Andaz Maui REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Apr 5, 2015, 1:56 am
#1906
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
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Posts: 20,435
Will we get some dead animal pics soon?
Apr 5, 2015, 2:00 am
#1907
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: BCT. Formerly known as attorney28
Programs: LH HON,BA GGL GfL,Hyatt LT Glob,Mrtt LT P,Hilt LT D,IC Amb,Acc P,GHA Tit,LHW Strlg,Sixt/Av/Hz D/Pres
Posts: 6,826
Sheesh. You're making it sound like the Hyatt Regency Phuket.
Will we get some dead animal pics soon?
Will we get some dead animal pics soon?
. Anyway, I'll continue the rant tomorrow .
Apr 5, 2015, 2:31 am
#1908
Suspended
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Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
If the resort fee included self or valet parking I would have little to no issues with it, but without including parking it seems like a pure money grab. I think $70/day worth of mandatory charges (assuming you bring a car) would leave a bad taste for me regardless of the other aspects of my stay.
But I'm sure the people that recommend these charges know a lot more about the hotel business than I do so I'm guessing they must not have that big of a negative impact on overall guest satisfaction.
But I'm sure the people that recommend these charges know a lot more about the hotel business than I do so I'm guessing they must not have that big of a negative impact on overall guest satisfaction.
Last edited by GUWonder; Apr 5, 2015 at 3:23 pm
Apr 5, 2015, 8:12 am
#1909
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PHL , EWR
Programs: AA Platinum, UA Gold, Hyatt Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 293
Exactly ! It sounds like $40 is the price of admission to be able to pay more to rent these things. They should just call it a rental retainer fee.
Apr 6, 2015, 5:07 am
#1910
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Upcountry Maui, HI
Posts: 13,311
Also, whoever designed the 2 mm high sinks and the showers deserves to be shot immediately (not 100 % serious, but they are ridiculous - form over function).
-David
Apr 6, 2015, 5:15 am
#1911
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,527
Apr 6, 2015, 7:49 am
#1913
Used to be " vincentppetty "
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: DL Platinum/1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Titanium; Loews Platinum; GHA/Omni Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 553
Eagerly awaiting my visit
I just wanted to say that it is very nice to see Andaz Maui reaching out and posting in this forum. It is great to see a property try to get actively involved and respond to comments/questions.
I echo "777" in the fact that everyone I have spoken with at the property in advance of my travels has been very friendly and helpful.
As for the complaints about the resort fee - maybe it is just because I am based in Florida, but resort fees seem second nature to me and I have grown to expect them when traveling to tropical properties. It all comes down to the inclusions provided for that resort fee to determine if it is worth it; and, for what the Andaz appears to be offering, I think it sounds like an amazing value. For the snorkeling gear alone, a great value as this property sits directly next to a truly beautiful reef that is perfect for snorkeling. As a youth, we rented condos next door to where the Andaz has taken root and I learned to scuba dive on that very reef. The free snorkeling amenities in addition to all of the other inclusions sound like a great value.
Honestly, when you compare the resort and parking fees, the Andaz appears to be in line with everyone else:
-Grand Hyatt Kauai
Resort Fee: $25
Parking: $15 valet / free self
**but, note the resort fee does not include anywhere near as much as is included at the Andaz, and the property had room for a large self parking lot where-as Andaz does not.
-Hyatt Regency Maui
Resort Fee: $30
Parking: $20 valet / $16 self
**note, parking NOT included in the resort fee, which is quite common at Hyatt properties; also, the resort fee similarly does not include anywhere near as much as is included at the Andaz.
