Want to take advantage of Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits, including a space available room upgrade, complimentary breakfast, a hotel credit, and more? Contact Ford ([email protected]) for more details. He may even be able to help if you already have a stay booked.
Ford and I recently stayed at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, which is a hotel that has long intrigued me (it’s also the hotel featured in The White Lotus season one).
The property opened in 1990 (worry not, the resort underwent a full renovation in 2015), and was one of Four Seasons’ first-ever resorts, as the brand previously focused on city business hotels.
With 383 guest rooms and suites, I was curious to see if this property would be able to live up to the Four Seasons standard, especially in coronavirus times (spoiler alert: it sure did, and I’ve never been to a resort this large with such good service).
In this post:
Why we stayed at the Four Seasons Maui
Initially we were only going to visit Hawaii for six days, as we had booked the brand new villas at the Andaz Maui at Wailea. A close friend of Ford’s decided to celebrate a birthday in Maui the weekend after we were supposed to leave, so it didn’t make sense for Ford to fly back and then return a few days later.
Instead Ford and I spent a few more nights in Maui together — I extended my trip by three nights, while he extended his trip by six nights. Since we had an extra few nights, we decided to check out a new hotel in Maui. A few years back we had an amazing stay at the Four Seasons Lanai, so we figured this would be a good chance to check out Four Seasons’ Maui property.
Full disclosure — while I pay publicly available rates for a vast majority of our hotel stays, in this case Ford booked a travel advisor rate. He’s a Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel advisor, and he books a lot of clients at this resort, so this was a great opportunity for him to also check it out firsthand.
In general Hawaii hotel pricing is at record highs right now. Standard rooms at the Four Seasons are currently selling for $1,800+ per night. As a point of comparison, standard rooms at the Andaz are selling for $1,600+ some nights. Pre-pandemic rates at both properties were pretty consistently less than half of that, outside of peak dates.
How to book the Four Seasons Maui
If you’re booking a stay at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea (or any Four Seasons property in the world), the best option is always to book through the Four Seasons Preferred Partner program. You pay the same rate you’ll find directly on Four Seasons’ website, but you’ll receive extra perks, including the following:
- A room upgrade, subject to availability
- Complimentary daily breakfast, either in the restaurant or via in-room dining
- A hotel credit to use during your stay
Four Seasons Preferred Partner is generally combinable with promotions being offered directly through Four Seasons, like a third or fourth night free offer.
Note that booking Four Seasons properties through Preferred Partner is better than booking through programs like Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts. Why?
- With Preferred Partner you have the option of room service breakfast in place of restaurant breakfast (that’s something a lot of people value)
- Upgrades are prioritized for Preferred Partner bookings, given that it’s Four Seasons’ own proprietary program (and the value of an upgrade at a hotel like this can be significant)
- You can combine Preferred Partner perks with virtually any rate on Four Seasons’ website (other programs don’t allow you to stack promotions in the same way)
You can’t beat getting all of these extra perks just for booking through an eligible travel advisor. Ford is of course more than happy to help anyone book Four Seasons properties through Preferred Partner, and can be reached at [email protected]. He doesn’t charge any booking fees for Four Seasons properties.
Four Seasons Maui experience & service
Usually I talk about service towards the end of my hotel reviews, though for the Four Seasons I think it’s only fair to lead with that. The Four Seasons Maui soft product impressed me immensely on several fronts, including:
- The lack of nickel-and-diming
- The extent to which the hotel hasn’t used coronavirus to cut service
- The exceptionally friendly and attentive service, in spite of this being quite a big hotel
No resort fee, no nickel-and-diming
Resort fees are the most frustrating junk fee we see in the hotel industry, and the Four Seasons Maui is the only resort in Maui not to have a resort fee (for that matter, none of the Four Seasons properties in Hawaii do). Huge kudos to the hotel for that.
Not only that, but I was impressed by the lack of nickel-and-diming otherwise. For example, while minor, I loved the fact that the Four Seasons Maui had complimentary sunscreen at the pool, which most other hotels make you purchase in the gift shop.
