Westin Maui, Ka'anapali, Hawaii [Master Thread]
#361
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA, skymiles, AAdvantage, continental one pass, ANA, Hilton, SPG
Posts: 411
booked wm but now confused
for xmas we've booked GW and Wesin Maui. I'm scared of possible money, snobbery and such at GW. i'm scared of it being a little more "scrappy" at WM and pool insanity during that holiday. so i thought about the sheraton but then this review on TA:
(re: sheraton maui from reviewer) "And yet that STILL wasn't the worst thing. The rooms were awful. This hotel hasn't been remodeled in years and it shows. The bathrooms have a separate small room for just the toilet, with no ventilation so it smells like body odor. And remember, we had two rooms and BOTH rooms stunk."
my head is spinning. not sure. maybe go back to kauai. we did the st. regis there in past but now need 2 rooms and don't wanna pay 1400K a night.
Help!!!!
(re: sheraton maui from reviewer) "And yet that STILL wasn't the worst thing. The rooms were awful. This hotel hasn't been remodeled in years and it shows. The bathrooms have a separate small room for just the toilet, with no ventilation so it smells like body odor. And remember, we had two rooms and BOTH rooms stunk."
my head is spinning. not sure. maybe go back to kauai. we did the st. regis there in past but now need 2 rooms and don't wanna pay 1400K a night.
Help!!!!
#362
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
for xmas we've booked GW and Wesin Maui. I'm scared of possible money, snobbery and such at GW. i'm scared of it being a little more "scrappy" at WM and pool insanity during that holiday. so i thought about the sheraton but then this review on TA:
(re: sheraton maui from reviewer) "And yet that STILL wasn't the worst thing. The rooms were awful. This hotel hasn't been remodeled in years and it shows. The bathrooms have a separate small room for just the toilet, with no ventilation so it smells like body odor. And remember, we had two rooms and BOTH rooms stunk."
my head is spinning. not sure. maybe go back to kauai. we did the st. regis there in past but now need 2 rooms and don't wanna pay 1400K a night.
Help!!!!
(re: sheraton maui from reviewer) "And yet that STILL wasn't the worst thing. The rooms were awful. This hotel hasn't been remodeled in years and it shows. The bathrooms have a separate small room for just the toilet, with no ventilation so it smells like body odor. And remember, we had two rooms and BOTH rooms stunk."
my head is spinning. not sure. maybe go back to kauai. we did the st. regis there in past but now need 2 rooms and don't wanna pay 1400K a night.
Help!!!!
If you get a bad room - go to the front desk and ask to be moved, but I don't think that is likely to happen. Very good place to stay.
#363
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA, skymiles, AAdvantage, continental one pass, ANA, Hilton, SPG
Posts: 411
It shouldn't matter, but what is your SPG status? I've stayed here dozens of times and have always loved the room - but, I've always been upgraded to a suite/jr. suite - I've always had a good experience at this resort.
If you get a bad room - go to the front desk and ask to be moved, but I don't think that is likely to happen. Very good place to stay.
If you get a bad room - go to the front desk and ask to be moved, but I don't think that is likely to happen. Very good place to stay.
#364
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
While I'm not personally a fan of the Westin, it is a beautiful property, it isn't like you would have a terrible time. The pool at the Westin is great for kids - just be aware getting a pool chair can be challenging at times. It also has an advantage being directly next door to Whaler's village.
#365
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: Starwood Platinum, Marriott, Hertz #1 Club
Posts: 128
Great Platinum Recognition at Westin Maui
From the reviews, this hotel seems to be a bit hit and miss on the upgrades. I was hoping for the upgrade which is the main reason I choose SPG and the SO can receive something for the nights away. The Sheraton was sold out one of the nights so I went with the Westin not counting on anything. I was staying one night reduced corporate rate and the second night on points.
When I arrived, they said my upgraded suite was not yet available and will I wait ? I did not even know they had suites at the property, but gladly waited. I received an amazing suite with large bedroom and bathroom as welll as a living room and dining area. I can't find this room on SPG.com - the premium deluxe room is 400 square feet and this must be at least 800. It is room 688 in the Beach Tower. The size of the room is great, but the key ingredient is the great balcony dead on with the beach and the views of sunset, black rock and the other islands in the distance. There are two other balconies overlooking the pool area with a lounger on one of them.
The property may not have limited capacity to updgrade which has led to complaints in the past. But giving me this upgrade when it was half on points (but that should not be considered) and also not ready when I arrived shows that they are not squirreling away upgrades from platinums. While I like upgrades as much as the next plat, what I really want is to know that I will get the upgrade I am entitled to without having to say something at the front desk about availability on SPG.com - which I have never done.
Everything else at the hotel was nice. No problems with a crowded pool or getting loungechairs. Admittedly, May in Hawaii may not cause the problems that some complained about at peak times - but those reviews would have swung me to the Sheraton. I know that my stay is colored by my upgrade but I have to give the Westin a big thumbs up on delivering.^
When I arrived, they said my upgraded suite was not yet available and will I wait ? I did not even know they had suites at the property, but gladly waited. I received an amazing suite with large bedroom and bathroom as welll as a living room and dining area. I can't find this room on SPG.com - the premium deluxe room is 400 square feet and this must be at least 800. It is room 688 in the Beach Tower. The size of the room is great, but the key ingredient is the great balcony dead on with the beach and the views of sunset, black rock and the other islands in the distance. There are two other balconies overlooking the pool area with a lounger on one of them.
