HELP - No Pool at the Four Seasons, Maui
 

I am going to Maui for part of my Honeymoon and just found out that the pool at the Four Seasons will be closed for construction. We can not decide if we should still stay there or change our plans and stay at the Kea Lani or the Ritz Carlton. <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance for all your help!

<BR>Michelle, <BR> <BR>I am so sorry to hear that because the Four Seasons is the nicest hotel but I wouldn't stay there without access to a pool. However, Wailea is the most beautiful and relaxing part of Maui so the Kea Lani is a good second choice. I stayed at the Four Seasons on my honeymoon but close friends of mine stayed at the Kea Lani and also loved it. Have a great time.

<BR>Will be at the Four Seasons in May. When does the pool close?

The Pool will be closed from November 29th - December 18th.

Michelle... Read my posted to reply on staying at the Ritz, Four Seasons or the Kea Lani,...it may help. Feel free to email me directly. Annemarie

It seems we both have the same dilemma on where to stay! When you decide which hotel you choose, let me know. Besides, do you like Pina Coladas? Or getting caught in the rain? <BR>

This is the second posting I'm seeing of this kind in the last two days! What a dilemma these two people have. <BR> <BR>The Four Seasons is a world class hotel. I can't imagine that they are not going to take every precaution necessary to insure that their guests don't even know the construction is going on. (With the exception of being able to use the pool of course!) <BR> <BR>Maybe they would give you a price break if you stay there? Give a call to them. <BR> <BR>Oh, and Rob, to answer your question, I prefer getting caught in the rain! (Write me) <BR>

Hey Michelle, where do you work at Cantor. I'm from Fitz too! <BR> <BR>I'll be travelling to Hawaii in September. Would you like to get together for lunch and discuss itineraries and such? <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

What exactly are they doing to the pool? Are they fixing, maintaining, expanding, or enhancing it? <BR> <BR>Also, do you think that they could arrange for you to use a pool at a nearby hotel? (Grand Wailea, Kea Lani, etc.) <BR> <BR>Paul

I stayed at the Four Seasons on my honeymoon last October and would HIGHLY recommend it! However, if the pool were not open, I WOULD stay somewhere else. Part of the fun is laying around the pool sipping those umbrella drinks. TOO BAD.....because at the Four Seasons the pool boys come around with chilled spray bottles of Evian water to spritz you with. <BR> <BR>I would ditto Danielle's response and stay at the Kea Lani. The Wailea area is the best!

Michelle, be adventureous and swim in the ocean! Forget the pool. Isn't that why you're in Hawaii? <BR>

Annemarie: Are you the same individual who, in February, couldn't make up your mind about a hotel in Boston, then, in March, couldn't decide where to stay in the suburbs of Boston, then, in April, couldn't decide between New York and Boston? I think those posting inquiries on this forum are looking for recommendations from those with personal experience, not those who read tour guides and quote them without attributing their remarks.

<BR>Mary - I have actually found Annemarie's posts helpful. Yes, first hand experience is preferred, but at least she takes the time to post worthwhile information. Why complain? Use it to your advantage! <BR> <BR>Annemarie, continue sharing your information. I'm sure people find it somewhat helpful, to say the least. Thanks again!

I agree with Mary. Quoting a Time Out or other publication doesn't help any of us here. AnneMarie, thanks but no thanks. <BR> <BR>So did we ever find out where Michelle is staying on her honeymoon? Do tell! <BR> <BR>

Michelle, I've seen you around and I never knew you were dating anyone let alone engaged? Is this something recent? Something serious? <BR> <BR>I'll be down in Hawaii middle December, maybe we can meet up Michelle? <BR> <BR>Hey Ben, are you in the Stamford office? <BR> <BR>

<BR>This posting is turning out to be somewhat of a soap opera. Michelle, it seems a lot of people you know check this site! <BR> <BR>Have you made a decision about your honeymoon. I have to say again, Wailea is the best area in Hawaii -nothing can compare to a midnight stroll along the beach by the light of tikki lamps... <BR> <BR>

Can everybody please refrain from picking up my fiancee, yelling at poor AnneMarie, and telling us where you work and just let us know if they think the Kea Lani is comprable to the Four Seasons? The one with the most reasonable response gets invited to our wedding and gets to watch our Dog while we are gone on our honeymoon. <BR>

Why not go to Puerto Rico? it is beautiful that time of year. My husband and I just got back from San juan last week and had a wonderful time. We stayed at Condado Plaza and believe me the pool was fully operational! You would have to be a damn fool to stay in a hotel with construction. The Four Seasons sounds like a big rip off. Now you go and book yourself a nice trip in a hotel that has somewhere for you to take a dip. The ocean is for fish baby! <BR>

We agree with Joanie, Puerto Rico is beautiful. However, we stayed in what they call "Vacation and Executive Apartments" when we were there. You have your own kitchen, etc. <BR> <BR>And PR is really nice, especially Old San Juan. You should definately consider going there. <BR> <BR>Or how about the Far East, we hear Bali is beautiful. <BR> <BR>J&J

Hey Steve R. from Cantor, <BR> <BR>You used to work at Merrill right? <BR> <BR>What's up? Who is this Michelle girl? Are you dating her now? The last I saw you you were with Gwen from Lehman's. <BR> <BR>OTOH, Hawaii is a tremendous place to vacation. You need to stay at the Four Seasons when you're down there. Total service. <BR> <BR>Steve, shoot me an email if it's you. <BR> <BR>-Jim

Hi Joanie, Jerry and Jane. <BR> <BR>We're going to Puerto Rico in late August and were wondering if it gets very crowded at this time of year. Does the Condado beach have gambling? What currency do they use?

