Four Seasons or Fairmont Kea Lani
Mar 29th, 2002 | 06:19 PM
#6
Guest
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Space: Kea Lani wins on that count. You can see photos of the rooms on their website.
Luxury: FS wins by a small margin. While many FS hotels emphasize traditional luxury, the FS Maui focuses on 'tropical elegance' which has a more casual, understated flavor. KL is less luxurious but very nice in its own right.
Service: this is FS's strongest suit. You simply won't find better service short of hiring your own staff.
FS tends to be the favorite of those who notice "the little things". Those who have not stayed at many nicer resorts, I find, are less impressed with the differences between FS and, say, a Hyatt or Westin. The more travel experience you have, the more you'll notice the difference IMO.
Luxury: FS wins by a small margin. While many FS hotels emphasize traditional luxury, the FS Maui focuses on 'tropical elegance' which has a more casual, understated flavor. KL is less luxurious but very nice in its own right.
Service: this is FS's strongest suit. You simply won't find better service short of hiring your own staff.
FS tends to be the favorite of those who notice "the little things". Those who have not stayed at many nicer resorts, I find, are less impressed with the differences between FS and, say, a Hyatt or Westin. The more travel experience you have, the more you'll notice the difference IMO.
Apr 1st, 2002 | 06:21 AM
#7
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Thanks Max! Your response was most informative and helpful! I have to make a choice soon. I note KL has a suite that has 1200 sq ft ( Kilohana) While we have stayed at FS hotels( Palm Springs) in the past, we had no familiarity with this one on Maui. I have some surprizes in store for my wife however will need the help of the staff to pull off. So i will ponder for the rest of this week thanks again
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Apr 9th, 2002 | 02:32 PM
#8
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richard:
I just came back from a week at the Four Seasons. About six years ago, I stayed at the Kea Lani for a week. It's a close call between the two. If you want space, the Kea Lani is clearly better, every room is a suite, and the lanais are larger than the ones at the Four Seasons. Also the resort has more expansive grounds. Significantly, if you're a pool person, the Kea Lani has much larger pools (but school is still going on in May so maybe this is less of a factor then). In turns of service, the Kea Lani has terrific service, but The Four Seasons has just about the best service I've seen anywhere, all of the employees bend over backward to make sure you're happy. In terms of luxury, the rooms at The Four Seasons are more opulent, and the grounds are posher (potted orchids everywhere). Either resort should provide a fine experience.
I just came back from a week at the Four Seasons. About six years ago, I stayed at the Kea Lani for a week. It's a close call between the two. If you want space, the Kea Lani is clearly better, every room is a suite, and the lanais are larger than the ones at the Four Seasons. Also the resort has more expansive grounds. Significantly, if you're a pool person, the Kea Lani has much larger pools (but school is still going on in May so maybe this is less of a factor then). In turns of service, the Kea Lani has terrific service, but The Four Seasons has just about the best service I've seen anywhere, all of the employees bend over backward to make sure you're happy. In terms of luxury, the rooms at The Four Seasons are more opulent, and the grounds are posher (potted orchids everywhere). Either resort should provide a fine experience.
Apr 9th, 2002 | 03:13 PM
#9
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Richard,
My husband and I have worked out a solution to this "dilemma". We stay at the Kea Lani, and we eat (several dinners) at the Four Seasons. The rooms (and the bath!) at the Kea Lani are terrific. When you're there for a week plus, you find the suite a nice way to live. The Four Seasons has several nice restaurants; highest on our list is the one that has outdoor seating and that is closest to the ocean. Its cuisine is Italian-influenced, and a guitar duo plays soothing yet uplifting classical music in the evenings. To sit at one of those tables, having a drink, looking at the sunset, waiting for a wonderful dinner, well, I can't wait until my trip in December! We did eat at Nick's Fishmarket which is on the Kea Lani property. However, we could only take it once. There's a difference between good service and oppressive service. Sorry, I don't need a "dining team" (their term to me upon being seated!) to eat a meal! And, here's another tip, when you feel like venturing out, head to this restaurant: A Pacific Cafe. It's about 20 minutes away in Lihue, and the food and service are incredible. You're not going there for a view; you're going for the food and service. The restaurant is sitting in its own building in the middle of a nondescript strip mall, just down the street from the Safeway. Doesn't matter, the restaurant is a very nice facility with a great ambiance and the food, well. We went there for the first time, had dinner, and were back two days later to work on the rest of the menu! Have a wonderful trip!