The property may not have limited capacity to updgrade which has led to complaints in the past. But giving me this upgrade when it was half on points (but that should not be considered) and also not ready when I arrived shows that they are not squirreling away upgrades from platinums. While I like upgrades as much as the next plat, what I really want is to know that I will get the upgrade I am entitled to without having to say something at the front desk about availability on SPG.com - which I have never done.
Everything else at the hotel was nice. No problems with a crowded pool or getting loungechairs. Admittedly, May in Hawaii may not cause the problems that some complained about at peak times - but those reviews would have swung me to the Sheraton. I know that my stay is colored by my upgrade but I have to give the Westin a big thumbs up on delivering.^
#366
Join Date: May 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: Aeroplan, Fairmont Pres Club, Starwood Gold, NEXUS
Posts: 109
Recent Stay May 15-20
Just got home from glorious Maui. We split our stay at the Fairmont (4 nights) and then the Westin (5 nights) to maximize cash+points and free stays at both properties. After reading the horrible reviews of this property, I was hesitant to stay there, even at $90 and 4800 pts/nt, which is a great deal for Maui.
I'm a recent Starwood Gold so new to perks etc. with the status. I checked in at the Gold/Plat desk. We had booked a 1K golf/mountain view with our rewards stay, which essentially overlooks the parking lot (and there are a lot of rooms overlooking the parking lot) but I asked for an upgrade. The guy was really great trying to accommodate us as much as possible although no upgrade really. First, we got a 1K garden view - faces the ocean but too low to see anything but the garden area of the hotel. This was room 215, immediately outside the patio door is a thunderous waterfall (part of the garden feature) which you could hear loudly even with the door closed. I asked the bellman if it gets turned off at night - he said they turn it down to a trickle, but not once during our stay did I see it turned down. We decided it wasn't for us and went back to the desk to try again. The same guy gave me two more options 1K same room, two floors up 415 or 2D on a higher floor with ocean view away from the waterfall. We chose the latter and took the romantic view over the unromantic bedding arrangement room 733.
No problems getting a chair at the pool any day at anytime. I thought the common areas were fine despite the complaints I had read about worn carpets, walls etc. Staff and service were fine (including the check in above), room was cleaned early and promptly each day. We were able to use the 4pm late check out on the last day.
On the negative side, I hated the bathroom. The bath/toilet in one teeny tiny room with sink/counter outside. There is a gigantic box behind the bathroom door to house the ironing board (a complete waste of space) which prevented us from completely opening the door. Not enough counter space either. The internet service was soooo slooooow. You pay the $25/day resort fee which includes internet but when you log in you have the option to pay $10/day for the premium internet service or just use the basic incl. with the resort fee. You can not watch video, stream audio or anything of the like with the basic service. The resort fee includes 24 hr gym access but not for things like yoga ($12/use). There are some Gold/Plat perks for 10-15% off various resort services like cabana rentals but you have to mention it when booking or using the service otherwise you won't get the discount. Seems lame to me.
Overall a decent stay for cash+points but I probably wouldn't stay again. I've stayed at the Sheraton Maui twice and it's a better property in my opinion.
BTW, I paid a visit to the Westin villas down the road and asked to view a room. I saw a 1 bed and the rooms are beautiful - especially the bathroom, wow. The location is not as desirable IMHO but beautiful property. They have limited cleaning service there as well.
I'm a recent Starwood Gold so new to perks etc. with the status. I checked in at the Gold/Plat desk. We had booked a 1K golf/mountain view with our rewards stay, which essentially overlooks the parking lot (and there are a lot of rooms overlooking the parking lot) but I asked for an upgrade. The guy was really great trying to accommodate us as much as possible although no upgrade really. First, we got a 1K garden view - faces the ocean but too low to see anything but the garden area of the hotel. This was room 215, immediately outside the patio door is a thunderous waterfall (part of the garden feature) which you could hear loudly even with the door closed. I asked the bellman if it gets turned off at night - he said they turn it down to a trickle, but not once during our stay did I see it turned down. We decided it wasn't for us and went back to the desk to try again. The same guy gave me two more options 1K same room, two floors up 415 or 2D on a higher floor with ocean view away from the waterfall. We chose the latter and took the romantic view over the unromantic bedding arrangement room 733.
No problems getting a chair at the pool any day at anytime. I thought the common areas were fine despite the complaints I had read about worn carpets, walls etc. Staff and service were fine (including the check in above), room was cleaned early and promptly each day. We were able to use the 4pm late check out on the last day.
