Ok, after much research we have narrowed it down to these two hotels in March/April of next year. Opinions?????????

There are numerous posts about both of these hotels that you can review. Your choice of hotel really depends on what you are looking for. Although we have never stayed at the Marriott, we did stay at the Renaissance last March and it was wonderful. I would highly recommend this hotel to someone looking for a very peaceful location and a great beach. The pool area is small and, if that is important to you, don't choose this hotel. The Marriott is located in a much more congested area especially that time of year.

Marie,

Paul has said it very well! I almost totally agree with him, have spent three vacations at the Renaissance Wailea, and it's wonderful! The pool area is only "small", though, IMHO, compared to the Disneyesque ones at some of the resorts. It's a normal pool to me, lovely, perfect location on the property (my hubby & I love to swim in it at night because it has a relatively, private location - you don't have diners looking at you as entertainment!) And the pool is usually practically deserted at night! And the jacuzzis around the pool are wonderful - and the gardens at Renaissance? The loveliest in Hawaii, I think!

The Wailea area is wonderful - plenty to do but not so congested and noisy as the Kaanapali Beach area. (Not that Kaanapali isn't wonderful, it is! Just a matter of personal preference.) And the beaches at Wailea can't be beat. Be sure to book early using the Entertainment Card so you can get half-price - those rooms go fast, and you'll NEVER get a better deal!

Have a great trip, wherever you choose, Marie!

My vote goes to the Marriott, you can't beat it for location, price, and with the rennovation which should be complete just in time for your trip, it will be once again one of the premier properties on the beach. If you like pools, the Marriotts is going to be fabulous. However, you can't go wrong with either choice, I have heard the Renaissance is wonderful as well.

Have a great trip.

I just returned from Maui. The Marriott is under major renovation. Make sure it will be done by then. All the restaurants are closed and so is the pool. The whole hotel is blocked off from the beach.

The Marriott is in a MUCH better location than the Renaisance, because the Marriott is right on Kaanapali Beach, where all the action is, and it is only a 10 minute drive from the great tourist town of Lahaina.

LOTS more info about Maui restaurants, hotels, activities, sights, etc, at this web site:
http://www.mauihawaii.org
(note it ends in org, not com)
Jon

Just returned from a vacation at the Renaissance. It's a beautiful hotel in a beautiful location. Used my Entertainment card to reserve a garden view room & the hotel upgraded me to partial ocean view--best of both worlds, because I had both garden and ocean views! Wailea was very convenient to other areas, such as Iao Valley and Hana Road.

Also, many reasonable and good restaurant choices in nearby Kihei(5 minute drive).