Originally Posted by Biggie Fries (Post 25188150)

Went a year ago for a long weekend and had a great time -- posted to that effect somewhere above.

Since then, the buzz on this board was somewhat dulling my appetite. However, my spouse, who doesn't (to my knowledge) read this board, definitely wanted to go back. So we did.

And glad we did. It was just as pleasant and fun as a year ago. I guess a lot of it is how and where you situate yourself. The Pantry breakfast was fine as a Diamond. It's pretty much what you get in other Hyatts, with better fruit. (Last year, the worst gluttony I had seen at the go-for-broke all-you-can-eat pre-reform breakfast was with respect to fruit. Some people seemed to be carting away blueberries like they were bitcoins. Were they reselling them to Safeway?) We ate plenty, enjoyed the views, etc.

The other change was the resort fee. We pretty much go to the Andaz Maui to go to the Andaz, not to Maui, and to vegetate (briefly!) So I did not mind that having made the reservation some months back, didn't have to pay the resort fee... or use the adult toys one gets in exchange. I'm cheap, so if I had had to pay, I would have probably forced myself to use them. (Note to dajoip: It was perfectly clear -- as in, this stuff shows up on a computer screen that they call up when you show up in front of them -- that if we had used some of that stuff, we would have gotten the pleasure of paying the resort fee. Now you [or somebody else] might argue that there are plenty of things bundled in their list of resort fee "benefits," like internet, that I did use, and I didn't get charged for those, so .... But that would be you [or somebody else] making the argument.)

Main point is, the place is still beautiful, and the service is more good than bad. I like the fact that they don't bug you too much, and that most of the folks genuinely try to help if you come up with a real need for something. Yeah, at b'fast each morning there were too many folks buzzing around with adverb and adjective modified hellos and absolutely zero follow through or sound recognition of response -- that's the bad Andaz style -- but there were also plenty of genuinely cool, competent staff people in the rest of the hotel who did give the place a good vibe.

Before I forget, three things I knew for this visit from this board that I hadn't known on the first visit and that added to the ease of the stay:

• The prompt and free (tip aside) car service that the guys at the front run for trips to other spots in Wailea. Very easy and the pick-ups for return were lightning fast. A realy nice gesture since of course they are leisurely abetting taking food and drink spend off property. Made for some easy and fun nights out, especially not having to worry about driving -- even a short way -- home.
• The sun tan lotion available everywhere. Okay, the coconut smell and texture did get me mixed up with the Andy's Haupia cake I picked up at Safeway last night, but let's focus on the positive: Having a lot of this glop around, and free, makes it hard not to use it. And that sun is hot, whether you realize it or not. Folks in the latter category painfully on display.... Use it people. The price point is right: It's free!
• The washing machines on the 2nd floor, Makai wing: Better than your college washing machines (and dryers), and no need for quarters. It's all there. A great touch, especially since it is no fun lugging back sweaty and sandy sports, pool, and beachware. Cuts the number of redundant items you need to bring, too, which makes the flight less stressful (overhead luggage space).

My small contribution in addition is for the non-car rental folks: The guys at Maui's Own Transporation Specialists (to and from airport) are every bit as good as their spotless Yelp reviews. $4 more than a Roberts van, which stops everywhere and wants to pick you up 9 hours before departure.

The one thing is, I really can't imagine ever going here except as a Diamond (diminished b'fast benefits notwithstanding) because a lot of the single rooms are pricey and nothing special. The resort fee will soon take this thing out of my fun zone, which is basically P+C (or cash equivalent, figure 2 cents or a little more per point) + DSU + late checkout (almost like an extra day) - some HGP discount (MER last year, whatever this 15% HI thing is this year) - gift certificate discounts. Everyone has different tastes in suites, but the two we have had were just perfect for our needs. (Way) Short of that (the singles), and with base costs mounting (leaving it difficult to leave money at the very nice Lehua bar, which also serves excellent food), I'm not sure I'd race back.

Originally Posted by Mary2e (Post 25189883)

In every hotel I've ever stayed where the resort fee was waived I've received the benefits. I would expect this hotel to be the same.

