and family happy as we did end up getting a table (Valentines Sunday Family Day Long Weekend, completely sold out for weeks).. The Hotel Manager helped us out, and we were treated like VIPs. Same thing at the Orchid last year, Easter Sunday, we missed Breakfast, and the Sunday Brunch was triple the price.. we had a very good relationship with the Banquet Manager.. and she let have Brunch included with our Breakfast Package. My son did Orchid's easter festivities, and went bunny egg hunting.. The spread of delicious seafoods, salads, and desserts was outstanding. In turn, we returned this year to stay another couple weeks at Orchid, and 5 nights at Kea Lani.

yeah, I gotta agree on only the beautiful Kea Lani on this one, and have to disagree on the suspect behavior.

I'm not here to defend AM by the way, just reading, interpreting and making a point.

Maybe I'm just a bit naive but I just don't see the issue. Not that it wouldn't BE an issue but I just don't see the REALITY or PRESENCE of the issue.

A couple points. Having participated in online forums for more than two decades now, a few things come to mind.

1) new members, new participants will ALWAYS arrive to a thread or forum, read SOME of the information and throw out totally unnecessary requests for understanding, links, contacts, etc. Some just don't search, some won't search, some CAN'T search, (sometimes the search doesn't work) some can't or WON'T read, etc.

sometimes that is due to the forum or thread itself. A thread of information or deals, etc., should be updated at the FIRST POST with the latest information, links, etc. Unfortunately, this is rarely done well. The thread lives and grows and most people just post to the end of the thread.

Sometimes these threads are very very long and again, people just don't read. so, I don't suspect in any way that someone (you're indicating that you think it is AM in this case) is creating multiple logins, posting leading posts just to boost either thread count or stump his own embedded links for further INFORMATION. I'm just not buying that.

Sometimes it is best for everyone to jump onboard with "RTFM" or "search is your friend" or that fun little video that shows people just HOW to use GOOGLE, but especially when users are new that might just scare them away. So, it might be advisable to simply just answer their question and hope they pick things up over time. Like SEARCHING.

2) Forum owners and mods don't like thread boosting or bumping any more than we do/don't. Here on FT they are pretty on top of people bumping unnecessarily or posting links to personally advantages information without CLEAR disclaimers. While MANY people have information in their footer/signature I don't see these here by AM or any others for that matter as somehow advancing their objectives. And what WOULD that objective be? Do you think that AM pimps for Fairmont? While he might have Friends there, who bring to him deals of which he sometimes brings to here on FT (although WHEN/IF there are real F&F deals it is pretty much posted anywhere and everyone in the online travel communities)

I don't see his facebook page as a shill for fairmont or friends in fairmont and I don't see any direct advertising related to it. What I HAVE found there is a resource of information for fairmont customers/FPC members to try and find more and better, yes and sometimes cheaper ways to enjoy the fairmont hotels and experiences. There is no charge for this information and there are no promises of links to friends or further discounts. It would appear to be more of a wiki of topics, best practices, discount codes, insider information about the hotels, restaurants, and a place for fans of fairmont hotels to share experiences with the hotels and brand.

At SOME point in the worlds history there WERE people posting here, who said they were F&F employees promising to hook users up with F&F discounts but one had to have a special code or be a member of their facebook page. That netted them I think 10$ a booking, and that ended quite a while ago. I don't think in any way that AM was receiving anything from this per transaction income that went to the employee. Other than maybe any thanks that employee might have. I don't recall AM every "running a booking service" or making any reservations directly, it was historically (and is no longer) a link to information about some fairmont EMPLOYEES who were willing to book on behalf of referred users. These were fairmont employees whom I think AM KNEW which was in some sense advantageous as one is normally required to have the employee book on BEHALF of the customer with their CC and such. It is nothing I ever did, but some did and having a direct referral WOULD be somewhat advantageous prior to giving out CC numbers on the interwebs. But who WON in those historical cases was the CUSTOMER since the deals were simply exceptional and in the end netted Fairmont quite a bit of revenue in my mind and always more valuable that than, netted them possibly new loyal customers to the brand. For Fairmont that was very valuable, but again, many people both here and on other forums were posting this same information online.

3) There are just some people who are on forums to provide information, answer questions, post deals and such. some focus around specific areas of interest, skill, knowledge or access to information. They follow topics and forum categories and when something new comes up that they have an answer for they jump on the response. Either they have the time to do it, or a job which allows them to multi-task such activities that they CAN participate in a very quick and relevant way. This servers the questioner quite well as many are looking for information in a real time sense and a fast quality answer is better than a slow one.

While these people are not mods, and they may not be ambassodors per se they are certainly some of the primary contributors to the forum threads-and this is exactly what the website and forum owners want. User generated content, champions and knowledge experts providing just the information that participants are searching for - newbies and legacy members alike.

So, as you can see I don't see the issue. If there is some problem I am sure that people more authoritative than we will come to the rescue and curb the behavior soon.

Your entire post is about defending Ancien Maestro, so your introduction sentence is misleading.

My point is that the dozens and dozens of "...can someone tell me how to get a f&f discount at Fairmont..." postings and dozens and dozens of public answers from ONLY Ancien Maestro clutter the Fairmont forum. And secondarily, the answers are a commercial/endorsement/promotion in some form.

You seem to like it and appreciate it. I don't, and other members do not as well.

My point is that the dozens and dozens of "...can someone tell me how to get a f&f discount at Fairmont..." postings and dozens and dozens of public answers from ONLY Ancien Maestro clutter the Fairmont forum. And secondarily, the answers are a commercial/endorsement/promotion in some form.


Well, with these exaggerations you are now simply just wrong. you might as well put me in the pump and dump crowd since I respond pretty quickly and often as well.

Ah well, in any community there are always a few.

Like you said, let's get back to the normally scheduled program of the KL.

Just a friendly reminder to not take this thread off-topic.

There has been enough discussion about the FAF rate/FB sites etc. in various threads, so please keep the review threads clean. There are even designated threads discussing the FAF threads/FB sites if you want to discuss those topics.

As always, if you think a particular posts/thread is off-topic or you think the Fairmont forum could be improved in any way, feel free to drop me a message and I´ll be happy to look into it.

Thanks for your cooperation!

Jasper2009
Fairmont FPC forum Mod

:rolleyes:I don't blame those who want to go Kea Lani wanting to know about the best deal. Kea Lani is simply the most expensive hotel to stay at, and frankly its only human nature that FTers would want to look for the best deal.

sfcaFlyer, I understand what you are saying.. I'll reserve the right to respond to questions and discussions that are on topic. There is nothing going on commercial with me with Fairmont deals.. Fairmont and particularly Fairmont Kea Lani deals on this thread is my hobby.. I like communicating to those who have questions and discussing topics. To clarify, I do not make a cent offering my knowledge and expertise on this forum, and for those who are new.. I'm just glad so many FTers have saved, and frequented Fairmont more as a result. I've met many through my travels and through this forum that didn't think that they could visit Fairmonts affordably. The responses and happiness, when they find out.. yes I can. The result is more business for Fairmonts, and many more hotel goers Turning Moments into Memories.

I'm *hoping* to book four nights with an Ovation certificate from Capital One. Has anybody ever redeemed one of these? I'm curious about the free breakfast that's included with it, since it expressly excludes buffets. Is there a non-buffet breakfast option at the Kea Lani? Any good? If it's a decent breakfast it might make us switch from the Westin Villas.

I'm staying here this coming week booked in a Fairmont Suite - i'm going to check for an upgrade at check in but wondering if I should ask for a pool side room or just an upgrade. We'd like a balcony or patio that has two lounge chairs (the kind you can lie on) if they exist in any rooms. Does anyone know what's available on the patios for the different room types?

BTW, I'm just plain Presidents CLub at this point in time having lost my platinum status from last year :(

I'm *hoping* to book four nights with an Ovation certificate from Capital One. Has anybody ever redeemed one of these? I'm curious about the free breakfast that's included with it, since it expressly excludes buffets. Is there a non-buffet breakfast option at the Kea Lani? Any good? If it's a decent breakfast it might make us switch from the Westin Villas.