My husband and I have worked out a solution to this "dilemma". We stay at the Kea Lani, and we eat (several dinners) at the Four Seasons. The rooms (and the bath!) at the Kea Lani are terrific. When you're there for a week plus, you find the suite a nice way to live. The Four Seasons has several nice restaurants; highest on our list is the one that has outdoor seating and that is closest to the ocean. Its cuisine is Italian-influenced, and a guitar duo plays soothing yet uplifting classical music in the evenings. To sit at one of those tables, having a drink, looking at the sunset, waiting for a wonderful dinner, well, I can't wait until my trip in December! We did eat at Nick's Fishmarket which is on the Kea Lani property. However, we could only take it once. There's a difference between good service and oppressive service. Sorry, I don't need a "dining team" (their term to me upon being seated!) to eat a meal! And, here's another tip, when you feel like venturing out, head to this restaurant: A Pacific Cafe. It's about 20 minutes away in Lihue, and the food and service are incredible. You're not going there for a view; you're going for the food and service. The restaurant is sitting in its own building in the middle of a nondescript strip mall, just down the street from the Safeway. Doesn't matter, the restaurant is a very nice facility with a great ambiance and the food, well. We went there for the first time, had dinner, and were back two days later to work on the rest of the menu! Have a wonderful trip!
Apr 17th, 2002 | 06:00 AM
#11
Guest
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Message: Larry
I note you just returned from Maui-Four Seasons. Did the construction across the road from the Kea Lani pose a traffic problem. Also how far away is it from the Kea Lani itself. I will be staying there next month and just found out about it on this board.
I note you just returned from Maui-Four Seasons. Did the construction across the road from the Kea Lani pose a traffic problem. Also how far away is it from the Kea Lani itself. I will be staying there next month and just found out about it on this board.
Apr 17th, 2002 | 07:46 AM
#12
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Diane:
As far as I can tell, no traffic problems were created. The construction didn't look that advanced. Mostly the ground is cleared; I didnt' see much in the way of structures going up (they are building a resort community). The construction didn't bother guests at the Four Seasons. There is actually a fair amount of space between the two resorts (about a ten minute walk on the shore trail). The Wailea Point condos lie in between.
I will caution you that if you like swimming pools, the Kea Lani has much bigger pools than the Four Seasons, and that the Kea Lani does have some nice extras (like an ATM machine and washing machines on each floor- a big money-saver), that the Four Seasons lacks.
As far as I can tell, no traffic problems were created. The construction didn't look that advanced. Mostly the ground is cleared; I didnt' see much in the way of structures going up (they are building a resort community). The construction didn't bother guests at the Four Seasons. There is actually a fair amount of space between the two resorts (about a ten minute walk on the shore trail). The Wailea Point condos lie in between.
I will caution you that if you like swimming pools, the Kea Lani has much bigger pools than the Four Seasons, and that the Kea Lani does have some nice extras (like an ATM machine and washing machines on each floor- a big money-saver), that the Four Seasons lacks.
Apr 19th, 2002 | 08:50 AM
#14
Guest
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Thanks all! With your help i have decided on Kea Lani!We will be there 12 days on our anniversary trip and think the extra space (Kilohana suite)will give us the space needed. Thanks Tripper, i will take up your suggestions as to dining. Thanks Larry! We leave on the 8th of May. Wow ATM and washing machines, cant wrong there maybe i can get my wife to pack less clothing! smile
Apr 19th, 2002 | 09:44 AM
#15
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Richard: Could you please post a trip report upon your return. I am planning to stay at the Kea Lani with my husband in September for our 10th anniversary and am a little concerned with all the talk of construction. Any insight you can give those of us still counting the days until our trip would be helpful. Thanks and have a great time.
