Maui Hotel for Honeymoon--Four Seasons or Ritz?
 

Hi,

My fiance and I are going to Maui and Kauai for our honeymoon in August. We're paying with points for St Regis Princeville in Kauai and are trying to finalize a hotel for Maui (our first stop, FYI). As it's our honeymoon we really want to stay somewhere special.

The garden-view room in Four Seasons is a bit above our budget. Either mountainside room at FS or the Ritz Karlton are more within our price range. I've heard not such great things about the Fairmont, although I know it's an even less expensive option. I guess the question really comes down to mountainside at 4S or RK....thoughts??

Thanks!

PS-How does location of Ritz compare with that of FS?

The Ritz Carlton Kapalua on Maui is situated at the very West end of the island on an extremely windy beach. Sometimes the ocean is roped off, due to high waves. That part of the island experiences frequent rain and cloudiness, depending on the time of year.

The Four Seasons is an hour's drive at the other end of the island and averages more sunny days. There are many more hotels and golf courses in this area with varied choices in restaurants from the very moderate to super expensive range.

Four Seasons Maui has more of an "island" flavor. Ritz Carltons pretty much have the same ambiance world wide, I find, although Maui has gone through a recent renovation. If you spend your days on the beach or at the pool, the room shouldn't be that much of an issue. Even if it is a Garden View, either hotel will be luxurious.

Whichever hotel you choose, by all means drive to the other side of the island to experience the ambiance each has to offer. Happy Honeymoon!

I'm a Ritz kind of guy and not a fan of the Kapalua Ritz.
Love the FS in Wailea..when you check in, tell them its your honeymoon and usually if available, they will upgrade you to an ocean view room.
The mountains view is nice too.
This is a stunning hotel!
St. Regis just openend up in Princeville and everyone loves this hotel..we were there in September and stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Kauai and that was a lovely resort and missed the St. Regis opening by a week.

Agree with ksucat, go with the 4S, you will not be disappointed. We had our honeymoon there and were amazed at the service (everyone actually remembers your name!). It's pricey, but lots is included and they don't nickel and dime you with extra charges. The location also is more central to maui, the Ritz is up north and definitely more rain. Have a great time!

I wonder if the Ritz allows you to use the Residence ground facilities and beach?

Since you are staying at the St Regis, go with the 4S as the Wailea will be a better compliment to Princeville. If budget is an issue, the Fairmont Kea Lani has a $199/nt renovation special going on right now

If they are renovating the pool areas, which I think could use some help, then that is not such a great deal. I do like the Kea Lani as well.

The four seasons does not upgrade mountain view rooms. They do upgrade return guests and on occasion they may upgrade a newly married couple from a garden room to a partial ocean view, which can be very partial, but let's face it, the place is a haven for honeymooners and milestone celebrations, so to tell someone that they will likely be upgraded is bogus advice.

"Everyone" does not love the St Regis. I prefer the old Princeville and do not like the St Regis at all. Way too many chairs at the pool, you can barely walk the circumference without knocking into one.

Again, I would love to know if the Ritz gives priveledges to their sister property as I have always adored the old Kapalua, which was very tired but on such an amazing piece of land and beach and prime spot for whalewatching in the winter. Not a huge fan of Ritz but would stay their if I could visit Kapalua as their guest.

kudos for being able to stay at the ST Regis on points, btw!!! Although I prefer it prior to it's renovation and new ownership, I certainly would stay there for free! That's just great, and you will likely fall in love with the northshore. Make sure to stop down to the Nui in Hanalei for some hawaiian entertainment!

Thanks, sounds like mountain view Four Seasons trumps Ritz.

act quickly, mountain view rooms sell out and are often not available as they are a true bargain .

Just want to chime in and say that our stay at the 4S last May was one of the best hotel experiences we have ever had. We will be returning next May.

oops mountain view rates have certainly climbed

Personally, I would recommend the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. It is simply a gorgeous hotel right on the ocean.

Its open-air design on Maui’s sunny south shore and provides an extensive spa and resort grounds that roll down to one of Hawaii’s best beaches.