I have reservations in both places for a one week stay in August 2002. I have heard conflicting versions on both the Maui Marriott and the Renaissance Wailea. We want to relax, snorkel a bit and enjoy Maui. Any thoughts from those who have stayed there recently? I've seen posts that the Renaissance can have less-than-spotless rooms, while the Maui Marriott can have the ambiance of a strip mall. Any advice?

I think it really depends on which area you want...the Marriott is on Kaanapali Beach which is a beautiful spot with many many hotels and condos right in a row and it is close to the town of Lahaina. There is lots to do there, but it can be busy and there are lots of people.

The Ren is in Wailiea which is much more upscale and laid back...the beach is also very very nice here, perhaps not quite as big, but big enough. You would likely want a car if you stay at the Ren...it would not be a necessity at the Marriott as there is lots to walk to...

I believe the Marriott was completely renovated a year or so ago...not sure how updated the Ren is...

Stayed at the Renaisssance for 4 ni. and the Four Seasons for 5 ni. in January. Stayed in a mountain view room for $170. ni. and felt that it was a good value vs. $350. ni. at the Four Seasons. The rooms at the Ren. were fine. (How much time are you really going to spend in your room when you want to explore Hawaii?) The snorkeling is great right out front of the hotel at Ulua Beach and you don't have to go out very far to see lots of tropical fish! The staff at the Ren. are genuinely friendly and try to please. The entertainment in the lobby at night is great; there is a guy on guitar that sings easy listning /James Taylor/ relaxing music and you can feel the layers of stress melt off. Wailea is more upscale and much more peaceful than Kaanapali, so if you are looking for relaxation, I would choose Wailea. Or split your time at both hotels and then you'll know for next year which one you will like better!

I agree with Joe that Wailea is much more peaceful. We have stayed on both ends of the island and much prefer Wailea. We stayed at the Ren. on our honeymoon and found it very clean, great service. Agree there is great snorkeling in Wailea, better than up in Kaanapali. There's some sort of underwater preserve not far from the hotel where we snorkeled and saw turtles that I swear were as big as me (I'm about 5'4"). My husband thinks I exaggerate, but I don't know, they looked huge thru my snorkel mask!

Another vote for Wailea -- we stayed at the Renaissance last August for 7 nights -- we upgraded to the Mokapoo (sp?) Beach Club room -- right on the water, personal concierge, fabulous views, could hear the surf at night. It was outstanding. I would not want to stay in Kanaapali -- it's much more crowded than I like. Previous posts about it being like a mall are accurate. And even though it's in the Southwest of Maui, it didn't stop us. We were off on day trips everyday. The beach there is much prettier than Kanaapali also.

I like the Ren much better than the Marriott. In fact, we liked it better than the Ritz Carlton. The room was clean and nice, the beach is great for snorkling and walking. The pool is very small however.

Stayed at both in March. We had a oceanview suite at the Marriott for 5 nights and 3 nights at an oceanview standard room at the Renaissance. The difference in oceanview is big. Marriott much closer with a view of beach and ocean.

Marriott +'s
The suite was the same price as the room at the renaissance.
I liked being able to walk to Whalers Village for lunch and/or dinner.
Pool is incredable vs the small pool at the Renaissance.
Closer to Lahaina
****Not far to golf Kapalua ******

Renaissance +'s
Quieter and more remote feel.
Great Snorkeling right in fron of hotel vs walking 15 minutes to black rock
Nightly entertainment vs walking to Whalers, Hyatt or Westin.

I just wish we would have stayed at the Renaissance first. I like splitting my time between Wailea and Kaanapali and will do it again.

Definetly quieter

It seems like most posts agree with me that Wailea is the better area. Have you considered a condo? There's Grand Champions Villas, The Palms, Wailea Ekahi, Wailea Elua and one more Wailea E...(can't remember the name.)

Laura - any more details on the Mokapu rooms at Renaissance? It looked great to be so close to the ocean. Was the pool really too small to enjoy or was it okay since Mokapu has it's own? Would you recommend staying there over Garden view rooms at Four Seasons? Price is about the same.