Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Maui [Master Thread]
#61
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
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Actually convention rates are often higher than the regular rates (the Ritz Maui is an exception, perhaps they have trouble attracting conventions due to the location). I saw a WSJ article explaining how some hotels were penalizing organizers when attendees booked lower rates through priceline or even the hotel booking engines. It is a major issue because most attendees are not stupid and have no incentive to book the higher rate.
As for fantasyland, well, I don't do Disneyland. But I would agree that hotels generally have a wide variety of rates. The ones that offer me their best rate (often priceline) will continue to get my business. I have stayed at many Ritz properties on business (sometimes even at the government rate), but I am not going to pay $365/nt (fall 2005 Maui ROH rate) when I know the person next door paid $165. Too many others want my business, and the Kapalua property is not particularly special. Yes, airlines have different fare buckets, but the inventories are open to everyone. Just as anyone can buy a carton of 18 eggs or join Costco.
You're right, though, I shouldn't be pissed at Ritz - it's just business and we all know RC does not have a formal loyalty program to reward me for all my past business.
As for fantasyland, well, I don't do Disneyland. But I would agree that hotels generally have a wide variety of rates. The ones that offer me their best rate (often priceline) will continue to get my business. I have stayed at many Ritz properties on business (sometimes even at the government rate), but I am not going to pay $365/nt (fall 2005 Maui ROH rate) when I know the person next door paid $165. Too many others want my business, and the Kapalua property is not particularly special. Yes, airlines have different fare buckets, but the inventories are open to everyone. Just as anyone can buy a carton of 18 eggs or join Costco.
You're right, though, I shouldn't be pissed at Ritz - it's just business and we all know RC does not have a formal loyalty program to reward me for all my past business.
#62
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2001
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Originally Posted by TransWorldOne
You're living in fantasyland... How many hotels do you really think don't engage in this type of pricing? Except for really high end places like Aman and really low end places, almost every hotel in the US prices individuals, groups, and corporate negotiated rates at dramatically different rates.
Also, take note of egg prices the next time you're in Safeway. If you buy the bigger package-- like the 18 pack-- you'll pay less per egg than if you buy the 6 pack or dozen.
Also, take note of egg prices the next time you're in Safeway. If you buy the bigger package-- like the 18 pack-- you'll pay less per egg than if you buy the 6 pack or dozen.
#63
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Some place in this wonderful world (usually at 39,000 ft in seat 1C)
Programs: CO Gold Elite / NW Gold Elite
Posts: 13,747
Originally Posted by Boraxo
Actually convention rates are often higher than the regular rates (the Ritz Maui is an exception, perhaps they have trouble attracting conventions due to the location). I saw a WSJ article explaining how some hotels were penalizing organizers when attendees booked lower rates through priceline or even the hotel booking engines. It is a major issue because most attendees are not stupid and have no incentive to book the higher rate.
As for fantasyland, well, I don't do Disneyland. But I would agree that hotels generally have a wide variety of rates. The ones that offer me their best rate (often priceline) will continue to get my business. I have stayed at many Ritz properties on business (sometimes even at the government rate), but I am not going to pay $365/nt (fall 2005 Maui ROH rate) when I know the person next door paid $165. Too many others want my business, and the Kapalua property is not particularly special. Yes, airlines have different fare buckets, but the inventories are open to everyone. Just as anyone can buy a carton of 18 eggs or join Costco.
You're right, though, I shouldn't be pissed at Ritz - it's just business and we all know RC does not have a formal loyalty program to reward me for all my past business.
As for fantasyland, well, I don't do Disneyland. But I would agree that hotels generally have a wide variety of rates. The ones that offer me their best rate (often priceline) will continue to get my business. I have stayed at many Ritz properties on business (sometimes even at the government rate), but I am not going to pay $365/nt (fall 2005 Maui ROH rate) when I know the person next door paid $165. Too many others want my business, and the Kapalua property is not particularly special. Yes, airlines have different fare buckets, but the inventories are open to everyone. Just as anyone can buy a carton of 18 eggs or join Costco.
You're right, though, I shouldn't be pissed at Ritz - it's just business and we all know RC does not have a formal loyalty program to reward me for all my past business.
#64
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Carlsbad,CA USA
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanuim/Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Gold, United Silver
Posts: 1,534
Ritz Kapalua MAui on Points
I have a stay booked at the Marriott Wailea for 2 nights the end of the month on a points stay. Found out I can get a savers reward at he Ritz for 80,000 points for 2 nights vs 65,000 points at the Marriott. Would it be worthwhile to switch. Does anyone know what type of room you get using points at the Ritz.
#65
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: AA Plt 3MM; UA 1K 2 MM; MR Lifetime Plat; HH Lifetime Diamond; HH Diamond; IGH Spire Ambas; SPG Gold
Posts: 2,149
I have a stay booked at the Marriott Wailea for 2 nights the end of the month on a points stay. Found out I can get a savers reward at he Ritz for 80,000 points for 2 nights vs 65,000 points at the Marriott. Would it be worthwhile to switch. Does anyone know what type of room you get using points at the Ritz.
