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-   -   Andaz Maui REVIEW - MASTER THREAD (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyatt-world-hyatt/1499414-andaz-maui-review-master-thread.html)

TravelGuy1965 Sep 1, 2013 6:30 pm

Andaz Maui REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
 
Just arrived and checked in. My girls enjoy it already.

The opening ceremony was still in progress with a band in the lobby.
They great you with champagne, wine or beer.

I'll edit and post more in a little while. Going to try the restaurant by the pool.

Milezjunkie Sep 1, 2013 10:01 pm

So I checked in today and was told we were the very first guests to check in to the hotel. I previously booked 6 nights in a Garden view which was the only thing available. Upon check in we were told we were upgraded to an Oceanview suite (I have Diamond Status FYI). The room is amazing. Double balconies, complete Oceanview from three angles, automated everything- from shades to bidets (yeah, you name it and it gets cleaned, dried and pampered...) to room darkening blackouts. Another great touch for the resort is a free, 24-hour shuttle around the Wailea area. They will drop you off and pick you up from resorts and restaurants in the area (I'm thinking luaus at Grand Wailea and Marriott and restaurants such as Monkeypods). It's a great option for those without a car or looking to take advantage of an open bar at a luau.

The staff is very prepared. Those I have had the privilege of speaking to are more than prepared. They have been training over a month seem to know everything like the back of their hands. Of course they have some things they have to "check on" but they seem far more prepared than I expected. Construction appears 95% complete with the only areas left being the private residences (think Grand Wailea). Tomorrow I am supposed to tour the 3 and 4-bedroom villas. I will ask about the award point availability. They are situated closest to the ocean, in front of the main buildings. By the way, some suites (at least a hotel staff referred to them as suites) have a patio that walks out to a pool and look very nice. I have not noticed the garden view rooms but I will pay more attention to the backside of the hotel when I leave. Also, this is a valet only hotel I am told.

For all of those claiming the hotel wouldn't be properly ready on Sept 1, I have to say I am cautiously optimistic. I am looking for anything to criticize and cannot find anything yet. At most, I am told, fresh and filtered water is not yet available poolside but the waitstaff is more than eager to fill the water bottle each guest is given at check-in. The hotel looks impeccable and the delayed openings seem to have been a wise decision based on the current state of the resort. It is really amazing to watch this resort just come alive over the past few hours since we first arrived. I truly think this resort is a major enhancement to the Wailea area. For those with tons of UR points, here is a great use of them! I will report more over the next 7 days I am here but initial impressions are very good! Those that are nervous can relax for now.

Milezjunkie Sep 1, 2013 11:09 pm

So what is a suite like? When you enter the room, there is a completely hidden half bath to the right. The door is built into the wall and nearly unnoticeable. Upon entering the room the triple window catches hourly eye to the left. Dead ahead you can't but notice the triple window balcony that opens to a panoramic ocean view of Maui. To the right side after entering is a long, picnic-style wooden table that sits in front of an inconspicuous wooden armoire. Push on the wooden door and it opens to bar with a refrigerator. There are liquor bottles available for $46 or beer for $7. The non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are complimentary. Behind the picnic-style table is another doorway that opens to the bedroom.

As you enter the bedroom, to the left is a couch and a large flat screen tv. Next to the TV is the second balcony. Across from the couch is a king bed. Just behind the bed is a wall of plantation shutters from floor to ceiling. There is a doorway that opens into the bathroom. The first thing you'll notice is a long shower run, about 4' wide and 9' long. There is an overhead rain shower and another separate wand shower. Between the bedroom and shower are plantation shutters the push open to reveal an Oceanview wto enjoy while showering.

The bathroom has double sinks and a closet complete with a discrete safe. Along the wall as you enter the bathroom is a hidden door to your right. After depressing the wall, it opens to a commode complete with a "full service front, back, pressure wash rear end" bidet! No, I have lot tested it but to give you an idea it does say heated seat and heated blow dry so it seems like full service...

