Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort {US-HI}
May 30, 2023, 4:03 am
#1321
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: USA
Programs: All
Posts: 104
I just came home from a week-long trip last week. This was my third trip (first in March 2018, second in November 2021). While I kept my expectations tempered based on previous comments on this thread, I can honestly say that our experience was 5 star. There was a conference going on for most of our stay, but we barely noticed. They are more well-staffed than either of my two prior trips and it shows.
We did pay for an upgrade to Napua for a few reasons (we paid with points) and likely wouldn't have done so if it wasn't our honeymoon. We particularly enjoy spending our mornings drinking coffee on the lanai and often have drinks out there in the evening, but with the conference, the only rooms available at check-in were on the first floor and we didn't love the idea of constantly having people walk by when we wanted to enjoy alone time. An ocean view was an added bonus and we took advantage of breakfast/drinks in the Napua Lounge quite a bit. I am a diamond member, but the conference had an overwhelming majority of the rooms and based on the evening entertainment they were paying for and all of their events around the resort, I can see why the GW would have given them the best rooms.
At this point, any room that you book should be newly renovated. The last two wings are currently under renovation. I was technically two doors away from a room actively being renovated (we could see them working inside when we walked past), but I think I maybe heard 5 total minutes work of construction in the middle of one afternoon and it was a drill. If I didn't see the room being worked on, I never would have known. You can reach out in advance to request an updated room, just in case.
The updates are very visible throughout the lobby, which looks more beautiful than ever. The updated Botero Lounge is excellent, and so was the food. We didn't eat at Loulu (the former Cafe Kula), but it looks really nice. Bistro Molokini was just concluding its renovation as we were leaving, so it should be open by the time you arrive. It looked really nice. Grotto Bar's makeover was much needed and also looks great.
Yes, the water elevator is still down and likely will never be fixed. The part that is broken is custom and it sounds like they are struggling to replace it. Having done it in 2018? You're not missing anything.
Despite the conference and then the sea of families descending on Thursday for the holiday weekend, I never had trouble getting lounge chairs for both of us. Servers were super attentive and attendants came around every 15-20 minutes, offering free fruit (strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, etc.). This was new for me, and a nice touch.
The only disappointment was that Spa Grande is still under construction (as it was 18 months ago) and it is nowhere remotely near done, so I would guess it will be done sometime next year. But compared to everything else that has recently been updated, I would use it the least.
My complaints were minimal: the usual about having to pay for valet parking and how slow service was at Humu Humu for mediocre food (it was a 2.5 hour meal that felt every bit as long). For similar pricing, I’d skip Humu Humu and go to Mama’s Fish House instead. We had done that the day before and it was the best meal we’ve ever eaten.
The long is above, the short is: don’t be nervous. Switch your reservation because you're going to love it. Have a WONDERFUL time!
EDITED for typos, ugh.
We did pay for an upgrade to Napua for a few reasons (we paid with points) and likely wouldn't have done so if it wasn't our honeymoon. We particularly enjoy spending our mornings drinking coffee on the lanai and often have drinks out there in the evening, but with the conference, the only rooms available at check-in were on the first floor and we didn't love the idea of constantly having people walk by when we wanted to enjoy alone time. An ocean view was an added bonus and we took advantage of breakfast/drinks in the Napua Lounge quite a bit. I am a diamond member, but the conference had an overwhelming majority of the rooms and based on the evening entertainment they were paying for and all of their events around the resort, I can see why the GW would have given them the best rooms.
At this point, any room that you book should be newly renovated. The last two wings are currently under renovation. I was technically two doors away from a room actively being renovated (we could see them working inside when we walked past), but I think I maybe heard 5 total minutes work of construction in the middle of one afternoon and it was a drill. If I didn't see the room being worked on, I never would have known. You can reach out in advance to request an updated room, just in case.
The updates are very visible throughout the lobby, which looks more beautiful than ever. The updated Botero Lounge is excellent, and so was the food. We didn't eat at Loulu (the former Cafe Kula), but it looks really nice. Bistro Molokini was just concluding its renovation as we were leaving, so it should be open by the time you arrive. It looked really nice. Grotto Bar's makeover was much needed and also looks great.
Yes, the water elevator is still down and likely will never be fixed. The part that is broken is custom and it sounds like they are struggling to replace it. Having done it in 2018? You're not missing anything.
