carabro

We placed a bid via Priceline last night for resorts in Maui. Started with a $140 bid for resorts in Kaanapali but were rejected. Then we put in $150 and added the Wailea area. That bid was accepted right away with the Wailea Marriott.

We were so surprised - didn't think we'd get a room for such a good price so quickly. But we hadn't read a lot about the Wailea Marriott so started doing some research. The reviews sound mixed and now I'm not as enthusiastic as I probably should be.

Can anyone reassure me that this IS a good property... especially for $150???? We'll be on our honeymoon and I've already called to tell them this. We'll also show them our Marriott Rewards Card upon check-in. Any other tips on how to make the most of our stay???

THANKS!

caribtraveler

Did you use biddingfortravel.com at all before placing your bid?
If not, there are some reviews from Priceline winners there (all from 2004 stays). The reviews are pretty much positive.

ms_go

I stayed there in March and thought it was fine (admittedly, not my honeymoon). The room was comfortable and the service was good. I happen to like its location at the middle of the Wailea path, adjacent to the shops and not more than 15-20 minutes to any of the other resorts and the various beaches.

I think your stay would be greatly enhanced if you can manage to get an oceanfront room -- be sure to ask about upgrades when you get there, and if they are fairly full, you might still be able to get an upgrade for an additional amount per night. The oceanfront rooms are very close to the water -- perhaps moreso than most of the other resorts along Wailea. We stayed on the cheapest Rewards rate and had a garden view room. There actually was a bit of ocean view, but it also faced the reception area and I never felt compelled to want to relax on the lanai. Also, I'd recommend asking for a room on the north side of the resort, away from the major construction, kiddie pool and luau grounds on the south side.

djkbooks

More reviews at TripAdvisor.com

dreamathers

We stayed there on our honeymoon last August and loved it. We were in a deluxe oceanfront room- it was so close that all we could see from our bed was the blue water. So I would definitely see if an upgrade could be arranged- even if paid. Our favorite night was when we returned from a long day driving the road to Hana. We had room service on our lanai at sunset.

The rooms aren't as luxurious as I'm assuming some of their neighbors, but large and clean. We personally preferred the property to others- much closer to the ocean, very spread out and quiet. Very Hawaiian feeling. Many of the same amenities- leis at check in, valet parking and the pools weren't gigantic but the landscaping was nice.

We also liked Wailea better than Kaanapali. It's quiet and relaxing with many seperate beaches to explore and walk to. I would be thrilled to have paid 150 a night here.

Also, there were not many children when we were there which enhanced the relaxing atmosphere.

vivi

We have stayed at the Wailea Marriott probably 12 times on business. Husband is a Platinum memmber so we usually get good upgrades. This is the most low key of all the Wailea resort hotels, not a lot of glitz but I think it's a wonderful property. We have stayed in all the buildings. An oceanfront in the tower has great views, an oceanfront down in one of the low rises
is close to the water but there aren't too many of these rooms.

The walking path that connects all the resorts is lovely.

I like the Wailea area best on Maui (I have been to Maui at least 20 times.)

carabro

Thanks for all the feedback - it's great to hear! I think the Marriott is going to be great and love that it sounds more low-key and 'authentic' than some of the others. We're especially excited about being in the Wailea area of Maui.

Has anyone rented a cabana here? Just wondering if that's a good idea.... seems like the lack of shade issue could be resolved with a cabana rental.

stellaluna

we rented a cabana when we stayed at this hotel. first let me say that we really liked the Marriott! i would happily stay there again.
okay, the cabana: worth it. the weather each day was mostly cloudy and/or rainy, but the location of the cabanas (below the pool and overlooking the ocean) was wonderful and we were very comfortable and as long as it wasn't torrential rain we were happy to hang out there. the cabanas have little awnings above your head that you can put up if you want.
obviously the issue for us was getting rained on not getting in the shade, but i would say go for it!
we got upgraded to an oceanview room on the 6th floor on the Ulua Beach side. great views of West Maui and the sound of the ocean as i drifted off to sleep each night was heavenly. a big plus are the Shops of Wailea right across the parking lot from the hotel. it gives you some different dining and shopping options. the path that connects the Wailea hotels is beautiful! have fun!

GoTravel

The Marriott Rewards card isn't really going to help you because hotels have really gotten cranky about frequent stay members and priceline.

DO let the hotel know it is your honeymoon.

REMEMBER that person that checks you in at the front desk has a lot of pull when it comes to your room location. Kill them with kindness and kiss butt.

ASK if they would like your frequent stay card. In all likelyhood they will tell you that since it is a priceline stay they cannot accept the card but they will know you are a repeat Marriott guest.

Lastly, Marriott has standards within the chain. The Marriotts are very nice. Not as nice as the JW Marriott but they still have fairly high standards.

Happy Honeymooning and good luck!

carabro

GoTravel... thanks for those especially helpful tips!

4khansen

I agree about killing them with kindness and sending an email to the manager before hand to tell them how excited you are to be making this trip to Hawaii for your honeymoon and was hoping for a room with a king bed with a possibility of an upgrade to a ocean view... and what is the possible cost of this?

I would also add my rewards number to the email in your return information just so they know that you are a frequent customer.

We did this for a Priceline trip to the Hyatt Coconut Point in Naples area Florida and got a King corner room on the 15th floor with three balconies as well as a champagne and chocolate covered strawberry welcome in our room it was fabulous, and at no additional cost -- just based on the email enquiry. So it can't hurt. Try to get an email address of a specific person at the Wailea Marriott such as a manager or room supervisor.

myst

Next time try bidding for travel.com.

You are probably going to enjoy it but your bid strategy was wrong. You don't want to increase your bid and change your zone at the same time. They have lots of great tips for your next trip.

offlady

You got a good deal. Don't fret over it.

AJPeabody

An advance call to the hotel may help you out. It's a good idea to do this anyway with a third party on-line room. Just be very friendly and say you want to confirm everything went OK with all the computers because it's your honeymoon.

Naturally, they will note the honeymoon aspect in their system, and may put you on for a nicer than usual Priceline room if you ask for, say, a "quiet, king bedded room". Take the name of the person who says everything is arranged. Then, when you check in, drop the person's name when you make any further request: "So-and-so said we would be getting a king bed. Any chance of an ocean view?"

I found the friendly low pressure attitude in two stages has helped a lot with Priceline reservations where the hotel staff has flexibility in assigning rooms. The last time, the desk clerk did a moment of computer keying and said "I found you a nicer room." It can't hurt to try.