Has any one stayed at this resort recently? Would like any info.
Thanks
liz

Stayed there last year with my family in a 2 bed ocean view. The ocean view was nothing to write home about, wouldn't pay the extra for that again. The unit was ok, had white carpet which was fairly stained, a spacious master but the second bedroom was pretty small. There were steps down to the living room and adequate kitchen. We really enjoyed sitting on the patio to eat. The best part was that you could use the pool facilities at the Outrigger Wailea (if you stayed thru Outrigger) and they recently redid a children's pool with slides and a play structure so the kids had a lot of fun, we did have to drive there.

I thought we got pretty good rates directly thru Outrigger, ask for their 'Best Value Rates' you might also be able to get an entertainment card rate. You might get one cheaper thru an owner, but we really wanted to use the other pools and were only there a few nights.

Thanks Jen, here is the situation. I live in Colo. my dd and I planned this trip through aa.com, using mostly miles, etc. My dh has no clue, this is a surprise. Yesterday he says I would like to take my mom to the islands this year, would probably be her last year of traveling. Oh my gosh, I have us booked in the papakea, ocean view, but if I take her now, those rates are really not that great. So the outigger has a 2 bedroom, not ocean view, for 1113 for 5 nights for all of us, then there air, oh then I started thinking my mom will be hurt so better throw her in this plan also, I need help here and fast, it stinks, I can't talk to him about it, geez.
thanks
liz

Liz,
A far better choice than the Palms would be Grand Champions Villas (also in Wailea!) Check out www.ownerdirect to rent directly thru an owner!
Nancy

Liz,
Another plus for renting directly thru an owner is that you'll know exactly which unit you'll be renting...will get to see pictures...can also get referrals from previous guests...
Renting thru Outrigger or any management company doesn't provide that luxury...it's whatever unit happens to be available rather than any specific one.
Hank

I've never seen a Champions unit so can't comment on that. We also stayed at Papakea last year and wouldn't choose to go back as there was no AC and we thought it too hot in March (in the unit in the PM when kids were napping). While it is on the ocean, there is no swimmable beach, you can walk down by the Embassy but the beach isn't that great there either. Most units I saw were fairly dated. You do know that this is the other end of the island from the Palms?

The one thing about Palms is that there can be a bit of walking, depending on the condition of the moms. We had a few flights of steps up to our unit, and were the farthest from the pool (we didn't use the pool there but always drove to the main desk for towels). They might call the units closest to the main building 'deluxe'.

If you are booking thru aa.com you might not have the option of going by owner. The other thing I like about using a real company is a more flexible cancellation/change policy, if something unexpected comes up you would probably be out the entire rental thru the owner.

When are you planning on going? That may impact how you feel about AC in a unit.

What are your other resort/condo options?

We are also in Colo, hate the trip over but love to be there.

good luck

Thanks guys for your help!
We did go through aa.com, using miles and can't use owner properties, or would have. Good news, the Papakea installed a/c last summer, so units now have it. I checked into the grand champions and by there account would need to do two units, that kiks my budget away, and yes I know they are at opposit ends of the island, have heard both ends are nice. So here we are. We leave march 19th home the 28th. Any other ideas?
Thanks again
liz

Liz,
Don't know who you spoke to at Grand Champions (Probably Toni ... maybe Maureen) or how many are in your party but a one bedroom unit usually has a queen sized bed and a queen sized sofa bed in each unit. Is your party larger than 4 people?
Laurie

I'm also planning a trip to Maui and looking for a condo rental. I just checked The Palms and Grand Champions Villas on Expedia and Expedia gives The Palms three stars but gives Grand Champions four stars. Both seem to rent for about the same.
Sandy

I didn't talk to anyone at the Champions, I was told that children are charged at adults rate, that turned me off right away. So... we stay where we booked, it is only a place to rest, etc... and for a full charge I wouldn't make my 15yr old sleep with my mother in law.
thanks

I think you will be satisfied there, the grounds are very pretty, it is right on the water, and heck, it is Maui.

Have fun

Liz,
Rates at Grand Champions are not by the person. The rate is for the unit. Whoever told you differently was misinformed.

Laurie

I think you will be satisfied there, the grounds are very pretty, it is right on the water, and heck, it is Maui.

Have fun

Laurie,
In my previous post, I am tied into a package with american airlines, it is by the person. Thanks
liz

by the way what do you think of the Kapalua villas??

Liz,
I don't know about the Kapalua Villas. I would think they would be very nice.
Wailea weather, though, is much better than Kapalua weather. Far less rain in Wailea.

You'll lve Wailea and you'll love Maui! Have a great time!!

If you want a nice breakfast with a nice view SeaWatch on the Wailea Gold Golf Course is nice as in Five Palms in Kihei.


Laurie