Dec 28, 2021, 7:38 am
Westin Maui, Ka'anapali, Hawaii [Master Thread]
Jan 21, 2011, 11:35 am
#271
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Stuck Between the Moon and CLD or SAN, Your local Taco Bell
Programs: AA EXP/LT PLT, DL PM, UA Silver, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,510
As of a few months ago, resorts are be offering alternate amenities to Plats to compensate for this (in addition to the Platinum welcome amenity). If they don't, you need to report this to corporate. Some resorts are giving our breakfast coupons or a discount on the resort fees.
Oh, well...
Jan 24, 2011, 9:31 am
#272
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Stuck Between the Moon and CLD or SAN, Your local Taco Bell
Programs: AA EXP/LT PLT, DL PM, UA Silver, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,510
Another follow-up from this property - paying credit card bills today, and they've been nice enough to run through a charge of about $55 that's not on any bill or folio anyone in our party saw.
This property should definitely be moved to avoid. Far too many shenanigans for a relaxing vacation.
This property should definitely be moved to avoid. Far too many shenanigans for a relaxing vacation.
Jan 24, 2011, 3:48 pm
#274
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
Another follow-up from this property - paying credit card bills today, and they've been nice enough to run through a charge of about $55 that's not on any bill or folio anyone in our party saw.
This property should definitely be moved to avoid. Far too many shenanigans for a relaxing vacation.
This property should definitely be moved to avoid. Far too many shenanigans for a relaxing vacation.
Jan 24, 2011, 5:45 pm
#275
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,604
As an aside, this is really frustrating for out of country travellers who aren't using a USD credit card. The credit card companies will take 2 to 3% in FX in either direction (on the charge and then the refund), so you generally have to eat 5% of the mistake on your own.
Jan 25, 2011, 4:31 pm
#276
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Stuck Between the Moon and CLD or SAN, Your local Taco Bell
Programs: AA EXP/LT PLT, DL PM, UA Silver, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,510
Jan 30, 2011, 1:23 pm
#277
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,604
Did you return any towels after hours at the pool? There's a $25 charge for unreturned towels, so if you return any after hours you need to let them know the next day. Maybe $55 = 2 x $25 + tax?
Jan 30, 2011, 2:42 pm
#278
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Stuck Between the Moon and CLD or SAN, Your local Taco Bell
Programs: AA EXP/LT PLT, DL PM, UA Silver, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,510
Still no refund, but the manager did offer 5k starpoints for my "trouble". Of course, he also continued is demonstrably fictitious story about room availability. Not worth the headache. I'll call one more time, then dispute. And likely not return again. Oh, well.
Feb 2, 2011, 8:48 pm
#279
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: PHX
Posts: 623
Guest laundry?
I have a somewhat mundane question about this resort. I'm looking at spending over a week at the Westin Maui before heading over to Kauai for another week. We have two little kids and unless we bring a lot of extra weight, we'd like to be able to do laundry at least once during our trip. Other than paying the hotel something like $7 for each pair of socks, are there any guest laundry (coin operated) facilities anywhere on property or nearby? How have you guys addressed this particular issue? Thanks.
Feb 2, 2011, 9:08 pm
#280
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Houston (IAH,HOU) / Kāʻanapali (JHM,OGG)
Programs: UA GS 2MM, AA P 2MM, DL PM, US P, VS G, SPG LT P, HH D, HYATT P, PC P, AVIS PC, HERTZ PLAT
Posts: 970
I have a somewhat mundane question about this resort. I'm looking at spending over a week at the Westin Maui before heading over to Kauai for another week. We have two little kids and unless we bring a lot of extra weight, we'd like to be able to do laundry at least once during our trip. Other than paying the hotel something like $7 for each pair of socks, are there any guest laundry (coin operated) facilities anywhere on property or nearby? How have you guys addressed this particular issue? Thanks.
http://www.localcoinlaundry.com/
and
http://aliidrycleaners.com/ (has wash and fold service)
Coupon here: http://aliidrycleaners.com/index.php?news&nid=2
Feb 4, 2011, 1:36 pm
#282
Join Date: Jan 2004
Programs: AA Plat (2mm), SPG Gold
Posts: 141
I have a somewhat mundane question about this resort. I'm looking at spending over a week at the Westin Maui before heading over to Kauai for another week. We have two little kids and unless we bring a lot of extra weight, we'd like to be able to do laundry at least once during our trip. Other than paying the hotel something like $7 for each pair of socks, are there any guest laundry (coin operated) facilities anywhere on property or nearby? How have you guys addressed this particular issue? Thanks.
