Andaz Maui REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
#2086
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 6
Went a year ago for a long weekend and had a great time -- posted to that effect somewhere above.
Since then, the buzz on this board was somewhat dulling my appetite. However, my spouse, who doesn't (to my knowledge) read this board, definitely wanted to go back. So we did.
And glad we did. It was just as pleasant and fun as a year ago. I guess a lot of it is how and where you situate yourself. The Pantry breakfast was fine as a Diamond. It's pretty much what you get in other Hyatts, with better fruit. (Last year, the worst gluttony I had seen at the go-for-broke all-you-can-eat pre-reform breakfast was with respect to fruit. Some people seemed to be carting away blueberries like they were bitcoins. Were they reselling them to Safeway?) We ate plenty, enjoyed the views, etc.
The other change was the resort fee. We pretty much go to the Andaz Maui to go to the Andaz, not to Maui, and to vegetate (briefly!) So I did not mind that having made the reservation some months back, didn't have to pay the resort fee... or use the adult toys one gets in exchange. I'm cheap, so if I had had to pay, I would have probably forced myself to use them. (Note to dajoip: It was perfectly clear -- as in, this stuff shows up on a computer screen that they call up when you show up in front of them -- that if we had used some of that stuff, we would have gotten the pleasure of paying the resort fee. Now you [or somebody else] might argue that there are plenty of things bundled in their list of resort fee "benefits," like internet, that I did use, and I didn't get charged for those, so .... But that would be you [or somebody else] making the argument.)
Main point is, the place is still beautiful, and the service is more good than bad. I like the fact that they don't bug you too much, and that most of the folks genuinely try to help if you come up with a real need for something. Yeah, at b'fast each morning there were too many folks buzzing around with adverb and adjective modified hellos and absolutely zero follow through or sound recognition of response -- that's the bad Andaz style -- but there were also plenty of genuinely cool, competent staff people in the rest of the hotel who did give the place a good vibe.
Before I forget, three things I knew for this visit from this board that I hadn't known on the first visit and that added to the ease of the stay:
My small contribution in addition is for the non-car rental folks: The guys at Maui's Own Transporation Specialists (to and from airport) are every bit as good as their spotless Yelp reviews. $4 more than a Roberts van, which stops everywhere and wants to pick you up 9 hours before departure.
The one thing is, I really can't imagine ever going here except as a Diamond (diminished b'fast benefits notwithstanding) because a lot of the single rooms are pricey and nothing special. The resort fee will soon take this thing out of my fun zone, which is basically P+C (or cash equivalent, figure 2 cents or a little more per point) + DSU + late checkout (almost like an extra day) - some HGP discount (MER last year, whatever this 15% HI thing is this year) - gift certificate discounts. Everyone has different tastes in suites, but the two we have had were just perfect for our needs. (Way) Short of that (the singles), and with base costs mounting (leaving it difficult to leave money at the very nice Lehua bar, which also serves excellent food), I'm not sure I'd race back.
Since then, the buzz on this board was somewhat dulling my appetite. However, my spouse, who doesn't (to my knowledge) read this board, definitely wanted to go back. So we did.
And glad we did. It was just as pleasant and fun as a year ago. I guess a lot of it is how and where you situate yourself. The Pantry breakfast was fine as a Diamond. It's pretty much what you get in other Hyatts, with better fruit. (Last year, the worst gluttony I had seen at the go-for-broke all-you-can-eat pre-reform breakfast was with respect to fruit. Some people seemed to be carting away blueberries like they were bitcoins. Were they reselling them to Safeway?) We ate plenty, enjoyed the views, etc.
The other change was the resort fee. We pretty much go to the Andaz Maui to go to the Andaz, not to Maui, and to vegetate (briefly!) So I did not mind that having made the reservation some months back, didn't have to pay the resort fee... or use the adult toys one gets in exchange. I'm cheap, so if I had had to pay, I would have probably forced myself to use them. (Note to dajoip: It was perfectly clear -- as in, this stuff shows up on a computer screen that they call up when you show up in front of them -- that if we had used some of that stuff, we would have gotten the pleasure of paying the resort fee. Now you [or somebody else] might argue that there are plenty of things bundled in their list of resort fee "benefits," like internet, that I did use, and I didn't get charged for those, so .... But that would be you [or somebody else] making the argument.)
Main point is, the place is still beautiful, and the service is more good than bad. I like the fact that they don't bug you too much, and that most of the folks genuinely try to help if you come up with a real need for something. Yeah, at b'fast each morning there were too many folks buzzing around with adverb and adjective modified hellos and absolutely zero follow through or sound recognition of response -- that's the bad Andaz style -- but there were also plenty of genuinely cool, competent staff people in the rest of the hotel who did give the place a good vibe.
