Grand Wailea or Marriott Wailea
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Bethesda, MD
Programs: UA Million Miler, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 814
Grand Wailea or Marriott Wailea
I have top status with Hilton and Marriott and I have stayed at Grand Wailea before. I have enough points for Mu stay at either property, suggestions on where to stay. Looking for hotel with best beach, best pool, and best chance for room upgrade using points and based on status.
#2
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Maui OGG Hoity-Toityville
Programs: AS MVP Gold, Marriott Rewards Silver,United Miles plus Hawaiian Air AirTran SWA
Posts: 579
Grand
Marriott lava coast line beaches on each side of property
Rooms nice with both
Nicer at Grand
Grand is a 4-4.5* property
Marriott is 3-3.5* property
Marriott lava coast line beaches on each side of property
Rooms nice with both
Nicer at Grand
Grand is a 4-4.5* property
Marriott is 3-3.5* property
#3
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
Go Grand Wailea.. Rooms are expensive.. but even at those prices, the hotel went into receivership..
But, hands down, if you got kids, Grand Wailea has great water park and slides..
But, hands down, if you got kids, Grand Wailea has great water park and slides..
#4
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,041
It depends on the kids' ages. The Marriott has a great pool for toddlers and older pre-swimmers. After that, then yes, they'll love the GW. Until they get to my girls' ages (14 and 11), when they might feel like they've outgrown water parks and would prefer the ocean.
#5
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
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Posts: 18,686
Fairmont Kea Lani, is a nice option.. a nice pool, wading pool, adult pool.. and water slide with upper pool for kids.. Not as elaborate as GW, but definitely worth its weight in gold..
#6
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 12
Apples & Oranges
Hi dlwalt,
I just visited both properties this year and if price isn't an issue the Grand Wailea is a much better experience. You're essentially comparing apples to oranges. The Grand Wailea is one of the best properties in the area.
Unfortunately, the Marriott is showing its age and the rooms need some updating. They still have old box TVs. Not that you'll be watching much TV but it shows things need to be brought up to date.
Hope this helps. Have a great time in Hawaii!
Aloha,
Jim - Owner - Travel Beyond
I just visited both properties this year and if price isn't an issue the Grand Wailea is a much better experience. You're essentially comparing apples to oranges. The Grand Wailea is one of the best properties in the area.
Unfortunately, the Marriott is showing its age and the rooms need some updating. They still have old box TVs. Not that you'll be watching much TV but it shows things need to be brought up to date.
Hope this helps. Have a great time in Hawaii!
Aloha,
Jim - Owner - Travel Beyond
#7
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Maui OGG Hoity-Toityville
Programs: AS MVP Gold, Marriott Rewards Silver,United Miles plus Hawaiian Air AirTran SWA
Posts: 579
Rooms need updating??????
The rooms at the Marriott Were updated a Few years ago
Very modern finished tile floors nice hardwood finishes stainless steel modern pulls for Furniture new bed beds and toppers etc
When was the last time you went inside a room.
The rooms at the Marriott Were updated a Few years ago
Very modern finished tile floors nice hardwood finishes stainless steel modern pulls for Furniture new bed beds and toppers etc
When was the last time you went inside a room.
#8
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
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Posts: 18,686
We walked through both property grounds this year, and while its nice.. the Grand Wailea is a place of choice based on impression of grounds and offerings..
#9
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 12
Hi Tony10,
Thanks for your email. I just wanted to clarify that I was responding to the question comparing the Grand Wailea to the Marriott. One is a 5 star property and the other is a 4 star. I do like the Marriott. But I believe it's important to find the right match for the traveler. On a luxury level, I think it's hard to say the Marriott is more luxurious than the Grand Wailea.
But the great things about forums is people can openly share their thoughts and opinions. All I'm offering is an opinion. I think most people will read all the comments (including your thoughts) and draw their own conclusions.
As for my background, I used to live in Hawaii. Within the last year I've visited 90% of the 4 and 5 star hotels throughout the islands. There have been so many recent renovations that a soft refurb a few years ago will appear a little dated compared to a property that just went through one.
Jim Bendt - Owner - Travel Beyond
Thanks for your email. I just wanted to clarify that I was responding to the question comparing the Grand Wailea to the Marriott. One is a 5 star property and the other is a 4 star. I do like the Marriott. But I believe it's important to find the right match for the traveler. On a luxury level, I think it's hard to say the Marriott is more luxurious than the Grand Wailea.
But the great things about forums is people can openly share their thoughts and opinions. All I'm offering is an opinion. I think most people will read all the comments (including your thoughts) and draw their own conclusions.
As for my background, I used to live in Hawaii. Within the last year I've visited 90% of the 4 and 5 star hotels throughout the islands. There have been so many recent renovations that a soft refurb a few years ago will appear a little dated compared to a property that just went through one.
