Andaz Maui REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Jul 25, 2014, 2:24 am
#1006
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
The reason I posted about my experience is that virtually every other poster seems to be a Hyatt Diamond...they talk about their ocean view room, or lovely free breakfast.
I wanted to give a little perspective to those people who are thinking about staying at the Andaz Maui and are not Hyatt Diamonds.
I had a hunch we were going to be let down when I called the hotel after I made my initial reservation to see what type of upgrade we could get (either complimentary or purchased). At this point, the hotel was not nearly sold out (no convention), yet the only offer was an ocean view upgrade for $175 (+taxes) per night. I think the most I've ever paid for a non-suite upgrade is $75 at any hotel. The Kea Lani offered a full ocean on higher floor for a mere $60.00/night. The way were were treated there was the exact opposite of the Andaz - and it was the same situation (free CC nights). Fairmont has gained a customer who will be willing to try out their hotels in the future, which it seems is the entire purpose of these CC offers!
We still had a wonderful time after our initial disappointment (which, FWIW, was conveyed to management and corporate - both of whom did nothing -not even a return call or follow up!). If you can't enjoy Wailea, then you need to have your head examined!
I wanted to give a little perspective to those people who are thinking about staying at the Andaz Maui and are not Hyatt Diamonds.
I had a hunch we were going to be let down when I called the hotel after I made my initial reservation to see what type of upgrade we could get (either complimentary or purchased). At this point, the hotel was not nearly sold out (no convention), yet the only offer was an ocean view upgrade for $175 (+taxes) per night. I think the most I've ever paid for a non-suite upgrade is $75 at any hotel. The Kea Lani offered a full ocean on higher floor for a mere $60.00/night. The way were were treated there was the exact opposite of the Andaz - and it was the same situation (free CC nights). Fairmont has gained a customer who will be willing to try out their hotels in the future, which it seems is the entire purpose of these CC offers!
We still had a wonderful time after our initial disappointment (which, FWIW, was conveyed to management and corporate - both of whom did nothing -not even a return call or follow up!). If you can't enjoy Wailea, then you need to have your head examined!
Hmmmmm.
Jul 25, 2014, 7:35 am
#1007
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Virginia, USA
Posts: 4,511
"Enjoy a preferred room including rooms on higher floors or larger rooms, BASED ON AVAILABILITY upon arrival."
Most seasoned travelers with mid tier status are not feeling entitled to an upgrade. I have Gold status with Hilton, expect nothing and am happy with what I get (which is usually nothing above what I booked.)
Most seasoned travelers with mid tier status are not feeling entitled to an upgrade. I have Gold status with Hilton, expect nothing and am happy with what I get (which is usually nothing above what I booked.)
Jul 25, 2014, 8:26 am
#1008
Moderator: GLBT Travelers & Hyatt Gold Passport
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CVG
Posts: 15,300
The reason I posted about my experience is that virtually every other poster seems to be a Hyatt Diamond...they talk about their ocean view room, or lovely free breakfast.
I wanted to give a little perspective to those people who are thinking about staying at the Andaz Maui and are not Hyatt Diamonds.
I had a hunch we were going to be let down when I called the hotel after I made my initial reservation to see what type of upgrade we could get (either complimentary or purchased). At this point, the hotel was not nearly sold out (no convention), yet the only offer was an ocean view upgrade for $175 (+taxes) per night. I think the most I've ever paid for a non-suite upgrade is $75 at any hotel. The Kea Lani offered a full ocean on higher floor for a mere $60.00/night. The way were were treated there was the exact opposite of the Andaz - and it was the same situation (free CC nights). Fairmont has gained a customer who will be willing to try out their hotels in the future, which it seems is the entire purpose of these CC offers!
We still had a wonderful time after our initial disappointment (which, FWIW, was conveyed to management and corporate - both of whom did nothing -not even a return call or follow up!). If you can't enjoy Wailea, then you need to have your head examined!
I wanted to give a little perspective to those people who are thinking about staying at the Andaz Maui and are not Hyatt Diamonds.
I had a hunch we were going to be let down when I called the hotel after I made my initial reservation to see what type of upgrade we could get (either complimentary or purchased). At this point, the hotel was not nearly sold out (no convention), yet the only offer was an ocean view upgrade for $175 (+taxes) per night. I think the most I've ever paid for a non-suite upgrade is $75 at any hotel. The Kea Lani offered a full ocean on higher floor for a mere $60.00/night. The way were were treated there was the exact opposite of the Andaz - and it was the same situation (free CC nights). Fairmont has gained a customer who will be willing to try out their hotels in the future, which it seems is the entire purpose of these CC offers!
We still had a wonderful time after our initial disappointment (which, FWIW, was conveyed to management and corporate - both of whom did nothing -not even a return call or follow up!). If you can't enjoy Wailea, then you need to have your head examined!
Jul 25, 2014, 9:52 am
#1009
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Beverly Hills,CA, USA
Posts: 160
What I paid for the room is irrelevant, I think. Hyatt promotes the CC card, and it's free nights, very heavily. They solicited my business and application. They probably lose money on those people who just get the two nights after charging $1000. You would think they'd want the guests to have a great experience so they continue to use the card and Hyatt.
Jul 25, 2014, 10:13 am
#1010
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LAX
Posts: 546
Heading to Andaz today. I tired deciphering the free parking codes, but not sure if I got it other than that it was at some beach. Can someone who has parked there before PM me please.
update: Thanks for all the tips guys. will post an update after the trip.
update: Thanks for all the tips guys. will post an update after the trip.
