I'm using Marriott Rewards points and those are the two properties available to us for our dates.

I'm leaning toward the Ren because of its beachfront location. From the photos I've seen, it looks like the Marriott doesn't have a beach in front of the property. Also I believe the Marriott is undergoing renovations through next July. Has anyone stayed there during the ongoing renovation and how did it affect your stay?

On the other hand, some of the negative tripadvisor reviews relating to the condition of the Ren concern me a bit.

Pools and restaurants aren't a deciding factor for us as we don't use a pool in Hawaii and tend to eat most of our meals off property.

I would appreciate any comments or comparisons from anyone who has stayed at either property recently. Thanks.

Renaissance Wailea!!!!

I have a trip report here and on tripadvisor. I thought it was truly awesome. Wonderful room, views, staff, and everything else. Even enjoyed the food we had at the hotel.

Have absolutely nothing bad to say about my stay. Used reward points and was treated no differently. Loved, loved, loved it!!!!

Thanks sk84fungirl! I went ahead and reserved 3 rooms at the Renaissance Wailea.

Anyone else like to chime in?

Patty,

Forgot to mention I walked the beach pathway to the Marriott to go to the spa. Chose that one because they use a particular product that I like. In my opinion, it is a notch below the Renaissance. It is also directly behind the open mall in Wailea.

Ditto on the Renaissance! I stayed there and absolutely loved it!

We used points and stayed at the Ren... we also loved it. But they told us the hotel had sold to Sheraton?.. I guess that must not have happened?

I've stayed at the Renaissance on three different vacations, and love the ambience of the place ... service, gorgeous gardens, etc. The rooms are probably getting a bit past it now and need refreshing, as the place is in the process of changing hands ... and some problems have been encountered with that change. But I wish I were there RIGHT NOW!

Thanks for the additional replies.

julie_Colorado,
My understanding is that the hotel has been under Starwood ownership for a while now and will close for renovations early next year to be re-branded as a W hotel.

bonniebroad,
What do you mean by 'some problems have been encountered with that change'? Could you elaborate? Thanks.

Patty, I just mean that when a hotel is changing hands, the staff can be a little edgier (will I still have a job?), things like stained carpets not replaced as quickly as they might be, i.e., that kind of thing. From reading TripAdvisor and other boards, I gather some people have encountered a bit of this at the Renaissance recently, but for the most part, I still hear real good things about the place. I wouldn't hesitate to book there.