-Grand Wailea
Resort Fee: $30
Parking: $30 valet / no self parking
**similar to Andaz, parking is not included in the resort fee; the resort fee does not cover as much as the Andaz and the room rates are significantly higher than those at the Andaz
-Four Seasons Wailea
Resort Fee: NONE
Parking: $27 valet / no self parking
**note, although no "resort fee" per se, the hotel rates are significantly higher, so it has likely already been built into the rate
-Fairmont Kea Lani (Wailea)
Resort Fee: $30
Parking: $25 valet / self parking included in resort fee
**this appears to be the only luxury property offering free self parking in Wailea; but this could likely have been built into the significantly higher room rates at this property
So, when one compares the rates at the Hyatt properties in Hawaii, as well as the similar properties in Wailea, the resort fees and parking seem reasonable. So long as the resort fee is being explicitly disclosed and not being applied retroactively, I see no problem with it of any kind.
Now, a disclaimer - my stay is prior to the start of the resort fees, but I am still used to paying such fees everywhere I go in Florida, so had my stay been subject to the fees, it would not have bothered me.
I truly look forward to my stay and promise a review an update after my trip.
I echo "777" in the fact that everyone I have spoken with at the property in advance of my travels has been very friendly and helpful.
As for the complaints about the resort fee - maybe it is just because I am based in Florida, but resort fees seem second nature to me and I have grown to expect them when traveling to tropical properties. It all comes down to the inclusions provided for that resort fee to determine if it is worth it; and, for what the Andaz appears to be offering, I think it sounds like an amazing value. For the snorkeling gear alone, a great value as this property sits directly next to a truly beautiful reef that is perfect for snorkeling. As a youth, we rented condos next door to where the Andaz has taken root and I learned to scuba dive on that very reef. The free snorkeling amenities in addition to all of the other inclusions sound like a great value.
Honestly, when you compare the resort and parking fees, the Andaz appears to be in line with everyone else:
-Grand Hyatt Kauai
Resort Fee: $25
Parking: $15 valet / free self
**but, note the resort fee does not include anywhere near as much as is included at the Andaz, and the property had room for a large self parking lot where-as Andaz does not.
-Hyatt Regency Maui
Resort Fee: $30
Parking: $20 valet / $16 self
**note, parking NOT included in the resort fee, which is quite common at Hyatt properties; also, the resort fee similarly does not include anywhere near as much as is included at the Andaz.
-Grand Wailea
Resort Fee: $30
Parking: $30 valet / no self parking
**similar to Andaz, parking is not included in the resort fee; the resort fee does not cover as much as the Andaz and the room rates are significantly higher than those at the Andaz
-Four Seasons Wailea
Resort Fee: NONE
Parking: $27 valet / no self parking
**note, although no "resort fee" per se, the hotel rates are significantly higher, so it has likely already been built into the rate
-Fairmont Kea Lani (Wailea)
Resort Fee: $30
Parking: $25 valet / self parking included in resort fee
**this appears to be the only luxury property offering free self parking in Wailea; but this could likely have been built into the significantly higher room rates at this property
So, when one compares the rates at the Hyatt properties in Hawaii, as well as the similar properties in Wailea, the resort fees and parking seem reasonable. So long as the resort fee is being explicitly disclosed and not being applied retroactively, I see no problem with it of any kind.
Now, a disclaimer - my stay is prior to the start of the resort fees, but I am still used to paying such fees everywhere I go in Florida, so had my stay been subject to the fees, it would not have bothered me.
I truly look forward to my stay and promise a review an update after my trip.
Apr 6, 2015, 8:16 am
#1914
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,130
This andaz (like most) was definitely form over function. It got to be comical... that said we had mixed service. . Some great, other times spotty or arogant. Had to carefully review folio during stay and afterwards had a surprise on Amex that wasn't on final folio ($300+ charge) that took several calls and over a week to fix. We'd probably stay here on award again only if fee is reduced or eliminated for award diamond stays. We will watch and see how things develop.
Apr 6, 2015, 8:34 am
#1915
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
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Posts: 102,095
Some of my clients have corporate rates for Florida and other Hyatt resort properties that come with both a waiver of the resort fees and a huge discount on the nightly rate compared to the BAR and AAA (and even deceased MyElite ) rates.