On the negative side, I hated the bathroom. The bath/toilet in one teeny tiny room with sink/counter outside. There is a gigantic box behind the bathroom door to house the ironing board (a complete waste of space) which prevented us from completely opening the door. Not enough counter space either. The internet service was soooo slooooow. You pay the $25/day resort fee which includes internet but when you log in you have the option to pay $10/day for the premium internet service or just use the basic incl. with the resort fee. You can not watch video, stream audio or anything of the like with the basic service. The resort fee includes 24 hr gym access but not for things like yoga ($12/use). There are some Gold/Plat perks for 10-15% off various resort services like cabana rentals but you have to mention it when booking or using the service otherwise you won't get the discount. Seems lame to me.
Overall a decent stay for cash+points but I probably wouldn't stay again. I've stayed at the Sheraton Maui twice and it's a better property in my opinion.
BTW, I paid a visit to the Westin villas down the road and asked to view a room. I saw a 1 bed and the rooms are beautiful - especially the bathroom, wow. The location is not as desirable IMHO but beautiful property. They have limited cleaning service there as well.
#367
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Atlanta area
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Gold, SPG Lifetime Gold, SPG Platinum 75, Marriott Platinum Elite
Posts: 54
My wife and I visited The Westin Maui in both 2006 & 2009 (first time as couple, 2nd time with kids). The location of the hotel is really its best draw. It is adjacent to Whaler's Village, and many excellent restaurants and shops. It is also right on the beach, with ample beach space available...however the surf at this spot is a bit rough--and the water gets deep quickly. The views from the hotel are incredible! The grounds are very nice, with many fish and swans swimming throughout. My 2 year old daughter LOVED the fish pools! However, sadly, this hotel is not being kept up, and is in dire need of a full renovation! I believe it last got one in maybe 2004...and I am shocked Starwood allows a WESTIN to become this run-down!!! The property stays busy, but it is no excuse to not upkeep the hotel...to maintain the quality and expectation that a Westin should provide. The furniture is worn, the carpet is soiled and stained, and the rooms + general areas just look extremely tired. Starwood should step in and demand immediately that this hotel be remodeled/renovated, in order the keep the Westin Brand. And until such, guests should take their business elsewhere...namely the Sheraton, The Ritz-Carlton, or the Fairmont. This hotel, any more, is no more than a 2-Star in my opinion...so sad when it could easily become a 4* +...with a little bit of work, remodel/renovation, and upkeep!!!
#368
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Programs: HHonors Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, AA LT Plat, DL Silver
Posts: 501
Has Craig Anderson left Westin Maui?
I just made reservations for holiday time at the Westin. I have stayed there many times at this time of the year (as well as others). When I got the confirmation, the manager name was different. Has Craig left? He was a great contact there.
I would appreciate it if somebody in the know could let me know!
thx
I would appreciate it if somebody in the know could let me know!
thx
#369
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
I just made reservations for holiday time at the Westin. I have stayed there many times at this time of the year (as well as others). When I got the confirmation, the manager name was different. Has Craig left? He was a great contact there.
I would appreciate it if somebody in the know could let me know!
thx
I would appreciate it if somebody in the know could let me know!
thx
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
#370
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,201
He is now the GM at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Might I suggest his first activity at the Moana is a furniture shopping trip?
#371
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Diamond Medallion; SPG Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 150
Does anyone have the email address for the general manager?
I plan on going out there next week for 4 nights with 2 people from our office and was going to stay at the Westin Ocean Resort Villas so that the 3 of us would be ensured of adequate accommodations (my understanding is that Villas can handle up to 4 comfortably in each room). But, I would like to stay at the Westin Resort if gm could confirm a platinum upgrade ahead of time. Villas are currently only $30 more per night than Resort.
Thanks!
I plan on going out there next week for 4 nights with 2 people from our office and was going to stay at the Westin Ocean Resort Villas so that the 3 of us would be ensured of adequate accommodations (my understanding is that Villas can handle up to 4 comfortably in each room). But, I would like to stay at the Westin Resort if gm could confirm a platinum upgrade ahead of time. Villas are currently only $30 more per night than Resort.
Thanks!
#372
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: IND
Programs: DL DM, SPG AMB, National EE
Posts: 1,301
I am staying here next week on FRNs. The email I got from the property acknowledged that I'm eligible for a 1-class upgrade (based on availability of course). They also offered a $40/night 2-class upgrade (also based on availability).
Does anyone know what rooms are in the 1 & 2 class upgrades from the classic garden room?
I'm trying to decide if it's with an extra $40/night to go from level 2 to level 3.
Thanks!
Does anyone know what rooms are in the 1 & 2 class upgrades from the classic garden room?
I'm trying to decide if it's with an extra $40/night to go from level 2 to level 3.
Thanks!
#373
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
I'd really like to see this email sent from the property and pass it along to the SPG Hotel Coordinators for their review. It can be sent to me at the email address below.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
#375
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: IND
Programs: DL DM, SPG AMB, National EE
Posts: 1,301
I don't have a problem with them charging in advance to lock in an upgrade before arrival; however, when you arrive, you are eligible for an upgrade to the best room available at check-in, including select standard suites, subject to availability.
I'd really like to see this email sent from the property and pass it along to the SPG Hotel Coordinators for their review. It can be sent to me at the email address below.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]