Maui: Fairmont vs Four Seasons
 

7 night trip to Maui, trying to decide between Fairmont & Four Seasons Wailea.
Will have 2 year old with us so the suites at the Fairmont seem like a good option. Looking at Deluxe Ocean view- would a room upgrade (Virtuoso) be to the Kilohana room? Is the FS worth the extra $$? Service sounds good, availability of babysitters, etc. Would consider 2 rooms if could get a decent rate. Any parents out there with advice to offer? Thanks

You will love the FS. It is the best by far in Maui and well worth the extra cost. Service, accomodation, facilities, restaurants are all top notch. Kids club staff are awsome although you will need to stay with your child while there as he or she is too young for their independent programs.

We spent 5 days over this past thanksgiving at the FS Maui with our 2 year old daughter and had a great time. We drove to the Fairmont for consideration for our next visit but I didn't think it compared to the FS at all. The level of service at the FS is beyond what we had ever experienced at any other resort....until we made it to FS Hualalai right after Maui (hands down the best resort ever). The Kids for all Seasons (included in room rate) at the FS Maui is a good option since they have a lot of toys that he/she can play with and also borrow for the duration of the stay. However, an adult has to be with the child at all times. Only children 5 years and older can be left with the FS staff. We also ended up using the Nanny Service arranged for by the Hotel Concierge for 2 days....totally worth the money spent...got some well deserved alone time with the Mrs. If you do end up using the nanny service....request for Susan. Our daughter loved her instantly and remembered her throughout the trip. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any specific questions.

Couldn't agree more- i too looked at fairmont (it will be less), but you really cant beat the FS. It is excellent in all areas

Although i love the Fairmont and the suite is really nice for families, the level of service probably isn't up to true 5-star standards.

Not even a fair comparison, the FS Maui is the preeminent property on the Island of Maui

Waldorf Astoria - Grand Wailea
 

It's next door to the Fairmont and FS. However, they have the BEST kids pool on Maui. They are a Hilton partner...

Excellent child care services. We have stayed there every year for the last 5 years with our kids.. (Going again in two weeks).

Larger complex than either the Fairmont or FS but the kid area is not going to be beat.

FS has the some of the best dining options in Wailea - Spago, Duo, Italian joint...

Having stayed at the Fairmont Maui and visited the FS Maui, I´d agree that the FS Maui is the more luxurious property (and more expensive as well).

The only feature the FS Maui doesn´t offer is the excellent bistro/café located on the lower floor of the Fairmont Maui. If you enjoy eating at a restaurant three times a day or leave the resort for lunch/dinner, great, but if you sometimes just enjoy grabbing a sandwich, some icecream and a bottle of champagne for lunch (and not spend a fortune) this is an excellent feature.

IMO, you cant go wrong by going with Fairmont. I really like both FS and Fairmont. FYI, sometime in this Spring, Fairmont is going finish up remodeling one of their restaurant called Ko which is going to be awesome. The beach at Fairmont is really nice and has a great sunset view.

FS Maui
 

Traveling with a 2 year old - good for you! It's been awhile since we were at that stage but we've stayed all over Maui and as stated previously none of the other properties compare to FS Maui. The regular rooms are larger, Kids for all Seasons is a huge hit with all of my kids, access to childcare for a fee is the best, seperate pools and - THE CLUB FLOOR. Don't tell anyone about the club floor, it's a secret :)
You pay a premium, obviously, but with a small kid in tow it's simple simon to have most of your meals AND drinks in the club then occassionally do a nice couples dinner. The staff and service are unmatched! You don't need to seek service anywhere on the property because the club folks will take good care of you. Think of the club lounge as an extention of your room, like a family room (as long as your kid is well behaved).
* When your kid/s are older consider a room at FS and one at Grand Wailea. The best of both - luxury and a Hawaiian 'Disneyland' experience for the kids.
Here's to a wonderful getaway, whatever you choose !

Def go with the FS!

FS is the winner
 

Thanks everyone for your very helpful feedback- we picked the FS and are very excited about the trip.