Feb 5, 2011, 7:19 am
#283
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
Feb 5, 2011, 1:37 pm
#284
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,604
Mrs. YVR and I just stayed here recently for her birthday. This resort seems to get mixed reviews, but our stay was positive.
I booked 5 days on points, and upon checkin we were upgraded to an ocean-front (beach tower) junior suite ^ (if you're checking in late and notice you're pre-upgraded it's a good idea to call the hotel so they don't give your room away to another Plat).
Our flight back to YVR left at 9:40pm, and although our suite had someone else coming in that day, they moved us at noon to another room and let us stay there until 6pm. Very appreciated since at a resort property, they're not obligated to even guarantee 4pm.
The gym/spa are essentially connected, which is nice if you want to use the steam room or shower after a workout (this is not the case at the Sheraton, where they are in separate buildings).
We used the 'green' option of not having our room cleaned, getting 500 starpoints each night. Note you can only use this 3 nights in a row, then you must have the room cleaned on the 4th night.
If you want to do anything on the island, don't bother with the concierge or the travel desk. We went whale watching and also did a helicopter tour and in both cases saved some $ by either booking online or going with a different company than they recommended.
Timeshare 'pushing' is prevalent throughout (not just at the Westin, but also the Marriot down the road etc.) If you pick up your welcome gift at the concierge, just tell them politely that you're not interested. We actually went (my friends bought at the Westin Villas so I was curious to see the property and I wanted the 7500 starpoints), but with no intention of buying.
I'm a bit torn on the resort fee. It's $25/day and includes the standard towel service, 2 bottles water/day, internet, parking etc. They do however offer some Platinum discounts (10% room service, 20% off cabana rentals, 10% off spa treatments etc.), free access to Premium internet (I couldn't tell any difference), and access to the spa amenities (steam, sauna, whirlpool, showers) even if you don't book a treatment. The last perk is great, as it's $25/person/day otherwise so I would consider this a suitable 'alternate amenity'.
Dining is decent, but not much variety. We went quite often for lunch and a couple dinners due to convenience, but also went into Lahaina where the options are more diverse and the food better.
One glaring negative was the lack of a Gold/Plat line at the front-desk. A couple times the line was quite long and I had to wait 15 minutes to just get an interim copy of my room folio. Per spg.com, I don't see this as a stated Gold/Plat benefit, and my experience has never been good on this front at any hotel.
I booked 5 days on points, and upon checkin we were upgraded to an ocean-front (beach tower) junior suite ^ (if you're checking in late and notice you're pre-upgraded it's a good idea to call the hotel so they don't give your room away to another Plat).
Our flight back to YVR left at 9:40pm, and although our suite had someone else coming in that day, they moved us at noon to another room and let us stay there until 6pm. Very appreciated since at a resort property, they're not obligated to even guarantee 4pm.
The gym/spa are essentially connected, which is nice if you want to use the steam room or shower after a workout (this is not the case at the Sheraton, where they are in separate buildings).
We used the 'green' option of not having our room cleaned, getting 500 starpoints each night. Note you can only use this 3 nights in a row, then you must have the room cleaned on the 4th night.
If you want to do anything on the island, don't bother with the concierge or the travel desk. We went whale watching and also did a helicopter tour and in both cases saved some $ by either booking online or going with a different company than they recommended.
Timeshare 'pushing' is prevalent throughout (not just at the Westin, but also the Marriot down the road etc.) If you pick up your welcome gift at the concierge, just tell them politely that you're not interested. We actually went (my friends bought at the Westin Villas so I was curious to see the property and I wanted the 7500 starpoints), but with no intention of buying.
I'm a bit torn on the resort fee. It's $25/day and includes the standard towel service, 2 bottles water/day, internet, parking etc. They do however offer some Platinum discounts (10% room service, 20% off cabana rentals, 10% off spa treatments etc.), free access to Premium internet (I couldn't tell any difference), and access to the spa amenities (steam, sauna, whirlpool, showers) even if you don't book a treatment. The last perk is great, as it's $25/person/day otherwise so I would consider this a suitable 'alternate amenity'.
Dining is decent, but not much variety. We went quite often for lunch and a couple dinners due to convenience, but also went into Lahaina where the options are more diverse and the food better.
One glaring negative was the lack of a Gold/Plat line at the front-desk. A couple times the line was quite long and I had to wait 15 minutes to just get an interim copy of my room folio. Per spg.com, I don't see this as a stated Gold/Plat benefit, and my experience has never been good on this front at any hotel.
