Review: Andaz Maui Hotel, Wailea, Hawaii
Book the Andaz Maui Hotel, Wailea, Hawaii here.
This former Renaissance hotel in Wailea, Hawaii is getting a lot of buzz since it reopened as an Andaz hotel in September 2013. Once you step into the hotel - you will know why!
I booked the hotel just after opening using 2 Chase Hyatt Gold Passport certificates. The room rates were an incredible $1,000 with most hotels in Wailea showing no availability at all. I felt getting $2,000 from this one credit inquiry for the Chase Hyatt Gold Passport was well worth it!
My flight from San Francisco got cancelled and the only flight that was available was also cancelled in the afternoon. This resulted in a 10 hour delay and I got to the hotel just before midnight local time.
Check-in at the Andaz Maui was joyful in the beautiful lobby area with an attendant on his iPad. He offered drinks, wet towels and talked me through the hotel amenities.
It all was quick and I was escorted to my room. The room at the Andaz Maui was pretty big and has a huge shower area. It was almost too big - like a separate room.
I really loved how the room at the Andaz Maui encompassed the Hyatt color scheme but still gave off a younger vibe. That's what Hyatt is trying to do with Andaz - a younger, more hip addition to the Hyatt brand.
The beds had a lot of USB charging panels for your gadgets attached. That was a nice touch.
For whatever reason there was no refrigerator in the room (but there was a ice and fresh water supply in the hallway) should that affect the review for the Andaz Maui? I did not got a ocean view upgrade as the hotel was fully booked with the exception of 2 rooms (at least that's what the 'front desk') replied.
Now the hotel only comes to life in the morning. There is a (rather expensive, $48) buffet breakfast and a cafeteria that sells good coffee and snacks alternatively. All the breakfast options I tried were of high quality and delicious! Bonus points for the Andaz Maui Review!
The lobby of the Andaz Maui opens up downward into 4 different terraced infinity pools. Though the hotel was at capacity it never felt crowded or noisy. The kids at play were surprisingly quiet as well - seems they all go to a private school :)
Each pool has a slightly different configuration and there are plenty of chairs and lounge chairs. Drinks and food service is frequent and very friendly. The food I tried was fantastic and not overly expensive (expect about twice what you pay in a restaurant though).
While the hotel grounds aren't huge - the Andaz also has a nice stretch of beach. The crew rents out snorkel gear and stand paddle boards for hotel guests. There are a couple of beach chairs but at 9 AM in the morning they were all gone.
I really liked the grassy area with chairs and a volleyball field. It has a great sunset view and was very quiet even with the hotel fully booked.
Another positive surprise was the Sushi restaurant near the bottom pool. The sushi was excellent and as good as in most successful Sushi restaurants.
The Internet was fast throughout the hotel and it was complimentary for all guests.
The local area has several stunning beaches. Next door is also the Shops at Wailea mall with a number of upscale shops and some ok restaurants. The Lapperts ice cream store is a real draw though.
The hotel offers free rides with the courtesy car within Wailea (but not Kihei).
In conclusion:
I have been to many beautiful Hawaiian (Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt Kauai, Marriott) hotels and resorts. The Andaz management has delivered a beautiful property with the Andaz Maui. However unique from my experience is the polished experience - the fantastic food and high quality of Hyatt costumer service experience. Frankly I think this is the best 'chain' hotel in Hawaii now. There were a number of special room rates (2for1) that expired in January 2014 but if you can get this property for $200-$300 it's a winner. I would certainly not pay $1,000 per night for the experience but I loved writing this Andaz Maui Review.
Book the Andaz Maui Hotel, Wailea, Hawaii here.