Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort {US-HI}
Nov 29, 2021, 6:24 pm
#661
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Bay Area
Programs: HH, PC, SPG, MR, GP, US, UA, AA
Posts: 3,448
Can you charge Aloha Trick Pony to room as well?
Cash or points? If cash, resort credit will take off $250 of that (if you're talking about the Aspire resort credit)... If points...breakfast, lunch, drinks, spa, parking....anything you charge to your room. When we were there recently Humu was serving breakfast and they only took reservations for dinner). You can also get breakfast sandwiches, etc. at Cafe Kula, again, just charge to your room.
Another idea for dinner would be to order room service - you could certainly eat up a chunk of credit that way.
Another idea for dinner would be to order room service - you could certainly eat up a chunk of credit that way.
Nov 29, 2021, 7:04 pm
#662
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,216
Is that the Taco Truck? I honestly don't know, we TOLD our kids to charge EVERYTHING to the room, but my (very nice) son-in-law I think paid for that one out of his own pocket so I'm not sure. My guess would be YES because no one brings money to the pool/beach.
The pork tacos were delicious with their mango salsa.
The pork tacos were delicious with their mango salsa.
Nov 29, 2021, 8:43 pm
#663
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Bay Area
Programs: HH, PC, SPG, MR, GP, US, UA, AA
Posts: 3,448
Thanks, yes that's the food truck.
Is that the Taco Truck? I honestly don't know, we TOLD our kids to charge EVERYTHING to the room, but my (very nice) son-in-law I think paid for that one out of his own pocket so I'm not sure. My guess would be YES because no one brings money to the pool/beach.
The pork tacos were delicious with their mango salsa.
The pork tacos were delicious with their mango salsa.
Nov 29, 2021, 9:32 pm
#665
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: No. California
Programs: UA MP HH LTD
Posts: 2,038
Dec 3, 2021, 10:15 am
#667
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 25
Some questions for folks who have gone recently:
1) If you're Diamond, I am seeing conflicting reports that they are tracking the $50/day for the food/bev credit (2 people), versus a lump sum off at checkout, any recent DPs?
2) What has the auto-upgrade process been like? We're in a regular King room in the Molokini wing, which I understand is the lowest category of room in the worst wing. We're Diamond and are there for 8 nights so I'm hoping for the Napua tower, but they already denied that via email.
3) There is still no airport shuttle, correct? We have a toddler so thinking a traditional taxi is best over Uber/Lyft as they may have more trunk space for the stroller.
4) What is the shuttle into the rest of Wailea like? There is very little info and no schedule on the website.
5) It sounds like construction has finished in the lobby?
1) If you're Diamond, I am seeing conflicting reports that they are tracking the $50/day for the food/bev credit (2 people), versus a lump sum off at checkout, any recent DPs?
2) What has the auto-upgrade process been like? We're in a regular King room in the Molokini wing, which I understand is the lowest category of room in the worst wing. We're Diamond and are there for 8 nights so I'm hoping for the Napua tower, but they already denied that via email.
3) There is still no airport shuttle, correct? We have a toddler so thinking a traditional taxi is best over Uber/Lyft as they may have more trunk space for the stroller.
4) What is the shuttle into the rest of Wailea like? There is very little info and no schedule on the website.
5) It sounds like construction has finished in the lobby?
Dec 3, 2021, 11:04 am
#668
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 23
Some questions for folks who have gone recently:
1) If you're Diamond, I am seeing conflicting reports that they are tracking the $50/day for the food/bev credit (2 people), versus a lump sum off at checkout, any recent DPs?
2) What has the auto-upgrade process been like? We're in a regular King room in the Molokini wing, which I understand is the lowest category of room in the worst wing. We're Diamond and are there for 8 nights so I'm hoping for the Napua tower, but they already denied that via email.
3) There is still no airport shuttle, correct? We have a toddler so thinking a traditional taxi is best over Uber/Lyft as they may have more trunk space for the stroller.
4) What is the shuttle into the rest of Wailea like? There is very little info and no schedule on the website.
