Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort {US-HI}
Feb 14, 2021, 12:58 am
#331
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1MM
Posts: 77
Finishing up a 3 night stay on certificates under two different reservations. My partner and I are both Diamond. We were pleasantly surprised to be upgraded to the Napua Tower with lounge access for breakfast 7-11a and cocktails 4-7p. It was completely serviceable for breakfast with yogurt/cereals/pastries/fruit/granola/hot-ish dried out egg-muffin sandwiches and drinks. We also enjoyed a daily cocktail and a quick bite before heading to dinner.
Diamond breakfast consisted of a $20 per person credit at Cafe Kula for breakfast items or grab and go between 7-11a. Many of the packaged items at the lounge were for sale at Cafe Kula.
Reservations are required for the gym and the hours are only 7-11a.
As noted, valet parking is $65! The valet guys were the nicest of the bunch. They shared occupancy was 15% on our arrival (2/11/21).
By 2/13/21 (President's Day weekend) we heard occupancy had risen to 30%. Pool chair pick-up at 10:30a was a complete disaster at 30%. The unhappy line of people must have been 30+ deep. We ended up just going to the chairs we reserved, getting bath towels from our room, and enjoying the pool time on our own. When we finally did check in at the pool desk at 2p (line still 5 deep), we were scolded for not checking in by 11a. We had some other issues with navigating the pool chair system. The pool staff seemed understaffed and ill-equipped to pivot to the current situation. Almost all chairs are reserved at the 30% occupancy level--and you can only reserve chairs in un-moveable pairs (due to COVID protocols). This is not an issue for a couple, but others with a larger party might need a strategy for success. Pool chairs are available to reserve at 4p for the next day. We found ourselves running back to the room for computer access to make our reservation.
All-in-all, an adequate use of certificates--especially since the resort fee is waived. Valet parking is ridiculously expensive and the pool chair system was a big miss. The restricted gym hours also made it difficult to use. The location and views are unbelievable and we enjoyed the pools. At 30%, it's a nice to have the resort to yourself, although the amenities seemed to be paired down as well. Keep your expectations low and you should have a pleasant stay!
Diamond breakfast consisted of a $20 per person credit at Cafe Kula for breakfast items or grab and go between 7-11a. Many of the packaged items at the lounge were for sale at Cafe Kula.
Reservations are required for the gym and the hours are only 7-11a.
As noted, valet parking is $65! The valet guys were the nicest of the bunch. They shared occupancy was 15% on our arrival (2/11/21).
By 2/13/21 (President's Day weekend) we heard occupancy had risen to 30%. Pool chair pick-up at 10:30a was a complete disaster at 30%. The unhappy line of people must have been 30+ deep. We ended up just going to the chairs we reserved, getting bath towels from our room, and enjoying the pool time on our own. When we finally did check in at the pool desk at 2p (line still 5 deep), we were scolded for not checking in by 11a. We had some other issues with navigating the pool chair system. The pool staff seemed understaffed and ill-equipped to pivot to the current situation. Almost all chairs are reserved at the 30% occupancy level--and you can only reserve chairs in un-moveable pairs (due to COVID protocols). This is not an issue for a couple, but others with a larger party might need a strategy for success. Pool chairs are available to reserve at 4p for the next day. We found ourselves running back to the room for computer access to make our reservation.
All-in-all, an adequate use of certificates--especially since the resort fee is waived. Valet parking is ridiculously expensive and the pool chair system was a big miss. The restricted gym hours also made it difficult to use. The location and views are unbelievable and we enjoyed the pools. At 30%, it's a nice to have the resort to yourself, although the amenities seemed to be paired down as well. Keep your expectations low and you should have a pleasant stay!
Feb 14, 2021, 7:25 pm
#332
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: SoCal; DO-RAGS: Old Gold tagged, PIP, LatPass 1/2, AA 4MM, HH LT Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, Omni
Posts: 9,180
Finishing up a 3 night stay on certificates under two different reservations. My partner and I are both Diamond. We were pleasantly surprised to be upgraded to the Napua Tower with lounge access for breakfast 7-11a and cocktails 4-7p. It was completely serviceable for breakfast with yogurt/cereals/pastries/fruit/granola/hot-ish dried out egg-muffin sandwiches and drinks. We also enjoyed a daily cocktail and a quick bite before heading to dinner.
Diamond breakfast consisted of a $20 per person credit at Cafe Kula for breakfast items or grab and go between 7-11a. Many of the packaged items at the lounge were for sale at Cafe Kula.
Reservations are required for the gym and the hours are only 7-11a.
