The problem with the Renaissance is that it really did get run down towards the end, and something happened to dampen staff attitudes as well. My last few stays there I dealt with things like bathroom tiles falling off in the shower, ant infestations, moldy-smelling carpet, etc. And the previously-outstanding associates became more and more indifferent as time went on. I can't say I'm sad to see the property out of the Marriott system, although I do have some great memories of it during the glory days...

Soemone recently posted on Tripadvisor that they enjoyed the penguins. Does this hotel have penguins?

They also said something about the atrium. I think this person was seriously confused and posted about the Ka'anapali Hyatt instead of the Marriott Wailea!

Ive stayed at both and can't even comprehend that you would consider the Wailea compared to the Ritz. This Ritz was redone recently and even in its prior state is a fabulous hotel, especially if you can get lounge access.

Take note that, if you end up splitting your visit between the two, their distance apart on the map is really not that trivial. Budget at least 1 hour to go between the two properties, especially with traffic on the 2-lane highways.

Also, the Ritz will be closer to Lahaina activities, while the Marriott is closer to town (Kahului), the airport, and Haleakala.

Wailea in general is in a drier part of the island (i.e. gets less rainfall) than West Maui is, due to the proximity to the volcano.

So, it really depends on what activities you've budgeted time for.

Anyone know a valid e-mail address for the Wailea Marriott Resort? I called them and they gave me one, but it got bounced back, so apparently the front desk doesn't even know it, lol!

[email protected]

It will take a few days for a response, but this is the one I used a few weeks ago and received a response regarding a reservation request. HNMMC is the hotel code.

Good luck.

Thanks, I'll give it a try!

I also tried to email the GM and the front desk gave me the following address: [email protected] and it kept bouncing back. I ifnally just called and asked to be connected to the GMs office. I spoke with his exec assistant, a very delightful lady and told her it was our 35th wedding anniversary and asked very nicely if any upgrades were available the day of our check-in: 10/22 [I had book terrace view with points] We we arrived we were upgraded to an ocean front room and they sent over a platter of chocolate covered strawberries. Very nice. I would call if your request is appropriate for the GMs office.

Wonder what they would say if I told them I was coming, with my kids and plat husband for Thanksgiving week on a rewards stay, intended to spend as little real $$ as possible and wanted the best room available. And no special occasion, aside from avoiding family thanksgiving, neither.

The e-mail address provided by mgilbert7 does go the the GM (Bill Countryman); however, you will likely get a reply from his Administrative Assistant, who is quite helpful.

Is there any reason I wouldn't get points on the resort fee charges at this hotel?

Just a heads up that while we had a great stay over Thanskgiving we did have a little trouble getting points for some incidentals to post on our reward stay. The first plat. agent I talked to sided with the hotel in saying that because the restuarants (Mala and Starbucks) and "beach activies" in the hotel are contracted there were be no points for almost everything charged to the room. They also, with no explanation, said the resort fee did not earn points. The second agent I talked to didn't even call the hotel. She took one look at the folio I faxed her and credited the full points for the ~700 dollars we had charged to the room.

Thanks fir the heads up we are set to arrive on Thursday for a reward stay. We will also be using Marriott Checques to pay our tab.

My wife and I plan to go to Hawaii in February. We've never been to Kauai and were planning to book an award stay. I am platinum and called the Kauai Marriott, and they cannot guarantee an upgrade. Understand that but I have questions about the quality of that hotel and where we could end up. Certainly we can stay in about any "resort view" room there and enjoy the island, but I worked hard for those points. So the Wailea Marriott in Maui (we've been on that island) looks like a better place to use points based on reviews and cost, and, according to most reviews, I would have a better chance for an upgrade. I could select another place on Kauai or go there the following year (we might make annual trips). Thanks in advance!