Originally Posted by prostaff95 (Post 25189278)

Thanks for the detailed info. Did you call/email in advance that you'd like to skip the resort fee, because you made the reservation prior to its introduction or did you simply mention that during check-in? I made my reservation in the beginning of the year for later this year, and my reservation details show the resort fee added so I was just wondering if I needed to contact them in advance to let them know I won't be using any of the resort fee stuff.

Originally Posted by Biggie Fries (Post 25188150)

Note to dajoip: It was perfectly clear -- as in, this stuff shows up on a computer screen that they call up when you show up in front of them -- that if we had used some of that stuff, we would have gotten the pleasure of paying the resort fee. Now you [or somebody else] might argue that there are plenty of things bundled in their list of resort fee "benefits," like internet, that I did use, and I didn't get charged for those, so .... But that would be you [or somebody else] making the argument.

Originally Posted by Mary2e (Post 25189883)

In every hotel I've ever stayed where the resort fee was waived I've received the benefits. I would expect this hotel to be the same.

Originally Posted by dajoip (Post 25111282)

Originally Posted by dajoip (Post 25195969)

Thank you for your responses. I still find the entire situation to be very confusing, and it'd be awfully nice for Gold Passport Concierge to address this issue definitively.

Originally Posted by RTW1 (Post 25200099)

There's nothing confusing about resort fees.... it's an extra charge that only in name carries benefits. Since everybody pays the resort fee it's normally (I would find parking charges to be the exception when they are included) something that should be included for free but is now used as an excuse for the resort fee. When it's waived you will still get all the benefits, since that's what everybody gets.

Originally Posted by RTW1 (Post 25200099)

For a map I have seen this: http://www.joshuametzger.com/ under his portfolio. But if you read this thread you will see which rooms and suites most prefer.

Originally Posted by RTW1 (Post 25200099)

There's nothing confusing about resort fees.... it's an extra charge that only in name carries benefits. Since everybody pays the resort fee it's normally (I would find parking charges to be the exception when they are included) something that should be included for free but is now used as an excuse for the resort fee. When it's waived you will still get all the benefits, since that's what everybody gets.

Originally Posted by njdealguy (Post 25230264)

Can anyone confirm if GP points only reservations are being charged the $40 resort fee. And is this on top of the $30 mandatory valet parking fee on top of the resort fee?

Is it possible to get free parking on any nearby street or parking lot of this hotel in walking distance?

If its a matter of paying $40+$30=$70 per night on top of using points, making me reconsider staying here!

Originally Posted by fishy21 (Post 25201562)

Resort fees are actually very confusing. I contacted the hotel if resort fees applies to GP rewards, and they say YES. On FT, the GP Concierge says NO. So if I don't pay for resort fees, can we use all the resort benefits? I'm hearing mixed answers for this.

So yes, resort fees are ridiculous (especially at $40) and confusing. They should just add it to the room rate.

Originally Posted by Mary2e (Post 25189883)

In every hotel I've ever stayed where the resort fee was waived I've received the benefits. I would expect this hotel to be the same.

Originally Posted by canyonleo (Post 25230506)

Have you read recent up-thread posts? And, what do you mean by "confirm", as there's lots of posts giving the answer.

Originally Posted by njdealguy (Post 25230779)

My other question was about whether there is a way to find free parking nearby on a street or somewhere and circumvent the $30/day valet parking, if anyone may know. Thanks

Originally Posted by canyonleo (Post 25230802)

Again, there are numerous posts on this topic up-thread. There are options, such as the street along the Fairmont (use the free hotel shuttle as it's a longer walk) or the Kihei Option.

PM me for more info.

Originally Posted by peteropny (Post 25230615)

I'm staying here late this month, booked last year before the resort fee was introduced. Got an email yesterday saying that I could opt in to pay the resort fee if I wanted the benefits - leads me to assume that the benefits are not included for those who are exempt from the resort fee, booked prior to April 2015.

I'm not sure how else to say this, but for the umpteenth time, strictly award bookings on points (or presumably the credit card signup nights) will not be charged the resort fee but the parking fee applies. I'm not posting this again in this thread.