Overall, I couldn't be happier with a suite. It was a really nice surprise when we were anticipating a garden view. The room is enormous. The only room closer to the ocean than ours is the villas which I will report on soon....

I am eating at the Ka'Ana Kitchen tonight so I will report on how that goes later...

Ancien Maestro Sep 1, 2013 11:47 pm

Glad you guys are enjoying the opening. Sure wish our dates matched up.. but we've never stayed at HR Maui before, so all is brand new to our family.

The resort and its waterfall pools are thrill to enjoy! So the restaurant by the pool is open? Casual or sit down?

m0hamed Sep 2, 2013 2:10 am

Awesome first reviews. Some photos of the resort and suite, please?

TheChallenge Sep 2, 2013 3:14 am


Originally Posted by m0hamed (Post 21375190)
Awesome first reviews. Some photos of the resort and suite, please?

I second that, great reviews so far and photos please. It'd be very much appreciated if someone could post photos. Rooms, pools, beach, lobby, etc.

soonerfanatic Sep 2, 2013 6:31 am


Originally Posted by TheChallenge (Post 21375357)
I second that, great reviews so far and photos please. It'd be very much appreciated if someone could post photos. Rooms, pools, beach, lobby, etc.

^ After reading these recent posts, I can't wait to visit. Yes, please post pics.

RTW1 Sep 2, 2013 9:19 am

Come on guys, awesome reviews?

Exactly two posters and the first was just about the opening ceremony. Let's not get too carried away here ;).
But it must be a good one otherwise people would have surely been posting more (the other explanation could only be that the internet isn't working yet...).

So let's see some pictures and real life experiences after one day in paradise.

nygal19 Sep 2, 2013 11:10 am

Can someone please clarify whether the oceanview suite to which Diamonds are being upgraded is the same as an Andaz suite, which is the suite to which Diamonds are upgraded using a certificate? Thanks!

Also, what is the breakfast situation for Diamonds?

Milezjunkie Sep 2, 2013 5:57 pm

I only have an iPhone and iPad so I'm not sure how I can post photos of the resort right now. It is really amazing. If you walked in and didn't know it just opened you would not be able to tell it just opened. I don't think Hyatt rushed the opening at all. I think they wisely pushed the opening back so that they did not open before the resort was 100% complete.

So we ate at Ka'ana Kitchen last night for dinner. While the food quality was high and tasted great, the portions were minuscule and still expensive. We literally spent $100 on dinner and were still hungry so we went to the 24-hour cafe in the resort and bought a panini (which by the way was really good). I would not recommend dinner at Ka'ana Kitchen.

Now for Diamonds they give free buffet breakfast since there is no lounge. Breakfast is served at Ka'ana Kitchen. We were told Diamonda get the "Kitchen Sink" buffet which basically includes everything. I can't say enough good things about the breakfast. We were amazed that each item we are tasted better than the last. They really, really do a superior job at breakfast. And being a buffet you can each as much or as little as you want. If you're not Diamond you may only eat this buffet once because as good as it was, it is $45 per person! They have varying levels of the buffet and a la carte menu items as well. They call breakfast an "experience" and it truly is. Everyone should try Ka'ana at least once for breakfast - not dinner! I actually feel like the restaurant owes me some money back from dinner but with a free breakfast everyday I'm content. The hotel staff did ask me my candid opinion of the dinner and I told him I had to eat a sandwich afterwards. I was told some staff did the same thing after their restaurant tasting event.

We are supposed to get a tour of the villas soon so I will pass that info along as well.

The good from Bumbeye poolside bar is outstanding as well. I highly recommend the lobster grilled cheese sandwich and macaroni salad.

Milezjunkie Sep 2, 2013 6:02 pm


Originally Posted by RTW1 (Post 21376544)
Come on guys, awesome reviews?