As noted, valet parking is $65! The valet guys were the nicest of the bunch. They shared occupancy was 15% on our arrival (2/11/21).
By 2/13/21 (President's Day weekend) we heard occupancy had risen to 30%. Pool chair pick-up at 10:30a was a complete disaster at 30%. The unhappy line of people must have been 30+ deep. We ended up just going to the chairs we reserved, getting bath towels from our room, and enjoying the pool time on our own. When we finally did check in at the pool desk at 2p (line still 5 deep), we were scolded for not checking in by 11a. We had some other issues with navigating the pool chair system. The pool staff seemed understaffed and ill-equipped to pivot to the current situation. Almost all chairs are reserved at the 30% occupancy level--and you can only reserve chairs in un-moveable pairs (due to COVID protocols). This is not an issue for a couple, but others with a larger party might need a strategy for success. Pool chairs are available to reserve at 4p for the next day. We found ourselves running back to the room for computer access to make our reservation.
All-in-all, an adequate use of certificates--especially since the resort fee is waived. Valet parking is ridiculously expensive and the pool chair system was a big miss. The restricted gym hours also made it difficult to use. The location and views are unbelievable and we enjoyed the pools. At 30%, it's a nice to have the resort to yourself, although the amenities seemed to be paired down as well. Keep your expectations low and you should have a pleasant stay!
Diamond breakfast consisted of a $20 per person credit at Cafe Kula for breakfast items or grab and go between 7-11a. Many of the packaged items at the lounge were for sale at Cafe Kula.
Reservations are required for the gym and the hours are only 7-11a.
As noted, valet parking is $65! The valet guys were the nicest of the bunch. They shared occupancy was 15% on our arrival (2/11/21).
By 2/13/21 (President's Day weekend) we heard occupancy had risen to 30%. Pool chair pick-up at 10:30a was a complete disaster at 30%. The unhappy line of people must have been 30+ deep. We ended up just going to the chairs we reserved, getting bath towels from our room, and enjoying the pool time on our own. When we finally did check in at the pool desk at 2p (line still 5 deep), we were scolded for not checking in by 11a. We had some other issues with navigating the pool chair system. The pool staff seemed understaffed and ill-equipped to pivot to the current situation. Almost all chairs are reserved at the 30% occupancy level--and you can only reserve chairs in un-moveable pairs (due to COVID protocols). This is not an issue for a couple, but others with a larger party might need a strategy for success. Pool chairs are available to reserve at 4p for the next day. We found ourselves running back to the room for computer access to make our reservation.
All-in-all, an adequate use of certificates--especially since the resort fee is waived. Valet parking is ridiculously expensive and the pool chair system was a big miss. The restricted gym hours also made it difficult to use. The location and views are unbelievable and we enjoyed the pools. At 30%, it's a nice to have the resort to yourself, although the amenities seemed to be paired down as well. Keep your expectations low and you should have a pleasant stay!
I will keep looking, but May feels futile.
Mar 6, 2021, 6:15 pm
#333
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Chicago
Programs: United GS 3 MM LT, Marriott Ambassador LT Titanium, HH LT Diamond
Posts: 461
Yes but are all pools and slides open?
Finishing up a 3 night stay on certificates under two different reservations. My partner and I are both Diamond. We were pleasantly surprised to be upgraded to the Napua Tower with lounge access for breakfast 7-11a and cocktails 4-7p. It was completely serviceable for breakfast with yogurt/cereals/pastries/fruit/granola/hot-ish dried out egg-muffin sandwiches and drinks. We also enjoyed a daily cocktail and a quick bite before heading to dinner.
Diamond breakfast consisted of a $20 per person credit at Cafe Kula for breakfast items or grab and go between 7-11a. Many of the packaged items at the lounge were for sale at Cafe Kula.
Reservations are required for the gym and the hours are only 7-11a.
As noted, valet parking is $65! The valet guys were the nicest of the bunch. They shared occupancy was 15% on our arrival (2/11/21).
By 2/13/21 (President's Day weekend) we heard occupancy had risen to 30%. Pool chair pick-up at 10:30a was a complete disaster at 30%. The unhappy line of people must have been 30+ deep. We ended up just going to the chairs we reserved, getting bath towels from our room, and enjoying the pool time on our own. When we finally did check in at the pool desk at 2p (line still 5 deep), we were scolded for not checking in by 11a. We had some other issues with navigating the pool chair system. The pool staff seemed understaffed and ill-equipped to pivot to the current situation. Almost all chairs are reserved at the 30% occupancy level--and you can only reserve chairs in un-moveable pairs (due to COVID protocols). This is not an issue for a couple, but others with a larger party might need a strategy for success. Pool chairs are available to reserve at 4p for the next day. We found ourselves running back to the room for computer access to make our reservation.