The only other breakfasts that I'm aware at Fairmont Kea Lani when we were there last month is Cafe Ciao, or in-room Dining. You should check with Fairmont Kea Lani, because I have a gut feeling that they will provide the buffet breakfast.. just from experience having frequented 4 times there.

If its in-room dining, those options will add up to more than the buffet breakfast quite quickly.

I'm staying here this coming week booked in a Fairmont Suite - i'm going to check for an upgrade at check in but wondering if I should ask for a pool side room or just an upgrade. We'd like a balcony or patio that has two lounge chairs (the kind you can lie on) if they exist in any rooms. Does anyone know what's available on the patios for the different room types?

BTW, I'm just plain Presidents CLub at this point in time having lost my platinum status from last year :(

Poolside rooms will have no balcony as you walk straight out of the pool, and is treated as an equivalent almost to Deluxe Ocean View (poolside is popular with families with small children who want to get to the pool quickly off the ground floor).. Poolside rooms are considered a triple upgrade.

The Fairmont Suite will likely have a balcony.. might I suggest you request for a balcony on your reservation? If you quote any third party website to the front desk before arrival and a request for an upgrade, and leave it up to the hotel, you should have better luck getting an upgrade at check-in (compared to poolside which is a triple upgrade).

There will be a lounger, table and two chairs on each standard balcony.. new patio furniture, as a result of their reno.

I'm staying here this coming week booked in a Fairmont Suite - i'm going to check for an upgrade at check in but wondering if I should ask for a pool side room or just an upgrade. We'd like a balcony or patio that has two lounge chairs (the kind you can lie on) if they exist in any rooms. Does anyone know what's available on the patios for the different room types?

BTW, I'm just plain Presidents CLub at this point in time having lost my platinum status from last year :(

what is a balcony? in hawaii they don't have them....they have lanai's. btw, i never rec'd a response to my post a few pages back. what are people seeing booking for rates this summer. im seeing $400-$600 approx with best offer being 5th night free. no aaa discount or anything.

what is a balcony? in hawaii they don't have them....they have lanai's.

you're kidding, right? did you forget the smiley or something?

;-)

you're kidding, right? did you forget the smiley or something?

;-)

what is a balcony? in hawaii they don't have them....they have lanai's. btw, i never rec'd a response to my post a few pages back. what are people seeing booking for rates this summer. im seeing $400-$600 approx with best offer being 5th night free. no aaa discount or anything.

I am staying there in Sept for $219/night. They are having renovation rates again like they did last year when they were working on the pools. Now it's painting, the Kho restaurant, and elevator work. The rate was not on the web site. I booked at $373/night and they emailed me back with the reno rates. I think they start in August. I would contact the hotel drectly

I am staying there in Sept for $......... They are having renovation rates again like they did last year when they were working on the pools. Now it's painting, the Kho restaurant, and elevator work. The rate was not on the web site. I booked at $373/night and they emailed me back with the reno rates. I think they start in August. I would contact the hotel drectly

Excellent rate! I would definitely jump on this.. except I like visiting when its cold, and we've got 2 feet of snow.

I am staying there in Sept for $219/night. They are having renovation rates again like they did last year when they were working on the pools. Now it's painting, the Kho restaurant, and elevator work. The rate was not on the web site. I booked at $373/night and they emailed me back with the reno rates. I think they start in August. I would contact the hotel drectly

Having just returned from Maui, I would highly recommend the $219 rate, despite the renos, it's a steal!!!

Poolside rooms will have no balcony as you walk straight out of the pool, and is treated as an equivalent almost to Deluxe Ocean View (poolside is popular with families with small children who want to get to the pool quickly off the ground floor).. Poolside rooms are considered a triple upgrade.

The Fairmont Suite will likely have a balcony.. might I suggest you request for a balcony on your reservation? If you quote any third party website to the front desk before arrival and a request for an upgrade, and leave it up to the hotel, you should have better luck getting an upgrade at check-in (compared to poolside which is a triple upgrade).

There will be a lounger, table and two chairs on each standard balcony.. new patio furniture, as a result of their reno.

Thanks for the tip! We got a beautiful room M98 - end suite with wrap around balcony, 3 sitting areas including 2 lounge chairs. I loved every second we stayed at this property and was so sad to leave. Absolute paradise.:D

I am staying there in Sept for $219/night. They are having renovation rates again like they did last year when they were working on the pools. Now it's painting, the Kho restaurant, and elevator work. The rate was not on the web site. I booked at $373/night and they emailed me back with the reno rates. I think they start in August. I would contact the hotel drectly

wow the hotel emailed you with a lower rate than you booked out of the blue?? that is a new one. i wish i could go in sept as i know rates usually drop but kids go back to school so gotta go in june, july, early august. thanks though for the info. that is indeed an awesome deal.

Hi everyone here!

I never been in Hawaii (or Maui) and I dont know wich Fairmont to choice.

I want with my girlfriend to marry in a nice place with family only (so max 7-8 people) and I think this place can be good..

But on the pics I can see online, I think the Fairmont Kea Lani is maybe "to big" and the Orchid can be better.

I know some of you here tried both of them (like Ancien Maestro and maybe others?).

So, can you give me your idea about the place for a small wedding!

Thanks!

Hi everyone here!

I never been in Hawaii (or Maui) and I dont know wich Fairmont to choice.

I want with my girlfriend to marry in a nice place with family only (so max 7-8 people) and I think this place can be good..
....
So, can you give me your idea about the place for a small wedding!

Thanks!

Congratulations! :)

I haven´t been to Hawaii, so can´t comment on the two properties, just two general pieces of advice.

As it´s your wedding and you´ll be booking 3-4 rooms I´d either:

- let a good Virtuoso travel agent take care of the reservation (which would get you free breakfast, comp. upgrade, F&B credit) or
- contact the sales manager or general manager directly and negotiate a package (e.g. free breakfast and upgrade for you to a special suite).

Both hotels should also have a dedicated wedding coordinator who I´d recommend contacting.

Hi everyone here!

I never been in Hawaii (or Maui) and I dont know wich Fairmont to choice.

I want with my girlfriend to marry in a nice place with family only (so max 7-8 people) and I think this place can be good..

But on the pics I can see online, I think the Fairmont Kea Lani is maybe "to big" and the Orchid can be better.

I know some of you here tried both of them (like Ancien Maestro and maybe others?).

So, can you give me your idea about the place for a small wedding!

Thanks!

Both properties have very nice wedding pavilions..

The Orchid has a new wedding pavilion ocean front.. so for a ocean front wedding, the Orchid would be the choice..

The Kea Lani has a very nice wedding pavilion as well.. you get an ocean view, water fall step downs and the wedding pavilion is actually nice and fancy.. Bride and groom would have a view of the ocean facing angled right.

But.. if it came down to the two hotels.. I like the Fairmont Kea Lani better..

Fairmont Kea Lani is in Wailea which is what I refer to as Heaven on Earth (Kea Lani means Heavenly White).. the weather at the right time of the year is magical.. and this last time out we did not want to leave.. and we were yearning to stay longer.. and this was at the tail end of a 24 night spring break holiday. My 5 year old son did not want to exit out of the pool.. the one bedroom suites were just roomy enough for the 4 of us.

Fairmont Kea Lani neighbors the 4 Seasons Hotel and is just steps away from Grand Wailea.. Wailea is the most luxurious destination in all of the islands, and arguably Continental US as well. For a once in a lifetime treat.. I would nudge towards the Kea Lani.. Orchid will do it well as well..

The Fairmont Orchid resides on the Kohala Coasts and receives just 8 inches of rain per year.. I've seen a few events rained out, but not too many.. as we probably spent over 60 hotel nights there over the years.. but its desert like conditions.. so for dry weather certainty.. Fairmont Orchid.

