Just got back myself from Maui, after a week layover on The Big Island.

I stayed 7 nights at the Sheraton. First night paid next 6 were on an award. I paid for a deluxe Ocean view the first night. If this was deluxe I'd hate to see partial. Room was sufficient but certainly nothing special. Location is great if you like snorkeling or scuba diving. I had the food from the pool bar once and it seemed rather typical pool side quality and PRICE. I did enjoy the smoothies though. I was greeted at check in as Platinum but received no Platinum benefits that I can determine including the amentity. When I checked out I was hit with a $100 per night surcharge plus tax on the surcharge for the 3rd and 4th adults in my party. The pool was frigid, colder than the ocean. There was no High Speed Internet. The room and property seemed fairly well maintained. One courtesy I did think was nice was complimentary valet service the first night. Overall I am in no hurry to stay at this property again.

Starwood has a "Stay at one, Play at all three" policy on Maui so I checked out the pool area at the Westin Maui. The pool area was much more livelier at the Westin. The pool also had a nice water slide. As other threads have indicated the pool area was much nicer at the Westin. The pool bar/restuarant area was bad. There were 2 pool tables pushed up against what used to be the bar. This looked very low budget. The bar looked to be in the midst of being torn out/replaced/refurbished. There was no indication of which. If the bar is any indication of how this property is run I would avoid it.

On the Big Island I stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa. Wonderful hotel that recognizes it's preffered members. I'll be posting on the Hilton board on that.