Andaz Maui REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
#3166
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA & DL / SPG & HGP
Posts: 1,723
But that fact alone really means nothing, if a comparable night stay (and comparable nice property)... not saying it is that way, just remembering that Marriott (where I refuse to stay due to their points just not being worth that much last I looked long ago) required a lot more points for a say exotic ocean front view suite night vs. what is required at Andaz Maui (or PH Maldives), with their breakfasts, just as comparison.
#3167
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA & DL / SPG & HGP
Posts: 1,723
Funny, when I stay at the property I never have any problem going to Kihei to eat and avoiding the expensive on-property restaurants! That said, I get the breakfast free as Diamond, I have "outdoor enthusiast" hours so I'm long asleep before a Morimoto dinner can be digested, and I'm in my car much of the day anyway hitting the great reef/hiking/sightseeting spots Maui offers.
#3168
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Madison, WI
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 973
https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.c...ost-rewarding/
https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.c...ost-rewarding/
Since we're talking Andaz Maui (which is on the higher end range), Hyatt does slightly come out ahead in the "spend to get a free night" category. But as others have mentioned, because Marriott (& Hilton) have a much higher end of their awards chart, sometimes people coming from those brands don't actually realize that Hyatt's lower earnings rate is actually not a problem.
And, the one real big kicker for Hyatt is that Chase points transfer to Hyatt and it's actually valuable to do so. Nobody in their right mind would transfer Chase UR -> Marriott or Amex MR -> Hilton. So, an 80K Chase Ink signup bonus is good for ~3 nights at the Andaz.
Ritz Kapalua is a Category 7 (60K/night), BUT during peak times that goes up to 70K points/night. Even if you get the best CC signup bonus of ~100K Bonvoy points, that's 1.5 nights.
#3169
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA & DL / SPG & HGP
Posts: 1,723
The real killer in comparing Hyatt to the other programs (last I researched) was that with Hyatt a standard room points reward can "become" an ocean front suite with no additional points (e.g. use a TSU, or at Maldives where it's just Cat 7 but all villas are steps to beach/ocean). Last I looked Mariott (and certainly Hilton) required a lot more points (double?) to "upgrade".
And that's where I really like Andaz Maui... for 25k points (for now) (and a TSU) one can get a full ocean view ocean front suite. My impression of Mariott (from long ago, I haven't wanted to stay at Mariott in a long time) was that it took a lot more "corp trip nights at low level properties" to earn a comp vacation room.
And that's where I really like Andaz Maui... for 25k points (for now) (and a TSU) one can get a full ocean view ocean front suite. My impression of Mariott (from long ago, I haven't wanted to stay at Mariott in a long time) was that it took a lot more "corp trip nights at low level properties" to earn a comp vacation room.
#3170
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 8,311
The real killer in comparing Hyatt to the other programs (last I researched) was that with Hyatt a standard room points reward can "become" an ocean front suite with no additional points (e.g. use a TSU, or at Maldives where it's just Cat 7 but all villas are steps to beach/ocean). Last I looked Mariott (and certainly Hilton) required a lot more points (double?) to "upgrade".
And that's where I really like Andaz Maui... for 25k points (for now) (and a TSU) one can get a full ocean view ocean front suite. My impression of Mariott (from long ago, I haven't wanted to stay at Mariott in a long time) was that it took a lot more "corp trip nights at low level properties" to earn a comp vacation room.
And that's where I really like Andaz Maui... for 25k points (for now) (and a TSU) one can get a full ocean view ocean front suite. My impression of Mariott (from long ago, I haven't wanted to stay at Mariott in a long time) was that it took a lot more "corp trip nights at low level properties" to earn a comp vacation room.
#3171
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Upper Sternistan
Posts: 10,031
That's right.
At one point, a TSU got you an ocean view suite. Now it get you a pool suite.
In practice, I've always been upgraded to an ocean view from a pool anyway, but there's no guarantee.
At one point, a TSU got you an ocean view suite. Now it get you a pool suite.
In practice, I've always been upgraded to an ocean view from a pool anyway, but there's no guarantee.
#3172
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 637
Hey Everyone! New to this thread as I've been looking to book my parents here on points. 3 quick questions and a comment if you don't mind:
1. I was shocked to see plenty of points availability at this property for the coming months. I've read blogs complaining, but immediately saw points availability for weekends in March, 3-4 nights in April. Really didn't expect that! Not every day, obviously, but I am seeing plenty!
2. Is it possible to pay for cash upgrades on a points booking like the PH Maldives? In other words, book for 25,000 points then use cash to get a better room?
3. Is the resort fee + parking fee charged for non-elite points bookings?
4. Anyone have experience with using Hyatt Prive at this property, and is it worth it?
Thanks!
1. I was shocked to see plenty of points availability at this property for the coming months. I've read blogs complaining, but immediately saw points availability for weekends in March, 3-4 nights in April. Really didn't expect that! Not every day, obviously, but I am seeing plenty!
2. Is it possible to pay for cash upgrades on a points booking like the PH Maldives? In other words, book for 25,000 points then use cash to get a better room?
3. Is the resort fee + parking fee charged for non-elite points bookings?
4. Anyone have experience with using Hyatt Prive at this property, and is it worth it?
Thanks!
1.) Yeah, plenty of availability. just booked three nights in April no prob.
2.) I called the property, and it's definitely not a well-oiled machine like the PH Maldives in terms of paid upgrades for points stays. However, the person at the property was really nice and said they would confirm certain upgrades with me over the phone for an upcharge. But since I didn't have an actual res at that point, the convo didn't go too far.
3.) As I now understand it, resort fee is waved on ALL points bookings, whereas parking fee is only waived for globalists. Further, globalists also get resort fee waived on paid booking.
4.) Didn't hear much on that.
#3173
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA & DL / SPG & HGP
Posts: 1,723
Exactly. I never mentioned guarantee... and at this property (we're discussing Maui Andaz here) I've never been "forced" to have a pool suite - I've always (every time) either been given a south-facing ocean view suite, or the FO staff has played tetris and found a pair of them with a mid-visit room change, or something similar.
And when I've visited other properties (like PH Maldives) it's been the same thing - OW villa upgrade at no charge, etc. Sometimes it takes a little planning/effort/communications, but that's my experience with Hyatt. If you say Marriott is same, then as I noted, it's been a while since I stayed at Marriott (and now Starwood, which is still my second go to in the big brands).
#3174
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: DEN
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, Sonesta Elite, IHG Platinum, Frontier 100K
Posts: 238
Based on some initial testing, it looks like the 3-night points availability limitation is still in effect, but they've added availability for 6+ nights as well. It simplifies things for longer stays but 1-2 or 4-5 night stays will still require some games with modifying 3 or 6 night bookings after the fact.
#3178
Join Date: May 2007
Location: WAS
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, WN A+, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Amb, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,126
#3179
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Upper Sternistan
Posts: 10,031
That's really pretty lame. Did you push back at all on that? I wonder if you just got a noob check-in host, or if they were really incredibly full.
#3180
Join Date: May 2007
Location: WAS
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, WN A+, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Amb, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,126
I emailed in advance and they said they don’t offer advanced paid upgrades. Very lame as we would’ve paid to secure ocean view. Hotel was pretty full when we were there (was wide open a week before though...) as almost nothing other than primier suite and non ocean views showed available except first thing in the morning. I assume others were upgraded to better rooms. I just wish I could pay $100-$150 per night in advance to confirm the room I want.