Exactly two posters and the first was just about the opening ceremony. Let's not get too carried away here ;).
But it must be a good one otherwise people would have surely been posting more (the other explanation could only be that the internet isn't working yet...).

So let's see some pictures and real life experiences after one day in paradise.

The Internet is really fast, free and has coverage all over the property! I'm very impressed. Everything is open and operating. One thing we were surprised about is they have no specials at the spa. A 60-minute massage is $175. Grand Wailea is running a special for a 50-minute massage for $100 with free use of the soaking baths afterwards (I have no clue what that means but it excited my wife). Not a great way to stay competitive. We would prefer to stay at Andaz for a massage but that is a big difference.

jayer Sep 2, 2013 8:23 pm

But was there toothpaste in the bathroom?

Ancien Maestro Sep 2, 2013 9:44 pm


Originally Posted by soonerfanatic (Post 21375824)
^ After reading these recent posts, I can't wait to visit. Yes, please post pics.

+1 I'll have to do 5 weeks in Hawaii next year again.. That is if I can get into the Andaz..

According to Hyatt Reservations, no applying Diamond Suite Upgrades until hotel opens.. as we've heard on the pre-opening thread over and over again.

Anybody call reservations and try applying the Diamond Suite Upgrade?

Sounds like rates is going to rise astronomically, but hopefully stays reasonable by the time we potentially visit next summer.

m0hamed Sep 2, 2013 11:10 pm


Originally Posted by Ancien Maestro (Post 21379273)

According to Hyatt Reservations, no applying Diamond Suite Upgrades until hotel opens.. as we've heard on the pre-opening thread over and over again.

Anybody call reservations and try applying the Diamond Suite Upgrade?

The hotel is open....

RTW1 Sep 3, 2013 1:54 am


Originally Posted by Milezjunkie (Post 21378499)
I only have an iPhone and iPad so I'm not sure how I can post photos of the resort right now. It is really amazing. If you walked in and didn't know it just opened you would not be able to tell it just opened.

That's very good to hear..... reading from the people that have toured the property recently there was still a lot of construction going on in those last days before opening.
Call me skeptical, but is really everything "open and operating"? That would be a major accomplishment, especially if only a very limited number of rooms are available.

Ancien Maestro Sep 3, 2013 6:44 am


Originally Posted by m0hamed (Post 21379562)
The hotel is open....

Yes..

Just wondering if booking a suite via diamond upgrade is smooth after the opening.. and the success experienced in booking and getting desired dates?

Size of the suites are comparable to Fairmont Kea Lani. With 2 small kids, its hard to transfer hotels staying only a night or so.. will have to choose place of accommodation. Up to 7 nights on a Diamond Suite Upgrade, or up to 5 nights with an FPC Platinum Suite Upgrade.. although Kea Lani, if I asked could probably match the length of stay of the Diamond Suite Upgrade.

Gold Passport Concierge Sep 3, 2013 2:38 pm

Dear Flyertalker's,

This morning, we issued a press release announcing the official opening of Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa. The hotel is the 10th in the Andaz portfolio and marks the first Andaz property to be located in a resort destination.

Andaz Maui at Wailea is situated on the southwestern coastline along Mokapu Beach and features 297 guestrooms and suites, a 14,000-square-foot, full-service spa with an adults-only pool, apothecary retail and a fitness facility, more than 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and two full-service restaurants, including Morimoto Maui by acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto.

Milezjunkie Sep 3, 2013 7:22 pm

So I was told the suite I am staying in is an Andaz Suite which is the only "suite" they have. They said this room is bookable using a suite upgrade certificate that Diamond receive.

Ancien Maestro Sep 3, 2013 9:21 pm


Originally Posted by Milezjunkie (Post 21384515)
So I was told the suite I am staying in is an Andaz Suite which is the only "suite" they have. They said this room is bookable using a suite upgrade certificate that Diamond receive.

