Marriott Bonvoy hotels on Maui
Jul 30, 2013, 7:15 pm
#331
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Programs: Etihad Guest
Posts: 1,549
I've posted on threads about the Westin Villas and the Westin, but as a Platinum who spends 7-14 nights at WKORV (where I own) plus another 7-15 paid nights per year at Starwood Hawaii properties, here is my advice:
a) General advice about the SPG program in Hawaii
1. DO NOT USE STARPOINTS FOR FREE STAYS IN HAWAII - you will be allocated the worst room in the property. Hawaiian tourism is booming (mostly from Asia, Australia and New Zealand) and upgrades are rare.
2. Consider Hawaii to be a place to earn Starpoints, not burn them. Consider the SPG35N or SPG355N rates: 35% off rack for rooms with a view, fifth night free (or 6th night on Maui or at the St Regis Princeville.)
3. Don't reserve a room category that you wouldn't be happy to occupy (see 1 above).
4. Don't expect a late check-out, even if you're Platinum.
Many guests depart late at night to Asia or New Zealand, and as resorts these properties don't have to give anyone a late checkout, and they won't.
5. If you're leaving late at night, book an extra night. This is the only thing I do use points for, preferably Cash + Points at the Sheraton Waikiki.
6. Checkout foreign school holidays and public holidays before you book. That means Golden Week in Japan, and the Australian and New Zealand school holidays (December-January, 2 weeks at Easter, last week of June and first fortnight of July, last week of September and first fortnight of October). Virtually noone gets upgraded at those times.
7. Don't bank on Suite Night Awards if you're Platinum50, especially for multi-night stays. It's not going to happen.
b) Specific advice about Maui
1. If you're looking for a luxury stay, there is no such Starwood property on Maui. Go instead to the Ritz-Carlton or the Four Seasons. Even the Hyatt.
2. If you are young and want a lively stay, stay at the Westin Maui. Beware of rooms in the lower categories, they are awful.
3. If you want to snorkel, stay at the Sheraton Maui.
4. If you have two or more kids with you, stay at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas.
A very common trap is for people to "save up" their points from work stays closer to home in order to use them for a "dream vacation in Hawaii". It doesn't work, well not unless you're going to St Regis Princeville and don't mind it raining all the time.
Rooms sold as "Garden View" or "Mountain View" are basically the worst rooms which face away from the ocean and onto either the street or a parking lot. And they are what Starpoints redemptions generally get (at least at the base rates). The only way I'd consider using Starpoints in Hawaii (other than at Sheraton Waikiki on the last night of a stay) would be for a specialty room redemption.
Lastly, if you're using your own money, and wanting to earn a lot of Starpoints, and you're going to be away more than 7 days, don't forget that Starwood Hawaii includes French Polynesia, and all their rates (e.g. SPG355N) are valid there too. If you're considering more than about $400 per night (Royal Hawaiian, Westin Moana Surfrider, Maui properties, St Regis) then be aware that Le Meridien Bora Bora will sell you an overwater bungalow for the same price. Airfares from the USA are more expensive, but French Polynesia is a much more beautiful and less developed destination.
a) General advice about the SPG program in Hawaii
1. DO NOT USE STARPOINTS FOR FREE STAYS IN HAWAII - you will be allocated the worst room in the property. Hawaiian tourism is booming (mostly from Asia, Australia and New Zealand) and upgrades are rare.
2. Consider Hawaii to be a place to earn Starpoints, not burn them. Consider the SPG35N or SPG355N rates: 35% off rack for rooms with a view, fifth night free (or 6th night on Maui or at the St Regis Princeville.)
3. Don't reserve a room category that you wouldn't be happy to occupy (see 1 above).
4. Don't expect a late check-out, even if you're Platinum.
Many guests depart late at night to Asia or New Zealand, and as resorts these properties don't have to give anyone a late checkout, and they won't.
5. If you're leaving late at night, book an extra night. This is the only thing I do use points for, preferably Cash + Points at the Sheraton Waikiki.
6. Checkout foreign school holidays and public holidays before you book. That means Golden Week in Japan, and the Australian and New Zealand school holidays (December-January, 2 weeks at Easter, last week of June and first fortnight of July, last week of September and first fortnight of October). Virtually noone gets upgraded at those times.
