I did a search on Kapalua Bay Hotel and similarly researched the postings on this hotel in Rants/Raves.

I am confused about the differing input I get on this hotel and am about to abandon it altogether for our stay in July. A friend recommends it highly, some people posting to Fodors have decent things to say about it, yet other recent Fodor postings have been very negative about smelly musty rooms and common areas, stained carpets, cheap decor, bad mattresses, etc.

Is the differing input due to rooms not yet renovated, classes of rooms selected, or what? If I stayed there, what would I do to have the best experience possible?

I think the varied opinions are due to people's different frames of reference. If the KBH is the nicest place someone's ever stayed (e.g., 23 years old, on a honeymoon, saved for 7 years to go to Maui for the first time, etc) then odds are much higher that people will find few things to complain about.
If someone's travelled widely and/or stayed at some of Hawaii's best resorts, KBH will likely be compared and contrasted with other places.
KBH has its good points and its weak points. You have to figure out how your taste and experience will likely position you.

Still looking for other help on this question as there seems to be something going on other than what gplimpton indicates.

The person who recommended this place to me is a very discerning traveler well acquainted with luxury Starwood properties and last month he had a beautiful newly appointed room and zero complaints. However the latest rant in 'rants/raves' says the rooms smell bad and are worn and cheaply appointed.

If you've stayed there in the last couple months could you offer input on what it was like?

Marge, you seem to be asking whether or not YOU will be happy with Kapalua Bay (which is very reasonable). If that's the case, I agree with the above that it will depend on your expectations and how picky you are. Maybe you'd get better and more useful information if you could suggest what it is about a resort that will make or break your stay. Some people only need clean rooms and a nice bed. Some people demand much more. Where have you stayed in the past which might serve as a yardstick for comparison...someplace you thought perfectly fit your needs?
One of the weaknesses of this board is that you can't know whether or not the taste of others matches yours unless they specify. The more specific the info, the more useful it is.

Thanks for trying to help me, gplimton and rwilliams. What I am trying to find out is if there are renovations underway at Kapalua Bay Hotel or reasons (adjacent construction, etc) to ask for a type of room or certain room wing/location over another when booking at this hotel.

I know what I like - a fairly luxurious 4 or 5 star type hotel. This hotel is advertised that way making it a reasonable choice. Yet there appears to be a gap between how they position themselves and what this type of patron expects and experiences - thus the negative input on rants/raves.

So, I think I'll start another thread looking for recent reviews to see if the rant/rave is a one-time-thing or if there are pervasive problems with this hotel.

I was concerned too, but after staying one night in April, I will gladly return.

The views are the best of any hotel in Maui, the setting spectacular, and the rooms have a wonderful "aloha" feel. Large, airy and bright. Also, large lanais. The lobby is really a lovely place to have a drink at sunset, and the beach terrific. The only downside is that it is a longer drive to other parts of the island, however that isolation makes it feel less crowded and touristy.

I'm probably the only person who doesn't like the 4 seasons on either island - I find them too dense and the crowd is way too "hollywood" (lots of people on cell phones, not much smiling, tons of posing).

The only way you'll know is to spend a night or at least have lunch - its a good way to check ou future places to stay.

Also, the room you're in can have a dramatic effect.

Coachboy

Marge, I'm glad you asked this question. I stayed at the Kapalua Bay Hotel way back in 1986 and absolutely fell in love with the place. We were thinking of returning in Feb, 2004 but we're really astounded at the raves/rants on the postings. Fodor's rates the Hotel and the Villa's at 3.8. I'm as concerned about the smelly/musty rooms because I remember the resort as being top notch. If you can deal with the room rants, you must go - probably one of the most romantic resorts I've ever been to. Back then the food was outstanding, the beach was terrific as was the pool. So, I'll keep checking because I'd love to return. If you do go in July, please post a new message re: Kapalua Bay Hotel, OK?