How do the locations of the suites look? Hopefully, they all have the same category view, and the category remains same (doesn't follow fate of GHK). Good that the hotel has one category suite and is bookable to Diamonds.. super plus.^

FD1971 Sep 4, 2013 1:23 am


Originally Posted by Milezjunkie (Post 21384515)
So I was told the suite I am staying in is an Andaz Suite which is the only "suite" they have.

I fear Hyatt did not provide you with a correct answer. ;)

Milezjunkie Sep 4, 2013 2:44 am

The suites all appear to be Oceanview or partial. There are some rooms that I was told were suites that have balconies which open directly to a pool. Their Oceanview is somewhat obstructed because of the villas.

jean9nine Sep 4, 2013 10:05 pm

Transportation/parking fees
 
Just spoke to the hotel about the shuttle fee from the airport to the hotel, which is actually a limo service for $125 each way. Taxi service was quoted as $40 each way, and valet parking for a rental car was quoted as $30 per night.

Milezjunkie Sep 4, 2013 10:45 pm


Originally Posted by FD1971 (Post 21385753)
I fear Hyatt did not provide you with a correct answer. ;)

Why's that? More than one person told me this. Where did you hear differently?

Achilles Sep 4, 2013 10:51 pm


Originally Posted by jean9nine (Post 21391202)
Just spoke to the hotel about the shuttle fee from the airport to the hotel, which is actually a limo service for $125 each way. Taxi service was quoted as $40 each way, and valet parking for a rental car was quoted as $30 per night.

$30 per night for valet!!?? Any cheaper alternative parking options nearby?

Milezjunkie Sep 4, 2013 10:59 pm

A couple other interesting facts about the resort. They have a manager's reception a couple nights a week and have a free cocktail at 5pm each night. They also have fresh fruit out for guests to help themselves to. It is a nice touch.

The resort has FREE self-service laundry. There are three washers and three dryers. Currently they have free laundry detergent and dryer sheets but I'm not sure if they have plans to sell detergent in the future. The laundry machines are not coin-operated so I expect they will always be free. Nobody likes to do laundry on vacation but to have my laundry cleaned while I am lounging at the pool on my last day and then pack nothing but clean clothes I'm happy.

Andaz also has a free shuttle that will drive you 24 hours a day around the Wailea area up to the start of Kihei (they said they go as far as Sorrento's restaurant). The "shuttle" is a brand new Lincoln Navigator SUV. Very, very nice ride.

Andaz gives each guest a personal water bottle. On even number floors there are filtered water stations. The waiters and bartenders are great at filling these up or just refreshing them without even being asked.

Milezjunkie Sep 4, 2013 11:03 pm


Originally Posted by Achilles (Post 21391387)
$30 per night for valet!!?? Any cheaper alternative parking options nearby?

That rate is pretty standard in the Wailea area at least what I have experienced. They do not have self-parking at this resort. If you don't need a car every day, a cab to the hotel for $40 is pretty good. The nearest car rental to the Andaz that I know of is at the Grand Wailea and the Andaz will drive you right over to get your car.

FD1971 Sep 5, 2013 4:33 am


Originally Posted by Milezjunkie (Post 21391363)
Why's that? More than one person told me this. Where did you hear differently?

Simply because their website already lists two different suite categories. ;)

soonerfanatic Sep 5, 2013 5:28 am


Originally Posted by Milezjunkie (Post 21391415)
That rate is pretty standard in the Wailea area at least what I have experienced. They do not have self-parking at this resort. If you don't need a car every day, a cab to the hotel for $40 is pretty good. The nearest car rental to the Andaz that I know of is at the Grand Wailea and the Andaz will drive you right over to get your car.

Budget has a location (OG1) right at Wailea Town Centre. Perfect for a one way rental from OGG. ^

canyonleo Sep 5, 2013 8:59 am

We use our car daily - we're not hang out at the pool types.

But, $200+ for a week of parking is enough to get me to change hotels.
There must be some parking nearby - hopefully someone can provide an update on their experiences in the weeks to come. I suppose I can take the SUV shuttle to some street parking less than a mile away.