7. Don't bank on Suite Night Awards if you're Platinum50, especially for multi-night stays. It's not going to happen.
b) Specific advice about Maui
1. If you're looking for a luxury stay, there is no such Starwood property on Maui. Go instead to the Ritz-Carlton or the Four Seasons. Even the Hyatt.
2. If you are young and want a lively stay, stay at the Westin Maui. Beware of rooms in the lower categories, they are awful.
3. If you want to snorkel, stay at the Sheraton Maui.
4. If you have two or more kids with you, stay at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas.
A very common trap is for people to "save up" their points from work stays closer to home in order to use them for a "dream vacation in Hawaii". It doesn't work, well not unless you're going to St Regis Princeville and don't mind it raining all the time.
Rooms sold as "Garden View" or "Mountain View" are basically the worst rooms which face away from the ocean and onto either the street or a parking lot. And they are what Starpoints redemptions generally get (at least at the base rates). The only way I'd consider using Starpoints in Hawaii (other than at Sheraton Waikiki on the last night of a stay) would be for a specialty room redemption.
Lastly, if you're using your own money, and wanting to earn a lot of Starpoints, and you're going to be away more than 7 days, don't forget that Starwood Hawaii includes French Polynesia, and all their rates (e.g. SPG355N) are valid there too. If you're considering more than about $400 per night (Royal Hawaiian, Westin Moana Surfrider, Maui properties, St Regis) then be aware that Le Meridien Bora Bora will sell you an overwater bungalow for the same price. Airfares from the USA are more expensive, but French Polynesia is a much more beautiful and less developed destination.
Last edited by DCF; Jul 30, 2013 at 7:33 pm
Jul 30, 2013, 7:51 pm
#332
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA LT PLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,564
I've posted on threads about the Westin Villas and the Westin, but as a Platinum who spends 7-14 nights at WKORV (where I own) plus another 7-15 paid nights per year at Starwood Hawaii properties, here is my advice:
a) General advice about the SPG program in Hawaii
1. DO NOT USE STARPOINTS FOR FREE STAYS IN HAWAII - you will be allocated the worst room in the property. Hawaiian tourism is booming (mostly from Asia, Australia and New Zealand) and upgrades are rare.
a) General advice about the SPG program in Hawaii
1. DO NOT USE STARPOINTS FOR FREE STAYS IN HAWAII - you will be allocated the worst room in the property. Hawaiian tourism is booming (mostly from Asia, Australia and New Zealand) and upgrades are rare.
Aug 1, 2013, 12:49 pm
#333
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 211
Mr. Zhu would like to thank everyone for their helpful comments. Very much appreciated. After reading comments Mr. Zhu switched from Westin to Sheraton.
Mr. Zhu is wondering:
(1) If anyone has experience using points for a better class of rooms. Mr. Zhu has booked an Ocean View at the Sheraton BlackRock and is wondering if that will help him avoid dumpster views? Its was only 2,500 points per night more which doesn't seem much. Mr zhu doesn't plan on spending a lot of the time in the room and is headed to Travaasa in Hana afterwards. Will be interesting to contrast and compare.
(2) Mr. Zhu is Paltnium - will the Zhu's get free-breakfast?
Mr. Zhu is wondering:
(1) If anyone has experience using points for a better class of rooms. Mr. Zhu has booked an Ocean View at the Sheraton BlackRock and is wondering if that will help him avoid dumpster views? Its was only 2,500 points per night more which doesn't seem much. Mr zhu doesn't plan on spending a lot of the time in the room and is headed to Travaasa in Hana afterwards. Will be interesting to contrast and compare.
(2) Mr. Zhu is Paltnium - will the Zhu's get free-breakfast?
Aug 1, 2013, 2:18 pm
#334
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: KSA
Programs: Marriott AMB, Skywards Gold
Posts: 3,737
Mr. Zhu would like to thank everyone for their helpful comments. Very much appreciated. After reading comments Mr. Zhu switched from Westin to Sheraton.
Mr. Zhu is wondering:
(1) If anyone has experience using points for a better class of rooms. Mr. Zhu has booked an Ocean View at the Sheraton BlackRock and is wondering if that will help him avoid dumpster views? Its was only 2,500 points per night more which doesn't seem much. Mr zhu doesn't plan on spending a lot of the time in the room and is headed to Travaasa in Hana afterwards. Will be interesting to contrast and compare.