My Developer friend couple were married while staying at Wailea Four Seasons.. but they didn't have their ceremony at the Four Seasons.. and my sons classmates' parents at a private school, whose dad is pilot with West Jet was married while staying at Fairmont Kea Lani.. but they didn't have their ceremony at the Kea Lani neither..

Both couples married down the street at a private ocean front wedding pavilion in Wailea which I forgot the name of.. Anybody can fish the name of this wedding pavilion I speak of?.. I know MileageAddict married while staying at the Kea Lani.. but I'm not sure if his actual wedding was at Fairmont Kea Lani.. maybe he knows the name of the wedding pavilion.. I'll do a bit of research and get back with another post..

http://www.whiteorchidwedding.com/maui-locations/fairmont-kea-lani-resort/

The waterfall walkway I refer to is in one of the pictures in the link.. also I guess the Kea Lani can do weddings where you're fronting the ocean.. bit awkward on the walkway.. maybe do the wedding in front of the Villas where there is nice green space.. but the waterfall walkway looks pretty spectacular..

http://www.whiteorchidwedding.com/big-island-locations/fairmont-orchid-big-island-hawaii/

The ocean front gazebo isn't pictured in the link.. the link pictures many parts of the hotel, but the ceremony wouldn't occur necessarily in the spa, or by the pool.. it would happen probably at the ocean front gazebo..

Tried surfing for the Wailea location of the two couples that married off the hotel site.. but can't positively identify which one it may be.. I'll do some asking and get back to you..

Thanks for the link and tips!

So I contacted the hotel, and the wedding team sent me 2 pdf with availabe wedding program.

i will pick the 4.5k package and I think will be just amazing! But need 3 nights Suite for us and 2 or 3 classic rooms.

Now ths issue is the family of my fiancee! Just had a fight yesterday about this idea (why go to Fairmont when u can go to sand and do by yourself and bla bla!) so... I still have couple of month to make this project works!

I am tryng to make a reservation fro Aug 21, 6 nights at the Maui Fairmont.

I have the upgrade coupons, but it seems still cheaper to use a third-party (costco.com or travelocity) to get the same room even without the upgrade certificates... does that make sense. I was hoping fairmont.com match the third-party prices, and then get the upgrade to a higher category.

Any thoughts?

I am tryng to make a reservation fro Aug 21, 6 nights at the Maui Fairmont.

I have the upgrade coupons, but it seems still cheaper to use a third-party (costco.com or travelocity) to get the same room even without the upgrade certificates... does that make sense. I was hoping fairmont.com match the third-party prices, and then get the upgrade to a higher category.

Any thoughts?

You should be able to book third party and call into Fairmont Premier/Platinum desk and use your suite upgrade certificates and complimentary room night. Use of complimentary room night is restricted to Fairmont category, so unless you plan to change suites to use your free night, I would recommend booking the Fairmont category..

When booking, get the confirmation # as you'll need to quote this to the Premier/Platinum concierge to get the upgrades done..

Where about in Costco did you get the rates? Costco has been popping up to be a viable rental car alternative as well..

Stayed here a few months ago for six nights, it was absolutely wonderful.

The beach wasn't crowded, it was easy to get a place at the pool, no charge for parking, no resort fees. I would HIGHLY recommend it.

Having just returned from Maui, I would highly recommend the $219 rate, despite the renos, it's a steal!!!

I see $319, not $219, and I think I have looked everywhere on that site, what am I missing?

also i assume although the fact sheet says internet and not wifi, that is IS wifi?

Anybody have preferences for floors when staying in the deluxe suites?

Thanks in Advance.

I am big on water slides, usually stay at westin...

We will be staying here this time, unless I win the lottery before in which we will be staying who knows where...

I am gonna win that some day...i will:-::D

Anybody have preferences for floors when staying in the deluxe suites?

Thanks in Advance.

I assume you're talking about the Deluxe Ocean View Suites..

I would recommend floors 6 or 7

It won't be the Pac Rim, but we're looking forward to our stay at the end of August (25-29).

We did the partial ocean view suite, with an upgrade to the the deluxe ocean-view suite and the free night certificate.

All in all, $9xx for 4 days (including breaky for 3 each day) isn't a bad deal.

One question - Has anyone tried to use the Passions "Free round of golf" certificate here for the Wailea course? I sent a message to the concierge, but I had to wanted to throw it to the experts here in the forum.

Are there any other "must dos" at (or nearby) the resort - aside from visiting Little Beach which my girlfriend has somehow known about for weeks. :)

Thanks again for all the help!

It won't be the Pac Rim, but we're looking forward to our stay at the end of August (25-29).

We did the partial ocean view suite, with an upgrade to the the deluxe ocean-view suite and the free night certificate.

All in all, $9xx for 4 days (including breaky for 3 each day) isn't a bad deal.

One question - Has anyone tried to use the Passions "Free round of golf" certificate here for the Wailea course? I sent a message to the concierge, but I had to wanted to throw it to the experts here in the forum.

Are there any other "must dos" at (or nearby) the resort - aside from visiting Little Beach which my girlfriend has somehow known about for weeks. :)

Thanks again for all the help!

I've tried the free round of golf pre-2005 and did not work.. The certificate is only good for Fairmont Owned and Operated Golf Courses.. and I believe after reading the T&C's the same applies..

The manager pre-2005 did give us two years in a row passes to the skins game.. We happened to be visiting the same week the skins game was on two years in a row.. The Wailea courses are prestine..

I've tried the free round of golf pre-2005 and did not work.. The certificate is only good for Fairmont Owned and Operated Golf Courses.. and I believe after reading the T&C's the same applies..
....
The Wailea courses are prestine..

Well I'm happy to report I received the following email 5 minutes ago from the concierge at the Kea Lani. It appears things may have changed for the better!

Aloha Mr. Fishferbrains,

Thank you for choosing The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui as your travel destination! We greatly appreciate your patience in our reply. The Wailea Golf Courses will accept reservations within 30 days of play. They have 3 courses to choose from: Wailea Blue, Emerald, and Gold. The Gold is the most challenging of the 3. When you arrive to check-in at the front desk, please present to the agent your Passions certificate. Our concierge can arrange your tee time and have the golf course charge them to our hotel. That way this credits your certificate.

When you are ready to make a reservation, please indicate which course and the date & time of play. They will require a credit card to secure your reservation if you don't already have one on file for us to refer to. The Wailea Courses have a 24 hr cancellation policy.

With warmest aloha,

Missy
Concierge

Well I'm happy to report I received the following email 5 minutes ago from the concierge at the Kea Lani. It appears things may have changed for the better!

Great news!^

Plus Fairmont Kea Lani is a resort that offers complimentary club rentals for FPC members.. so a double whammy..

Usually Fairmont owned courses charge FPC members for club rentals.. and the hotels that don't have a Fairmont owned golf course, will offer complimentary club rentals..

It won't be the Pac Rim, but we're looking forward to our stay at the end of August (25-29).

We did the partial ocean view suite, with an upgrade to the the deluxe ocean-view suite and the free night certificate.

All in all, $9xx for 4 days (including breaky for 3 each day) isn't a bad deal.

One question - Has anyone tried to use the Passions "Free round of golf" certificate here for the Wailea course? I sent a message to the concierge, but I had to wanted to throw it to the experts here in the forum.

Are there any other "must dos" at (or nearby) the resort - aside from visiting Little Beach which my girlfriend has somehow known about for weeks. :)

Thanks again for all the help!

How did you get breakfast as part of it? We're booked in later in the year, also under the reno rates ($2xx per night, similar to yours it seems), but there was no mention of having breakfast included. Since there are 4 in our party, that would make a big difference for us.

How did you get breakfast as part of it? We're booked in later in the year, also under the reno rates ($2xx per night, similar to yours it seems), but there was no mention of having breakfast included. Since there are 4 in our party, that would make a big difference for us.

Usually breakfast for 2 is included, if there is breakfast included.. and kids 5 and under eat free..