Despite the conference and then the sea of families descending on Thursday for the holiday weekend, I never had trouble getting lounge chairs for both of us. Servers were super attentive and attendants came around every 15-20 minutes, offering free fruit (strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, etc.). This was new for me, and a nice touch.
The only disappointment was that Spa Grande is still under construction (as it was 18 months ago) and it is nowhere remotely near done, so I would guess it will be done sometime next year. But compared to everything else that has recently been updated, I would use it the least.
My complaints were minimal: the usual about having to pay for valet parking and how slow service was at Humu Humu for mediocre food (it was a 2.5 hour meal that felt every bit as long). For similar pricing, I’d skip Humu Humu and go to Mama’s Fish House instead. We had done that the day before and it was the best meal we’ve ever eaten.
The long is above, the short is: don’t be nervous. Switch your reservation because you're going to love it. Have a WONDERFUL time!
EDITED for typos, ugh.
Can you please share what the upgrade price was for the Napua Lounge as a Diamond ? TIA...
May 30, 2023, 7:03 am
#1322
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DAY
Programs: Rapid Rewards, Skymiles, Hilton HHonors, SPG/Marriott Rewards
Posts: 4,944
Jun 2, 2023, 11:26 am
#1324
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LAX
Posts: 211
I’m staying here at the moment and echo everything just said. You will barely notice construction even if you are looking for it. The only obvious construction is the Bistro which has temporary walls erected around the ground floor. That being said there has been zero noise or visible construction from our room or the pools during our entire stay.
In terms of service this is my first time staying here so I don’t have anything to compare to, but so far it has been great. Plenty of staff everywhere in the hotel and I’ve never had to wait more than a few minutes for food or drink at the pool. The valet has also been super quick, even during the dinner rush we only had to wait a few minutes.
I am not sure if the room we are staying in has been updated or not - the decor and finishes all seem new but it’s not modern by any means. It has a sort of timeless island look to it (in a good way). As a data point we are in the Haleakala wing - we had booked a garden view room on points and got upgraded to an ocean view on the 5th floor as a Diamond. It has a large lanai with a double sunbed in addition to the normal seats and table. Definitely would recommend asking for the 5th floor if you have kids since the larger lanai is great for them to hang out and play.
In terms of service this is my first time staying here so I don’t have anything to compare to, but so far it has been great. Plenty of staff everywhere in the hotel and I’ve never had to wait more than a few minutes for food or drink at the pool. The valet has also been super quick, even during the dinner rush we only had to wait a few minutes.
I am not sure if the room we are staying in has been updated or not - the decor and finishes all seem new but it’s not modern by any means. It has a sort of timeless island look to it (in a good way). As a data point we are in the Haleakala wing - we had booked a garden view room on points and got upgraded to an ocean view on the 5th floor as a Diamond. It has a large lanai with a double sunbed in addition to the normal seats and table. Definitely would recommend asking for the 5th floor if you have kids since the larger lanai is great for them to hang out and play.
Jun 3, 2023, 10:19 pm
#1325
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 825
Nearing the end of a 5 night stay on points, due to a conference the property is sold out and no terrace view king was available so we're were upgraded to napua partial ocean view 2 doubles! While I wouldn't be able to justify the $1,900 per night all in the room would cost its an amazing experience, the breakfast is great, the afternoon snacks are top notch and the evening drinks and small plates are great. As previously mentioned the construction noise was not disruptive at the beach or hibiscus pool and aloha trick pony tacos or Korean style fried chicken ar the former cafe kula are a great use of the food and beverage credit.
Jun 4, 2023, 7:51 pm
#1327
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,218
That's funny. First it was a taco truck. Then it seemed like it became a BBQ truck. Now looks like they've combined the two. Wish I could be there now to have one.
Jun 4, 2023, 7:55 pm
#1328
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 825
Jun 4, 2023, 7:57 pm
#1329
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,218
Jun 4, 2023, 7:59 pm
#1330
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 825
Jun 6, 2023, 9:37 am
#1331
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 35
Thanks so much for the great feedback on the GW - thanks to you we have booked to stay there later this year and are now very excited!
Quick question to follow - how does the $25 pp credit work for Hilton Gold/Diamond members? I know it is a maximum of $50 per day per room and have heard that the $50 needs to be charged each day rather than accumulated and spent on one big meal. Does this mean $50 must be spent on check in day, the next day, and the next day, for a three night stay, or does the $50 need to be spent on the first full day, second full day, and check out day, if that makes sense?