Last edited by yvr76; Feb 6, 2011 at 10:00 am
Feb 5, 2011, 2:15 pm
#285
Join Date: Dec 2007
Programs: Starwood Platinum, AA Gold
Posts: 141
Mrs. YVR and I just stayed here recently for her birthday. This resort seems to get mixed reviews, but our stay was positive.
I booked 5 days on points, and upon checkin we were upgraded to an ocean-front junior suite ^ (if you're checking in late and notice you're pre-upgraded it's a good idea to call the hotel so they don't give your room away to another Plat).
Our flight back to YVR left at 9:40pm, and although our suite had someone else coming in that day, they moved us at noon to another room and let us stay there until 6pm. Very appreciated since at a resort property, they're not obligated to even guarantee 4pm.
The gym/spa are essentially connected, which is nice if you want to use the steam room or shower after a workout (this is not the case at the Sheraton, where they are in separate buildings).
We used the 'green' option of not having our room cleaned, getting 500 starpoints each night. Note you can only use this 3 nights in a row, then you must have the room cleaned on the 4th night.
If you want to do anything on the island, don't bother with the concierge or the travel desk. We went whale watching and also did a helicopter tour and in both cases saved some $ by either booking online or going with a different company than they recommended.
Timeshare 'pushing' is prevalent throughout (not just at the Westin, but also the Marriot down the road etc.) If you pick up your welcome gift at the concierge, just tell them politely that you're not interested. We actually went (my friends bought at the Westin Villas so I was curious to see the property and I wanted the 7500 starpoints), but with no intention of buying.
I'm a bit torn on the resort fee. It's $25/day and includes the standard towel service, 2 bottles water/day, internet, parking etc. They do however offer some Platinum discounts (10% room service, 20% off cabana rentals, 10% off spa treatments etc.), free access to Premium internet (I couldn't tell any difference), and access to the spa amenities (steam, sauna, whirlpool, showers) even if you don't book a treatment. The last perk is great, as it's $25/person/day otherwise so I would consider this a suitable 'alternate amenity'.
Dining is decent, but not much variety. We went quite often for lunch and a couple dinners due to convenience, but also went into Lahaina where the options are more diverse and the food better.
One glaring negative was the lack of a Gold/Plat line at the front-desk. A couple times the line was quite long and I had to wait 15 minutes to just get an interim copy of my room folio. Per spg.com, I don't see this as a stated Gold/Plat benefit, and my experience has never been good on this front at any hotel.
I booked 5 days on points, and upon checkin we were upgraded to an ocean-front junior suite ^ (if you're checking in late and notice you're pre-upgraded it's a good idea to call the hotel so they don't give your room away to another Plat).
Our flight back to YVR left at 9:40pm, and although our suite had someone else coming in that day, they moved us at noon to another room and let us stay there until 6pm. Very appreciated since at a resort property, they're not obligated to even guarantee 4pm.
The gym/spa are essentially connected, which is nice if you want to use the steam room or shower after a workout (this is not the case at the Sheraton, where they are in separate buildings).
We used the 'green' option of not having our room cleaned, getting 500 starpoints each night. Note you can only use this 3 nights in a row, then you must have the room cleaned on the 4th night.
If you want to do anything on the island, don't bother with the concierge or the travel desk. We went whale watching and also did a helicopter tour and in both cases saved some $ by either booking online or going with a different company than they recommended.
Timeshare 'pushing' is prevalent throughout (not just at the Westin, but also the Marriot down the road etc.) If you pick up your welcome gift at the concierge, just tell them politely that you're not interested. We actually went (my friends bought at the Westin Villas so I was curious to see the property and I wanted the 7500 starpoints), but with no intention of buying.
I'm a bit torn on the resort fee. It's $25/day and includes the standard towel service, 2 bottles water/day, internet, parking etc. They do however offer some Platinum discounts (10% room service, 20% off cabana rentals, 10% off spa treatments etc.), free access to Premium internet (I couldn't tell any difference), and access to the spa amenities (steam, sauna, whirlpool, showers) even if you don't book a treatment. The last perk is great, as it's $25/person/day otherwise so I would consider this a suitable 'alternate amenity'.
Dining is decent, but not much variety. We went quite often for lunch and a couple dinners due to convenience, but also went into Lahaina where the options are more diverse and the food better.
One glaring negative was the lack of a Gold/Plat line at the front-desk. A couple times the line was quite long and I had to wait 15 minutes to just get an interim copy of my room folio. Per spg.com, I don't see this as a stated Gold/Plat benefit, and my experience has never been good on this front at any hotel.