janinelouie

Hello. Trying to decide between the Westin and Sheraton in Maui. I've read past posts regarding this topic and cannot decide because lots of positive feedback on both. I have a 5yr old who enjoys the pool and the beach. Typically wants to do both during the course of a day or week. I've heard great things about the beach at the Sheraton but it's primarily for the snorkling which we will not be doing. Mostly like to just sit on the beach and play at the shore. Swimming yes but nothing daring as I said. Rough surf is not good for us. Is the beach at the Westin not nice or just small. From what I can tell the pools at the Westin are great. I guess also, can anyone tell me if we are able to go to both while staying at one. I know that they are affiliated in some way. Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks
Janine/Long Island

smj

Hello. I believe you would have privileges at both hotels. You can double check the Westin Maui website for that. We stayed at the Westin in 2001 with our then 11 and 8 year olds. The pool is awesome. The beach there is very, very small. It's just OK. The Sheraton beach is quite spacious and lovely. If you rethink the snorkling, you won't be disappointed. Our kids loved it. Also, I really don't remember any rough surf.

TravelLaughter

We stayed at Westin (Ka'anapali) twice in '04 and found it to be very nice indeed. Sheraton is as well. Be aware that the Westin no longer rents snorkle equiment due to claims about rough surf. You can however rent next door, and then swim in front of Sheraton at Black Rock. Thi is the nicest stretch of beach, and it becomes less nice as you move down toward Hyatt and Marriott, both nice but rather impersonal, large properties, with narrow beaches.

tcdtcd

Just returned from 8-night stay w/wife and 2 young kids at Sheraton last week. Staying at either gives you access to both as well as the new Westin timeshare resort up the street.
Both hotels are fine. Advantages: Sheraton - MUCH better beach, spread out, less crowded feeling, larger and nicer rooms. Westin - slightly more upscale public areas, more 'action, activity', better workout facilities and spa. A worker at the Westin put it well--The Westin is 'vertical' (highrise), Sheraton is horizontal (6 buildings spread out on larger grounds). Given the access feature, I'd give a slight edge to the Sheraton.

Carol47

We stayed at the Sheraton last summer and were upgraded to a deluxe room on Black Rock. It was awesome. Loved the large beach, large pool and grounds. Snorkeling was great. Have never stayed at Westin, but I think you would be happy at either....you will be in Hawaii! As posted earlier, you can use priviledges at each Starwood hotel, including Kapalua.