Grand Wailea advice
Dec 21st, 1999 | 04:09 PM
#2
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We were just on Maui, and while we didn't stay at the Grand Wailea, we did walk around the grounds, and it is really beautiful- lavish landscaping, water features, artwork and furnishings. Read this weekend that it was top rated in the world in Travel & Leisure magazine I think it was. It's in a beautiful part of Maui, where it rarely rains, views up Haleakala and out to sea. There is a nice seashore walk starting at the Grand Wailea, with many native plants identified; it connects to the Four Seasons and Kea Lani resorts- they might be worth considering, too. Aloha.
Dec 21st, 1999 | 08:02 PM
#3
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Top rated in the WORLD might be a little strong...I haven't seen the current T&L.
GW is certainly a great resort...one of Hawaii's better choices.
But the current Conde Nast traveler ratings don't even place it in HAWAII'S top 10, nor in North America's top 55.
The top 5 in Hawaii in CNT are Lodge at Keole, Halekulani, Mauna Kea, Four Seasons Maui, Manele Bay.
Zagat does place it in the top 25 in the U.S.
But better than the Four Seasons in Bali? Better than Hayman off the Great Barrier Reef in Australia? Hmmmmm. Sounds a bit provincial to me.
GW is certainly a great resort...one of Hawaii's better choices.
But the current Conde Nast traveler ratings don't even place it in HAWAII'S top 10, nor in North America's top 55.
The top 5 in Hawaii in CNT are Lodge at Keole, Halekulani, Mauna Kea, Four Seasons Maui, Manele Bay.
Zagat does place it in the top 25 in the U.S.
But better than the Four Seasons in Bali? Better than Hayman off the Great Barrier Reef in Australia? Hmmmmm. Sounds a bit provincial to me.
Dec 21st, 1999 | 09:42 PM
#4
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Gary, with the possible exception of the Manele Bay, the Grand Wailea is, in my opinion, superior to the other 4 properties you mentioned. As for travel magazine ratings, I take them with a large grain of salt considering how their numbers many times simply don't "jibe" with the reality of the property!!
Dec 22nd, 1999 | 07:39 PM
#5
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To Ted:
Agree with your grain of salt comment. I always survey several sources before deciding on hotel destinations if my own $$ are at stake. It's quite apparent that some "between the lines" interpretation is necessary anytime the source of the rating is travelers themselves. If people spend big $$ they are often very discriminating and can be more critical than visitors to moderate/more expensive than average properties which are well run. At the lower end of the spectrum, sometimes people expect less and are more willing to overlook weaknesses. Consistency cannot be assumed.
If, however, multiple different sources agree about a property, I find I'm rarely disappointed. I usually check CNT (Gold List and Top 100 List), Zagat, Fodor's, Frommer's, T&L, this forum's archives, websites, etc.
I've been to the GW several times, and personally I think it's great. I like the Four Seasons next door better, as well as Manele Bay, Mauna Kea and Halekulani. I'm partial, though, to quieter places where I can unwind from an otherwise hectic lifestyle.
Travelers in their 20's and 30's often much prefer GW because there's more "going on". As with food, art, cars, clothes and many other things in life, it's a matter of personal taste and there's not necessarily a "best" of anything for all tastes.
I sometimes disagree strongly with CNT's lists (the Westin Alyeska in Alaska is rated significantly better than the GW, for instance.....not even in the same league) but it makes for a good jumping off point.
Agree with your grain of salt comment. I always survey several sources before deciding on hotel destinations if my own $$ are at stake. It's quite apparent that some "between the lines" interpretation is necessary anytime the source of the rating is travelers themselves. If people spend big $$ they are often very discriminating and can be more critical than visitors to moderate/more expensive than average properties which are well run. At the lower end of the spectrum, sometimes people expect less and are more willing to overlook weaknesses. Consistency cannot be assumed.
If, however, multiple different sources agree about a property, I find I'm rarely disappointed. I usually check CNT (Gold List and Top 100 List), Zagat, Fodor's, Frommer's, T&L, this forum's archives, websites, etc.
I've been to the GW several times, and personally I think it's great. I like the Four Seasons next door better, as well as Manele Bay, Mauna Kea and Halekulani. I'm partial, though, to quieter places where I can unwind from an otherwise hectic lifestyle.
Travelers in their 20's and 30's often much prefer GW because there's more "going on". As with food, art, cars, clothes and many other things in life, it's a matter of personal taste and there's not necessarily a "best" of anything for all tastes.
I sometimes disagree strongly with CNT's lists (the Westin Alyeska in Alaska is rated significantly better than the GW, for instance.....not even in the same league) but it makes for a good jumping off point.
