cmjnc

This looks to be our last decision - should we stay at the FS or RC on Maui for 5 nights for our honeymoon (we're going to Kauai afterwards for 5 nights)?
We're a bit worried about the wind at RC, but we're getting a better deal there (I still don't want to be chilly at the pool, though!).
At RC, it would be $1738 for partial oceanview, 5th night free, with daily breakfast buffet. At FS, it's $1660 for garden view, 5th night free, NO breakfast.
What do you think?
Thanks!

cmjnc

Just wanted to add that our trip will be toward the end of November...

TedTurner

Tough call.
I like the FS better as a hotel and I like Wailea better for the weather and beaches, but some of the garden view rooms are pretty disappointing when you look out the window. The first time we stayed there we stayed in a garden view room and had a view of the parking lot and little else. (The standard rooms are all the same regardless of location).
Free breakfast is a nice perk.
You'll certainly enjoy a POV view better than GV.
The Ritz doesn't do quite as brisk a business as the FS mostly due to location IMO. While avg temperature difference between Wailea and Kapalua is only a few degrees, it rains more and is windier on avg. That does not mean that on any given day Kaplaua can't have BETTER weather than Wailea, but we're all limited to using averages when making plans.
One other advantage of FS is that you can walk along the pretty beach sidewalk to several other nice resorts in a matter of minutes, whereas RC is only accessible to the Kapalua Bay hotel.

horatio

We have stayed at the Ritz and in wailea at the Kea Lani. The Ritz is an absolutely gorgeous property, delightful...we went in July, the more serene time, re: wind...you will probably not use the beach, no one really did while we were there, a bit dangerous...the pool is very nice, but you may get hit by the odd palm tree branch(windy), there are glass panes up at the pool to protect you...tough decision but all round I think the FS will be best for you...weather will be warmer, drier, more lovely properties to walk to, not drive to...and the FS does include a few things in the price that many properties do not(cabana use at the pool) Hope this helps.

glink

We decided against the RC due to location, distance from beach and quality of beach.
We chose the FS but in researching it, one drawback there seemed to be that ensuring a really good view meant getting a really expensive room even by thier standards. View mattered less to us than then many positives so the FS still won out, but if view is critical to you then I would read the posts on the subject then call and then discuss it with someone there to be sure of what you're getting.

puddy

I would go with the 4S. I think it's a nicer property and closer to the beach. They do everything first class and don't nickle and dime you. However, breakfast would probably run you about $30 a person per day if you ate at the hotel.

With that said, both are nice properties. You should really decide on which part of the island you would like to stay and pick the hotel that way.

padme

I guess we are in the minority but we found the weather in Kapalua was perfect when were at the Ritz last Dec 9-19.I guess we were very lucky because the wind was not a problem and it was sunny the whole trip except for one morning where there were brief sprinkles (like maybe 10 min. and we still stayed out by the pool). The Ritz is absolutely fabulous-beautiful location, the service is incredible(very friendly and attentive), great spa and dining and the rooms are huge with great views!! We had a garden view room that overlooked the pool area (which is very beautiful and serene) with palm trees and the ocean in the distance(the lanai's are big-a lounge chair and table to sit and enjoy that view ).The Ritz has a more private feel to it-there were no kids and you don't have to fight to get cabanas and chairs.Didn't stay at the FS but Wailea is also a beautiful area and it is the Four Seasons afterall so you can't go wrong either!!! Both are luxurious and private so you can't go wrong whichever resort you choose. Have fun!!!

horatio

Yes, breakfast will be pricey, but next door at the Kea Lani there is(still, I hope) a take out caffe that sells wonderful muffins, coffees, etc. ...good for both lunch and morning.

996tt

this is a tuogh choice. definitely the two top hotels in maui. i stayed at both and if you're into pools, stay at RC, if you're into beaches stay at FS. both have awesome golf courses near by, although RC is a little better. just can't go wrong with either. just make sure you don't waste your money on OLL

fivestar

We just stayed at the Ritz and were very disapointed. The housekeeping dept leaves a lot to be desired. They did not do our room until 3:00 PM when we requested a 11:00 am room cleaning and they never even showed up for turndown. It was very windy there and the clouds were brutal. Beware, this is convention city, so you may not get the attention you want due to over-crowding. We were not happy at all and walked out half way through our reservation, even though we had two free nights coming to us.

travleis

Hey fivestar, you need to get out and travel a bit more. Regardless what you request, housekeeping is busiest between 11 AM and 4 PM since that's when rooms are being turned over for new check-ins. Since you weren't checking out, you weren't on top of the priority list regardless of your request, and good service people (esp housekeeping) are very hard to find these days. And that's true in the upper echelon of hotels, not just midrange. I also believe that Ritz service is not quite as responsive and dependable as Four Seasons across their entire chians.

fivestar

I have travelled 60,000 miles this year. Is that enough?

bogart

haven't stayed at either hotel...stayed at Kapalua Bay Hotel just recently so I wanted to add my .02 about the Kapalua area in general...it's GORGEOUS! One of the prettiest spots on Maui. Had no problems with weather really, maybe one day it was a little overcast and drizzly so we drove down to Kaanapali beach for the day - it was fun and gave us a chance to find Hula Grill and their delicious spicy coconut calimari! sorry, I digress...

I wouldn't worry about the weather too much, you can always drive a very short distance and be in the sun. Also, never had problems with wind (DH did but that was during his round at the Plantation ;-)) and never once was chilly at the pool although the views sent chills up my spine...

congrats and enjoy!