Four Seasons Maui complimentary sunscreen
Similarly, the Four Seasons has complimentary coffee in the morning, as seems to be the case at most Four Seasons properties around the world. As someone who cares a lot about coffee, I love that.
Four Seasons Maui complimentary coffee
Impressive & seamless service in light of coronavirus
We’ve seen most hotels significantly scale back service as a result of coronavirus. This has been due to a variety of factors, not the least of which have been hotels looking to cut costs and having staffing issues.
While the Four Seasons took all the appropriate coronavirus precautions, service wasn’t cut back in any way — there was daily housekeeping and turndown service, room service was delivered as usual (including with a white tablecloth), we never had to wait for breakfast (at the Andaz there was regularly a wait), every time we called the request line someone picked up immediately, there were no issues getting seats at the pool, etc.
It’s my understanding that the hotel voluntarily is capping room capacity right now, because they know they couldn’t deliver a great experience if every room is occupied, given the dining and social distancing regulations imposed by the state.
There was also just as much of an eye for detail as usual at Four Seasons. For example, I left my glasses on the nightstand, and when housekeeping cleaned the room, they left a cloth underneath them so I could clean them. That’s just one small example.
Four Seasons Maui microfiber cloth
Genuinely awesome employees
I’ve found this to be the case at Four Seasons properties around the world — Four Seasons seems to hire for personality and treat employees well, and that’s reflected in the experience.
The service was simply stellar across the board in terms of professionalism and friendliness. I can’t say enough good things about the employees at this resort. Obviously with a property this big, employees won’t know your name or generally remember your preferences, but still, service lived up to the Four Seasons name.
Four Seasons Maui Ocean-View Prime Executive Suite
The Four Seasons Maui’s rooms are large across the board — standard rooms here are 600 square feet, making them the largest standard rooms in Maui. We stayed in room #507 (on the fifth floor — the hotel has eight floors), an Ocean-View Prime Executive Suite.
The Four Seasons’ exterior definitely has more of a classic look, so I was curious to see what the rooms would be like. Upon entering our 840 square foot suite we were in the dining area, which featured a dining table with four chairs.
Four Seasons Maui suite dining area
Past that was the minibar area, where there was a Nespresso coffee machine, a mini-fridge, and some reusable Four Seasons-branded water bottles.
Four Seasons Maui in-suite coffee
Speaking of those reusable water bottles, there was a water station just down the hall from us, which is an awesome feature that I wish we’d see in more hotels.
Four Seasons Maui water station
Past the dining area was the living area, which had a couch, a chair with an ottoman, and a wall-mounted TV.
Four Seasons Maui suite living room
Four Seasons Maui suite living room
Four Seasons Maui suite living room
There was a lovely welcome amenity consisting of a bottle of sauvignon blanc, as well as a plate of sweets — that included some coconut cookies, as well as a coconut made of chocolate, which could be smashed open with a mallet.
Four Seasons Maui welcome amenity
Then there were double doors leading to the bedroom, featuring a signature Four Seasons bed, which is my favorite hotel bed in the world.
Four Seasons Maui suite bedroom
Four Seasons Maui suite bedroom
The bathroom was off to the side of the bedroom, and featured double sinks, a soaking tub, a walk-in shower, and a separate room with a toilet.
Four Seasons Maui suite bathroom
Four Seasons Maui suite bathroom
Four Seasons Maui suite toilet
Toiletries were from a local brand, and had a great scent.
Four Seasons Maui suite toiletries
I loved the low-tech music option in the bathroom, as you could choose from six different stations, ranging from Hawaiian music to R&B. It was so easy to operate that I actually used it.
Four Seasons Maui in-room music
Of course the highlight of any hotel room in Hawaii is the outdoor space, and this was no exception. The suite had two incredible outdoor spaces. Off the living room was a lanai with a dining table.