5) It sounds like construction has finished in the lobby?
1) If you're Diamond, I am seeing conflicting reports that they are tracking the $50/day for the food/bev credit (2 people), versus a lump sum off at checkout, any recent DPs?
2) What has the auto-upgrade process been like? We're in a regular King room in the Molokini wing, which I understand is the lowest category of room in the worst wing. We're Diamond and are there for 8 nights so I'm hoping for the Napua tower, but they already denied that via email.
3) There is still no airport shuttle, correct? We have a toddler so thinking a traditional taxi is best over Uber/Lyft as they may have more trunk space for the stroller.
4) What is the shuttle into the rest of Wailea like? There is very little info and no schedule on the website.
5) It sounds like construction has finished in the lobby?
1) I asked the same thing at the desk and they indicated it would post all at the end of my reservation. Can confirm it posted as a lump sum on my bill, despite only using part of it some days. Only complication was due to a mix of award and paid nights, as I had 6 free night certificates (which could not be all in one reservation-- 4 together, then 2) and 1 paid night that broke down into 3 linked reservations. The credit had to be used by the end of each reservation, so $50 for the 1-night, $200 for the 2nd (4 night) stay and then $100 for the 2 night stay.
2) The auto-upgrade process was implemented part-way through my stay, but we were upgraded to Deluxe Oceanview in the Chapel Wing. It was stunning. If you're going during a peak time, forget an upgrade. Napua Tower is currently closed and not bookable through at least June 2022, if I heard correctly. That would explain why.
3) No airport shuttle. We had a rental car, which we used all week long and was well worth it.
4) No shuttle was running into Wailea during our stay. Highly recommend rental car.
5) Construction is not finished. The Botero Lounge has been gutted and that whole area is surrounded by temporary construction walls. You can still access the lobby, but can't cross in certain areas. You will be able to check-in there though.
Dec 3, 2021, 11:18 am
#669
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 25
Just came back from our trip 11/13-11/20, so I'll gladly provide some DP's below:
1) I asked the same thing at the desk and they indicated it would post all at the end of my reservation. Can confirm it posted as a lump sum on my bill, despite only using part of it some days. Only complication was due to a mix of award and paid nights, as I had 6 free night certificates (which could not be all in one reservation-- 4 together, then 2) and 1 paid night that broke down into 3 linked reservations. The credit had to be used by the end of each reservation, so $50 for the 1-night, $200 for the 2nd (4 night) stay and then $100 for the 2 night stay.
2) The auto-upgrade process was implemented part-way through my stay, but we were upgraded to Deluxe Oceanview in the Chapel Wing. It was stunning. If you're going during a peak time, forget an upgrade. Napua Tower is currently closed and not bookable through at least June 2022, if I heard correctly. That would explain why.
3) No airport shuttle. We had a rental car, which we used all week long and was well worth it.
4) No shuttle was running into Wailea during our stay. Highly recommend rental car.
5) Construction is not finished. The Botero Lounge has been gutted and that whole area is surrounded by temporary construction walls. You can still access the lobby, but can't cross in certain areas. You will be able to check-in there though.
1) I asked the same thing at the desk and they indicated it would post all at the end of my reservation. Can confirm it posted as a lump sum on my bill, despite only using part of it some days. Only complication was due to a mix of award and paid nights, as I had 6 free night certificates (which could not be all in one reservation-- 4 together, then 2) and 1 paid night that broke down into 3 linked reservations. The credit had to be used by the end of each reservation, so $50 for the 1-night, $200 for the 2nd (4 night) stay and then $100 for the 2 night stay.
2) The auto-upgrade process was implemented part-way through my stay, but we were upgraded to Deluxe Oceanview in the Chapel Wing. It was stunning. If you're going during a peak time, forget an upgrade. Napua Tower is currently closed and not bookable through at least June 2022, if I heard correctly. That would explain why.
3) No airport shuttle. We had a rental car, which we used all week long and was well worth it.
4) No shuttle was running into Wailea during our stay. Highly recommend rental car.