(2) Mr. Zhu is Paltnium - will the Zhu's get free-breakfast?
Mr. Zhu is wondering:
(1) If anyone has experience using points for a better class of rooms. Mr. Zhu has booked an Ocean View at the Sheraton BlackRock and is wondering if that will help him avoid dumpster views? Its was only 2,500 points per night more which doesn't seem much. Mr zhu doesn't plan on spending a lot of the time in the room and is headed to Travaasa in Hana afterwards. Will be interesting to contrast and compare.
(2) Mr. Zhu is Paltnium - will the Zhu's get free-breakfast?
Aug 1, 2013, 3:52 pm
#335
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: The City of Angels, CA
Programs: Nothing current
Posts: 392
I've posted on threads about the Westin Villas and the Westin, but as a Platinum who spends 7-14 nights at WKORV (where I own) plus another 7-15 paid nights per year at Starwood Hawaii properties, here is my advice:
a) General advice about the SPG program in Hawaii
1. DO NOT USE STARPOINTS FOR FREE STAYS IN HAWAII - you will be allocated the worst room in the property. Hawaiian tourism is booming (mostly from Asia, Australia and New Zealand) and upgrades are rare.
2. Consider Hawaii to be a place to earn Starpoints, not burn them. Consider the SPG35N or SPG355N rates: 35% off rack for rooms with a view, fifth night free (or 6th night on Maui or at the St Regis Princeville.)
3. Don't reserve a room category that you wouldn't be happy to occupy (see 1 above).
4. Don't expect a late check-out, even if you're Platinum.
Many guests depart late at night to Asia or New Zealand, and as resorts these properties don't have to give anyone a late checkout, and they won't.
5. If you're leaving late at night, book an extra night. This is the only thing I do use points for, preferably Cash + Points at the Sheraton Waikiki.
6. Checkout foreign school holidays and public holidays before you book. That means Golden Week in Japan, and the Australian and New Zealand school holidays (December-January, 2 weeks at Easter, last week of June and first fortnight of July, last week of September and first fortnight of October). Virtually noone gets upgraded at those times.
7. Don't bank on Suite Night Awards if you're Platinum50, especially for multi-night stays. It's not going to happen.
b) Specific advice about Maui
1. If you're looking for a luxury stay, there is no such Starwood property on Maui. Go instead to the Ritz-Carlton or the Four Seasons. Even the Hyatt.
2. If you are young and want a lively stay, stay at the Westin Maui. Beware of rooms in the lower categories, they are awful.
3. If you want to snorkel, stay at the Sheraton Maui.
4. If you have two or more kids with you, stay at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas.
A very common trap is for people to "save up" their points from work stays closer to home in order to use them for a "dream vacation in Hawaii". It doesn't work, well not unless you're going to St Regis Princeville and don't mind it raining all the time.
Rooms sold as "Garden View" or "Mountain View" are basically the worst rooms which face away from the ocean and onto either the street or a parking lot. And they are what Starpoints redemptions generally get (at least at the base rates). The only way I'd consider using Starpoints in Hawaii (other than at Sheraton Waikiki on the last night of a stay) would be for a specialty room redemption.
Lastly, if you're using your own money, and wanting to earn a lot of Starpoints, and you're going to be away more than 7 days, don't forget that Starwood Hawaii includes French Polynesia, and all their rates (e.g. SPG355N) are valid there too. If you're considering more than about $400 per night (Royal Hawaiian, Westin Moana Surfrider, Maui properties, St Regis) then be aware that Le Meridien Bora Bora will sell you an overwater bungalow for the same price. Airfares from the USA are more expensive, but French Polynesia is a much more beautiful and less developed destination.
a) General advice about the SPG program in Hawaii
1. DO NOT USE STARPOINTS FOR FREE STAYS IN HAWAII - you will be allocated the worst room in the property. Hawaiian tourism is booming (mostly from Asia, Australia and New Zealand) and upgrades are rare.
2. Consider Hawaii to be a place to earn Starpoints, not burn them. Consider the SPG35N or SPG355N rates: 35% off rack for rooms with a view, fifth night free (or 6th night on Maui or at the St Regis Princeville.)