Four Seasons Maui suite balcony
The second lanai could be accessed from both the living room and bedroom, and featured two loveseats and a table.
Four Seasons Maui suite balcony
Both lanais had gorgeous views of both the hotel’s peaceful gardens, as well as the pools and ocean in the distance.
Four Seasons Maui suite view
Four Seasons Maui suite view
Wi-Fi in the room was fast and free, and the air conditioning also worked very well. What an awesome and beautifully renovated suite!
Four Seasons Maui property amenities
Now that we’ve talked about the room, let’s take a look at the rest of the property, from the lobby, to the pools, to the gym, to the spa, to the beach.
Four Seasons Maui lobby
The Four Seasons’ lobby is massive, open air, and has great views of the pool and ocean. There’s even a lobby bar here (which I’ll cover below), and there’s live music every night, so that makes the lobby a bit more lively.
Four Seasons Maui at Wailea lobby
Four Seasons Maui at Wailea lobby
Four Seasons Maui at Wailea lobby
Four Seasons Maui at Wailea lobby
Four Seasons Maui at Wailea lobby
Four Seasons Maui at Wailea lobby
Four Seasons Maui pools
The Four Seasons has three different pools, all of which have a different vibe.
Four Seasons Maui at Wailea pool
The Fountain Pool is the Four Seasons’ main pool — it’s the single biggest pool, and there’s also a large hot tub on each side.
Four Seasons Maui Fountain Pool
Four Seasons Maui Fountain Pool
Four Seasons Maui Fountain Pool hot tub
The second pool is the Waterfall Pool, which has both a waterfall (as the name suggests) and even a small slide. Presumably this is usually most popular with kids, though there weren’t many kids staying at the hotel when we were there.
Four Seasons Maui Waterfall Pool
Four Seasons Maui Waterfall Pool
The third pool is the adults-only Serenity Pool, which is also great for swimming laps.
Four Seasons Maui Serenity Pool
Four Seasons Maui Serenity Pool
Unlike at the Andaz (and so many other hotels in Maui), there was no need to “reserve” pool chairs early in the morning. They were always readily available, so it’s nice not to have to deal with that hassle.
Four Seasons Maui at Wailea pool seating
Four Seasons Maui at Wailea pool seating
Four Seasons Maui beach-view seating
I particularly loved the number of quasi-cabanas there were — as someone who likes to sit at the pool but who also likes to stay out of the sun, these cabanas let you get as much shade and privacy as you want.
Four Seasons Maui at Wailea pool seating
Service at the pool was excellent — we were always brought a pitcher of water when we sat down, they’d come around with free popsicles and other treats, and of course you could also order drinks and snacks.
Four Seasons Maui pool service
Four Seasons Maui beach
The Four Seasons is located at the end of Wailea Beach, and guests have access to a beautiful portion of the beach. There were hotel staff there to help throughout the day with setting up beach chairs, etc.
Four Seasons Maui beach
Four Seasons Maui beach
I also love walking down the boardwalk that connects all the Wailea properties.
Wailea boardwalk
Four Seasons Maui gym
The Four Seasons Maui has an incredible gym perfectly designed for the coronavirus era. A majority of the gym is outdoors, including all the cardio equipment and some weights. Why can’t more hotels in destinations with good weather do this? It’s so much more fun to work out when you’re outside.
Four Seasons Maui outdoor gym
Four Seasons Maui outdoor gym
Four Seasons Maui outdoor gym
Four Seasons Maui outdoor gym
There was also an indoor portion to the gym, which is where most of the weights were. The quantity and quality of equipment was excellent.
Four Seasons Maui gym
Four Seasons Maui gym
Four Seasons Maui gym
Four Seasons Maui gym
There were capacity limits at the gym, and there was someone on staff constantly wiping down equipment.
Four Seasons Maui spa
The Four Seasons Maui has a popular spa, and probably the highlight of that is the outdoor treatment rooms, as you can get a treatment in an open-air hale.