5) Construction is not finished. The Botero Lounge has been gutted and that whole area is surrounded by temporary construction walls. You can still access the lobby, but can't cross in certain areas. You will be able to check-in there though.
They did offer me a paid upgrade into the Napua Tower, but for an extra $900/night. So at least part of it is available. Our stay is indeed over Christmas, but figured that between 8 nights and Diamond our position in their auto-upgrade algorithm might be favorable. Not sure though.
How did you get an upgrade partway through? Did you physically check in at the desk when you arrived at the hotel and make the request? Typically we do digital key and bypass the front desk but it seems like it might be worthwhile here.
Dec 3, 2021, 1:08 pm
#672
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Posts: 10,906
In my experience throughout the Hilton world of domestic, international and resorts, long stays you are less likely to get an upgrade and short stays more likely. An upgrade for a long stay they are losing possible revenue for a longer time so they are more hesitant to upgrade you. A short stay, 1-4 nights you have a better chance. My best upgrades anywhere have come on one night stays and for anything 5 days or longer it was a very rare beast to get an upgrade and if did it was only a 1 level up. Sometimes it was same room but to an executive level room. For full disclosure am a lifetime Diamond.
Last edited by Baze; Dec 3, 2021 at 2:24 pm
Dec 3, 2021, 1:44 pm
#673
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 23
Some questions for folks who have gone recently:
1) If you're Diamond, I am seeing conflicting reports that they are tracking the $50/day for the food/bev credit (2 people), versus a lump sum off at checkout, any recent DPs?
2) What has the auto-upgrade process been like? We're in a regular King room in the Molokini wing, which I understand is the lowest category of room in the worst wing. We're Diamond and are there for 8 nights so I'm hoping for the Napua tower, but they already denied that via email.
3) There is still no airport shuttle, correct? We have a toddler so thinking a traditional taxi is best over Uber/Lyft as they may have more trunk space for the stroller.
4) What is the shuttle into the rest of Wailea like? There is very little info and no schedule on the website.
5) It sounds like construction has finished in the lobby?
1) If you're Diamond, I am seeing conflicting reports that they are tracking the $50/day for the food/bev credit (2 people), versus a lump sum off at checkout, any recent DPs?
2) What has the auto-upgrade process been like? We're in a regular King room in the Molokini wing, which I understand is the lowest category of room in the worst wing. We're Diamond and are there for 8 nights so I'm hoping for the Napua tower, but they already denied that via email.
3) There is still no airport shuttle, correct? We have a toddler so thinking a traditional taxi is best over Uber/Lyft as they may have more trunk space for the stroller.
4) What is the shuttle into the rest of Wailea like? There is very little info and no schedule on the website.
5) It sounds like construction has finished in the lobby?
Thank you so much for these, very helpful.
They did offer me a paid upgrade into the Napua Tower, but for an extra $900/night. So at least part of it is available. Our stay is indeed over Christmas, but figured that between 8 nights and Diamond our position in their auto-upgrade algorithm might be favorable. Not sure though.
How did you get an upgrade partway through? Did you physically check in at the desk when you arrived at the hotel and make the request? Typically we do digital key and bypass the front desk but it seems like it might be worthwhile here.
They did offer me a paid upgrade into the Napua Tower, but for an extra $900/night. So at least part of it is available. Our stay is indeed over Christmas, but figured that between 8 nights and Diamond our position in their auto-upgrade algorithm might be favorable. Not sure though.
How did you get an upgrade partway through? Did you physically check in at the desk when you arrived at the hotel and make the request? Typically we do digital key and bypass the front desk but it seems like it might be worthwhile here.
I should clarify, the automatic upgrade system didn't start until two days into our stay. We were upgraded to the Deluxe OV in the Chapel Wing upon check-in at the front desk. If you aren't notified of an upgrade, I would try checking in at the front desk when you arrive. It's worth seeing if maybe they'll upgrade you, even if it's unlikely. Can't hurt.
Dec 16, 2021, 5:29 am
#675
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: No. California
Programs: UA MP HH LTD
Posts: 2,038