Thanks for the info on the laundry machines - they'll come in handy on a multi-week trip.

dw Sep 5, 2013 9:28 am


Originally Posted by Achilles (Post 21391387)
$30 per night for valet!!?? Any cheaper alternative parking options nearby?

I consider it acceptable (compared to neighboring hotels) SINCE this property does not have a resort fee, so it's sort of a wash. I recently came back from a stay at the Marriott next door, and they have a $30/day resort fee (which doesn't include internet for those who are not Gold/Plat!) which is inclusive of self parking.

The Hyatt in Maui has a $25/day resort fee + $14/day charge for self parking, so that's even more.

canyonleo Sep 5, 2013 9:49 am


Originally Posted by dw (Post 21393410)
I consider it acceptable (compared to neighboring hotels) SINCE this property does not have a resort fee, so it's sort of a wash. I recently came back from a stay at the Marriott next door, and they have a $30/day resort fee (which doesn't include internet for those who are not Gold/Plat!) which is inclusive of self parking.

The Hyatt in Maui has a $25/day resort fee + $14/day charge for self parking, so that's even more.

Would be a fair comparison except award stays typically have resort fees waived (like at the HR in Kaanapali). I can understand no free parking (HR just eliminated that I think) but a small self-parking area for guests would be nice.

mrredskin Sep 5, 2013 12:04 pm

$30 is ridiculous - especially considering maui is bare not even one mile inland. they're charging $30 because you have to have money to stay at places like this most of the time. $30 compared to $500 a night is nothing.

HHonors OUTSIDER Sep 5, 2013 12:08 pm


Originally Posted by mrredskin (Post 21394134)
$30 is ridiculous - especially considering maui is bare not even one mile inland. they're charging $30 because you have to have money to stay at places like this most of the time. $30 compared to $500 a night is nothing.

+1 Excellent post mrredskin

dw Sep 5, 2013 12:48 pm


Originally Posted by mrredskin (Post 21394134)
$30 is ridiculous - especially considering maui is bare not even one mile inland. they're charging $30 because you have to have money to stay at places like this most of the time. $30 compared to $500 a night is nothing.

Exactly-- they are charging it b/c they can, just like any other property that has mandatory valet.

It's definitely along the lines of what other Wailea properties charge:

Marriott: Self-parking- free (part of resort fee); Valet: $30
Grand Wailea: Valet: $30
Fairmont Kea Lani: Self-parking- $15; Valet: $25
Four Seasons: Valet: $22

marlin Sep 5, 2013 1:50 pm

Milezjunkie,
Can you tell us about the beach there? Snorkeling? How nice are the pools?
Thank you.

m0hamed Sep 5, 2013 2:04 pm

They just uploaded a video of what I presume was the blessing ceremony? http://youtu.be/AVmSx6stLq8

FriendlySkies Sep 5, 2013 2:11 pm


Originally Posted by m0hamed (Post 21394739)
They just uploaded a video of what I presume was the blessing ceremony? http://youtu.be/AVmSx6stLq8

Looks like a nice property.

HHonors OUTSIDER Sep 5, 2013 2:24 pm


Originally Posted by m0hamed (Post 21394739)
They just uploaded a video of what I presume was the blessing ceremony? http://youtu.be/AVmSx6stLq8

Thank you m0hamed for the link.

canyonleo Sep 5, 2013 4:45 pm

For thus wondering about the beach and ocean at the location, I believe the location sits at Mokapu and Ulua beaches. There is a rocky point separating the beaches which offers some good beginner level diving (kind of a poor man's Black Rock of Kaanapali), and some on dive websites have reported seeing sharks there in the very early morning or dusk hours. scubaboard.com is a good website if one really wants to read up on the location.

sam_goh Sep 5, 2013 5:33 pm

Sharks and $30 a day parking... I'm cancelling my Christmas reservations pronto! j/k :)


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