I am not sure about the gambling. My husband and I fin Casino's to be the devil's game and try to avoid. We do find their chapel to be quite comforting and Reverend Luis Aguiar gives a very inspiring sermon. As for currency, I don't know what it was called, but loked very similar to American currency. I almost wonder how they tell the diffence. <BR>

Have you considered the Sheraton in Maui or the Hyatt Regency? <BR>

<BR>Michelle & Fiance <BR>I don't know if the level of service is the same at the Kea Lani but I have been in the Kea Lani and it was very nice and, as I mentioned previously, I have a friend who stayed there on her honeymoon. She loved it and couldn't say enough about it. Why don't you stop by a travel agent and get a brochure or check if they have a website. I'm sure the travel guides all say positive things. Wailea is a pretty exclusive area and all the resorts are beautiful - Grand Wailea, Kea Lani, Renaissance and the Four Seasons. Is the Kea Lani equal to the Four Seasons, probably not, but will you be happy at the Kea Lani, I'm sure. By the way, what type of dog do you have? Would it get along with my pomeranian?

Michelle, my wife and I stayed at the Kea Lani last June for two weeks on our Honeymoon and it was fantastic. The service was excellent, the suite was huge and very comfortable, the pools and beach were beautiful. Feel free to e-mail me for more info but I would not hesitate to book there. Also, not sure how long you are going for but for two weeks, the suite proved far better and more livable than any hotel room would have. Regarding the Ritz, I have heard that as a hotel it is very nice but that it is on a very windy part of the island making lounging outdoors less desirable versus the Wailea section which has the best weather.

I was quite offended when I read some of the above comments re: my advice. I don't come on this website to tear people apart or to complain. Yes, I was indecisive about where to stay in Boston and had the opportunity to visit New York as well. What is the problem with seeking out different possibilities. Here, I have never been! I have been to Hawaii 4 times, so before you start accusing me of shooting off ratings, take a step backward and realize I am speaking from personal experience. The ratings were only there to back up personal opinion which changes from person to person!

Thanks to the people who stood up for me. If youhave read my comments before, you will know that I speak from experience with the ratings and book comments to back me up. Everyone has his or her own personal opinions which can be confusion when receiving recommendations so to have some ratings just solidifies one's beliefs. Sorry, Michelle...never wanted this to get off topic.I think you probably guessed that I was speaking from experience having visited 4 times already. Feel free to email directly if you have any more questions. Annemarie

Just back from my honeymoon which included 6 nights at the Four Seasons (after 5 at Princeville...highly recommended). Live in NYC so I could come to the wedding but allergies would prevent me from taking the dog. I will echo others enthusiasm for the Four Seasons and the opinion that I would opt out if the pool were closed. The pool and lobby area were the best I saw in Hawaii and the atmosphere at the pool was intimate and social. Just a great place to hang out. Both the Kea Lani and Grand Wailea seemed to have much more kids primarily due to the suites at the Kea Lani and the amusement park like grounds at Grand Wailea (swinging rope into pool, etc.) The Kea Lani was very nice and spoke to prople who were happy there. The pools were set back from the beach a bit (closer at FS) and one pool was for adults only (the need for this probably supports that there are more kids). Stopped by the Ritz as well. The setting probably topped all of the Wailea resorts (closer to the Princeville, which sets the standard in terms of setting). Very nice beach and the West Maui mountains are beautiful. It is also much closer to Lahaina, which is touristy but definitely has charm as well. The lobby was nice but seemed better suited to a Ritz located somewhere other than Hawaii. The tiered pool and hotel are set back quite a bit from the beach. I have also heard that it can be more windy and rainy than Wailea. Since we were also staying on the rainy side of Kauai, this was a deal killer for us. Having said that, rain was not an issue on Kauai nor would it have been in Kapalua during our stay. Congratulations and good luck. Feel free to e-mail for more info.

Michelle and I decided to stay at the Kea Lani for our time in Maui. We are still staying at the Hyatt in Kuai. Thank you to everyone for your helpful advise and too bad nobody wants to watch our dog while we're gone...We'll be sure to post our positive advise on our experience when we get back! <BR>

Although the Four Seasons and Ritz have great sevice, they are both much too formal, too elegant, too quiet, for my and my wife's taste in Maui accomodations. In addition, we much prefer the Kaanapali (west) side of Maui, over the Wailea area. The west side is much more lush and green and beautiful, while the Wailea area is more dry and barren (except of course for the actual grounds of the hotels). Great hotels on Kaanapali Beach are the Hyatt and the Sheraton. <BR>LOTS more info about Maui restaurants, hotels, activities, sights, etc, at this web site: <BR>http://www.mauihawaii.org <BR>(note it ends in org, not com) <BR>Jon <BR>