I often book on rates without breakfast included.. but you can do the breakfast add on at the front desk for $50 per day for 2 adults including gratuity.. if still available..

wifi and parking fees, let me go look at the website

self parking is free, always use valet but budget is tight so will hope for reasonable parking options

wifi, still looking, need hi speed if possible for my connectify deal

How did you get breakfast as part of it? We're booked in later in the year, also under the reno rates ($2xx per night, similar to yours it seems), but there was no mention of having breakfast included. Since there are 4 in our party, that would make a big difference for us.

If you book through a virtuoso travel agent, you get buffet breakfast for two included at no additional cost. My agent has been able to get them to give breakfast for 4 for us at no additional cost. He's got a very good working relationship with someone at the hotel though, so I'm not sure all virtuoso agents could arrange that. He always gets me a guaranteed upgrade too, at least one category and sometimes two, and a nice food basket upon arrival. Sometimes I've made my own deal with the hotel directly and then had him just take over the reservation and then I still get the breakfast, upgrade, etc.
I suggest that you ask a virtuoso agent to take over your reservation.

wifi and parking fees, let me go look at the website

self parking is free, always use valet but budget is tight so will hope for reasonable parking options

wifi, still looking, need hi speed if possible for my connectify deal

I was offered first night valet parking for free upon arrival.. I opted right off the bat for self parking..

If you book through a virtuoso travel agent, you get buffet breakfast for two included at no additional cost. My agent has been able to get them to give breakfast for 4 for us at no additional cost. He's got a very good working relationship with someone at the hotel though, so I'm not sure all virtuoso agents could arrange that. He always gets me a guaranteed upgrade too, at least one category and sometimes two, and a nice food basket upon arrival. Sometimes I've made my own deal with the hotel directly and then had him just take over the reservation and then I still get the breakfast, upgrade, etc.
I suggest that you ask a virtuoso agent to take over your reservation.

What are the rates Virtuoso offer?

If you book through a virtuoso travel agent, you get buffet breakfast for two included at no additional cost. My agent has been able to get them to give breakfast for 4 for us at no additional cost. He's got a very good working relationship with someone at the hotel though, so I'm not sure all virtuoso agents could arrange that. He always gets me a guaranteed upgrade too, at least one category and sometimes two, and a nice food basket upon arrival. Sometimes I've made my own deal with the hotel directly and then had him just take over the reservation and then I still get the breakfast, upgrade, etc.
I suggest that you ask a virtuoso agent to take over your reservation.

Could you share your agents name/ contact? or pm me?
Thank you...

yeah me too, i think I have one at pro travel but he may be out of town or something

Could you share your agents name/ contact? or pm me?
Thank you...

yeah me too, i think I have one at pro travel but he may be out of town or something

The Luxury Hotel Section of FT Travel & Dining.. where Ritz and Four Seasons are located.. resides many Virtuoso Agents who post..

What are the rates Virtuoso offer?

Any of the regular rates that you see on the website, but with at least one category upgrade. So if you want a OV room, look at the rate for the POV. However, he often gets me double category upgrades.

He can sometimes access better rates than what is on the website, but usually it is just the posted rates. I've sometimes negotiated my own rates with the hotel directly and then just have him take it over. I find that the hotel has been willing to to negotiate rates, particularly for stays over 2 weeks long.

Any of the regular rates that you see on the website, but with at least one category upgrade. So if you want a OV room, look at the rate for the POV. However, he often gets me double category upgrades.

He can sometimes access better rates than what is on the website, but usually it is just the posted rates. I've sometimes negotiated my own rates with the hotel directly and then just have him take it over. I find that the hotel has been willing to to negotiate rates, particularly for stays over 2 weeks long.

We were thinking trying out the Kea Lani for 3 weeks one of these years.. We've only done max one week..

So will have to try a Virtuoso agent for the Kea Lani with method of reservation as you suggested.. if it works then the flight will be booked

We're planning for a week next spring break.. flights already booked to HNL, leaving from OGG

Here now, many ups to this place, no doubt...just found out i have to use my visa and pay $5 for ten minutes in business center to print boarding passes, that is amazing to me, to charge what they charge here for rooms and then jeopardize their relationship with the guest with such a petty charge, the excuse is they subbed it out and the result is a charge, but very petty

the self parking can be a nightmare, one section is so narrow i simply couldnt park there no matter what...but there are other places, first night free valet is nice though

I will report more later, i dont want to only complain as i do like the place, but that $5 charge took me by surprise...

Here now, many ups to this place, no doubt...just found out i have to use my visa and pay $5 for ten minutes in business center to print boarding passes, that is amazing to me, to charge what they charge here for rooms and then jeopardize their relationship with the guest with such a petty charge, the excuse is they subbed it out and the result is a charge, but very petty

the self parking can be a nightmare, one section is so narrow i simply couldnt park there no matter what...but there are other places, first night free valet is nice though

I will report more later, i dont want to only complain as i do like the place, but that $5 charge took me by surprise...

The self parking is indeed narrow.. so I don't mind driving deep into the parking lot a bit, or deep and around under the parkade towards the front of the hotel.. Generally, with wife and small kids, I go and pick up the vehicle and then pick them up by the foyer.. and when we arrive to the hotel, drop them off and go and park the vehicle..

I've never used their business services.. but I could see them giving a volume discount for large use.. but can't comment.. only walked by the business center area.

then how do you print boarding passes?

then how do you print boarding passes?

We generally OLCI and pick them up at the airport where there is no charge to pick BPs up..

We need to check in luggage anyways, and flying with AC last couple of times on the originating segments allowed us to Executive Check in with Aeroplat Amex.. so expedited and speedy..

Here now, many ups to this place, no doubt...just found out i have to use my visa and pay $5 for ten minutes in business center to print boarding passes, that is amazing to me, to charge what they charge here for rooms and then jeopardize their relationship with the guest with such a petty charge, the excuse is they subbed it out and the result is a charge, but very petty

I agree with you. Unfortunately Fairmont doesn´t operate the business centers at most (all?) of their hotels, they´re operated by some 3rd party like HP etc.

Some business centers at least allow guests to access a limited number of websites (airlines, hotels etc.) and print boarding passes for free and only charge a fee for all other services.

During one trip my laptop broke down and I had to use the business center each day, I wasn´t overly amused about those $10/h charges.

Here now, many ups to this place, no doubt...just found out i have to use my visa and pay $5 for ten minutes in business center to print boarding passes, that is amazing to me, to charge what they charge here for rooms and then jeopardize their relationship with the guest with such a petty charge, the excuse is they subbed it out and the result is a charge, but very petty

the self parking can be a nightmare, one section is so narrow i simply couldnt park there no matter what...but there are other places, first night free valet is nice though

I will report more later, i dont want to only complain as i do like the place, but that $5 charge took me by surprise...

We just stayed came back from a stay at the Kea Lani last week. I used the business center to print our boarding passes. This feature is provided at no-charge. There is a charge to use the computers but on the welcome screen on the comps you will see a box marked boarding passes, no charge. I confirmed this with the front desk before I came down. I'm not sure why you had to pay? Perhaps you didn't see the small box and logged in?

We just stayed came back from a stay at the Kea Lani last week. I used the business center to print our boarding passes. This feature is provided at no-charge. There is a charge to use the computers but on the welcome screen on the comps you will see a box marked boarding passes, no charge. I confirmed this with the front desk before I came down. I'm not sure why you had to pay? Perhaps you didn't see the small box and logged in?

Thanks for the insight.. next year, I'll use this service if I've got some time..

It's pretty easy to OLCI and go to the OGG airport and printout BPs with the AC agent.. but if the option is there and I remember, why not use the free service?

We just stayed came back from a stay at the Kea Lani last week. I used the business center to print our boarding passes. This feature is provided at no-charge. There is a charge to use the computers but on the welcome screen on the comps you will see a box marked boarding passes, no charge. I confirmed this with the front desk before I came down. I'm not sure why you had to pay? Perhaps you didn't see the small box and logged in?

i havent done it yet, i specifically asked the concierge if printing boarding passes required paying and she said yes, so we will see when i go to do it tomorrow

thanks

i havent done it yet, i specifically asked the concierge if printing boarding passes required paying and she said yes, so we will see when i go to do it tomorrow

thanks

Goes to show that front desk agents are humans and mistakes sometimes..

