I have narrowed my October trip to 2 hotels: Maui Prince and Ritz...prices available for the Prince are 179 for partial ocean view; 239 for ocean view. The Ritz garden view is 265. The better view rooms are out of my price range.

I know the Ritz is an overall nicer property, but is it as nice with just a garden view? Will that area be too windy in October? What are my chances of getting upgraded? I am a silver member of the Marriott program if that might help...

Thoughts? Thanks.

We just returned from Maui, where we stayed at Kapalua Bay Hotel, just steps away from the Ritz.

It looked beautiful, and the honeymooners we met there indicated that the service was wonderful... however, if 100% sunny weather is a priority, you may not want to be up in Kapalua. When we stayed there, the first two days as we drove north, as soon as we got 100 yards away from the turn-in to Kapalua, it would start raining. We had to drive to Kanaapali to see the sun those first days!

Having said that, we agreed that the Kapalua area was gorgeous, and just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Lahaina and Kanaapali to make us feel we were secluded and yet a short drive away from activity. And, after the first drizzly days, we had lovely weather, slightly cooler than other parts of the island - which was a relief in August!

Not to mention the beach at Kapalua Bay has been voted the #1 beach in America!

If someone can give you a feel for the Maui Prince, hopefully this info about the Kapulua Bay area will be helpful. By the way, I know you've narrowed your list, but we would definitely stay at the Kapalua Bay hotel again (our rate with United Mileage Plus was $215 a night for a beautiful partial ocean view).

Thanks Gina...how do I find the United rate?

Kapalua Bay is not as nice as the Ritz.
The weather is windy and very iffy at the Ritz. A Garden View room may or may not bother you depending on how you feel about 'views'. For me they affect my perspective on the whole stay, but for many others, the room is just a place to sleep.
The Prince area is very quiet (it's away from everything else) and the whole style of the place is stark/simplistic Oriental flavor.
Why these two hotels?
You couldn't get a decent rate at the Renaissance or Kea Lani?
Even Kaanapali would be much better than Kapalua area IMO.

Joe

My first choice would be the Kea Lani...but the lowest rate I could find was 365...The Ritz has a good reputation but I remember from this board that the weather can be problematic...The Prince was the only reasonably priced high end place I could find on that side of the island...the 2 choices I listed were based on price and some of the above criteria...I am not wedded to either place...I have been to (but not stayed at) the Price and it is nice...I don't want all the action of Kananapalli and I don't mind driving into Wailea or Kiehi for shopping and restaurants...

Joe,

What would someone from Ottumwa, Iowa know about Maui?!

D

My husband and I stayed at the Ritz in October, 1997. We were on our honeymoon and were upgraded from a deluxe room to an oceanfront suite. The Ritz is a beautiful hotel with a fabulous breakfast buffet. The beach is small and rough when we were there. Other than that, we didn't notice it being too windy. The scenery in general is gorgeous around Kapalua. There was a light rain about 3 out of the 7 days we were there. The hotel was fairly empty with very few people at the pool. The gardens would be lovely to overlook. We are going back to Maui with family next June and are debating between the Hyatt and the KeaLani because we will have teenagers with us. The best price I've found on the KeaLani is $305/night (which includes tax)for a supervalue mountainview room. If the Ritz price you mentioned doesn't include tax, then the KeaLani would be only a few dollars more. The email address I got the KeaLani quote from is [email protected]. I think you can get quotes from most of the hotels. Good luck!

Thanks for the all the replies...right now I am leaning toward the Prince Ocean view at 239...

Any other ideas I am overlooking before I book it?

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That is a good rate for the Prince. It is very quiet at that end of the island. I have been reading about construction at Kapalua Bay hotel (especially their ocean view rooms) so would avoid that if you want ocean view. Too bad you cannot get a better rate at one of the Wailea hotels; I really prefer that end of the island. Perhaps someone else can help?

Construction at the Kapalua Bay Hotel is over fortunately - spoke on the phone with reservations yesterday.

Thanks Natalie...good to know.

How is the Prince to stay at? I've been there, but not stayed there. Any other ideas before I book it?

Hi Dan-- My husband and I stayed at the Maui Prince last June for our honeymoon and are booked to stay there again in September (next month). We absolutely loved the place. Great service, mostly adults, gorgeous and uncrowded beach with great snorkeling from shore. There is free parking and free valet service (nice perk). The hotel is well built--we never heard a peep from our neighbors. The rooms were really nice and CLEAN and there was great water pressure in the shower (important). It is so peaceful in the evenings and the sunsets are incredible. It is just a short drive to the Wailea area, yet so much quieter without the crowds. Don't hesitate to book at the Prince, Dan. It really is a wonderful place to stay. Have a great time while you're there!

Thanks Linda!

What type of room do you suggest...are the partial Ocean view rooms pretty "partial?" I love to watch the sun set over the Pacific with a nice glass of wine!

Hi Dan---We booked a partial ocean view room last year and when we arrived they upgraded us to an ocean view room. So, I can't comment on the partial views, but the view from our room was wonderful for watching sunsets. However, we preferred to walk down to the beach, grab a lounge chair (they are stacked up on the beach for guests to use) and sit and watch the sunset with the waves lapping at the shore only a few feet from us. But sitting on your lanai with a glass of wine will be nice too. I should mention that the lanais are very private and spacious. I can't wait until we go in a few weeks. If you like peace and quiet and beautiful surroundings, you'll enjoy your stay at the Prince. Have fun!

Thanks again Linda!

I appreciate your help very much.

Maui Prince, here I come!

Dan, my family and I stayed at the Kea Lani in 1998 and it was superb - absolutely wonderful breakfast buffet and the hotel and staff fantastic. We would stay there again. Rates are higher probably but the Wailea area is so gorgeous and only a 30 minute drive to Kaanapali. A must is Haleakala (close to Wailea) and Road to Hana. The sunrise and sunsets at Kaleakala (10,000 ft.) are so incredibly spectacular! We have been twice. Also, visit the Upcountry (again, close to Wailea). Maui is a treasure in every sense of the word and my family and I love it. God has blessed Maui and it is about as close to Heaven as one can get. Enjoy your trip !!