Residence Inn Maui Wailea - Excellent Value

Residence Inn by Marriott Maui Wailea is an extended stay hotel property in Wailea resort area of Maui island in Hawaii.  It is an all suite property with studio suites, one bedroom suites and two bedroom suites.  Each suite is furnished with stovetop, microwave oven, large size refrigeritor and full kitchen.  

I chose Residence Inn as our first stop in Maui since we wanted to spend time outside the property and explore the island of Maui.  Beach, shops and entertainments were not important since we planed to move to other areas of Maui.  Wailea area does not even have really good beaches in Maui.

Residence Inn by Marriott Maui Wailea is a Marriott Category 6 property with a standard redemption rate of 50,000 Marriott points.  Peak season rate is 60,000 and offpeak season rate at 40,000.

The reservation was booked in early May 2021 with 60,000 Marriott points at its peak season rate.  SNAs were attached and they were in pending mode.  The cancellation is 3 days prior to check-in time.  

The reservation was re-booked with offpeak rate of 40,000 Marriott points and mixed with 50k free nights awards.  The SNAs were confirmed and fulfilled 5 days prior to check-in date.  We were confirmed with a two bedroom ocean view suite with the SNAs.

We drove our rental SUV to Residence Inn during the day time.  With prior research and reviews, the hotel looks a little familiar.  The hotel entrance looks nice and clean.  The front entrance was not as crowded as other full service resort properties.

Front entrance:

As an extended stay hotel, it does not have bell service.  Guests move luggages with luggage carts.

At check-in time, Marriott elite status was recognized and bonus points were offered and accepted.

There were minor booking complication.  Upon request, hotel decided to waive the $30 daily parking fee.  We received a two bedroom partial ocean view suite at high floor.  The suite was confirmed with the SNAs.

The two bedroom suite is very spacious.  The main bedroom has a king size bed.  The second bedroom has two queen size beds.  There is also a sleeper sofa in the living room.  It can comfortably accomodate up to 7 people.  Each bedroom has own bathroom.

Main bedroom and bathroom:

Second bedroom and bathroom:

The living area has one large over-sized sofa sleeper.  It also has a large dinning table and chairs.  

The kitchen area has a sink, microwave oven, full size stovetop and a large size refrigerator.  Full kitchen plates and utensils are also provided.

The suite is in excellent condition.  Well maintained.

Due to covid, the hotel does not automatically provide room service.  Room service is upon request.  Guest can request any room items and/or request room cleaning service.

The hotel provides shuttle service within the Wailea area to other hotels/resorts, restaurants, shops and entertainments.  Be aware of lunch and dinner breaks.

The hotel provides daily breakfast (included in room rate) and pool side bar service from the same dinning area.

Due to the covid situation, daily breakfast is done in a hybrid way.  Hot food is provided by the staff with hot egg, meat or oatmeal.  Guests serve themselves with cold items, such as cereal, yogurt, boiled egg, bagels, coffee and juice.  Hotel also provides bags to go.

Residence Inn is not located in the ocean front area.  It is about 15 minute walk to the Ulua or Wailea beach.  Hotel does provide shuttle service to the beach area in Wailea.  

The hotel is next to the AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea.  

The hotel is very close to the Wailea Shops.  There are various high level brand name shops.  There is also a grocery market, Island Gourmet Markets at the Shops at Wailea.  It is very popular.

For folks who like to stay at hotel or resort, Residence Inn is not the right hotel.  It is not convenient to use shuttle to go to beach and other things every day.  For hotel guests who have cars, this property is an excellent base to explore Wailea and other Maui area.  

Wailea area is closer and has good roads to Haleakala, Kahului and to the Hana road.

The hotel has an excellent outdoor pool with hot tub.

It has a full size gym with various gym equipment.  Guest would need to get the key from the front desk.

There is a laundry room in the hotel.  The cost is $3.00 each load.

The self parking fee is $30/day at the property.  This can't be waived with Marriott points redemption or any elite benefits.

Clearly Residence Inn is an extended stay property, not a full service resort.  It is not good for everyone.  It is more toward active guests who want to explore outside the hotel most of the time.  It is also excellent for large families who need the extra stay room, or families who like to explore local food, or prepare meals on their own.

The room rate for standard room is at $700 level.  For the room, this is good rate compared with other more pricy properties.  It is a steal to redeem Marriott points at 40,000, or 50,000 points or with 50k Marriott credit card free night awards.