Its really only a few dollar in the scheme of things and helps to keep the 3rd party contractor lights on so that you in fact access that service..

For those recently staying at the Fairmont Kea Lani, has there been lots of noise, disturbances during the recent construction and painting?

For those recently staying at the Fairmont Kea Lani, has there been lots of noise, disturbances during the recent construction and painting?

none, but just as i was leaving they were beginning painting hallways in my building which was the one on the north of the property, so not sure what is going on as i thought the rehab was for new KO restaurant only, wasnt sure where that was anyway, by the new infinity pool i gues

none, but just as i was leaving they were beginning painting hallways in my building which was the one on the north of the property, so not sure what is going on as i thought the rehab was for new KO restaurant only, wasnt sure where that was anyway, by the new infinity pool i gues

AFAIK the Ko restaurant by the adult pool was the only reno mentioned..

but if everyone is booking on the reno rate, I'm glad they are doing up the halls, as it does need to have some work done.. as well as the common areas..

AFAIK the Ko restaurant by the adult pool was the only reno mentioned..

but if everyone is booking on the reno rate, I'm glad they are doing up the halls, as it does need to have some work done.. as well as the common areas..

We returned last from our stay last week.

The hotel was packed during our stay; but we had a fabulous suite (624) with an amazing view of the pools and the ocean in the background. The views are the highlight of any stay there.

It was clear the KO was under major work, but there was little noise or visibility of workers coming/going.

The reno discounts were throughout the hotel: free ocean toy rentals; $5 off the breakfast buffet and 50% off the cabana rentals.

Unfortunately each pools were closed for 1-2 hour stretches on successive days due to "sanitary accidents". That obviously had a financial impact to the pool service and swim-up bar. I'm recommend a "Cork your Kid" sign campaign. :D

Overall we loved the stay but were disappointed by the check-in process and delays; and the fact that we weren't greeted with a lei/drink upon arrival. We seem to have consistent hit-or-miss experiences with front desk staff; and the Kea Lani continued our trend.

These are minor quibbles and we'll definitely consider returning in the future.

I look forward to other people's experiences!

Keith

We returned last from our stay last week.

The hotel was packed during our stay; but we had a fabulous suite (624) with an amazing view of the pools and the ocean in the background. The views are the highlight of any stay there.

It was clear the KO was under major work, but there was little noise or visibility of workers coming/going.

The reno discounts were throughout the hotel: free ocean toy rentals; $5 off the breakfast buffet and 50% off the cabana rentals.

Unfortunately each pools were closed for 1-2 hour stretches on successive days due to "sanitary accidents". That obviously had a financial impact to the pool service and swim-up bar. I'm recommend a "Cork your Kid" sign campaign. :D

Overall we loved the stay but were disappointed by the check-in process and delays; and the fact that we weren't greeted with a lei/drink upon arrival. We seem to have consistent hit-or-miss experiences with front desk staff; and the Kea Lani continued our trend.

These are minor quibbles and we'll definitely consider returning in the future.

I look forward to other people's experiences!

Keith

Gee, never ever missed a lei greeting.. must have been a off day..

624 (sixth floor) is Deluxe Ocean View, so fantastic view.. I assume you can see Molokini from your room..

Combined reno rates.. it is a score..

Those sanitary incidents will happen anytime.. sometimes glass will break, and the staff for safety reasons will clean up around the area..

Overall we loved the stay but were disappointed by the check-in process and delays; and the fact that we weren't greeted with a lei/drink upon arrival. We seem to have consistent hit-or-miss experiences with front desk staff; and the Kea Lani continued our trend.

These are minor quibbles and we'll definitely consider returning in the future.

I look forward to other people's experiences!

Keith

Funny - when we arrived we experienced the same check-in delay and no lei/drink on arrival. Don't feel left out ;)

Besides that the stay was great for us.

Funny - when we arrived we experienced the same check-in delay and no lei/drink on arrival. Don't feel left out ;)

Besides that the stay was great for us.

we arrived on a saturday at around 4pm and no delay, got the lei and drink

overall very satisfied, but I cant imagine ever paying full price, at least not unitl i win lotto

we arrived on a saturday at around 4pm and no delay, got the lei and drink

overall very satisfied, but I cant imagine ever paying full price, at least not unitl i win lotto

Then I assume you booked a nice reno rate?

We stay at Fairmont for long periods of time.. and what we don't pay in a few nights, we end up paying over 53 nights..

Well I'm happy to report I received the following email 5 minutes ago from the concierge at the Kea Lani. It appears things may have changed for the better!

I don't suppose they also offer the 2-for-1 golf certificate?

Then I assume you booked a nice reno rate?

We stay at Fairmont for long periods of time.. and what we don't pay in a few nights, we end up paying over 53 nights..

that wasnt offered when i went in to make resvs about two months prior so i used board member friends family, got partial ocean for $249

Saw were others had asked about the renovation rate and I just came across this info. I believe it starts at $219 per night until December 16th and can be booked directly through the hotel by asking for the "Renovation with Aloha" rate.

Saw were others had asked about the renovation rate and I just came across this info. I believe it starts at $219 per night until December 16th and can be booked directly through the hotel by asking for the "Renovation with Aloha" rate.

depends heavily on when you wanna go and when you try and book it, it never occurred to me the rate would NOT be available online but available by phone

never, if that is true that is terribly disheartening, might as well not have a website with reservations option

Saw were others had asked about the renovation rate and I just came across this info. I believe it starts at $219 per night until December 16th and can be booked directly through the hotel by asking for the "Renovation with Aloha" rate.

depends heavily on when you wanna go and when you try and book it, it never occurred to me the rate would NOT be available online but available by phone

never, if that is true that is terribly disheartening, might as well not have a website with reservations option

AFAIK this was advertised on www.fairmont.com at one point, and could be booked directly with Fairmont..

But its good to know that you can book it with the hotel as well..

AFAIK this was advertised on www.fairmont.com at one point, and could be booked directly with Fairmont..

But its good to know that you can book it with the hotel as well..

of course it was, but the rate doesnt show up no matter what dates you put in the system...

of course it was, but the rate doesnt show up no matter what dates you put in the system...

I think the package has been taken off and on..

I always supposed that the hotel decides when its offered.. but leaves the package on the system, although not bookable..

We have been there many, many times too and gotten to know the staff over the years. Staff turnover is large, but the ones who have stayed are wonderful. The front desk staff for the past couple of years has been great, but again, there is a high turnover with them. It's hard to get to really know anyone there. The bell staff seems to stay and the in-room dining people stay. (We love those guys) Management on the other hand can be very aloof. There is a woman whom had handled the villa's for years. She comes across as sweet as honey, but will ignore you once she has checked you in. We checked in one day and over the next week we seem to see her all over the place. Each time we would say hello she would ignore us. She knows who we are and would look right in our general direction. Her behavior basically describes management overall.

Next time you're there ask about the Kea Lani hauntings. Trust me, we have had it happen to us while staying there and it's scary. The villa's are very haunted, so we are told and have experienced first hand. That's one spooky place!

Next time you're there ask about the Kea Lani hauntings. Trust me, we have had it happen to us while staying there and it's scary. The villa's are very haunted, so we are told and have experienced first hand. That's one spooky place!

NOW I am interested ;) :-) wanna share your experiences with us?

We have been there many, many times too and gotten to know the staff over the years. Staff turnover is large, but the ones who have stayed are wonderful. The front desk staff for the past couple of years has been great, but again, there is a high turnover with them. It's hard to get to really know anyone there. The bell staff seems to stay and the in-room dining people stay. (We love those guys) Management on the other hand can be very aloof. There is a woman whom had handled the villa's for years. She comes across as sweet as honey, but will ignore you once she has checked you in. We checked in one day and over the next week we seem to see her all over the place. Each time we would say hello she would ignore us. She knows who we are and would look right in our general direction. Her behavior basically describes management overall.

