Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort {US-HI}
Sep 30, 2022, 1:21 am
#1066
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
omg I know how much you love GW so I’m shocked that you haven’t experienced it! Eek
it goes from bottom to top. The idea is that we start at the top to enjoy the slides and then we end up at the bottom. So to restart we need to get into the elevator and return to the top. It’s so great.
it goes from bottom to top. The idea is that we start at the top to enjoy the slides and then we end up at the bottom. So to restart we need to get into the elevator and return to the top. It’s so great.
Sep 30, 2022, 11:38 am
#1067
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,313
I had to look up images of this thing since it has never been operational when we were there....and I have a theory as to why it will never come back in this post Covid world - every picture I saw people were crammed shoulder to shoulder. I'm sure they could space them out, but still...
So did you start at the top and go down, start at the bottom and go up, or get a round-trip ride? Was it really fast like a big drop, or did it go slowly?
So did you start at the top and go down, start at the bottom and go up, or get a round-trip ride? Was it really fast like a big drop, or did it go slowly?
its a one-way ride up, where they'd let the riders out and immediately start with a slide out into the top pool.
no more dangerous being in a pool FULL OF CHLORINE swimming next to someone; although we've seen plenty of travel industry money-saving cutbacks disguised as "for your safety during these unprecedented times."
i truly think its a deferred maintenance issue, and if someone is uptight about riding the water elevator due to covid, they ought not to swim there either
Sep 30, 2022, 2:12 pm
#1068
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: PHX
Programs: HHonors Lifetime Diamond, UA Million Miler Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,142
Elite Membership - Grand Wailea
Any current members that can share your experiences. Looked at joining several years ago and did not. Enrollment fee is now $2500. I already have Lifetime Diamond status and most of my stays there I just use points. The Spa and Food discounts are intriguing but not sure I will get the value.
Sep 30, 2022, 2:24 pm
#1069
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
it has like a 10-12 person capacity and is very slow; much faster to use the stairs, but thats not the point!
its a one-way ride up, where they'd let the riders out and immediately start with a slide out into the top pool.
no more dangerous being in a pool FULL OF CHLORINE swimming next to someone; although we've seen plenty of travel industry money-saving cutbacks disguised as "for your safety during these unprecedented times."
i truly think its a deferred maintenance issue, and if someone is uptight about riding the water elevator due to covid, they ought not to swim there either
its a one-way ride up, where they'd let the riders out and immediately start with a slide out into the top pool.
no more dangerous being in a pool FULL OF CHLORINE swimming next to someone; although we've seen plenty of travel industry money-saving cutbacks disguised as "for your safety during these unprecedented times."
i truly think its a deferred maintenance issue, and if someone is uptight about riding the water elevator due to covid, they ought not to swim there either
Sep 30, 2022, 2:34 pm
#1070
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Posts: 10,909
Looking at some videos I see no attraction to the water elevator. Too crowded and slow. Nothing to do with Covid for me. Maybe ride once just to say you did it but not for me. I've been there a couple times. It was working first time but didn't ride it. Second time it was closed but don't feel I missed anything. Plenty of other things to see and do so I wouldn't cancel a trip just because the water elevator wasn't working.
Sep 30, 2022, 3:34 pm
#1071
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Juneau, Alaska.
Programs: AS 75K;BA Silver;AA G;HH Dia;HY Glob
Posts: 15,811
It and the annual fees are occasionally discussed in the Grand Wailea thread (search for "membership"):
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort {US-HI}
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort {US-HI}
Sep 30, 2022, 5:27 pm
#1072
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: PHX
Programs: HHonors Lifetime Diamond, UA Million Miler Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,142
The owner of Pint and Cork is a complete jerk. Had multiple bad experiences with him. Go to Google and Yelp and read the reviews. He is a problem
Oct 7, 2022, 12:54 pm
#1075
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: PHX
Programs: HHonors Lifetime Diamond, UA Million Miler Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,142
So we are currently at the Grand Wailea. This is at least our 10th trip since 2000 and we are seriously trying to get a room at the Four Seasons and move out of here as quickly as possible. WHAT A TRAIN WRECK!!!
Half of the property is under renovation so there is constant construction noise. We were in the Napua Tower in a room that is $2000+ per night. They shut off our water without any notification because they were working in the room next door. No one could help us so we were moved to a completely different wing of the hotel.
The water elevator is not working and has not been for years. The Grotto Bar was closed for "emergency" repairs yet several workers told us it has been closed for some time and mostly due to the hotel being at low volume of guests so they do not want to spend resources to open it. Private dining/menu is shut down
The Spa has been under renovation for over a year. My wife got a massage in the temporary spa. Basically a hotel room that was converted. Her entire massage was overrun with construction noise on both sides. She had booked an early massage as she was told construction would not start before 0900 and yet it did. No help from the property or discount.