#66
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
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You will get one of their base level, non-view rooms most likely. IOW, if you go to the RC website and search for rooms (paid, non-award), whatever the cheapest set of rooms that comes up will probably be the same type of rooms you will get for an award.
#67
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NC
Programs: Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 2,881
What is your status level with Marriott - that MAY make a difference as to room location you receive at the Ritz? The time of year you are going can also make a difference. The Ritz is gorgeous with spectacular service. The Marriott is quite nice, but is - well, a quite nice Marriott.
I agree with travelexpert that the Ritz is an easier drive to things than the Wailea Marriott- but it IS still a drive, so that you have some privacy and quiet at the Ritz.
I have stayed at both. Taking into consideration the point savers, I would pick the Ritz hands down - regardless of the room type.
When we were there - we came from a property of the Big Island, where I had been served a fruit juice with breakfast. I could not remember the name. Our breakfast waiter brought me 11 small glasses of juice on a huge silver tray to taste. Once I discovered the correct one; (POG) he brought me a large glass...but charged me for nothing. I will never forget it!
I agree with travelexpert that the Ritz is an easier drive to things than the Wailea Marriott- but it IS still a drive, so that you have some privacy and quiet at the Ritz.
I have stayed at both. Taking into consideration the point savers, I would pick the Ritz hands down - regardless of the room type.
When we were there - we came from a property of the Big Island, where I had been served a fruit juice with breakfast. I could not remember the name. Our breakfast waiter brought me 11 small glasses of juice on a huge silver tray to taste. Once I discovered the correct one; (POG) he brought me a large glass...but charged me for nothing. I will never forget it!
#69
used to be 'Flyfarfar'
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: SE
Programs: DL, AA, SPG, MR, HGP, IHG
Posts: 660
Me and Mrs Flyfarfar were at the Ritz Maui in April for 5 nights on points (think 200k points). We were upgraded to a mountain view suite, but actually had quite a nice sea view.
The Ritz pool is fantastic, three levels of pools. The beach was nice, but the water was to rough that time of year, not sure about the wave now though.
Near the Ritz there is a small store that has good breakfast that is inexpensive. It is a 1 minute walk out the front lobby of the ritz, turn left at main road, is within 300 yards of lobby, can't miss. The Banyan Tree was nice, but wine selection was young, because of newness of restaurant. Sushi bar was good for quick bite to eat.
You can walk to Kapalua beach, but it is about 1 mile each way. I would take a car and park in one of the few spots. That beach is a nice beach to snorkle at.
PM me for more details on specific questions if you like.
Fly
The Ritz pool is fantastic, three levels of pools. The beach was nice, but the water was to rough that time of year, not sure about the wave now though.
Near the Ritz there is a small store that has good breakfast that is inexpensive. It is a 1 minute walk out the front lobby of the ritz, turn left at main road, is within 300 yards of lobby, can't miss. The Banyan Tree was nice, but wine selection was young, because of newness of restaurant. Sushi bar was good for quick bite to eat.
You can walk to Kapalua beach, but it is about 1 mile each way. I would take a car and park in one of the few spots. That beach is a nice beach to snorkle at.
PM me for more details on specific questions if you like.
Fly
#70
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#71
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Rye, New York, USA
Posts: 148
Ritz Carlton hands down - stayed there on honeymoon using points. We had a garden view room with a patio. All the rooms are the same - just forefeiting the view. The hotel more than makes up with it with service and stunning views.
#72
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: The Right Creek, AZ
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Posts: 593
Kapalua is the rainy side of the island, so keep that in mind. I have known of many rained out vacations on that side...
I greatly prefer Wailea - location is better, beach is better, and you are pretty much assured great weather.
I greatly prefer Wailea - location is better, beach is better, and you are pretty much assured great weather.
#73
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: american airlines, marriott rewards
Posts: 7
I also prefer the Wailea side of the island. It's considered the sunny side of the island. We stayed at the Marriott Wailea last month and were very pleased with it. We upgraded to an ocean view room and it had an amazing view. Honestly, you can't go wrong, though. Maui is heaven on earth!
#74
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVPG MR Platinum Prem
Posts: 239
Ritz-Carlton summer pointsavers no Maui?
Hello,
I was hoping for at least the option of getting a RC pointsavers reservation for Kapalua, Maui in late Sep, but the summer pointsavers that just came out are for pretty much every property BUT Maui. Does anyone know if this list is final or if they could possibly add to it at a later time? I've never really noticed if the pointsaver list is dynamic or not.
Thanks
I was hoping for at least the option of getting a RC pointsavers reservation for Kapalua, Maui in late Sep, but the summer pointsavers that just came out are for pretty much every property BUT Maui. Does anyone know if this list is final or if they could possibly add to it at a later time? I've never really noticed if the pointsaver list is dynamic or not.
Thanks