Next time you're there ask about the Kea Lani hauntings. Trust me, we have had it happen to us while staying there and it's scary. The villa's are very haunted, so we are told and have experienced first hand. That's one spooky place!

NOW I am interested ;) :-) wanna share your experiences with us?

Probably haunted by those who paid the $2,000 plus per night to stay in one of the villas.. Just the price of it would haunt me in my sleep..;)

I haven't seen, experienced, or heard anything of this nature.. so after 8 years, this is new to me.. Maybe that's why Kea Lani can charge the big bucks, for those want to experience the hauntings..

Probably haunted by those who paid the $2,000 plus per night to stay in one of the villas.. Just the price of it would haunt me in my sleep..;)

I haven't seen, experienced, or heard anything of this nature.. so after 8 years, this is new to me.. Maybe that's why Kea Lani can charge the big bucks, for those want to experience the hauntings..

We have never paid $2,000 to stay in the villa's. Nowhere close. We have gotten them either through upgrades or specials.

All you have to do is ask different staff about the hauntings and they will tell you. Now, these are just stories we were told above what we experienced. Non believers would say what we experienced was coincidence, but we know better.

One story is about the villa's. Housekeeping went down to do the daily cleaning, rang the doorbell and nobody answered. The houskeeper knew someone was in there because she heard what sounded like someone talking on a phone. She waited for a few minutes while this conversation went on because she didn't want to disturb this woman's conversation. She rang the bell one more time, waited then stepped in and yelled that she was there. The slider was open, but the screen was closed. When she stepped in she felt the hair on the back of her neck stand on end because there was absolutely nobody in there and it looked like there hadn't been all morning. She got out of there and wouldn't go back in there that day.

Another housekeeping story: They were doing turndown up on the sixth floor. They just turned the corner to head down the long corrider when they noticed what they thought were heavy footsteps behind them. They turned around and nobody was there, so they went about their duties. They had finished their first room and came back out to the hallway. They noticed a man pacing the floor at the other end. What was strange was that he was dressed in cotume like the male hula dancers wear. They thought for some reason the man who lights the tiki torches at night while in costume was on that floor. They asked him if he needed some help from security. They said the man looked at them with a sour look, turned around and disappeared right through the wall. They beat a hasty retreat off that floor and even had security check the whole floor, but there was nobody to be found.

We had some strange things happen to us a few times. We were having lunch in our villa one day when we kept hearing what sounded like a child running around on the roof above us. If you've ever noticed, with the villa's, the living room roof has a dome above it so there is no second floor above it. We heard this for over five minutes and decided to go out on the second floor lanai to see what was going on. There was nothing there. We thought it was strange, but went back down to finish our lunch. The same thing happened again. We called the front desk to see if there was someone doing work on our villa roof. There wasn't. This wasn't a little creaking here and there. It was very noticible. We just chalked it up, but I really had the creeps after that. The same day we were out lounging by our plunge pool and I thought I heard the doorbell ring. My husband went in to check the back door, but nobody was there. It took him maybe ten seconds to get to the back door. After we went in for the day we were watching TV for a bit in the living room. The doorbell rang again. I thought my dry cleaning was coming back, so I went up to get it from the man that delivers it. Again, there was nobody there. This happened three more times that day without anyone being there. By the last couple of times we were running for the door because we wanted to see if there were children playing jokes on us, but there wasn't anyone to be found, anywhere. We even asked the front desk if someone was working on anything electrical. They were converting their phone systems that day, so we thought that might have had something to do with it. There wasn't. Coincidence? I don't know, I call it creepy.

One more story we were told: They had a big Samoan night watchman working the grounds and buildings one night. He had been there for years. He went into one of the ballrooms and was shining his flashlight around the room when he noticed a woman in a bridal gown in the corner crying loudly. He called out to her, asking her if she was alright or if she needed some help. He said he had the chicken skin all over his body and felt nervous. Mind you, this is a huge Samoan man. The bride looked at him, stood up and then he noticed she was transparent. Just then with lightening speed she floated out of the room. He stood there for a second in shock and bolted out of there. He went to his boss, handed in his keys and never went back to work there again. Then we heard an embellishment to this story where later on that night another night watchman saw this same bride floating along above the sand down on the beach.

There are others too, but I think this is enough for now. Keep in mind that most of the hotels in Wailea are built on ancient burial grounds. I imagine there are some angry souls there with having people tromping all over their graves. These are just stories. Keep in mind that stories like this take on a life of their own after they have been told so many times.

We have pictures that we took while sitting on our lanai at the FS Maui, where in some of the nighttime pictures it looks like we took pictures of some sort of light show. There are long squiggling lines that look like they are sparks. In the next picture it came out a beautiful nightscene, then back to the crazy neon looking squigglies again. Believers will tell you that these are ghost pictures, others say it's blemishes or a fluke. We have had crazy things happen at the Ritz, Kapalua too. All the workers there have wild ghost stories about the Ritz and the islands in general. They say to never taunt the dead of the islands or they will give you what for.

Anyway, there's a few of the many stories.

hmmm, thanks

i kinda like those ghost shows on tv

i kinda like those ghost shows on tv
We had a friend who ran a hotel on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. The barman was tired of people asking about ghost stories so he constructed a few. Brought in a ton of new/repeat business. They've been on at least two of "those ghost shows on tv". Employees were asked to add/play along however they wanted, including refuting everything.

hmmm, thanks

i kinda like those ghost shows on tv

Ya, we have been watching too many of those shows I think. I used to like the TAPS guys, but they get ridiculous with their de-bunking. They throw away perfectly good evidence for stupid reasons. They said the producers make them do things they wouldn't otherwise do for the audience.

We also like Ghost Adventures, but Zak drives me nuts with his shushing all the time. He really eggs the spirits on and has gotten into serious trouble more than once with them following him home. AAron's marriage went down the tubes because of some of the demons that followed him home. I think he said it was after their visits to Bobby Mackey's that really bad personal things started happening to him. Pavaglia Island in Italy was another one that they said demons followed them home. Poor Aaron. He always gets stuck in the basements of these places. I have to wonder though how much the producers throw in for good measure. I mean orbs, come on, it's dust or bugs!!

My husband wants to travel to some of these places to see these places. Know of any good airfare specials right now? Ha ha! That would be the day for me. I'm scared of my own shadow.

They have Hawaiian ghost tours. Maybe, I should open my own business doing these things around the Kea Lani and the Ritz. Ha ha!

We have never paid $2,000 to stay in the villa's. Nowhere close. We have gotten them either through upgrades or specials.

All you have to do is ask different staff about the hauntings and they will tell you. Now, these are just stories we were told above what we experienced. Non believers would say what we experienced was coincidence, but we know better.

One story is about the villa's. Housekeeping went down to do the daily cleaning, rang the doorbell and nobody answered. The houskeeper knew someone was in there because she heard what sounded like someone talking on a phone. She waited for a few minutes while this conversation went on because she didn't want to disturb this woman's conversation. She rang the bell one more time, waited then stepped in and yelled that she was there. The slider was open, but the screen was closed. When she stepped in she felt the hair on the back of her neck stand on end because there was absolutely nobody in there and it looked like there hadn't been all morning. She got out of there and wouldn't go back in there that day.

Another housekeeping story: They were doing turndown up on the sixth floor. They just turned the corner to head down the long corrider when they noticed what they thought were heavy footsteps behind them. They turned around and nobody was there, so they went about their duties. They had finished their first room and came back out to the hallway. They noticed a man pacing the floor at the other end. What was strange was that he was dressed in cotume like the male hula dancers wear. They thought for some reason the man who lights the tiki torches at night while in costume was on that floor. They asked him if he needed some help from security. They said the man looked at them with a sour look, turned around and disappeared right through the wall. They beat a hasty retreat off that floor and even had security check the whole floor, but there was nobody to be found.

