Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort {US-HI}
#61
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 7,655
I think housekeeping would be shortchanged with just $3/day. Since we do tip well, I guess we don't realize that many people tip less or not at all, so maybe it's a good thing for them. Especially in Hawaii, I really appreciate a refreshed room and lots of towels.
I've never been to the GW buffet breakfast (Sunday Brunch once) because the last time we were there you could use your credit anywhere at any time so we would just get pastries and coffee at Café Kula every day. But I'm not sure how you expect a breakfast buffet to be different every day? I think it's up to you to take what you want - one day eggs, one day waffles, etc. so don't "you" make it different? Not counting outside the US, what hotels change up their breakfast offerings on a daily basis? We're traveling with grandkids so we're hoping to just get our 2 included breakfasts to go every day and just feed them in the room - no sense paying a big upcharge at the buffet because they're going to want what they see then not eat half of it. Maybe just the last day for a treat.
I've never been to the GW buffet breakfast (Sunday Brunch once) because the last time we were there you could use your credit anywhere at any time so we would just get pastries and coffee at Café Kula every day. But I'm not sure how you expect a breakfast buffet to be different every day? I think it's up to you to take what you want - one day eggs, one day waffles, etc. so don't "you" make it different? Not counting outside the US, what hotels change up their breakfast offerings on a daily basis? We're traveling with grandkids so we're hoping to just get our 2 included breakfasts to go every day and just feed them in the room - no sense paying a big upcharge at the buffet because they're going to want what they see then not eat half of it. Maybe just the last day for a treat.
#62
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 1,029
Go up to Island Gourmet in the shopping center and grab some breakfast there ... way cheaper and probably better than the food at GW.
#63
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,055
This is, indeed, the single best "money saving" tip for Wailea. The overall market is overpriced, but the hot food selection is surprisingly affordable and fairly tasty. And it's a nice less-than-ten-minute walk in the morning. It's also not a bad place to feed a family in the evening with things like $12 steak.
#64
Join Date: May 2006
Programs: Aeromexico Platinum and AA Exec Platinum
Posts: 212
Some of furniture has stains, the outside furniture is very tired.
We don’t have kids so the pool structure isn’t appealing to us.
We’ve been to Island Market for some Super Bowl snacks.
Regarding the buffet, I‘m sorry you disagree with me but I feel that a $47 dollar buffet should be better. Food is subjective and to each is own. I came here to be helpful but not defend my position.
We don’t have kids so the pool structure isn’t appealing to us.
We’ve been to Island Market for some Super Bowl snacks.
Regarding the buffet, I‘m sorry you disagree with me but I feel that a $47 dollar buffet should be better. Food is subjective and to each is own. I came here to be helpful but not defend my position.
#65
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 7,655
I don't "disagree" with you about the buffet because I have never partaken of it there, I just was curious that your criticism was that it was the same every day. I certainly agree that $47 for a regular breakfast buffet (not a fancy brunch) is ridiculous.
And we loved the pools as two adults, can't wait for the grandkids to see the place!
And we loved the pools as two adults, can't wait for the grandkids to see the place!
#67
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: ORD
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, IHG Platinum, Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Gold - cheapass economy flyer!
Posts: 215
Does anyone know how they'd handle breakfast for a diamond with a spouse and two kids 6-10? I guess we could upgrade $19 to full buffet, but would all four be upgraded at that price? If not, how much is the buffet for kids?
Last edited by UsernameChuck; Feb 3, 20 at 3:58 pm
#68
Join Date: Dec 2008
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 650
This is, indeed, the single best "money saving" tip for Wailea. The overall market is overpriced, but the hot food selection is surprisingly affordable and fairly tasty. And it's a nice less-than-ten-minute walk in the morning. It's also not a bad place to feed a family in the evening with things like $12 steak.
#71
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 7,655
#74
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: ORD
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, IHG Platinum, Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Gold - cheapass economy flyer!
Posts: 215
Out of curiosity, I called today to ask about kids and the buffet breakfast. It sounds like they don't have the prices written down... they couldn't tell me anything precise, the amounts I got were, respectively, $19 and "around $20." That is, for our family of four, as Diamonds, I understand that we could upgrade 2 people from continental to buffet ($19 ea) and the 2 kids (6-12) would pay the same or about the same. The concierge did indicate that children over 12 are treated like adults for buffet purposes.
To be clear, I asked the front desk and then the concierge. I didn't ask to be transferred to the restaurant... if there is any fixed practice about this, I guess they would be the ones to know it. Maybe betonic will tell us... or maybe there is no actual answer to these questions, it's just what the waitress decides to charge.
To be clear, I asked the front desk and then the concierge. I didn't ask to be transferred to the restaurant... if there is any fixed practice about this, I guess they would be the ones to know it. Maybe betonic will tell us... or maybe there is no actual answer to these questions, it's just what the waitress decides to charge.