Quick question to follow - how does the $25 pp credit work for Hilton Gold/Diamond members? I know it is a maximum of $50 per day per room and have heard that the $50 needs to be charged each day rather than accumulated and spent on one big meal. Does this mean $50 must be spent on check in day, the next day, and the next day, for a three night stay, or does the $50 need to be spent on the first full day, second full day, and check out day, if that makes sense?
Jun 6, 2023, 9:48 am
#1332
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 35
Actually it's a good thing for those who pay to stay at the GW, I just threw it out as a possibility.
Does your apartment have a pool? I woudn't even mention the GW pools to your gang, unless you want to go check them out for a future trip. You can always go over to the GW and just walk around and look. You wouldn't be able to even sit by the pool because you'd need wristbands to do that.
5 people would be very cramped in one regular GW room.
Does your apartment have a pool? I woudn't even mention the GW pools to your gang, unless you want to go check them out for a future trip. You can always go over to the GW and just walk around and look. You wouldn't be able to even sit by the pool because you'd need wristbands to do that.
5 people would be very cramped in one regular GW room.
I just came home from a week-long trip last week. This was my third trip (first in March 2018, second in November 2021). While I kept my expectations tempered based on previous comments on this thread, I can honestly say that our experience was 5 star. There was a conference going on for most of our stay, but we barely noticed. They are more well-staffed than either of my two prior trips and it shows.
We did pay for an upgrade to Napua for a few reasons (we paid with points) and likely wouldn't have done so if it wasn't our honeymoon. We particularly enjoy spending our mornings drinking coffee on the lanai and often have drinks out there in the evening, but with the conference, the only rooms available at check-in were on the first floor and we didn't love the idea of constantly having people walk by when we wanted to enjoy alone time. An ocean view was an added bonus and we took advantage of breakfast/drinks in the Napua Lounge quite a bit. I am a diamond member, but the conference had an overwhelming majority of the rooms and based on the evening entertainment they were paying for and all of their events around the resort, I can see why the GW would have given them the best rooms.
At this point, any room that you book should be newly renovated. The last two wings are currently under renovation. I was technically two doors away from a room actively being renovated (we could see them working inside when we walked past), but I think I maybe heard 5 total minutes work of construction in the middle of one afternoon and it was a drill. If I didn't see the room being worked on, I never would have known. You can reach out in advance to request an updated room, just in case.
The updates are very visible throughout the lobby, which looks more beautiful than ever. The updated Botero Lounge is excellent, and so was the food. We didn't eat at Loulu (the former Cafe Kula), but it looks really nice. Bistro Molokini was just concluding its renovation as we were leaving, so it should be open by the time you arrive. It looked really nice. Grotto Bar's makeover was much needed and also looks great.
Yes, the water elevator is still down and likely will never be fixed. The part that is broken is custom and it sounds like they are struggling to replace it. Having done it in 2018? You're not missing anything.
Despite the conference and then the sea of families descending on Thursday for the holiday weekend, I never had trouble getting lounge chairs for both of us. Servers were super attentive and attendants came around every 15-20 minutes, offering free fruit (strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, etc.). This was new for me, and a nice touch.
The only disappointment was that Spa Grande is still under construction (as it was 18 months ago) and it is nowhere remotely near done, so I would guess it will be done sometime next year. But compared to everything else that has recently been updated, I would use it the least.
My complaints were minimal: the usual about having to pay for valet parking and how slow service was at Humu Humu for mediocre food (it was a 2.5 hour meal that felt every bit as long). For similar pricing, I’d skip Humu Humu and go to Mama’s Fish House instead. We had done that the day before and it was the best meal we’ve ever eaten.
The long is above, the short is: don’t be nervous. Switch your reservation because you're going to love it. Have a WONDERFUL time!
EDITED for typos, ugh.
We did pay for an upgrade to Napua for a few reasons (we paid with points) and likely wouldn't have done so if it wasn't our honeymoon. We particularly enjoy spending our mornings drinking coffee on the lanai and often have drinks out there in the evening, but with the conference, the only rooms available at check-in were on the first floor and we didn't love the idea of constantly having people walk by when we wanted to enjoy alone time. An ocean view was an added bonus and we took advantage of breakfast/drinks in the Napua Lounge quite a bit. I am a diamond member, but the conference had an overwhelming majority of the rooms and based on the evening entertainment they were paying for and all of their events around the resort, I can see why the GW would have given them the best rooms.