Apr 6, 2015, 11:42 pm
#1916
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Germany
Programs: IC Dia, Hyatt Globlist, Hilton Gold, Star Alliance Gold, Emirates Gold, BA Gold
Posts: 558
This andaz (like most) was definitely form over function. It got to be comical... that said we had mixed service. . Some great, other times spotty or arogant. Had to carefully review folio during stay and afterwards had a surprise on Amex that wasn't on final folio ($300+ charge) that took several calls and over a week to fix. We'd probably stay here on award again only if fee is reduced or eliminated for award diamond stays. We will watch and see how things develop.
This is a great place with many good things going for it. Potential wow. however I have never come across such an arrogant staff.
Yesterday I walk to the beach and the too cool for cats guy (those who have been here know) looks at me, looks back at his iPod, picks a track and continues to listen. Don't worry about a towel for Mr Dewby he does not need one.
It is this service issue. Awful. Apart from that paradise.
Apr 7, 2015, 12:15 am
#1917
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,086
I just wanted to say that it is very nice to see Andaz Maui reaching out and posting in this forum. It is great to see a property try to get actively involved and respond to comments/questions.
I echo "777" in the fact that everyone I have spoken with at the property in advance of my travels has been very friendly and helpful.
As for the complaints about the resort fee - maybe it is just because I am based in Florida, but resort fees seem second nature to me and I have grown to expect them when traveling to tropical properties. It all comes down to the inclusions provided for that resort fee to determine if it is worth it; and, for what the Andaz appears to be offering, I think it sounds like an amazing value. For the snorkeling gear alone, a great value as this property sits directly next to a truly beautiful reef that is perfect for snorkeling. As a youth, we rented condos next door to where the Andaz has taken root and I learned to scuba dive on that very reef. The free snorkeling amenities in addition to all of the other inclusions sound like a great value.
Honestly, when you compare the resort and parking fees, the Andaz appears to be in line with everyone
So, when one compares the rates at the Hyatt properties in Hawaii, as well as the similar properties in Wailea, the resort fees and parking seem reasonable. So long as the resort fee is being explicitly disclosed and not being applied retroactively, I see no problem with it of any kind.
Now, a disclaimer - my stay is prior to the start of the resort fees, but I am still used to paying such fees everywhere I go in Florida, so had my stay been subject to the fees, it would not have bothered me.
I truly look forward to my stay and promise a review an update after my trip.
I echo "777" in the fact that everyone I have spoken with at the property in advance of my travels has been very friendly and helpful.
As for the complaints about the resort fee - maybe it is just because I am based in Florida, but resort fees seem second nature to me and I have grown to expect them when traveling to tropical properties. It all comes down to the inclusions provided for that resort fee to determine if it is worth it; and, for what the Andaz appears to be offering, I think it sounds like an amazing value. For the snorkeling gear alone, a great value as this property sits directly next to a truly beautiful reef that is perfect for snorkeling. As a youth, we rented condos next door to where the Andaz has taken root and I learned to scuba dive on that very reef. The free snorkeling amenities in addition to all of the other inclusions sound like a great value.
Honestly, when you compare the resort and parking fees, the Andaz appears to be in line with everyone
So, when one compares the rates at the Hyatt properties in Hawaii, as well as the similar properties in Wailea, the resort fees and parking seem reasonable. So long as the resort fee is being explicitly disclosed and not being applied retroactively, I see no problem with it of any kind.
Now, a disclaimer - my stay is prior to the start of the resort fees, but I am still used to paying such fees everywhere I go in Florida, so had my stay been subject to the fees, it would not have bothered me.
I truly look forward to my stay and promise a review an update after my trip.