Before I forget, three things I knew for this visit from this board that I hadn't known on the first visit and that added to the ease of the stay:
- The prompt and free (tip aside) car service that the guys at the front run for trips to other spots in Wailea. Very easy and the pick-ups for return were lightning fast. A realy nice gesture since of course they are leisurely abetting taking food and drink spend off property. Made for some easy and fun nights out, especially not having to worry about driving -- even a short way -- home.
- The sun tan lotion available everywhere. Okay, the coconut smell and texture did get me mixed up with the Andy's Haupia cake I picked up at Safeway last night, but let's focus on the positive: Having a lot of this glop around, and free, makes it hard not to use it. And that sun is hot, whether you realize it or not. Folks in the latter category painfully on display.... Use it people. The price point is right: It's free!
- The washing machines on the 2nd floor, Makai wing: Better than your college washing machines (and dryers), and no need for quarters. It's all there. A great touch, especially since it is no fun lugging back sweaty and sandy sports, pool, and beachware. Cuts the number of redundant items you need to bring, too, which makes the flight less stressful (overhead luggage space).
My small contribution in addition is for the non-car rental folks: The guys at Maui's Own Transporation Specialists (to and from airport) are every bit as good as their spotless Yelp reviews. $4 more than a Roberts van, which stops everywhere and wants to pick you up 9 hours before departure.
The one thing is, I really can't imagine ever going here except as a Diamond (diminished b'fast benefits notwithstanding) because a lot of the single rooms are pricey and nothing special. The resort fee will soon take this thing out of my fun zone, which is basically P+C (or cash equivalent, figure 2 cents or a little more per point) + DSU + late checkout (almost like an extra day) - some HGP discount (MER last year, whatever this 15% HI thing is this year) - gift certificate discounts. Everyone has different tastes in suites, but the two we have had were just perfect for our needs. (Way) Short of that (the singles), and with base costs mounting (leaving it difficult to leave money at the very nice Lehua bar, which also serves excellent food), I'm not sure I'd race back.
#2087
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: NJ
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, UA Silver, dirt elsewhere
Posts: 46,919
In every hotel I've ever stayed where the resort fee was waived I've received the benefits. I would expect this hotel to be the same.
#2088
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, AA Gold, FB Gold, ITA Volare Executive
Posts: 3,294
Thanks for the detailed info. Did you call/email in advance that you'd like to skip the resort fee, because you made the reservation prior to its introduction or did you simply mention that during check-in? I made my reservation in the beginning of the year for later this year, and my reservation details show the resort fee added so I was just wondering if I needed to contact them in advance to let them know I won't be using any of the resort fee stuff.
In sum, I looked at the introduction of the resort fee post-booking as a negative checkoff from which I wanted to be excluded. In the future, no one will be able to say, "But I don't want that stuff" when confronted with a resort fee. I think that's what we all hate about them (in addition to the semi-deceptiveness of a rate increase that does not show on pricing). Thanks to HGP, I felt I still had the option to opt-out. Under the circumstances (our preferences), I did not want to press the point further. I was happy not to have to pay the resort fee on this visit (since I had not planned for it in my booking) nor to have had to argue it off the bill at checkout (a known buzz-kill at departure).
#2089
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Michigan
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 503
Note to dajoip: It was perfectly clear -- as in, this stuff shows up on a computer screen that they call up when you show up in front of them -- that if we had used some of that stuff, we would have gotten the pleasure of paying the resort fee. Now you [or somebody else] might argue that there are plenty of things bundled in their list of resort fee "benefits," like internet, that I did use, and I didn't get charged for those, so .... But that would be you [or somebody else] making the argument.
I'd also be very appreciative if anyone with any knowledge would be willing to respond to these remaining questions of mine.
- Is there a property map available?
- Staying as a Hyatt Diamond on a full points reservation, what are the "best" rooms to request in advance (in the case they go out of their way to upgrade our stay)? I read rooms 639, 739-740 are gorgeous suites, so I doubt those will be possible on a basic points reservation (even as a Diamond)...? If not, what rooms would be worth asking for?
- Is Michael Stephens the current GM? If/when I send a room request email, are there other individuals (Concierge Manager or Front Office Manager...?) who would be appropriate to contact prior to a lengthy stay as a Diamond member?
- Can someone outline the Kihei parking option, as we will have a rental car for the duration of our stay? From what I've gathered, we can park in the hotel lot for "free" (+tip) during the day, but will be charged if parked overnight?