At this point, any room that you book should be newly renovated. The last two wings are currently under renovation. I was technically two doors away from a room actively being renovated (we could see them working inside when we walked past), but I think I maybe heard 5 total minutes work of construction in the middle of one afternoon and it was a drill. If I didn't see the room being worked on, I never would have known. You can reach out in advance to request an updated room, just in case.
The updates are very visible throughout the lobby, which looks more beautiful than ever. The updated Botero Lounge is excellent, and so was the food. We didn't eat at Loulu (the former Cafe Kula), but it looks really nice. Bistro Molokini was just concluding its renovation as we were leaving, so it should be open by the time you arrive. It looked really nice. Grotto Bar's makeover was much needed and also looks great.
Yes, the water elevator is still down and likely will never be fixed. The part that is broken is custom and it sounds like they are struggling to replace it. Having done it in 2018? You're not missing anything.
Despite the conference and then the sea of families descending on Thursday for the holiday weekend, I never had trouble getting lounge chairs for both of us. Servers were super attentive and attendants came around every 15-20 minutes, offering free fruit (strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, etc.). This was new for me, and a nice touch.
The only disappointment was that Spa Grande is still under construction (as it was 18 months ago) and it is nowhere remotely near done, so I would guess it will be done sometime next year. But compared to everything else that has recently been updated, I would use it the least.
My complaints were minimal: the usual about having to pay for valet parking and how slow service was at Humu Humu for mediocre food (it was a 2.5 hour meal that felt every bit as long). For similar pricing, I’d skip Humu Humu and go to Mama’s Fish House instead. We had done that the day before and it was the best meal we’ve ever eaten.
The long is above, the short is: don’t be nervous. Switch your reservation because you're going to love it. Have a WONDERFUL time!
EDITED for typos, ugh.
Did you happen to see a menu for the Grotto Bar by any chance? I can’t see one online and am wondering if it offers food or just drinks. My brother is only 18 so I am not sure if he will be allowed to enter with us regardless; in the U.K. this isn’t an issue for us as 18 year olds can drink and under 18s are usually allowed in bars and pubs anyway.
I’m staying here at the moment and echo everything just said. You will barely notice construction even if you are looking for it. The only obvious construction is the Bistro which has temporary walls erected around the ground floor. That being said there has been zero noise or visible construction from our room or the pools during our entire stay.
In terms of service this is my first time staying here so I don’t have anything to compare to, but so far it has been great. Plenty of staff everywhere in the hotel and I’ve never had to wait more than a few minutes for food or drink at the pool. The valet has also been super quick, even during the dinner rush we only had to wait a few minutes.
I am not sure if the room we are staying in has been updated or not - the decor and finishes all seem new but it’s not modern by any means. It has a sort of timeless island look to it (in a good way). As a data point we are in the Haleakala wing - we had booked a garden view room on points and got upgraded to an ocean view on the 5th floor as a Diamond. It has a large lanai with a double sunbed in addition to the normal seats and table. Definitely would recommend asking for the 5th floor if you have kids since the larger lanai is great for them to hang out and play.
In terms of service this is my first time staying here so I don’t have anything to compare to, but so far it has been great. Plenty of staff everywhere in the hotel and I’ve never had to wait more than a few minutes for food or drink at the pool. The valet has also been super quick, even during the dinner rush we only had to wait a few minutes.
I am not sure if the room we are staying in has been updated or not - the decor and finishes all seem new but it’s not modern by any means. It has a sort of timeless island look to it (in a good way). As a data point we are in the Haleakala wing - we had booked a garden view room on points and got upgraded to an ocean view on the 5th floor as a Diamond. It has a large lanai with a double sunbed in addition to the normal seats and table. Definitely would recommend asking for the 5th floor if you have kids since the larger lanai is great for them to hang out and play.
Nearing the end of a 5 night stay on points, due to a conference the property is sold out and no terrace view king was available so we're were upgraded to napua partial ocean view 2 doubles! While I wouldn't be able to justify the $1,900 per night all in the room would cost its an amazing experience, the breakfast is great, the afternoon snacks are top notch and the evening drinks and small plates are great. As previously mentioned the construction noise was not disruptive at the beach or hibiscus pool and aloha trick pony tacos or Korean style fried chicken ar the former cafe kula are a great use of the food and beverage credit.