Long before the new resort fee surfaced I shared with the property that more important than add on costs
and up charges is the actual experience during the stay
Does the hotel bring value and wow factor to make the costs insignificant
I've never regretted higher costs when the stay was truly excellent and my Diamond recognition met or exceeded my expectations
I do have concerns after reading some of the posts here but I am remaining optimistic and will share my own assessment through a variety of social media channels including our FT Hyatt GP community here sometime after departure
In closing sometime putting out a positive energy and a smile to a hardworking team
gets you marvelous service back in return
With rare exception I find kindness and passion at so many properties around the world
and so many random acts of kindness sometimes from the properties u least suspect to deliver
But failures can and do exist no matter how many rose colored sunglasses you wear
Cheers
Last edited by 777 global mile hound; Apr 7, 2015 at 12:23 am
Apr 7, 2015, 2:24 am
#1918
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Germany
Programs: IC Dia, Hyatt Globlist, Hilton Gold, Star Alliance Gold, Emirates Gold, BA Gold
Posts: 558
Appreciate the post ,kind words and interesting overview of resort fee structures ^
Long before the new resort fee surfaced I shared with the property that more important than add on costs
and up charges is the actual experience during the stay
Does the hotel bring value and wow factor to make the costs insignificant
I've never regretted higher costs when the stay was truly excellent and my Diamond recognition met or exceeded my expectations
I do have concerns after reading some of the posts here but I am remaining optimistic and will share my own assessment through a variety of social media channels including our FT Hyatt GP community here sometime after departure
In closing sometime putting out a positive energy and a smile to a hardworking team
gets you marvelous service back in return
With rare exception I find kindness and passion at so many properties around the world
and so many random acts of kindness sometimes from the properties u least suspect to deliver
But failures can and do exist no matter how many rose colored sunglasses you wear
Cheers
Long before the new resort fee surfaced I shared with the property that more important than add on costs
and up charges is the actual experience during the stay
Does the hotel bring value and wow factor to make the costs insignificant
I've never regretted higher costs when the stay was truly excellent and my Diamond recognition met or exceeded my expectations
I do have concerns after reading some of the posts here but I am remaining optimistic and will share my own assessment through a variety of social media channels including our FT Hyatt GP community here sometime after departure
In closing sometime putting out a positive energy and a smile to a hardworking team
gets you marvelous service back in return
With rare exception I find kindness and passion at so many properties around the world
and so many random acts of kindness sometimes from the properties u least suspect to deliver
But failures can and do exist no matter how many rose colored sunglasses you wear
Cheers
I also hoped, so hoped this to be the case but here it just seems to be spoilt by a few staff. Never experienced the attitude before. I can not recall the OP who said too cool for cats but it is bang on.
My surprise is the valet parking team, they are real good and focus on customer service. A lot of the others I feel would rather be in the pool with the guests, in fact some probably are.
I won't return regardless of the good points.
Apr 7, 2015, 3:23 am
#1919
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: BCT. Formerly known as attorney28
Programs: LH HON,BA GGL GfL,Hyatt LT Glob,Mrtt LT P,Hilt LT D,IC Amb,Acc P,GHA Tit,LHW Strlg,Sixt/Av/Hz D/Pres
Posts: 6,826
I agree with your comments about some of the staff, although others are very nice and friendly.
Overall, we are enjoying our stay here so far, despite the above and despite some feeling of "stingyness" (minibar, weird breakfast policy) and despite some weird things in the room setup. Nice pools and surroundings.
Apr 7, 2015, 7:39 am
#1920
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Germany
Programs: IC Dia, Hyatt Globlist, Hilton Gold, Star Alliance Gold, Emirates Gold, BA Gold
Posts: 558
That guy just seems weird. Never smiles, just stands there. When I asked him to make me an apple ginger juice, he tried to point me towards the few pre-made bottles of juice, but then he complied. Just seems a bit lost, more than anything.
I agree with your comments about some of the staff, although others are very nice and friendly.
Overall, we are enjoying our stay here so far, despite the above and despite some feeling of "stingyness" (minibar, weird breakfast policy) and despite some weird things in the room setup. Nice pools and surroundings.
I agree with your comments about some of the staff, although others are very nice and friendly.
Overall, we are enjoying our stay here so far, despite the above and despite some feeling of "stingyness" (minibar, weird breakfast policy) and despite some weird things in the room setup. Nice pools and surroundings.
Maui is magical for sure. if I come back I guess I will seek alternative digs.