Aloha! LH F to the US, Montage BH, Andaz Maui, FS Lana'i, LH FCT & a Porsche 911
Oct 17, 2016, 3:20 am
#122
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
Oct 17, 2016, 7:26 am
#123
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
I usually don't stay at cool hotels. Mrs JohnRain affectionately calls me Downton Abbey, that's how modern and cool she thinks I am.
(Of course it doesn't help that in real life I have the same first name as the Earl of Grantham). But I digress.
I've stayed once at the Andaz WeHo and didn't like it at all, it felt like spending the night at an Apple Store.
That's why the Andaz Maui wasn't my first choice. Unfortunately neither the Montage nor the FS had any availability and when my travel agent told me that the Andaz gets great reviews and is almost as good as the FS, I decided to give it a try. Here we go:
The bridge leading to the entrance sets the tone for the whole resort: minimalist, airy design, natural materials, lots of nature. So far, so good.
Hello from the other side.
As you walk towards the lobby you discover one of the hotel's biggest assets: its location and the views that come with it.
After a quick stop at the reception...
...we were escorted to the lounging area, offered homemade lavender lemonade and check-in formalities were taken care of while enjoying the view.
As the lobby was pretty empty I quickly snapped a few pics.
Lots of greenery everywhere.
The (very efficient) Concierge Desk.
Upon entering our room (a 79 sqm Andaz Full Ocean View Suite), I had mixed feelings: on one hand I had been allocated the exact room I had asked for (top floor corner room) and the views were gorgeous, on the other hand the decor and furniture were of the Swedish variety and were called Kvarnvik, Storslagen and Mölltorp (cf Ikea catalog page 63, 97 & 121).
One of the least comfortable and cheapest-looking sofas I've ever sat in.
The bed was quite comfy and featured direct ocean (and shower) views.
The bathroom was modern and spacious...
...as it featured a freestanding tub
and a big walk-in shower with excellent organic toiletries.
Toilet art.
Closed Bar.
Open Bar.
The room's views helped me forget about the odd furniture.
Kaho'olawe island in the distance.
We went for a walk on the beach...
...and a tour of the resort's grounds.
After so much action we felt hungry and decided to go and try the Bumbye Beach Bar.
The view from our table.
Ka' Ana Farm Salad with grilled chicken.
Ka' Ana Farm Salad with grilled shrimp.
There's a German saying that after lunch you should either walk a thousand steps or take a nap. Mrs JohnRain went for the latter option...
...while I tried to capture the gorgeous sunset.
After a quick pit-stop at the Bar...
...we went back to our room and ate the cheese platter that had been placed on the table as welcome amenity...
...while enjoying the view from our balcony and watching the sun disappear into the sea.
Conclusion: It didn't take long for me to realise that this would be the first of many trips to Hawaii, as it is that beautiful.
Up Next: A lazy day on Maui
(Of course it doesn't help that in real life I have the same first name as the Earl of Grantham). But I digress.
I've stayed once at the Andaz WeHo and didn't like it at all, it felt like spending the night at an Apple Store.
That's why the Andaz Maui wasn't my first choice. Unfortunately neither the Montage nor the FS had any availability and when my travel agent told me that the Andaz gets great reviews and is almost as good as the FS, I decided to give it a try. Here we go:
The bridge leading to the entrance sets the tone for the whole resort: minimalist, airy design, natural materials, lots of nature. So far, so good.
Hello from the other side.
As you walk towards the lobby you discover one of the hotel's biggest assets: its location and the views that come with it.
After a quick stop at the reception...
...we were escorted to the lounging area, offered homemade lavender lemonade and check-in formalities were taken care of while enjoying the view.
As the lobby was pretty empty I quickly snapped a few pics.
Lots of greenery everywhere.
The (very efficient) Concierge Desk.
Upon entering our room (a 79 sqm Andaz Full Ocean View Suite), I had mixed feelings: on one hand I had been allocated the exact room I had asked for (top floor corner room) and the views were gorgeous, on the other hand the decor and furniture were of the Swedish variety and were called Kvarnvik, Storslagen and Mölltorp (cf Ikea catalog page 63, 97 & 121).
One of the least comfortable and cheapest-looking sofas I've ever sat in.
The bed was quite comfy and featured direct ocean (and shower) views.
The bathroom was modern and spacious...
...as it featured a freestanding tub
and a big walk-in shower with excellent organic toiletries.
