Anyone been to the Ritz-Carlton in Maui? We are trying to decide whether to stay at the Ritz or the Hyatt for our June honeymoon. Thank you!

My family stayed at the Ritz in August of 97. It is a beautiful property but the walk to the beach from the hotel is down a very steep sidewalk and the beach is very rough and has a strong current. We drove to the beach in Kapalua to snorkle and swim. The pool was so cold we could not swim in it, it seemed to be unheated. The property is a bit isolated, but if it is solitude you are looking for it is a good spot. It also is a distance from any nightlife and restaurants. It is a much prettier location than the Hyatt, but the beach there is much better for swimming and you may like the "excitement" that Kaanapalli has to offer for your honeymoon.

We stayed at the Ritz last summer and loved it. However, things to be wary about Kapalua are (1) windier, (2) more secluded, and (3) longer drive if you want to explore the upcountry and such. Other than that, you can't beat it (rooms, service, and the hotel grounds are great). The Hyatt looked pretty nice as well (can't vouch for the rooms), but it is stuck amidst many other hotels. The lobby and the pool are pretty incredible at the Hyatt however. I would personally recommend the Ritz (cheaper than the Hyatt - at least in our case) and the fact we had a chance to meet a couple NBA stars (and their families) while they had a players assoc. meeting at the same time we were there.
Tim

Mich-
Me and my husband stayed at the Hyatt last September for our honeymoon, and we loved it. The previous reply was right, the lobby IS incredible - it is like a tropical garden - open air - complete with all kinds of birds, and penguins! The pools were wonderful, with waterfalls, a swim up bar, and waitress service. The hotel itself is not that secluded, which we thought was nice since you can walk along the beach and check out all the sights/other hotels. We stopped at the Westin pool bar one day while walking. The Hyatt has a good luau and is close to activities. The room we stayed in was OK - nothing great - but even as honeymooners I assure you - you won't be spending much time in the room. There is too much to do and see and the weather is perfect! We were in Hawaii a total of 13 days and had about 1/2 hour of rain.

The restaurants at the Hyatt were all very good. It is only 10 minutes from Front Street, where there is lots of shopping and more eateries.

Unfortunately, I really don't know anything about the Ritz - but you'll have a great time in Maui wherever you stay!

Need any more info, feel free to e-mail me!

I stayed at the Hyatt last October for our anniversary. Yes the lobby is incredible. We had an oceanview room that gave us a beautiful view of Lahaina at night. The Swan Court was great for breakfast. The location is perfect as your only minutes from Front Street. Lots of great restaurants! I had heard so much about congestion in this area and we only found 1 night when this was true, a cruise ship was docked in Lahaina. I would go back to the Hyatt in a heartbeat.