3. Don't reserve a room category that you wouldn't be happy to occupy (see 1 above).
4. Don't expect a late check-out, even if you're Platinum.
Many guests depart late at night to Asia or New Zealand, and as resorts these properties don't have to give anyone a late checkout, and they won't.
5. If you're leaving late at night, book an extra night. This is the only thing I do use points for, preferably Cash + Points at the Sheraton Waikiki.
6. Checkout foreign school holidays and public holidays before you book. That means Golden Week in Japan, and the Australian and New Zealand school holidays (December-January, 2 weeks at Easter, last week of June and first fortnight of July, last week of September and first fortnight of October). Virtually noone gets upgraded at those times.
7. Don't bank on Suite Night Awards if you're Platinum50, especially for multi-night stays. It's not going to happen.
b) Specific advice about Maui
1. If you're looking for a luxury stay, there is no such Starwood property on Maui. Go instead to the Ritz-Carlton or the Four Seasons. Even the Hyatt.
2. If you are young and want a lively stay, stay at the Westin Maui. Beware of rooms in the lower categories, they are awful.
3. If you want to snorkel, stay at the Sheraton Maui.
4. If you have two or more kids with you, stay at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas.
A very common trap is for people to "save up" their points from work stays closer to home in order to use them for a "dream vacation in Hawaii". It doesn't work, well not unless you're going to St Regis Princeville and don't mind it raining all the time.
Rooms sold as "Garden View" or "Mountain View" are basically the worst rooms which face away from the ocean and onto either the street or a parking lot. And they are what Starpoints redemptions generally get (at least at the base rates). The only way I'd consider using Starpoints in Hawaii (other than at Sheraton Waikiki on the last night of a stay) would be for a specialty room redemption.
Lastly, if you're using your own money, and wanting to earn a lot of Starpoints, and you're going to be away more than 7 days, don't forget that Starwood Hawaii includes French Polynesia, and all their rates (e.g. SPG355N) are valid there too. If you're considering more than about $400 per night (Royal Hawaiian, Westin Moana Surfrider, Maui properties, St Regis) then be aware that Le Meridien Bora Bora will sell you an overwater bungalow for the same price. Airfares from the USA are more expensive, but French Polynesia is a much more beautiful and less developed destination.
Also, your advice about Bora Bora is well-taken. I'll look into that the next time I'm planning a tropical getaway! ^
-S
Aug 2, 2013, 1:21 am
#336
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,472
FWIW I've had 4 points stays in Hawaii over the past two years, and really only got a bad room (accessible, no view) once. two other times I've received standard oceanview rooms, and once I was upgraded to a small suite.
Sep 22, 2013, 2:15 pm
#338
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Programs: Etihad Guest
Posts: 1,549
Nov 10, 2013, 1:48 pm
#339
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Los Angeles, CA,USA
Programs: AA Plat, DL Gold, UAL Premier, SPG Plat, HH Gold
Posts: 566
This has to be one of the most depressing threads on SPG FT. And I thought the Sheraton NY was bad...
Anyway I have a client site visit in Wailuku and so am bringing the family in early December. A couple of questions:
- How long is the drive to Wailuku? I will be renting a car and it's not that far but I'm betting it's a winding road
- If we like are 2 adults & 1 8 yr old boy, and like to play tennis and snorkel, am I interpreting correctly that the Sheraton is better? The Westin has C&P so I want to make sure the Sheraton is the right choice...
- Or should I forget both and just go to the Ritz Carlton, which is going for $182 on Orbitz? Or does the drive make prohibitive?
Anyway I have a client site visit in Wailuku and so am bringing the family in early December. A couple of questions:
- How long is the drive to Wailuku? I will be renting a car and it's not that far but I'm betting it's a winding road
- If we like are 2 adults & 1 8 yr old boy, and like to play tennis and snorkel, am I interpreting correctly that the Sheraton is better? The Westin has C&P so I want to make sure the Sheraton is the right choice...
- Or should I forget both and just go to the Ritz Carlton, which is going for $182 on Orbitz? Or does the drive make prohibitive?
Nov 10, 2013, 9:39 pm
#340
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
This has to be one of the most depressing threads on SPG FT. And I thought the Sheraton NY was bad...