The hotel itself is run down, elevators had exposed adhesive where pictures or ads have been pulled down, not replaced and not repaired. All kinds of general maintaince issues. The fountain in front looks abandoned. Only half full, not working, flowers leaves and algae growing in it. The lake at Humu has now fish or any visuals in it and they are closed Monday and Tuesdays.
The adult pool is missing lots of tiles on the floor and sides of the pool. It is just not been a $2000 per night experience in any stretch.
To top it off they are hitting us with a $350 charge to check out after 4pm even though the hotel is well below capacity
Half of the property is under renovation so there is constant construction noise. We were in the Napua Tower in a room that is $2000+ per night. They shut off our water without any notification because they were working in the room next door. No one could help us so we were moved to a completely different wing of the hotel.
The water elevator is not working and has not been for years. The Grotto Bar was closed for "emergency" repairs yet several workers told us it has been closed for some time and mostly due to the hotel being at low volume of guests so they do not want to spend resources to open it. Private dining/menu is shut down
The Spa has been under renovation for over a year. My wife got a massage in the temporary spa. Basically a hotel room that was converted. Her entire massage was overrun with construction noise on both sides. She had booked an early massage as she was told construction would not start before 0900 and yet it did. No help from the property or discount.
The hotel itself is run down, elevators had exposed adhesive where pictures or ads have been pulled down, not replaced and not repaired. All kinds of general maintaince issues. The fountain in front looks abandoned. Only half full, not working, flowers leaves and algae growing in it. The lake at Humu has now fish or any visuals in it and they are closed Monday and Tuesdays.
The adult pool is missing lots of tiles on the floor and sides of the pool. It is just not been a $2000 per night experience in any stretch.
To top it off they are hitting us with a $350 charge to check out after 4pm even though the hotel is well below capacity
Oct 7, 2022, 1:43 pm
#1076
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
Nothing more annoying than construction noise during a massage.
As a PSA, I just want to throw some info out there - we stay over at the Ho'Olei villas, and by their very tranquil pool they advertise massages poolside in cabanas. I have NOT partaken of this, but I do know they are Hawaiian lomi lomi massages (which I have had in the past at other Hawaiian resorts) and are wonderful. This company is NOT affiliated with the GW Spa, it is a private company, and I do recall seeing that the prices are less than the GW prices. I have no other knowledge of this, but if you call the GW and ask to be transferred over to Ho'Olei I'm sure they will give you more info. I also don't know if you must be a Ho'O guest, but again, call for info. It's a short walk across the street.
As a PSA, I just want to throw some info out there - we stay over at the Ho'Olei villas, and by their very tranquil pool they advertise massages poolside in cabanas. I have NOT partaken of this, but I do know they are Hawaiian lomi lomi massages (which I have had in the past at other Hawaiian resorts) and are wonderful. This company is NOT affiliated with the GW Spa, it is a private company, and I do recall seeing that the prices are less than the GW prices. I have no other knowledge of this, but if you call the GW and ask to be transferred over to Ho'Olei I'm sure they will give you more info. I also don't know if you must be a Ho'O guest, but again, call for info. It's a short walk across the street.
Oct 7, 2022, 2:07 pm
#1077
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,870
So we are currently at the Grand Wailea. This is at least our 10th trip since 2000 and we are seriously trying to get a room at the Four Seasons and move out of here as quickly as possible. WHAT A TRAIN WRECK!!!
Half of the property is under renovation so there is constant construction noise. We were in the Napua Tower in a room that is $2000+ per night. They shut off our water without any notification because they were working in the room next door. No one could help us so we were moved to a completely different wing of the hotel.
The water elevator is not working and has not been for years. The Grotto Bar was closed for "emergency" repairs yet several workers told us it has been closed for some time and mostly due to the hotel being at low volume of guests so they do not want to spend resources to open it. Private dining/menu is shut down
The Spa has been under renovation for over a year. My wife got a massage in the temporary spa. Basically a hotel room that was converted. Her entire massage was overrun with construction noise on both sides. She had booked an early massage as she was told construction would not start before 0900 and yet it did. No help from the property or discount.
The hotel itself is run down, elevators had exposed adhesive where pictures or ads have been pulled down, not replaced and not repaired. All kinds of general maintaince issues. The fountain in front looks abandoned. Only half full, not working, flowers leaves and algae growing in it. The lake at Humu has now fish or any visuals in it and they are closed Monday and Tuesdays.
The adult pool is missing lots of tiles on the floor and sides of the pool. It is just not been a $2000 per night experience in any stretch.