Four Seasons Maui spa exterior
Four Seasons Maui spa reception
Four Seasons Maui spa outdoor treatment rooms
Four Seasons Maui spa outdoor treatment rooms
The spa has an impressive selection of holistic treatments that go beyond the typical massages and facials — you can find all the services here.
Four Seasons Maui game room
If you’re looking for some indoor activities on a rainy day, the Four Seasons has a game room that has everything from pool, to ping pong, to foosball, to video games.
Four Seasons Maui game room
Four Seasons Maui game room
Four Seasons Maui game room
Four Seasons Maui dining
The Four Seasons has an excellent variety of dining options, which could be worth checking out even if you’re not staying at the hotel. The Four Seasons’ main dining options include the following:
- Duo Steak & Seafood, which is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Ferraro’s Bar E Ristorante, which is the hotel’s outdoor Italian restaurant, serving lunch and dinner
- Spago, which is Wolfgang Puck’s Hawaiian outpost, serving dinner
- The lobby lounge, which is open in the evenings and serves cocktails, sushi, and more
- In-room dining, which is available 24/7
Below I’ll share our experiences with each of these dining options.
Four Seasons Maui breakfast
The Four Seasons Maui serves breakfast at Duo. The restaurant has plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors, in spite of capacity restrictions, and we never had to wait for a table.
Four Seasons Maui Duo Restaurant exterior
Four Seasons Maui Duo Restaurant inside seating
Four Seasons Maui Duo Restaurant outside seating
Our rate included breakfast (as do all Four Seasons Preferred Partner rates), and you can order either off the menu or have the buffet. The breakfast menu read as follows:
We had iced coffee to drink each morning, which came with a carafe for refills — I love that!
Four Seasons Maui breakfast iced coffee
Two of the mornings we had the buffet, which was excellent. Some of the individually packaged items are self-serve, while other items are served by staff. The buffet included an excellent selection of juices, pastries, fresh fruit, granola, yogurt, cold cuts, cheese, and more.
Four Seasons Maui breakfast buffet
Four Seasons Maui breakfast buffet
Four Seasons Maui breakfast buffet
Four Seasons Maui breakfast buffet
Four Seasons Maui breakfast buffet
Four Seasons Maui breakfast buffet
Four Seasons Maui breakfast buffet
While there were several hot options at the buffet, you could also order custom made eggs, pancakes, french toast, or waffles, as well as your choice of toasted bread.
Four Seasons Maui breakfast omelet
One morning we decided to order from the menu, and we split the greek yogurt parfait, spiced tofu scramble, and avocado toast. The first two dishes were excellent, while I’d say the avocado toast could be a bit more substantial.
Four Seasons Maui breakfast
Four Seasons Maui breakfast
Four Seasons Maui breakfast
Four Seasons Maui Duo Steak & Seafood
We decided to have dinner at Duo Steak & Seafood one night. The dinner menu read as follows:
The restaurant also consistently has a three-course menu for $55, which is quite a good deal when you look at the rest of the menu prices:
I ordered the three-course menu — I had the roasted carrot & almond soup to start.
Four Seasons Maui Duo Restaurant dinner
Then for my main course I had the steamed catch of the day, while Ford ordered the filet mignon off the regular menu, along with a side of crispy brussels sprouts.
Four Seasons Maui Duo Restaurant dinner
Four Seasons Maui Duo Restaurant dinner
Four Seasons Maui Duo Restaurant dinner
We split my dessert, which was a tasty dark chocolate & Kona coffee bar.
Four Seasons Maui Duo Restaurant dinner
Both the meal and service were excellent.
Four Seasons Maui Ferraro’s Bar E Ristorante
Ferraro’s is the Four Seasons Maui’s Italian restaurant that’s open for lunch and dinner. It’s entirely outdoors and right next to the pool, with gorgeous ocean views — I’d recommend trying to dine here even if you’re not staying at the hotel, because it was simply fantastic. You can find the menu here.