Last edited by aegt123; Jul 25, 2014 at 5:00 pm
Jul 25, 2014, 10:15 am
#1011
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 6,546
Your stay at the Andaz was a free room rate to you, but was significant revenue to the Andaz Maui hotel owners because, as you said, the hotel was booked full due to the convention which means Hyatt Corporate paid the Andaz Maui near the average daily rate (~$350/n) for your free stay.
The other poster is just trolling.
The other poster is just trolling.
Jul 25, 2014, 10:55 am
#1012
Join Date: Sep 2010
Programs: Hyatt diamond
Posts: 645
Your stay at the Andaz was a free room rate to you, but was significant revenue to the Andaz Maui hotel owners because, as you said, the hotel was booked full due to the convention which means Hyatt Corporate paid the Andaz Maui near the average daily rate (~$350/n) for your free stay.
The other poster is just trolling.
The other poster is just trolling.
Is there any truth to that?
Jul 25, 2014, 5:09 pm
#1013
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2003
Location: AA Plat / UA NOTHING / Alaska 75K / Hyatt Diamond / SPG LT Plat / Marriott Gold / Priority Club Plat / Hertz Pres
Posts: 24,710
What, specifically, did you expect them to do? Call and apologize? Make some post-stay offer? I'm sincerely curious as to what they could do, after the fact, to turn you around?
Jul 25, 2014, 9:15 pm
#1014
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Midwest
Programs: Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 757
I am Hyatt Diamond and am over the moon happy with their generous benefits and hope Hyatt continues to be so generous. If I get upgraded beyond my 4 DSU, I am thrilled, rather than feeling entitled to more than generous benefits allowed to all Diamonds (namely 4 DSU, breakfast up to $200/nt for my family of 4.) Additionally they have amazing, quick, usually knowledgeable customer service, easy to accumulate points making aspirational properties very accessible. Because of the benefits, I plan my vacations around Hyatt properties and stay at other properties only when there is not a Hyatt conveniently located.
Jul 26, 2014, 8:26 am
#1015
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
Your stay at the Andaz was a free room rate to you, but was significant revenue to the Andaz Maui hotel owners because, as you said, the hotel was booked full due to the convention which means Hyatt Corporate paid the Andaz Maui near the average daily rate (~$350/n) for your free stay.
The other poster is just trolling.
The other poster is just trolling.
The property most likely charges the difference between the rate of the room he was in to the upgraded category.
Comparing one property's upgrade pricing with another is useless as every different property clearly has different rates, let alone room types. Add to that Hyatt uses a floating rate of the day and my point is clear.
Rule 1 of hotel programs: Book the room you want to stay in (with cash or points or some upgrade mechanism) and you won't be disappointed.
Last edited by m0hamed; Jul 26, 2014 at 8:32 am
Jul 26, 2014, 9:34 am
#1016
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 6,546
Actually, no I am not.
The property most likely charges the difference between the rate of the room he was in to the upgraded category.
Comparing one property's upgrade pricing with another is useless as every different property clearly has different rates, let alone room types. Add to that Hyatt uses a floating rate of the day and my point is clear.
Rule 1 of hotel programs: Book the room you want to stay in (with cash or points or some upgrade mechanism) and you won't be disappointed.
The property most likely charges the difference between the rate of the room he was in to the upgraded category.
Comparing one property's upgrade pricing with another is useless as every different property clearly has different rates, let alone room types. Add to that Hyatt uses a floating rate of the day and my point is clear.
Rule 1 of hotel programs: Book the room you want to stay in (with cash or points or some upgrade mechanism) and you won't be disappointed.
Jul 26, 2014, 5:25 pm
#1017
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2003
Location: AA Plat / UA NOTHING / Alaska 75K / Hyatt Diamond / SPG LT Plat / Marriott Gold / Priority Club Plat / Hertz Pres
Posts: 24,710
And then hope and strategize for the best possible, reasonable upgrade.
Seriously, who books a room they aren't willing to stay in?
Jul 26, 2014, 8:33 pm
#1018
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
What I find odd is the reaction to the upgrade cost.
Many Diamonds who book the PH Maldives proactively pay hundreds of dollars to book a higher category villa because their is a difference in the rate. Why is an Andaz or even Hyatt Regency any different?
Any GP member can use points to upgrade to a suite if not cash so there are always mechanisms other than being a Diamond Guest or DSU.
Jul 26, 2014, 8:41 pm
#1019
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: Hyatt Discoverist, SEIBU PRINCE CLUB Silver, Marriott Gold
Posts: 20,438
I fully agree. Even as a top tier guest, regardless of chain, there are times when you are stuck in the room you pay for.
What I find odd is the reaction to the upgrade cost.
Many Diamonds who book the PH Maldives proactively pay hundreds of dollars to book a higher category villa because their is a difference in the rate. Why is an Andaz or even Hyatt Regency any different?
What I find odd is the reaction to the upgrade cost.
Many Diamonds who book the PH Maldives proactively pay hundreds of dollars to book a higher category villa because their is a difference in the rate. Why is an Andaz or even Hyatt Regency any different?
Jul 26, 2014, 8:42 pm
#1020
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2003
Location: AA Plat / UA NOTHING / Alaska 75K / Hyatt Diamond / SPG LT Plat / Marriott Gold / Priority Club Plat / Hertz Pres
Posts: 24,710
Probably going to dine at the Andaz tomorrow night. Maybe I'll check out the "worst room" they have while I'm there. :-: