Mark Kot

I've never been to Hawaii, but will be going to Maui in August (2 adults, 1 child). I'll will stay at either the Four Seasons or the Fairmont Kea Lani next door. For the low end rooms, I can save about $500 staying at the Fairmont with the 5th day free promotion (ith breakfast included). I also get a suite. But the Four Seasons is a "Four Seasons." Which would you pick???????
Thanks. Mark

Besty

Definitely the Four Seasons.

bettylee

The Kea Lani is gorgeous. I did a site inspection 15 mos. ago looking for a group. I narrowed it to Kapalua Bay or Kea Kani. The latter being this stunning white Moorish architecture with splendid suite-rooms. There was a sort of gourmet carry-out deli for in-room or snacks. A very, very well-known celebrity had just checked out after a 2-wk stay with wife and family. It is really beautiful. I think all rooms have an ocean view as well. Bettylee

jan

Kea Lani - definitely. Went there with my husband for our honeymoon in August 2000 - suites were beautiful and well kept. Pool area is gorgeous, with a separate children's pool. We walked around the Four Seasons one morning, and found that the pool area was not as nice, which we put emphasis on. The gourmet take out is great, staff very helpful,and overall we had a great experience. Especially with a child - the suite would be great. The room with pull out couch has a separate tv and dvd player. Bedroom has a tv as well. Also - definitely do the breakfast. Wonderful selection of great food - especially for a child to have a choice of whatever they would like. We were very happy to have that option in the morning - very convenient and when we saw how much it would cost per day - very happy we had prepaid. Have a great time, I am envious as we would love to be going back.

Andra

Hi Jan!

I have also been debating about staying at the Kea Lani or Four Seasons. I will be traveling with 2 teenagers.

The Four Seasons has impecable service, which is why I was leaning towards staying there. I feel that exceptional service has a lot to do with the enjoyment of a vacation. The Kea Lani has some definite pros as well. I love the idea of having a 1 bedroom suite for privacy. And, from what I can see from the website, the lanai looks large, with enough room for 4 to dine, which is unusual. The suites look well appointed as well. But I have heard that everything has an extra fee there, such as the cabanas to sit under at the pool area, snorkeling equipment, etc. Is this true? Also, a great pool is important to our family as well. Please tell me why you felt that the pool area at the Kea Lani was more to your liking than the Four Seasons pool area. I would also love to know more about the Kea Lani's service. Does the pool area have pool attendands -and are there any special services at the pool such as refeshing cool towels, etc?

Jan, I would truly appreciate it if you would be willing to answer my questions. Thanks again!

Kay

I thought ALL rooms at Kea Lani were suites?
600 sq ft, I believe.

Adam

The suites at the Kea Lani are 850 sq. ft., NOT 600! And what is so "advantageous" about the Four Seasons? So what if they spritz your face with Evian by the pool every now and then! Is that REALLY so important for all the extra cash you'll pay for that?!? I think NOT!!! Andra, the difference in the pool areas is simply that the Kea Lani has MORE of them, and they're nicer and larger. The Grand Wailea's pools are even NICER than both of them!

Rose

Adam - TO EACH HIS OWN! No need to get nasty with your response. Andra simply wanted answers -not your opinion on whether an Evian spritz is important.

Hmmm

Adam, the biggest difference between the KL and the FS is class and refinement. The kind of things not always readily apparent and in your face until you've spent some time there.
To some, this isn't important. To others it's worth the extra money.
Any guesses why celebrities almost always choose the FS over everyplace else on Maui?

Adam

Rose, my response was NOT nasty, just firm and to the point! And "Hmmmm," celebs stay there because ALL of the direct ocean FRONT "rooms" are enormous suites costing a small fortune! In any event, like most hotels in Hawaii, it is overpriced and NOT worth the money!!

Mary

Well thank you Adam for informing all of us at Fodor's what is and what is not "worth outr money".
Who died and left you in charge of deciding what is and what isn't worthwhile in the universe?
Man, what a king sized case of egocentrism you're suffering from!

Since you know everything about what is worthwhile can you please tell me what kind of car I should buy, what toothpaste I should use, and what school to send my kids to also?
Thanks.
One of the bourgeoisie.