Four Seasons Maui Ferraro’s Restaurant outdoor seating
Four Seasons Maui Ferraro’s Restaurant outdoor seating
Four Seasons Maui Ferraro’s Restaurant outdoor seating
Four Seasons Maui Ferraro’s Restaurant outdoor seating
We ate here two days — one day we had the heart of palm “ceviche,” a lemon chicken sandwich, and a Hawaiian shoyu ahi poke bowl.
Four Seasons Maui Ferraro’s Restaurant lunch
Four Seasons Maui Ferraro’s Restaurant lunch
Four Seasons Maui Ferraro’s Restaurant lunch
Another day we both had the spiced beef tenderloin steak salad.
Four Seasons Maui Ferraro’s Restaurant lunch
The restaurant also has stone baked pizzas which are legitimately good — we ordered one via in-room dining one day.
Four Seasons Maui Spago
We had dinner one evening at Spago, which is located just off the lobby. As you’d expect, this is the hotel’s fanciest and priciest restaurant. Spago has more indoor seating than the other dining options at the hotel, but at least there are huge windows so you can still be reminded of where you are.
Four Seasons Maui Spago Restaurant
Four Seasons Maui Spago Restaurant
Four Seasons Maui Spago Restaurant
The dinner menu read as follows:
Upon sitting down we were offered a selection of bread.
Four Seasons Maui Spago Restaurant dinner
To start we split the Japanese hamachi.
Four Seasons Maui Spago Restaurant dinner
For the main course I had the pineapple coconut red curry, while Ford had the Hawaiian ono.
Four Seasons Maui Spago Restaurant dinner
Four Seasons Maui Spago Restaurant dinner
Four Seasons Maui lobby lounge
The Four Seasons lobby lounge is absolutely worth a visit for a pre-dinner drink, given the views and live local music. I love any venue that has live music, and it’s something I wish we saw more of at hotels. You can find the menu here.
Four Seasons Maui lobby lounge
Four Seasons Maui lobby lounge
Four Seasons Maui lobby lounge
Four Seasons Maui lobby lounge drinks
Four Seasons Maui in-room dining
The day we arrived we ordered room service lunch so that we could get some work done before heading out for the afternoon. You can find the menu here.
While other hotels have either cut back in-room dining or now deliver it in bags, it was business as usual here. We each had a strawberry salad with chicken, and then also split a pizza, which was from Ferraro’s.
Four Seasons Maui in-room dining
Four Seasons Maui in-room dining
Four Seasons Maui in-room dining
Bottom line
The Four Seasons Maui is probably the best large resort I’ve ever stayed at, thanks to the excellent hard and soft product.
While the “bones” of the property are older, Four Seasons has done a phenomenal job keeping this property updated. There’s a lot to love about this resort, from the three pools with endless seating options, to the outdoor gym, to the direct beach access, to the impressive restaurant selection.
Service at the Four Seasons is excellent as well, especially when you consider how many rooms there are. All employees were friendly and competent, and despite the large size of the hotel, there was an impressive amount of proactive and personalized service.
Ultimately Maui is an incredible place to visit, so if you’re looking for the best hotel on the island, I don’t think it gets better than the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea.
If you’ve stayed at the Four Seasons Maui, what was your experience like?
Want to take advantage of Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits, including a space available room upgrade, complimentary breakfast, a hotel credit, and more? Contact Ford ([email protected]) for more details. He may even be able to help if you already have a stay booked.
