My partner and I are planning a trip to Maui at the end of August/beginning of September. We've decided to stay in Wailea but are having trouble choosing a hotel.

The Fairmont and the Four Seasons sound great, but they're a bit over our budget. The Maui Prince also sounds good, but it also seems a bit isolated. So, we're left with the Marriott and the Renaissance.

Can any recent visitors to these hotels offer any opinions? Have the Marriott's renovations been intrusive? Is the Renaissance's imminent closure affecting its service? Which has the better beach? Which is the better value for money?

Thanks in advance!

I like both of these hotels very much.
Low-key, relaxing, nice grounds. For me, the edge goes to the Renaissance because it is ON a lovely beach. The Outrigger fronts a rocky shoreline, but it is just a short walk to the sand. You can see aerial photos of both resorts by following the links on
www.wizardpub.com/maui

The link I just posted won't work. Try just www.wizardpub.com.

My DH and I stayed at this property in October, 2004 and found it to be a beautiful place. We were upgraded to an oceanfront room in Hale 3 (3314 I think) and it was only about 50 yards from the ocean! It has a lovely, old Hawaiian feel and is close to lots of shopping in Wailea. We walked up and down the beachfront, and didn't find it a problem that there was no beach directly in front of the hotel. In fact, we loved hearing the waves crash on the rocks right out front! Have a great time no matter what you decide. Oh, by the way, we are Marriott Rewards members and stayed 2 of the 3 nights on points, and still got upgraded. We also had champagne and strawberries delivered to our room in celebration of our anniversary.

Thanks for the replies!

Nanajan, am I correct in inferring that you stayed at the Marriott, not the Renaissance?

Since I haven't been to them recently, this probably won't help. But as you know, the Renaissance Wailea is closing in October, and will re-open as a Starwood: either a W Hotel or St Regis sometime in the future, possibly late next year.

The Wailea Marriott is presently undergoing a $60 million renovation and will be completed by winter of 2006 or Spring of 2007. As per one of your questions, I believe any renovation costing 60 million dollars would be large enough to be considered intrusive.

Anyone else have more recent news about these?

we got back from the renaissance yesterday- and it was wonderful. now they're not closing until january 07 so i would wish they would just not close

poulet--

Yes, we stayed at the Marriott. We just loved it and it was close enough to walk to shopping and many of the hotels. Plus, it just felt like "old Hawaii" to us. We also spent a week at the Marriott Ocean Club up in Kaanapali, too, on that same trip. Totally different feel, but lots of fun! You'll love your trip no matter what you decide.

Stayed at the Marriott the first week of June. More than half of the hotel was empty because of renovation, but we never heard any noise. It was very quiet since there weren't many people. We also used points and were upgraded (25th anniversary) to an ocean view room overlooking Ulua Beach and West Maui. The upgraded rooms are very nice....White linens, down comforters, dark wood, ceramic floors, kind of has a Japanese feel. The sink area has big drawers that you can put most all your toiletries in which is nice if you hate the cluttered look.

The lobby is impressive, open air and you look straight thru to the ocean.

There are two pools on the beach side that aren't real large, but adequate. There is a children's pool in another location that has small waterslides, etc.

The beaches are very easy to get to on either side of the hotel. Ulua Beach is smaller, but great for snorkeling. Saw quite a few turtles there. The beach on the south side is in front of the Grand Wailea has been voted one of the best beaches in the world. It is very large and perfect for swimming and boogie boarding. There are also chairs available (free) on this beach.

We didn't utilize any of the restaurants at the Marriott and I'm not sure what was even open. There is so many restaurants withing 5 miles of the hotel anyway.

I agree with an earlier post. The fact the beaches aren't right in front of the hotel makes no difference! The lava rocks and the beautiful lawn make for a very scenic view. We spent a lot of nights looking at the sunset and then the stars.

If you want to go to a great isolated beach, go a mile south of the hotel to Po'olenalena Beach. We spent one whole day on this beach and saw about ten other people. It was beautiful.

Enjoy, I wish I was still there!!