Last edited by dajoip; Jul 30, 2015 at 9:48 am
#2090
For a map I have seen this: http://www.joshuametzger.com/ under his portfolio. But if you read this thread you will see which rooms and suites most prefer.
#2091
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Michigan
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 503
There's nothing confusing about resort fees.... it's an extra charge that only in name carries benefits. Since everybody pays the resort fee it's normally (I would find parking charges to be the exception when they are included) something that should be included for free but is now used as an excuse for the resort fee. When it's waived you will still get all the benefits, since that's what everybody gets.
Either way, it'd just be nice to have a definitive answer so everybody knows what to expect. I don't think that's too much to ask for, and it's been very difficult to get thus far.
For a map I have seen this: http://www.joshuametzger.com/ under his portfolio. But if you read this thread you will see which rooms and suites most prefer.
Last edited by dajoip; Jul 31, 2015 at 7:52 am
#2092
Join Date: Oct 2010
Programs: SPG Gold, Hyatt GP Platinum
Posts: 468
There's nothing confusing about resort fees.... it's an extra charge that only in name carries benefits. Since everybody pays the resort fee it's normally (I would find parking charges to be the exception when they are included) something that should be included for free but is now used as an excuse for the resort fee. When it's waived you will still get all the benefits, since that's what everybody gets.
So yes, resort fees are ridiculous (especially at $40) and confusing. They should just add it to the room rate.
#2093
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 303
Can anyone confirm if GP points only reservations are being charged the $40 resort fee. And is this on top of the $30 mandatory valet parking fee on top of the resort fee?
Is it possible to get free parking on any nearby street or parking lot of this hotel in walking distance?
If its a matter of paying $40+$30=$70 per night on top of using points, making me reconsider staying here!
Is it possible to get free parking on any nearby street or parking lot of this hotel in walking distance?
If its a matter of paying $40+$30=$70 per night on top of using points, making me reconsider staying here!
#2094
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA & DL / SPG & HGP
Posts: 1,723
Can anyone confirm if GP points only reservations are being charged the $40 resort fee. And is this on top of the $30 mandatory valet parking fee on top of the resort fee?
Is it possible to get free parking on any nearby street or parking lot of this hotel in walking distance?
If its a matter of paying $40+$30=$70 per night on top of using points, making me reconsider staying here!
Is it possible to get free parking on any nearby street or parking lot of this hotel in walking distance?
If its a matter of paying $40+$30=$70 per night on top of using points, making me reconsider staying here!
#2095
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Virginia, USA
Posts: 4,508
Resort fees are actually very confusing. I contacted the hotel if resort fees applies to GP rewards, and they say YES. On FT, the GP Concierge says NO. So if I don't pay for resort fees, can we use all the resort benefits? I'm hearing mixed answers for this.
So yes, resort fees are ridiculous (especially at $40) and confusing. They should just add it to the room rate.
So yes, resort fees are ridiculous (especially at $40) and confusing. They should just add it to the room rate.
#2096
Moderator: GLBT Travelers & Hyatt Gold Passport
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CVG
Posts: 15,300
I'm not sure how else to say this, but for the umpteenth time, strictly award bookings on points (or presumably the credit card signup nights) will not be charged the resort fee but the parking fee applies. I'm not posting this again in this thread.
#2097
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 303
I just called the hotel myself anyway now and got the answer that it is NOT charged for points bookings so thanks.
My other question was about whether there is a way to find free parking nearby on a street or somewhere and circumvent the $30/day valet parking, if anyone may know. Thanks
#2098
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA & DL / SPG & HGP
Posts: 1,723
PM me for more info.
#2099
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 303
Thanks for your suggestions on parking by Fairmont or Kihei, will explore that. I havent found this to be suggested elsewhere in the thread and am sure theres other FT'rs out there to whom this will be helpful info too.
#2100
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Programs: AS MVPG, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 983
I'm staying here late this month, booked last year before the resort fee was introduced. Got an email yesterday saying that I could opt in to pay the resort fee if I wanted the benefits - leads me to assume that the benefits are not included for those who are exempt from the resort fee, booked prior to April 2015.
I'm not sure how else to say this, but for the umpteenth time, strictly award bookings on points (or presumably the credit card signup nights) will not be charged the resort fee but the parking fee applies. I'm not posting this again in this thread.
I'm not sure how else to say this, but for the umpteenth time, strictly award bookings on points (or presumably the credit card signup nights) will not be charged the resort fee but the parking fee applies. I'm not posting this again in this thread.