Read Four Seasons reviews: Athens, Boston, Cap-Ferrat, Denver, Desroches Island, Florence, Fort Lauderdale, Hualalai, Kyoto, Lanai, Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, Los Cabos, Madrid, Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Maui, Megeve, Miami, Napa Valley, Naviva, Nevis, Oahu at Ko Olina, Paris, Punta Mita, San Francisco at Embarcadero, Scottsdale, Seychelles, and Surfside
Learn about Four Seasons deals & offers: Anguilla, Athens, Atlanta, Austin, Bahamas, Bora Bora, Boston, Cap-Ferrat, Costa Rica, Dubai, Fort Lauderdale, Hawaii, Jackson Hole, London, Los Cabos, Maldives, Minneapolis, Nashville, Naviva, New York, Napa Valley, New Orleans, Orlando, Palm Beach, Paris, Philadelphia, Punta Mita, San Francisco, Santa Fe, Seattle, Sicily, Tamarindo, and Vail
Learn about Four Seasons basics: Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Four Seasons Private Retreats, Four Seasons Private Jet, Four Seasons travel agents, Four Seasons loyalty program, and maximizing value at Four Seasons
Ben - how you could write this entire review and not even mention that this hotel was the setting for the TV show White Lotus!! It's not just a hotel, but a cultural phenomenon!
We have stayed there twice and while expensive was pretty amazing. The lobby was striking after a long day of travel. We will go back once the rate settle down. With limited capacity I am not surprised they are charging a premium. Staffing alone must be challenge. Good service is not cheap.
The FS Maui is our favourite Place in the world! We have visited 4 times, all the way from Germany. Always in a lovely suite with partial ocean view. The cost was around 800 USD including breakfast and a 200 USD resort credit, which was absolutely fabulous. What happened, that they are charging 1,800 USD for a Mountain View room now? Is that "inflation"? I could not believe my eyes when I checked the rates....
The FS Maui is our favourite Place in the world! We have visited 4 times, all the way from Germany. Always in a lovely suite with partial ocean view. The cost was around 800 USD including breakfast and a 200 USD resort credit, which was absolutely fabulous. What happened, that they are charging 1,800 USD for a Mountain View room now? Is that "inflation"? I could not believe my eyes when I checked the rates. What normal person can afford these rates and which wealthy person is crazy enough to pay this? Ben, any idea if prices will go back to normal again?
Agree this hotel has a specific clientele and me (27) with my friend got lots of looks
Great review.
As with most things in travel, those who can do.
Those who can't complain.
The prices are like this because of the crazy high demand right now from travelers of all types. The amount of tourist traffic is back to pre Covid levels on Maui, stores are packed with tourists again, some good at following Covid restrictions, others not so much.
Long gone is the peace that the island experienced for 7-8 months without excessive numbers of tourists. At least they are finally being charged a rate that keeps the bargain hunters from coming.
We have stayed here multiple times over 15-20 years, typically 2-3 nights before going to a (more affordable) condo. Never paid 1800 for a regular room but the prices increase quickly across room classes; we have been upgraded when the place is not packed and at other times have been offered better rooms for a relatively small fee (as at other FS too). I have stayed in lots of fancy hotels, and this sure is...
We have stayed here multiple times over 15-20 years, typically 2-3 nights before going to a (more affordable) condo. Never paid 1800 for a regular room but the prices increase quickly across room classes; we have been upgraded when the place is not packed and at other times have been offered better rooms for a relatively small fee (as at other FS too). I have stayed in lots of fancy hotels, and this sure is one, but it is probably one of the most relaxing places I have ever been. The service is great-the room cleaners greet you by name (they apparently are expected to know the guest names in the room assigned), some of the wait staff at Ferraro's have been there 20 years and recognize repeat guests, even short timers like us, not just the 2 week stay high rollers. The pool guys at the regular pool also greet you by name with each interaction (I know my name is in their computer but it still feels great). We haven't bothered to fight for seats at the adult pool; the main pool is better than any other hotel we have stayed in while in Maui. Food is uniformly good although pricey-but the latter is true in every other fancy hotel we have stayed in while visiting Maui, including Hotel Wailea which is a close second favorite with nice (and very large great view) but non-beach rooms, Both pricey-HW less-but both rarely charge other fees unlike many always in your pocket other Maui resorts (attention Grand Wailea). Less eating options at HW. HW was run down 15 years ago; improved incrementally but dramatically over several visits over years (ownership change which looked like they were on a budget with a great long term plan) and is also now world class.
