BlueZebra

Grand Wailea frequently has minimum stay requirements.

BrlDsguise

I don't see any standard rewards available for 8/21/14 through the end of the year (although some premium rewards which are less than standard). I'm looking into using FNCs for our trip in October but assume this can't be done unless standard rewards are available.

Does this seem unusual? Cash rates are only $269/night plus tax and reward fee so I could simply do that.

emanon256

Makes sense that they do this. Otherwise the place could be even more packed. Although, I freely admit, I had a one night stay and took total advantage of it. My first time in Maui, I was in a condo in Wailea and had gone to the GW for a drink. My Red Eye got canceled, and I was re-booked the next evening, I found out the morning of my flight and had to check out of the condo. Every hotel was booked except the GW, I paid cash for one night and the price was through the roof, I wasn't even HH at the time. I was determined to get my moneys worth. I got there at 10am, and went right to the pools. When my room was ready, I had my luggage brought up, and then back to the pool until they closed. The next day, checked out, checked my bags, and back at the pools until 7pm, got a hospitality room to shower, and left for the airport. I basically got two full days for the price of one. I have no problem with someone doing this, but understand why the GW wouldn't like it and are now imposing minimum stays. Fortunately for them, I liked my stay so much I have gone back 3 days, once for a full week.

360guy

I also noticed the same thing(only deluxe rooms). I am hoping this change in a few months, like last year.

hailstorm

Though there's nothing stopping someone from making a one night reservation via a third party site.

BrlDsguise

Anyone know if HHonors Gold members get these as well? We are staying there a couple of nights in October with another couple who have gold status.

360guy

Yes, I believe they do.

linsj

$40 off Dinner at Humuhumunukunukuapua’a

Is this contingent on buying two meals or just a straight $40 off?

360guy

Works for one meal

Redeemed

We will be returning to Maui in March having stayed twice before at the GW. There are no rooms available (points or cash) on the Hilton website for the dates of our travel. I have seen rooms on two different reputable third party websites for the exact dates and at fairly good price as they are "packaged" with a rental car. I am wondering if I book through the third party site if I would receive the HHonors Diamond benefits (upgrade, coupons). I know I would not technically be eligible to receive points or benefits but in the few times over the years at other Hilton properties where I have used a third party site I have received both points and benefits. Any experience at the Grand Wailea? If it makes a difference one of the third party sites is American Airlines.

threedjmay

131,000 points a night for January 2015 dates, no standard rooms already. Is this common?

tjbrooks

In my limited experience, rates/prices are all over the place.
I have a room booked for early Feb 2014, here's the rough timeline, to give you an idea of how much it can change.

May 2013: Booked 2 nights (fri/sat) with weekend free night certs
June 2013: went to add an extra night (sun), sold out, no cash rates even offered.
Sep 2013: all Feb 2014 weekends sold out, switched to Andaz but kept one night for pool access.
Dec 2013: cash rates available again, premium award available for ~70K/nt, but no standard rooms
Jan 2014 (early): premium award rates up to 100K/nt
Now: standard room available @ 70k.

BrlDsguise

Anyone familiar with the website whatahotel.com? Several people on TA mentioned using it at GW or Four Seasons Maui.

http://www.whatahotel.com/hotels/224...ia_Resort.html

They have the same pricing as hilton.com for our upcoming stay but offer a $50 resort credit and breakfast for two daily as well as a space available upgrade to a deluxe oceanview.

For two nights I am inclined to stick with the diamond benefits and collect points but considering recommending for another couple with no status who are joining us.

emanon256

I haven't used that site, but have learned recently that it's best to use a travel agent when booking a high end resort and paying with cash. So far, agents have been able to get me the exact same rate as the hotels themselves, with upgrades, resort fee waivers, resort credits, free breakfast, etc. while I still earn points and get all of my program benefits.

sent

We used them for Four Seasons Maui. We got an awesome upgrade. We also got all the benefits exactly as listed with no hassles.