All-in-all, an adequate use of certificates--especially since the resort fee is waived. Valet parking is ridiculously expensive and the pool chair system was a big miss. The restricted gym hours also made it difficult to use. The location and views are unbelievable and we enjoyed the pools. At 30%, it's a nice to have the resort to yourself, although the amenities seemed to be paired down as well. Keep your expectations low and you should have a pleasant stay!
Diamond breakfast consisted of a $20 per person credit at Cafe Kula for breakfast items or grab and go between 7-11a. Many of the packaged items at the lounge were for sale at Cafe Kula.
Reservations are required for the gym and the hours are only 7-11a.
As noted, valet parking is $65! The valet guys were the nicest of the bunch. They shared occupancy was 15% on our arrival (2/11/21).
By 2/13/21 (President's Day weekend) we heard occupancy had risen to 30%. Pool chair pick-up at 10:30a was a complete disaster at 30%. The unhappy line of people must have been 30+ deep. We ended up just going to the chairs we reserved, getting bath towels from our room, and enjoying the pool time on our own. When we finally did check in at the pool desk at 2p (line still 5 deep), we were scolded for not checking in by 11a. We had some other issues with navigating the pool chair system. The pool staff seemed understaffed and ill-equipped to pivot to the current situation. Almost all chairs are reserved at the 30% occupancy level--and you can only reserve chairs in un-moveable pairs (due to COVID protocols). This is not an issue for a couple, but others with a larger party might need a strategy for success. Pool chairs are available to reserve at 4p for the next day. We found ourselves running back to the room for computer access to make our reservation.
All-in-all, an adequate use of certificates--especially since the resort fee is waived. Valet parking is ridiculously expensive and the pool chair system was a big miss. The restricted gym hours also made it difficult to use. The location and views are unbelievable and we enjoyed the pools. At 30%, it's a nice to have the resort to yourself, although the amenities seemed to be paired down as well. Keep your expectations low and you should have a pleasant stay!
I am unclear if everything is open - all pools, slides, water elevator? Could you please tell me what is closed or can everything be used?
thank you.
Mar 6, 2021, 7:56 pm
#334
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: No. California
Programs: UA MP HH LTD
Posts: 2,040
Mar 8, 2021, 1:20 pm
#336
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2008
Location: San Francisco
Programs: GM on VX, UA, AA, HA, AS, SY; Budget Fastbreak
Posts: 27,621
I would suggest to phone the hotel directly and ask but I fear it’s ymmv between the call and the actual date of reservation. It’s not going to be a pretty situation.
Mar 10, 2021, 3:42 pm
#337
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: hilton diamond, united 1k, priority
Posts: 55
Ho’olei
Any experience with the Ho’olei? We have a family of 6 and rather than 3 hotel rooms are looking to rent one of their townhouses. Would live to hear about someone’s experience.
Mar 10, 2021, 4:00 pm
#338
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
We're doing exactly the same thing, but not until October. There are several posts in this thread if you want to search by "Ho'olei", they were very helpful to me. We love the idea of all the living space and outdoor patios to do more than just sit on a chair. And love the idea of its own pool, even though the grandkids will love the big pool across the way. You also get free parking, and if you use points (which we are doing) you don't pay the pesky resort fee.
Mar 11, 2021, 4:45 pm
#339
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: WN A-list, Hyatt Glob, HH DM, Marriott Plat
Posts: 434
Mar 11, 2021, 9:06 pm
#340
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2008
Location: San Francisco
Programs: GM on VX, UA, AA, HA, AS, SY; Budget Fastbreak
Posts: 27,621
Mar 12, 2021, 7:58 am
#343
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Loveland, CO
Programs: MileagePlus Lifetime Gold, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 153
Mar 12, 2021, 8:03 am
#344
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
Hey thanks, didn't expect that. But does it go up and down? The video shut off before I could tell if it was elevating or not, just look like it went around in a circle.
And it's no mystery why in Covid times it's still closed.
And it's no mystery why in Covid times it's still closed.
Mar 12, 2021, 8:49 am
#345
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: LAX/SMF/PDX/HNL
Programs: Hilton-lifetime diamond, Southwest A+, companion pass
Posts: 1,748
Swimmers enter the elevator at ground level. Door is closed and water pumped in. Elevator floats the swimmers up to the top of a water slide.
It is unique in the world. Can't wait until we can take our granddaughter to experience it.