We had some strange things happen to us a few times. We were having lunch in our villa one day when we kept hearing what sounded like a child running around on the roof above us. If you've ever noticed, with the villa's, the living room roof has a dome above it so there is no second floor above it. We heard this for over five minutes and decided to go out on the second floor lanai to see what was going on. There was nothing there. We thought it was strange, but went back down to finish our lunch. The same thing happened again. We called the front desk to see if there was someone doing work on our villa roof. There wasn't. This wasn't a little creaking here and there. It was very noticible. We just chalked it up, but I really had the creeps after that. The same day we were out lounging by our plunge pool and I thought I heard the doorbell ring. My husband went in to check the back door, but nobody was there. It took him maybe ten seconds to get to the back door. After we went in for the day we were watching TV for a bit in the living room. The doorbell rang again. I thought my dry cleaning was coming back, so I went up to get it from the man that delivers it. Again, there was nobody there. This happened three more times that day without anyone being there. By the last couple of times we were running for the door because we wanted to see if there were children playing jokes on us, but there wasn't anyone to be found, anywhere. We even asked the front desk if someone was working on anything electrical. They were converting their phone systems that day, so we thought that might have had something to do with it. There wasn't. Coincidence? I don't know, I call it creepy.

One more story we were told: They had a big Samoan night watchman working the grounds and buildings one night. He had been there for years. He went into one of the ballrooms and was shining his flashlight around the room when he noticed a woman in a bridal gown in the corner crying loudly. He called out to her, asking her if she was alright or if she needed some help. He said he had the chicken skin all over his body and felt nervous. Mind you, this is a huge Samoan man. The bride looked at him, stood up and then he noticed she was transparent. Just then with lightening speed she floated out of the room. He stood there for a second in shock and bolted out of there. He went to his boss, handed in his keys and never went back to work there again. Then we heard an embellishment to this story where later on that night another night watchman saw this same bride floating along above the sand down on the beach.

There are others too, but I think this is enough for now. Keep in mind that most of the hotels in Wailea are built on ancient burial grounds. I imagine there are some angry souls there with having people tromping all over their graves. These are just stories. Keep in mind that stories like this take on a life of their own after they have been told so many times.

We have pictures that we took while sitting on our lanai at the FS Maui, where in some of the nighttime pictures it looks like we took pictures of some sort of light show. There are long squiggling lines that look like they are sparks. In the next picture it came out a beautiful nightscene, then back to the crazy neon looking squigglies again. Believers will tell you that these are ghost pictures, others say it's blemishes or a fluke. We have had crazy things happen at the Ritz, Kapalua too. All the workers there have wild ghost stories about the Ritz and the islands in general. They say to never taunt the dead of the islands or they will give you what for.

Anyway, there's a few of the many stories.

Thanks for the stories..

Unexplained phenomenon often interests me.. perhaps staying in the villas one of these years is in order..

I have seen some Villa specials.. Sounds like you get the villa specials consistently.. What and where do you usually look for and book.. What range of price say compared to a one bedroom suite?

We just got back this past Saturday. On checkout, they had completely missed that we were using the reno rate and tried to charge full price ($373). I told them we had booked the reno at their recommendation, and they came back with $299 as their best rate. Fortunately, I had the original email from the kea Lani with the $219 rate, so they gave it to us. So I think the "reno rate" varies depending on how well they are booked.

We just got back this past Saturday. On checkout, they had completely missed that we were using the reno rate and tried to charge full price ($373). I told them we had booked the reno at their recommendation, and they came back with $299 as their best rate. Fortunately, I had the original email from the kea Lani with the $219 rate, so they gave it to us. So I think the "reno rate" varies depending on how well they are booked.

Its always good to bring a copy (electronic of physical) of the reservation as proof of rate, package and room type..

I've ran into a few discrepancies probably 6, or 7 years ago, and a couple of years ago regarding a Fairmont Moments Package booked..

Just returned from 1 week at the Kea Lani. It was heaven.

- Thanks to the above posters for their alert re. the special rate. I printed my reservation confirmation the night before leaving. Turns out there was no problem honoring the special rate nor with my free night certificate I redeemed, but always better to be safe than sorry.

- The staff were excellent, consistent with my best Fairmont experiences, and many remembered us from day to day and made an effort to say hi by name.

- The construction situation is so well-managed that it was minimally noticeable. Ironically, my partner and I went on this vacation to get away from our home-renovation project! (The staff really got a kick out of hearing that.) Work was mainly down in one of the courtyards, next to the pool area. It was walled off. We overlooked it from our 6th floor lanai (along with an amazing view). Work never started before 9:30 and was always done before 5:00, so typically when you'd be out and about. The main noise was the back-up beeper from the bulldozer down there. If you were on the beach, you couldn't even hear it. One wing of our floor was closed off for work, but we couldn't hear a thing. They warned us of construction noise in the spa when booking spa services, but we couldn't hear a thing during our massages.

- Ko restaurant proper is closed (for the renovation), but the Ko staff serves the Ko menu in the Kea Lani breakfast restaurant, so it's the same awesome food in a more casual setting. The food was remarkable (and we're foodies), so we'll definitely eat there again when we return. Service at Ko was excellent, including realizing the jet lag hit us out of nowhere during our appetizer-course and speeding up the meal to light-speed so we didn't fall asleep in our food!

- They are apparently having record occupancy during what is otherwise a very slow season, given the special rates. Reservations for Ko aren't a bad idea, and plan spa sessions in advance.

Yes, it was still a vacation from our home-renovation!

We are already talking about when to go back!

Just returned from 1 week at the Kea Lani. It was heaven.

- Thanks to the above posters for their alert re. the special rate. I printed my reservation confirmation the night before leaving. Turns out there was no problem honoring the special rate nor with my free night certificate I redeemed, but always better to be safe than sorry.

- The staff were excellent, consistent with my best Fairmont experiences, and many remembered us from day to day and made an effort to say hi by name.

- The construction situation is so well-managed that it was minimally noticeable. Ironically, my partner and I went on this vacation to get away from our home-renovation project! (The staff really got a kick out of hearing that.) Work was mainly down in one of the courtyards, next to the pool area. It was walled off. We overlooked it from our 6th floor lanai (along with an amazing view). Work never started before 9:30 and was always done before 5:00, so typically when you'd be out and about. The main noise was the back-up beeper from the bulldozer down there. If you were on the beach, you couldn't even hear it. One wing of our floor was closed off for work, but we couldn't hear a thing. They warned us of construction noise in the spa when booking spa services, but we couldn't hear a thing during our massages.

- Ko restaurant proper is closed (for the renovation), but the Ko staff serves the Ko menu in the Kea Lani breakfast restaurant, so it's the same awesome food in a more casual setting. The food was remarkable (and we're foodies), so we'll definitely eat there again when we return. Service at Ko was excellent, including realizing the jet lag hit us out of nowhere during our appetizer-course and speeding up the meal to light-speed so we didn't fall asleep in our food!

- They are apparently having record occupancy during what is otherwise a very slow season, given the special rates. Reservations for Ko aren't a bad idea, and plan spa sessions in advance.

Yes, it was still a vacation from our home-renovation!

We are already talking about when to go back!

Glad it worked out very well..

We would have loved to take advantage of the special rates.. but will have to settle going back to Kea Lani spring break..

imo.. Ko inside the breakfast area, is an improvement to what they had before.. Will be glad when they finally have a structure to operate from..

Did you try Nick's Fish Market?.. Not Fairmont owned, so they are fighting for business.. excellent portions and entrees.. I highly recommend it.. Not applicable on dining certs.. so must ask before hand if they will allow an exception..

This is going to be the cheesiest question ever, but I have to ask it....is there a chance of seeing whales from the lanai of an ocean view room at the Kea Lani? (in season, of course)

Its always good to bring a copy (electronic of physical) of the reservation as proof of rate, package and room type..

I've ran into a few discrepancies probably 6, or 7 years ago, and a couple of years ago regarding a Fairmont Moments Package booked..