The menu on the GW site now only shows tacos and pizza, which is a shame as we like the look of the BBQ menu!
Jun 7, 2023, 2:52 am
#1333
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 825
We ended up booking 2 rooms, so hopefully will have plenty of space (and a bit more resort credit!) Thanks for all of your input
Thank you so much for all of your advice! You’ve sold me on booking and we’ve just secured rooms there for later this year.
Did you happen to see a menu for the Grotto Bar by any chance? I can’t see one online and am wondering if it offers food or just drinks. My brother is only 18 so I am not sure if he will be allowed to enter with us regardless; in the U.K. this isn’t an issue for us as 18 year olds can drink and under 18s are usually allowed in bars and pubs anyway.
Thank you for your feedback! If the guest rooms look new then hopefully that signals they have been refurbished - the old guest rooms definitely don’t look new from the photos I’ve seen! Really appreciate the tip regarding the fifth floor too!
That sounds fantastic - how lucky to secure such a good upgrade! We definitely plan on getting food from Loulu and Aloha Trick Pony to make our credit stretch a bit further.
The menu on the GW site now only shows tacos and pizza, which is a shame as we like the look of the BBQ menu!
Thank you so much for all of your advice! You’ve sold me on booking and we’ve just secured rooms there for later this year.
Did you happen to see a menu for the Grotto Bar by any chance? I can’t see one online and am wondering if it offers food or just drinks. My brother is only 18 so I am not sure if he will be allowed to enter with us regardless; in the U.K. this isn’t an issue for us as 18 year olds can drink and under 18s are usually allowed in bars and pubs anyway.
Thank you for your feedback! If the guest rooms look new then hopefully that signals they have been refurbished - the old guest rooms definitely don’t look new from the photos I’ve seen! Really appreciate the tip regarding the fifth floor too!
That sounds fantastic - how lucky to secure such a good upgrade! We definitely plan on getting food from Loulu and Aloha Trick Pony to make our credit stretch a bit further.
The menu on the GW site now only shows tacos and pizza, which is a shame as we like the look of the BBQ menu!
Jun 7, 2023, 10:25 am
#1334
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,218
Thanks so much for the great feedback on the GW - thanks to you we have booked to stay there later this year and are now very excited!
Quick question to follow - how does the $25 pp credit work for Hilton Gold/Diamond members? I know it is a maximum of $50 per day per room and have heard that the $50 needs to be charged each day rather than accumulated and spent on one big meal. Does this mean $50 must be spent on check in day, the next day, and the next day, for a three night stay, or does the $50 need to be spent on the first full day, second full day, and check out day, if that makes sense?
Quick question to follow - how does the $25 pp credit work for Hilton Gold/Diamond members? I know it is a maximum of $50 per day per room and have heard that the $50 needs to be charged each day rather than accumulated and spent on one big meal. Does this mean $50 must be spent on check in day, the next day, and the next day, for a three night stay, or does the $50 need to be spent on the first full day, second full day, and check out day, if that makes sense?
But I'm confused - did you give up your condo or is this an add-on to that trip?
Jun 7, 2023, 1:46 pm
#1335
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LAX
Posts: 211
Just got back from staying here for a week. As I mentioned upthread the stay was mostly great - my only real disappointment was the breakfast at Ikena. The extortionate prices were expected - it is a five star resort in Maui, after all. What disappointed me the most was the lack of selection in the buffet. It was mostly a standard buffet with eggs, sausage, bagels, pancakes, etc. There were a few notable items like the kalua pork benedict, but even that was a bit disappointing with the pork being dry and not having much flavor.
Even something that should be an easy home run - fresh tropical fruit - was missing from the buffet. They had a bit of pineapple and papaya which was delicious, but nothing else. They had some standard fruit too like blueberries and strawberries that were under-ripe and not very tasty. Overall it was barely better than the breakfast you'd get at a Doubletree for more than twice the price. After the first two days we opted to eat at Loulu instead since the buffet simply wasn't worth it.
Even something that should be an easy home run - fresh tropical fruit - was missing from the buffet. They had a bit of pineapple and papaya which was delicious, but nothing else. They had some standard fruit too like blueberries and strawberries that were under-ripe and not very tasty. Overall it was barely better than the breakfast you'd get at a Doubletree for more than twice the price. After the first two days we opted to eat at Loulu instead since the buffet simply wasn't worth it.