tol
Dec 12, 06, 9:46 pm
I've recently returned from a stay at the RC in Maui Dec 3-9.
I bought the trip as a pakage from Expedia, including flight for 2 from LAS, hotel with "delux ocean view" with breakfast, and rental car.
We arrived by car from OGG, the main airport about 1 hour away. Drove to the front and valet parked (15$/ day + tip. I was under the impression the valet fee was mandatory but it isn't. We self parked at the nearby lot after that and only payed for the first day.) We had a lei greeting in the lobby, which is pleasantly decorated and with a good view of the ocean. Check in was quick. I was offerred an upgrade from 450 sq ft room to a 1200 sq ft ocean view suite for an additional 250$ per day. I demured and the hostess said she could actually offer the suit for only 200$ with a "beautiful" ocean view. I was a bit surprised that the RC was ready to haggle but on impulse I agreed.
The bellhop took us to our suite and explained the amenities. All standard stuff. The suite was spacious but the 1200 sq ft probably included the balcony (which seemed like 2 balconies.) The disapointment was the ocean view. On the very right side of the balcony, through some trees one could catch a glimpse of the ocean. "Partial ocean view" would be a more appropriate description, though honestly, even that would be charitable. I suppose we could have complained, but I really didn't want to be bothered.
The suite was certainly adequate but surprisingly ordinary. Simple furniture, typical king sized bed (with a comforter under the sheets, not a pillow-top) and a rather old TV with basic cable. By old I mean a curved screen tv (27 inches I guess) that has seen better days. I don't mean to sound snobby, but the RC should do better.
The hotel grounds were very pretty, expansive and well kept. The pool was large and there were 2 public hot tubs (very refreshing.) Cabanas has to be resreved and payed for (never bothered to check on that) The beach seemed private to the hotel and was enclosed by rocks on both sides. The sand was very fine and pleasant for walking, the water nice and clear. The surf was pretty strong, though and the undertow was potent. As for me, I liked that as I like watching big waves and being tossed about by them (not near the rocks, however.)
Breakfast was good but not great. Standard fare, though the belgian waffles with butter, coconut syrup, and whipped cream were a very nice indulgence.
Service was up to par and everything was very convenient. The concierge could arrange most tours (tours purchased through the RC did not include any markup so far as I could tell and so that was the most hassle free way to do it.)
All in all it was a good hotel but disapointing in some respects. This was my first time in Hawaii so I don't have any local frame of refernces. Compared to other 5 star (and some 4 1/2 star) hotels I ve stayed in elsewhere, this one was below par. On a second trip to Maui, I would try something different.
Thanx for reading,
TOL
I bought the trip as a pakage from Expedia, including flight for 2 from LAS, hotel with "delux ocean view" with breakfast, and rental car.
We arrived by car from OGG, the main airport about 1 hour away. Drove to the front and valet parked (15$/ day + tip. I was under the impression the valet fee was mandatory but it isn't. We self parked at the nearby lot after that and only payed for the first day.) We had a lei greeting in the lobby, which is pleasantly decorated and with a good view of the ocean. Check in was quick. I was offerred an upgrade from 450 sq ft room to a 1200 sq ft ocean view suite for an additional 250$ per day. I demured and the hostess said she could actually offer the suit for only 200$ with a "beautiful" ocean view. I was a bit surprised that the RC was ready to haggle but on impulse I agreed.
The bellhop took us to our suite and explained the amenities. All standard stuff. The suite was spacious but the 1200 sq ft probably included the balcony (which seemed like 2 balconies.) The disapointment was the ocean view. On the very right side of the balcony, through some trees one could catch a glimpse of the ocean. "Partial ocean view" would be a more appropriate description, though honestly, even that would be charitable. I suppose we could have complained, but I really didn't want to be bothered.
The suite was certainly adequate but surprisingly ordinary. Simple furniture, typical king sized bed (with a comforter under the sheets, not a pillow-top) and a rather old TV with basic cable. By old I mean a curved screen tv (27 inches I guess) that has seen better days. I don't mean to sound snobby, but the RC should do better.
The hotel grounds were very pretty, expansive and well kept. The pool was large and there were 2 public hot tubs (very refreshing.) Cabanas has to be resreved and payed for (never bothered to check on that) The beach seemed private to the hotel and was enclosed by rocks on both sides. The sand was very fine and pleasant for walking, the water nice and clear. The surf was pretty strong, though and the undertow was potent. As for me, I liked that as I like watching big waves and being tossed about by them (not near the rocks, however.)
Breakfast was good but not great. Standard fare, though the belgian waffles with butter, coconut syrup, and whipped cream were a very nice indulgence.
Service was up to par and everything was very convenient. The concierge could arrange most tours (tours purchased through the RC did not include any markup so far as I could tell and so that was the most hassle free way to do it.)
All in all it was a good hotel but disapointing in some respects. This was my first time in Hawaii so I don't have any local frame of refernces. Compared to other 5 star (and some 4 1/2 star) hotels I ve stayed in elsewhere, this one was below par. On a second trip to Maui, I would try something different.
Thanx for reading,
TOL