Anyway I have a client site visit in Wailuku and so am bringing the family in early December. A couple of questions:
- How long is the drive to Wailuku? I will be renting a car and it's not that far but I'm betting it's a winding road
- If we like are 2 adults & 1 8 yr old boy, and like to play tennis and snorkel, am I interpreting correctly that the Sheraton is better? The Westin has C&P so I want to make sure the Sheraton is the right choice...
- Or should I forget both and just go to the Ritz Carlton, which is going for $182 on Orbitz? Or does the drive make prohibitive?
Anyway I have a client site visit in Wailuku and so am bringing the family in early December. A couple of questions:
- How long is the drive to Wailuku? I will be renting a car and it's not that far but I'm betting it's a winding road
- If we like are 2 adults & 1 8 yr old boy, and like to play tennis and snorkel, am I interpreting correctly that the Sheraton is better? The Westin has C&P so I want to make sure the Sheraton is the right choice...
- Or should I forget both and just go to the Ritz Carlton, which is going for $182 on Orbitz? Or does the drive make prohibitive?
I've stayed at both the Westin and the Ritz-Carlton. As a couple, the Ritz was certainly better. But I bet your 8-year old would prefer the pools at the Westin. The Ritz may be a little too reserved for him. Just MHO.
Nov 10, 2013, 9:52 pm
#341
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYD
Programs: UA GS, BA Gold, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Gold, National Exec Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,419
This has to be one of the most depressing threads on SPG FT. And I thought the Sheraton NY was bad...
Anyway I have a client site visit in Wailuku and so am bringing the family in early December. A couple of questions:
- How long is the drive to Wailuku? I will be renting a car and it's not that far but I'm betting it's a winding road
Anyway I have a client site visit in Wailuku and so am bringing the family in early December. A couple of questions:
- How long is the drive to Wailuku? I will be renting a car and it's not that far but I'm betting it's a winding road
- If we like are 2 adults & 1 8 yr old boy, and like to play tennis and snorkel, am I interpreting correctly that the Sheraton is better? The Westin has C&P so I want to make sure the Sheraton is the right choice...
- Or should I forget both and just go to the Ritz Carlton, which is going for $182 on Orbitz? Or does the drive make prohibitive?
- Or should I forget both and just go to the Ritz Carlton, which is going for $182 on Orbitz? Or does the drive make prohibitive?
I don't know anything about Ritz Carlton. Last time in Maui, we stayed at the Westin, Fairmont and Sheraton (in that order). The Fairmont was a more relaxed and pleasant experience. Ka'anapali feels very busy and touristy by comparison.
Nov 11, 2013, 2:46 am
#342
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Programs: Etihad Guest
Posts: 1,549
For $182, definitely definitely definitely the Ritz. If they sell at that price, I'd come from Australia.
Brilliant rooms, brilliant pools, fantastic beach.
The snorkeling is best at the Sheraton though.
Brilliant rooms, brilliant pools, fantastic beach.
The snorkeling is best at the Sheraton though.
Nov 11, 2013, 10:10 pm
#343
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: UA Plat, Copa Pres. Plat, Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Diamond, SPG LT Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 769
Have stayed at both properties. The Sheraton is better for snorkeling in the immediate vicinity, but the Sheraton beach is very walkable from the Westin, so that's really not that big a deal. I *think* the Sheraton is the only one of the two to have tennis courts on-site though, which would be the tie breaker.
Dec 9, 2013, 11:18 pm
#344
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Los Angeles, CA,USA
Programs: AA Plat, DL Gold, UAL Premier, SPG Plat, HH Gold
Posts: 566
Thanks to the advice I got here we stayed at the Sheraton and loved it. My wife met a few people from the Westin who were unhappy. My 8 year old likes pools, but he loves beaches, and getting to see a sea turtle right at your hotel is an experience that can't be beat (except for the waves at DT Fleming Beach)
Dec 11, 2013, 7:20 am
#345
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Chicagoland/ORD
Programs: UA Million Miler (Gold), Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,458
best choice for award stay
Which of these properties has the better standard room for an award stay, particularly for view? I'll be going in September; have no status other than AAA preferred; and am not expecting an upgrade, although I did get one the last time I stayed at the Westin Princeville villas on Kauai. Number of points needed is the same, so that's not a factor.