renaissance wailea or marriott or fairmont
 

I'm booked at the Renaissance Wailea for 3 free nights, and $299 for the others with ocean view. I'm concerned because everyone says they're not putting money into it, tearing it down, etc. The Fairmont is $500 for a garden view - no free nights. Is the Fairmonth THAT much nicer? Is the Renaissance a dump? Help??!!

The Fairmont is beautiful!! ANd I love Nick's Fishmarket Restaurant, but the Renaissance is only 1/2 mile away. It is not a dump, especially since it is in Wailea. Unless you plan on staying at the hotel 95% of your day, then I would say stay at the Fairmiont, but for I think the Renaisance is just fine. I stayed at the Key Lani last year, and I went to the Renaissance and it looked quite lovely.

Have a great trip!

The Marriott Wailea (not the Renaissance) is a lovely property and more laid back than the highrise Renaissance. They are practically next door to each other. Not sure I could justify $500 night for the Fairmont. I would choose the Marriott Wailea but any of your choices will be lovely.

PS The Marriott Wailea has a much larger and nicer pool area.

The Renaissance Wailea is beautiful! You would be crazy not to stay there, especially if it is for free! It is a Marriott hotel, and there is another Marriott next door to it, the one you are referring to I suppose, that is not as nice. There is a walkway by the ocean that lets you look up to all of the resorts in Wailea. The Fairmont is a few hotels down from the Renaissance. It is nice, but very large. The Renaissance is smaller, but also very nice. They also have a great staff that teaches you how to scuba, snorkle, surf, and kayak. They will take you out to see the green turtles and whales. Great experience. Definitely stay at the Renaissance!

Who is this "everyone" who is telling you things? The Renaissance is slated to be upgraded and rebranded, but I have heard nothing about them tearing it down, nor have I heard of anyone allowing it to fall in a sordid state of disrepair. I was under the impression that they would be starting renovations next month. That would be a greater concern to me. Why don't you call the property and ask them?

I heard from a travel agent and from reading reviews. It seems the Renaissance has been sold to Starwood and is being turned into a W Hotel. The construction is going on at the Marriott. I can't believe that Marriott would let the Renaissance just fall apart - they do have a reputation to protect.

We stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani and loved it! We didn't pay $500/night though. That sounds like rack rate to me. Have you researched the Internet and packages for a good rate? You can view my trip report at http://traveldiva.marsik.org.

I just spoke with the hotel directly after I read the posts that said the hotel is under construction. Construction is due to start next year, 2006. Will post my experiences when I return, 2 weeks.

For tlbooz or anyone else who has stayed at the Renaissance Wailea recently, I'd appreciate an update on the current condition of the property. I may stay there in Jan. Thanks!