Penny

Mark,

The Kea Lani gets my vote. I stayed there and it was gorgeous. The suite had a bathroom which you will not believe, a livingroom with a tv, vcr, stereo, video games, the bedroom had 2 double beds, 2 closets, and a sliding glass door leading to the balcony, ceiling fans thru out, a view that was magnificent, and a kitchenette. Absolutely wonderful hotel, and well worth the price.

There is a video rental store on property, if you should like to rent movies or games. As well as a grocery store and souvenier shop.

The staff was very attentive and provided impeccable service.

I will never forget that trip as it was truely unforgetable.

Mark K

I posed the question and I think its pretty neat to see what people say.
The verdict? Four Seasons.
There is calss and there is "class."

Barbara

Mark is asking an impossible question. The Four Seasons is superior to the Fairmount. No one can challenge that. The Four Seasons is more expensive. How can only tell Mark if the Four Seasons is worth the difference? Would Bill Gates stay at the Fairmount. Would someone of modest means stay at the Four Seasons?

Mark

Barbara,
The question is not so impossible to ask. The price difference is negligible, to my means. Fairmont gives you suite. The Four Seasons provides a large room with sofa, etc. What I have noticed is the small things that make the difference and the question, thus, "answerable." For example, Fairmont charges fees for certain rentals, Fairmont has more rooms which means more people at a busy time of year. People has responded that while the Fairmonts
buffet breakfast is good, the four Seasons' is truly gourmet. The four Seasons ranks among the worls finest in Conde Nast, the Fairmont Kea Lani does not. I've stayed at Fairmont in Dallas and Scottsdale. Nice, clean and as proper as they are, I never leave them having been impressed. I'm sure they do better in other places, but I just haven't experienced it. Therefore, for the Maui trip in august, I have chosen the Four Seasons. Mark

Adam

I don't know about the hotel in Dallas but the Scottsdale Princess was just that -- a PRINCESS hotel long before Fairmont took control of the property, and I wasn't impressed with it either at the time I saw it, so don't lay the blame entirely on Fairmont! As for your choice of the Four Seasons, NO, you won't be disappointed, but in MY opinion, the other Big Two properties (Kea Lani and Grand Wailea) are far more impressive. You'll see for yourself once you get there (but as I said, you WON'T be disappointed in the Four Seasons, but MOST of the views are disappointing for the price, so be forewarned!). Hope you'll post a trip report upon your return!

Now as for you, Mary, well let's try these three to start:

Car: Hyundai (a GOOD start for somebody like YOU, who will obviously appreciate this "fine" car!)

Toothpaste: Listerine (to clean your teeth AND clean out your sarcastic mouth!!)

School: Naval Academy in Annapolis Maryland. With your attitude you'll obviously do REAL WELL there!!

Good luck to you -- you'll NEED it!!

paula

We just went to maui for our honeymoon in december and first stayed at the Ritz-Carlton( don't waste your time), and then moved to the Kea Lani. We had a corner suite on the 5th floor with about 60 ft of balcony. Great room- we looked at the 4 Seasons first, no deals to be found, and the staff did not seem as friendly as the Kea Lani. While the pool attendant at the 4 seasons brings water, you get pineapple at the Kea Lani. Have a great vacation!

Mark K

I posed the question originally and am tickled over the number of responses.
I think that staying at either the Fairmont or Four Seasons is a winner.
To the fellow who wrote not to blame Fairmont-I agree. There is no "blame."
I just did not recall the Princess as being memorable, should that matter much anyway. The Boulders was much better as was the Marriott Camelback. To respond as to poorer "views," lets put it this way; If you're somewhat active, will you spend a 6 day stay in your room during the day? Maybe people who do that live their lives sitting in the grandstands and never get "into the game." So when you are in the room at night, what do you see then as you look into the black?
M

Adam

Okay, okay, we get the point! If you're not a "view" person, then by all means take the less expensive mountain or garden room (they're the same decor and size), cut your room rate in half and stay a few extra days! You've made your decision -- now go and enjoy it all!!!

Carol

Paula, why didn't you like the Ritz on Maui?