To top it off they are hitting us with a $350 charge to check out after 4pm even though the hotel is well below capacity
Half of the property is under renovation so there is constant construction noise. We were in the Napua Tower in a room that is $2000+ per night. They shut off our water without any notification because they were working in the room next door. No one could help us so we were moved to a completely different wing of the hotel.
The water elevator is not working and has not been for years. The Grotto Bar was closed for "emergency" repairs yet several workers told us it has been closed for some time and mostly due to the hotel being at low volume of guests so they do not want to spend resources to open it. Private dining/menu is shut down
The Spa has been under renovation for over a year. My wife got a massage in the temporary spa. Basically a hotel room that was converted. Her entire massage was overrun with construction noise on both sides. She had booked an early massage as she was told construction would not start before 0900 and yet it did. No help from the property or discount.
The hotel itself is run down, elevators had exposed adhesive where pictures or ads have been pulled down, not replaced and not repaired. All kinds of general maintaince issues. The fountain in front looks abandoned. Only half full, not working, flowers leaves and algae growing in it. The lake at Humu has now fish or any visuals in it and they are closed Monday and Tuesdays.
The adult pool is missing lots of tiles on the floor and sides of the pool. It is just not been a $2000 per night experience in any stretch.
To top it off they are hitting us with a $350 charge to check out after 4pm even though the hotel is well below capacity
Oct 7, 2022, 3:21 pm
#1078
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Posts: 10,909
So we are currently at the Grand Wailea. This is at least our 10th trip since 2000 and we are seriously trying to get a room at the Four Seasons and move out of here as quickly as possible. WHAT A TRAIN WRECK!!!
Half of the property is under renovation so there is constant construction noise. We were in the Napua Tower in a room that is $2000+ per night. They shut off our water without any notification because they were working in the room next door. No one could help us so we were moved to a completely different wing of the hotel.
The water elevator is not working and has not been for years. The Grotto Bar was closed for "emergency" repairs yet several workers told us it has been closed for some time and mostly due to the hotel being at low volume of guests so they do not want to spend resources to open it. Private dining/menu is shut down
The Spa has been under renovation for over a year. My wife got a massage in the temporary spa. Basically a hotel room that was converted. Her entire massage was overrun with construction noise on both sides. She had booked an early massage as she was told construction would not start before 0900 and yet it did. No help from the property or discount.
The hotel itself is run down, elevators had exposed adhesive where pictures or ads have been pulled down, not replaced and not repaired. All kinds of general maintaince issues. The fountain in front looks abandoned. Only half full, not working, flowers leaves and algae growing in it. The lake at Humu has now fish or any visuals in it and they are closed Monday and Tuesdays.
The adult pool is missing lots of tiles on the floor and sides of the pool. It is just not been a $2000 per night experience in any stretch.
To top it off they are hitting us with a $350 charge to check out after 4pm even though the hotel is well below capacity
Half of the property is under renovation so there is constant construction noise. We were in the Napua Tower in a room that is $2000+ per night. They shut off our water without any notification because they were working in the room next door. No one could help us so we were moved to a completely different wing of the hotel.
The water elevator is not working and has not been for years. The Grotto Bar was closed for "emergency" repairs yet several workers told us it has been closed for some time and mostly due to the hotel being at low volume of guests so they do not want to spend resources to open it. Private dining/menu is shut down
The Spa has been under renovation for over a year. My wife got a massage in the temporary spa. Basically a hotel room that was converted. Her entire massage was overrun with construction noise on both sides. She had booked an early massage as she was told construction would not start before 0900 and yet it did. No help from the property or discount.
The hotel itself is run down, elevators had exposed adhesive where pictures or ads have been pulled down, not replaced and not repaired. All kinds of general maintaince issues. The fountain in front looks abandoned. Only half full, not working, flowers leaves and algae growing in it. The lake at Humu has now fish or any visuals in it and they are closed Monday and Tuesdays.
The adult pool is missing lots of tiles on the floor and sides of the pool. It is just not been a $2000 per night experience in any stretch.
To top it off they are hitting us with a $350 charge to check out after 4pm even though the hotel is well below capacity
Oct 9, 2022, 10:52 am
#1079
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2008
Location: San Francisco
Programs: GM on VX, UA, AA, HA, AS, SY; Budget Fastbreak
Posts: 27,588
I used to pay full retail via Costco travel - about $700/night in 2019 for garden view because it was super close to the pool. I’m in sticker shock that it could be $1200 for the same room and with fewer amenities especially the water elevator.
Oct 12, 2022, 5:51 pm
#1080
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: PHX
Programs: HHonors Lifetime Diamond, UA Million Miler Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,142
That is the MINIMUM you will pay right now. Half of the hotel is closed right now. Constant construction and they simply dont care. It is very disappointing to say the least. Only room service for breakfast and lunch and it comes in a paper bag