Jim Bendt - Owner - Travel Beyond
#10
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
Hi Tony10,
Thanks for your email. I just wanted to clarify that I was responding to the question comparing the Grand Wailea to the Marriott. One is a 5 star property and the other is a 4 star. I do like the Marriott. But I believe it's important to find the right match for the traveler. On a luxury level, I think it's hard to say the Marriott is more luxurious than the Grand Wailea.
But the great things about forums is people can openly share their thoughts and opinions. All I'm offering is an opinion. I think most people will read all the comments (including your thoughts) and draw their own conclusions.
As for my background, I used to live in Hawaii. Within the last year I've visited 90% of the 4 and 5 star hotels throughout the islands. There have been so many recent renovations that a soft refurb a few years ago will appear a little dated compared to a property that just went through one.
Jim Bendt - Owner - Travel Beyond
Thanks for your email. I just wanted to clarify that I was responding to the question comparing the Grand Wailea to the Marriott. One is a 5 star property and the other is a 4 star. I do like the Marriott. But I believe it's important to find the right match for the traveler. On a luxury level, I think it's hard to say the Marriott is more luxurious than the Grand Wailea.
But the great things about forums is people can openly share their thoughts and opinions. All I'm offering is an opinion. I think most people will read all the comments (including your thoughts) and draw their own conclusions.
As for my background, I used to live in Hawaii. Within the last year I've visited 90% of the 4 and 5 star hotels throughout the islands. There have been so many recent renovations that a soft refurb a few years ago will appear a little dated compared to a property that just went through one.
Jim Bendt - Owner - Travel Beyond
The Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea is simply, a 5 star hotel.. upper end accomodations.. compared to the Mariott.. but jmho
#11
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
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Posts: 57,041
I guess that's right, but I think the GW is way over the top with everything, unlike the understated elegance of its next-door neighbor, the Four Seasons. The GW looks like something Trump hired Liberace to design.
#12
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Location: Calgary, Alberta
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Four Seasons I agree is understated elegance.. we've visited Spago's Spring Break onsite FS Maui..
My pick of hotels is Fairmont.. its all suite, and although it doesn't have the water park, it certainly has all of the required amenties.. Have stayed there over the past 8 years..
#13
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Maui OGG Hoity-Toityville
Programs: AS MVP Gold, Marriott Rewards Silver,United Miles plus Hawaiian Air AirTran SWA
Posts: 579
I never emailed anyone on here but I did post
The only 5 star properties on Maui would be the Four Seasons and possibly the Ritz.
The grand at best is a 4.5* no matter what any travel agency says.
The Marriott is very well rated and reviewed on tripadvisor.
I'm sure no one is fretting over a tube tv though lol
W A is trying to bring the GE up to 5 star with changes such as MANDATORY valet parking no self parking available etc
Oh and wanting to take out the wedding chapel area to add in approx 250 more rooms yikes!
The only 5 star properties on Maui would be the Four Seasons and possibly the Ritz.
The grand at best is a 4.5* no matter what any travel agency says.
The Marriott is very well rated and reviewed on tripadvisor.
I'm sure no one is fretting over a tube tv though lol
W A is trying to bring the GE up to 5 star with changes such as MANDATORY valet parking no self parking available etc
Oh and wanting to take out the wedding chapel area to add in approx 250 more rooms yikes!
#14
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 369
Actually, you're wrong about that. It's a huge turn off to see outdated tv's. I want *more* than I have at home, not less. I immediately look to see what else needs to be updated at the property, and it makes me more critical in general. I'm sure this hotel offers value for the money and many people will be happy with the stay. I'd want the eyesore removed. It's tired and I want a room that's refreshed. It's all about the feel of the place. Doesn't need to be 5*, just current.
#15
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
I never emailed anyone on here but I did post
The only 5 star properties on Maui would be the Four Seasons and possibly the Ritz.
The grand at best is a 4.5* no matter what any travel agency says.
The Marriott is very well rated and reviewed on tripadvisor.
I'm sure no one is fretting over a tube tv though lol
W A is trying to bring the GE up to 5 star with changes such as MANDATORY valet parking no self parking available etc
Oh and wanting to take out the wedding chapel area to add in approx 250 more rooms yikes!
The only 5 star properties on Maui would be the Four Seasons and possibly the Ritz.
The grand at best is a 4.5* no matter what any travel agency says.
The Marriott is very well rated and reviewed on tripadvisor.
I'm sure no one is fretting over a tube tv though lol
W A is trying to bring the GE up to 5 star with changes such as MANDATORY valet parking no self parking available etc
Oh and wanting to take out the wedding chapel area to add in approx 250 more rooms yikes!