We found an unbelievably great rate a few years ago right on their website and printed it. When we went to book it a couple of hours later they didn't want to honor it. We fought tooth and nail over that one and finally won out. The next day they jacked the rate way up and put a disclaimer on the bottom of the page saying that rates are subject to change.

They told us that they don't see the same rates we do when we go on the website. Huh? Anyway, ALWAYS print out your proof of rates because Fairmont can be sneaky about such things. Still love them though.

This is going to be the cheesiest question ever, but I have to ask it....is there a chance of seeing whales from the lanai of an ocean view room at the Kea Lani? (in season, of course)

Absolutely. Somedays, you can see them from the beach (go grab a kayak and start paddling to get a closer look, but not too close).

Cheers.

Speaking of not honoring rates, i have EVERY time had Hertz tell me my cost is 15% more than what I booked it for, then I show them the paper resv i printed when i made the resv, taking advantage of this coupon code and that one etc

but without it in my hand i would never get the correct rate...

Last winter I was able to book an ocean view suite with breakfast for two at a total of $600 for six nights. No renovation special either :cool:

This is going to be the cheesiest question ever, but I have to ask it....is there a chance of seeing whales from the lanai of an ocean view room at the Kea Lani? (in season, of course)

Absolutely. Somedays, you can see them from the beach (go grab a kayak and start paddling to get a closer look, but not too close).

Cheers.

Agreed.. Absolutely, no question.. but as mentioned, it has to be in season..

Last winter I was able to book an ocean view suite with breakfast for two at a total of $600 for six nights. No renovation special either :cool:

Sounds like an employee rate.. How were you able to do it?.. PM me if you do not want to mention this technique publicly..

I recently stayed at the Kea Lani for the first time and was very pleased with the overall experience.^

service:

The staff at this Fairmont are outstanding, possibly among the best staff I´ve encountered, and that on a consistent basis. Some even made an effort to learn my name and greet me whenever I walked by, very impressed as I was only staying there for a few days.

suite:

I got an excellent rate booking the renovation promo. Stayed in a partial ocean view suite (unfortunately all higher room categories were fully booked) which was very nice. Nice living room and bedroom a very spacious bathroom with bath and walk-in shower. Also
really liked the furniture provided on the lanais, not the cheap chairs many other hotels have.

Platinum benefits:

This was the only part of my stay I wasn´t too impressed about.

I had requested an early check-in in advance, but my suite wasn´t ready when I arrived at 12.30p.m., went back to ckeck-in at 2p.m. and still not ready, finally got my keys at around 3p.m. Not the end of the world, but after 12h of travelling it would have been nice to take a nap and have a shower.

Welcome gift wasn´t particularly impressive: three chocolate-covered strawberries. Then again, the Platinum welcome amenity at most Fairmonts hasn´t been very impressive this year, so I probably should just forget about this benefit.

restaurants:

The food and drinks at all the restaurants I visited were fantastic, though somewhat pricey (e.g. $14 + tip and taxes for a small cocktail served in a plastic cup).

Due to the renovations there were some great specials:

- happy hour from 4p.m.-6p.m.: appetizers and selected cocktails 50% off ^
- breakfast buffet for $25 per person

The breakfast buffet at the Kea Lani restaurant was excellent, and an excellent deal for $25 per person, and for an extra $10 you could have the "breakfast and champagne" special with unlimited refills. Only downside was that the "champagne" was some kind of pretty unimpressive sparkling wine from California, but nevermind...

If you don´t always want to eat at the restaurants, there´s an excellent alternative: Caffee Ciao has a great selection of coffees, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages (incl. full bottles of wine), salads, sandwiches, desserts etc. at pretty reasonable prices. Really enjoyed this place.^

hotel facilities:

The hotel facilities are impressive indeed. I really liked the open-air lobby area, the gardens etc. The beach is pretty nice too, though I´d have to say it wasn´t the nicest beach I´ve seen this year. Both the beaches on the Cook Islands and Bermuda (at the Fairmont Southampton) were far more impressive, but nevertheless it was very relaxing lying around on the beach, and the weather couldn´t have been nicer.

Overall I had a great stay at the Fairmont Kea Lani, the staff were great, the food was excellent and they have certainly succeeded in creating a relaxing resort.

Glad you had the Kea Lani Aloha Experience.. We are planning to visit Spring Break, unfortunately no renovation special..

Usually with Kea Lani they are good with late check outs.. to give guests a memorable vacation, unfortunately it leaves those who are checking in.. in a bit of a lurk..

We always get the Mauna Loa Mac Nut selections in a shirt dish for amenity.. Must be different amenities based on selected preferences..

Just got an email that the renovations have been extended into our February stay. Not happy, although the specials around the resort might be worth taking advantage of.
As long as I don't get a view of what I've seen on TripAdvisor, ocean + dirt construction lot. They're still charging $600/night.

I was at the Fairmont site this morning to check out rates for our upcoming visit in late Feb and the Maui property is NOT in the list of Fairmont properties. I tried accessing it through various google searches and while you can still access information pages on the property, you can NOT reserve a room there through the Fairmont system. Anyone know what's going on?? :confused:

I was at the Fairmont site this morning to check out rates for our upcoming visit in late Feb and the Maui property is NOT in the list of Fairmont properties. I tried accessing it through various google searches and while you can still access information pages on the property, you can NOT reserve a room there through the Fairmont system. Anyone know what's going on?? :confused:

Indeed, the Kea Lani has disappeared from the drop-down box and I´m also getting an error message when trying access the property´s page via the destination map. Very odd...:confused:

The hotel is still listed (seems bookable) on various third-party sites like Expedia etc. Let´s hope this is just another IT glitch.

Fairmont Kea Lani is still on the map on the Fairmont website..

I was on Fairmont Kea Lani section earlier this week checking out some dates.. hopefully its just a glitch..

Fairmont Kea Lani is still on the map on the Fairmont website..

I was on Fairmont Kea Lani section earlier this week checking out some dates.. hopefully its just a glitch..

I was able to get information by calling in, so they're still in business as a Fairmont - they didn't know in the call centre what the website problem was.

I was on their site a week ago checking rates - they seem to have on going technical glitches on the Fairmont site.

Fairmont Kea Lani is still on the map on the Fairmont website..


Yes, but when I click on the Kea Lani and try to go to the hotel´s site I always get an error message, or does the link work for you?

Kayak is still taking reservations. They said on Twitter that they're having a Cyber Monday event, two different deals, whatever that means.

Yes, but when I click on the Kea Lani and try to go to the hotel´s site I always get an error message, or does the link work for you?

No.. Just pointing out that the Kea Lani is still on the map.. I tried clicking, and a new window pops up, but just dead airspace..

Site is working fine. Their Cyber Monday sale is up. Two deals:
http://www.fairmont.com/EN_FA/Property/KEA/Vanity/CyberMondaySpecials

Cyber Monday Summer Special!
Receive 30% off for stays between May 12, 2012 - August 14, 2012.

Cyber Monday Fall Special!
Receive 50% off for stays between August 15, 2012 - December 16, 2012.

Still haven't booked Kea Lani for spring break yet.. Too bad the Cyber Monday special didn't include any dates in early April..

I've got the Disney Aulani hotel booked.. just trying to figure out how many nights in Oahu, and whether we'll stop at the Big Island Fairmont Orchid before going to the Kea Lani..

Cyber Monday Summer Special!
Receive 30% off for stays between May 12, 2012 - August 14, 2012.

Cyber Monday Fall Special!
Receive 50% off for stays between August 15, 2012 - December 16, 2012.

Just a quick thanks! I was planning on going in September and wasn't sure about the Kea Lani or the Orchid. These great rates just sealed the deal! Booked a week. Would have missed a great deal if it wasn't for the post here.


I've got the Disney Aulani hotel booked.. just trying to figure out how many nights in Oahu, and whether we'll stop at the Big Island Fairmont Orchid before going to the Kea Lani..

Totally off topic -- but I'm waiting for the 7 month DVC window to book 8 nights in a two bedroom as well ^