I've seen posts about these two hotels, but none too recent. Can anyone that has stayed at either place give recommendations on one versus the other? Are there more children at one than the other? Better rooms...grounds...pool...etc? I received a price at the Renaissance for $250 a night (garden view) and $211 at the Outrigger (garden view). Help me decide! Thanks!

There are a couple of recent reviews of the Outrigger at epinions.com. (both good) I can't tell you which is better, but I can tell you that I am staying at the Outrigger in May. Can't wait! Good luck!

I'm staying at the Outrigger Wailea in April for 5 nights. Absolutely everything I've read about this resort makes me think we've made a good choice. Full report in about 5 weeks!

I HAVE STAYED THERE FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS AND I AM GOING BACK IN APRIL. THE HOTEL WAS REMODELED ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND IT IS NOW VERY NICE. THE SPA IS ALSO NICE, LAST YEAR I HAD THE BEST MASSAGE I HAVE EVER HAD. I'M GOING BACK THERE THIS YEAR TO HAVE ANOTHER ONE. I'M SURE YOU WILL LIKE IT.

Thanks for the reviews of the Outrigger...Renaissance, anyone? I've read a couple reviews on other sites that say the rooms at the Renaissance are in need of some attention...any truth to that? Thanks again!

Rachel,
I stayed at the Renaissance this past September. The rooms were very nicely appointed, but I had problems with the staff. I don't know if it had to do with 9/11 (I was there 9/27), but I found them to be rude and unaccommodating. I listed my grievances with them in my travel report and a lot of people came to their defense. I personally would not stay there again. I found the pool to small and service lacking.

If you choose the Renaissance, for a better rate, go to the Marriott Rewards website (membership is free and easy). Then go to member specials. You will find a special rate for the Renaissance of $187 Gardenview and $237 Ocean view. I just booked it for April, 2002.

We've stayed at the Renaissance twice in the last 5 years--and loved it both times (both at Christmas time). Smaller hotel--not the theme park atmosphere of the Grand Wailea--but lovely. Rooms were very nice and spacious, and we found the staff very nice and accomodating. Has a great location on the beach next to great snorkeling.

I stayed at Renaissance while a good friend stayed at the Outrigger last year. The Renaissance is beautiful with perhaps the best beach of all the hotels in Maui. Service is tops. Rooms are great. Beautiful grounds. My good friend found the Outrigger clean and nice but spent little time there. He thought the other hotels offered a bit more in overall ambiance.

I have stayed at the Renaissance but not the Outrigger. I found the Renaissance to be a great hotel. The beach, service and rooms were outstanding. We stayed at both the Ritz Carlton and Renaissance that trip and liked the Ren better because it has a very tropical atmosphere. The only negative was the pool which is quite small. But a great beach made up for it.