Toilet art.
Closed Bar.
Open Bar.
The room's views helped me forget about the odd furniture.
Kaho'olawe island in the distance.
We went for a walk on the beach...
...and a tour of the resort's grounds.
After so much action we felt hungry and decided to go and try the Bumbye Beach Bar.
The view from our table.
Ka' Ana Farm Salad with grilled chicken.
Ka' Ana Farm Salad with grilled shrimp.
There's a German saying that after lunch you should either walk a thousand steps or take a nap. Mrs JohnRain went for the latter option...
...while I tried to capture the gorgeous sunset.
After a quick pit-stop at the Bar...
...we went back to our room and ate the cheese platter that had been placed on the table as welcome amenity...
...while enjoying the view from our balcony and watching the sun disappear into the sea.
Conclusion: It didn't take long for me to realise that this would be the first of many trips to Hawaii, as it is that beautiful.
Up Next: A lazy day on Maui
Last edited by JohnRain; Oct 21, 2016 at 4:00 am
Oct 17, 2016, 9:09 am
#124
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
Programs: Some
Posts: 11,517
Is there any disign hotel? No, not really! Can´t we stay in a boutique hotel? No! Isn´t there a cheaper option? Yes, but we will not stay!While the grounds of Andaz looks nice, the bathroom is not my taste but OK and the room itself looks awful. Nevertheless Hawaii is on my list
Oct 21, 2016, 3:40 am
#130
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
Something I know Is there any disign hotel? No, not really! Can´t we stay in a boutique hotel? No! Isn´t there a cheaper option? Yes, but we will not stay!
While the grounds of Andaz looks nice, the bathroom is not my taste but OK and the room itself looks awful. Nevertheless Hawaii is on my list
Is there any disign hotel? No, not really! Can´t we stay in a boutique hotel? No! Isn´t there a cheaper option? Yes, but we will not stay!While the grounds of Andaz looks nice, the bathroom is not my taste but OK and the room itself looks awful. Nevertheless Hawaii is on my list
You definitely should go to Hawaii, it's a wonderful experience.
To be honest I didn't even notice the hat as I was completely focused on the sunset...
Thanks nequine, once I got past the odd room furniture I very much enjoyed my stay indeed.
LOL TOMFORD!
Indeed!
Thank you very much, UAL250, glad that you're enjoying the report. The next installment will be online on Monday.
Oct 21, 2016, 8:40 am
#133
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,731
I saw a great Costco deal for the Andaz the other day. Even though we usually cheap out at the Kaanapali Beach hotel, I'm glad I didn't book the Andaz. I'll stick with the KBH.
Old hotel, cheap, but BEAUTIFUL authentic Hawaiian art and Hawaiian furniture without screaming Golden Girls.
Thanks for the report!
Old hotel, cheap, but BEAUTIFUL authentic Hawaiian art and Hawaiian furniture without screaming Golden Girls.
Thanks for the report!
Oct 21, 2016, 8:28 pm
#134
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA Concierge Key, SPG Plat, Hyatt Diam
Posts: 510
I ABSOLUTEY love the Andaz Maui - in spite of the cheap furniture. My favorite was the early morning wakeup and sitting at the lobby areas watching the ocean and sipping a cup of exquisite kona coffee (complimentary).
Oct 23, 2016, 11:01 am
#135
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
Thank you very much, stu1985.
Sorry to keep you waiting DetailsIM, but unfortunately work didn't slow down for me this week. I hope Mondays are slow days at your office because the next installment will be online tomorrow!
Thanks for you comment CBear. Despite a few weaknesses, I enjoyed my stay at the Andaz and would return, but probably not in high season.
I second that, canuckshark. The view from the lobby is amazing and their Kona coffee very enjoyable indeed.
I saw a great Costco deal for the Andaz the other day. Even though we usually cheap out at the Kaanapali Beach hotel, I'm glad I didn't book the Andaz. I'll stick with the KBH.
Old hotel, cheap, but BEAUTIFUL authentic Hawaiian art and Hawaiian furniture without screaming Golden Girls.
Thanks for the report!
Old hotel, cheap, but BEAUTIFUL authentic Hawaiian art and Hawaiian furniture without screaming Golden Girls.
Thanks for the report!
I second that, canuckshark. The view from the lobby is amazing and their Kona coffee very enjoyable indeed.