I was booked to stay here in March but had to cancel due to border restrictions as I was coming from Canada. If I recall correctly, I had an ocean view room with a rate of $1200. I checked March 2022 and the rate for the same room is $1650. Does anyone have any theories as to when the rates will go back to normal?
Those portion sizes at the hotel restaurants are minuscule. I don’t like leaving restaurants starving. Why do expensive restaurants often have small portions?
It looks nice enough but I’m sorry the rate is crazy. I know it’s across the board expensive right now but the same room type for 6 nights in July is over $30,000. That’s crazy. The room is nice but it’s not *that* nice
@ Tom …. Agree. To state rate was up to $1,800 and then say they did “nickel and dime you” is honestly laughable. Resorts that do charge a resort fee and other fees are aiming at a specific clientele that cares nothing about cost.
Does Michael Dell still own this property? Four Seasons doesn’t need a points program, they have a specific clientele which could careless on 1800 per night too start ( even though insane ). But this property is amazing. I stayed last January for a few nights and paid approximately 650 per night. And hey, it is capitalism and if somebody wants too pay 1800 plus then they can and their choice. I echo comments by...
Does Michael Dell still own this property? Four Seasons doesn’t need a points program, they have a specific clientele which could careless on 1800 per night too start ( even though insane ). But this property is amazing. I stayed last January for a few nights and paid approximately 650 per night. And hey, it is capitalism and if somebody wants too pay 1800 plus then they can and their choice. I echo comments by Ben, best Four Season resort I have seen. Oh and a side note, I was with my wife and our friends joined us at Ferraro’s Bar E Ris.......and we had drinks at the bar first and before dinner at Spago.....we all got some pretty interesting looks as being much younger.....instead of charging it too room I said I’d I’d just pay with a card ( rude older two couples what said, “ do you not have enough credit on your card too charge it too room) and and the bartender said, “ oh I’m sure he does “ as I gave him my centurion card ). Older people tune changed ASAP and then funny they joined us for dinner and picked up tab in apology....... service is impeccable and I recommend this resort.
I think the Wailea Beach Resort was first built and operated by Stouffers. My grand parents had a condo at Wailea Ekahi (almost next door). Back in the 1980's , my brother and I would walk over to the main restaurant after dinner with our family and buy the dessert buffet and bottomless Kona coffee for $5 each! Those were the days!
We spent 9 nights in the neighboring Fairmont Kea Lani, while the resort was constructed in 1991, it has that 90s open air palace vibe, which really works for me. The architecture is Spanish/Moorish. Not something I'd say is Hawaiian, but works in a Greek/Blue Sky kind of way. All rooms are suites and have been upgraded 60% of the furnishings/fixtures in the last few years. (each suite is 2 essentially standard rooms wide) and...
We spent 9 nights in the neighboring Fairmont Kea Lani, while the resort was constructed in 1991, it has that 90s open air palace vibe, which really works for me. The architecture is Spanish/Moorish. Not something I'd say is Hawaiian, but works in a Greek/Blue Sky kind of way. All rooms are suites and have been upgraded 60% of the furnishings/fixtures in the last few years. (each suite is 2 essentially standard rooms wide) and the resort is 450 rooms on 22 acres, 3 pools, 3-5 restaurants, private beach with free chairs and snorkeling (not a shared beach). That being said some parts of the rooms or bones did show their age, but it wasn't in a broken way, just dated elevators or doors etc.
While cabanas are available to rent, chairs and towels were ample and across 3 pools we never went without a spot.
I believe Fairmont prices are 15% less that FourSeasons to a tee, almost like a currency lock.
We have been 2x and wouldn't stay elsewhere, unless the Montage offers some deal/incentive.
While I dislike resort fees, and they should just be part of the rate, it didn't bother me since there was no other Nickle and diming.
I stayed at the Elite suite when I was here couple years ago. The suite was newly renovated then and had a commanding view of the ocean which was nice. I took breakfast at the suite’s lanai daily. The unobstructed view was stunning. I also rush back to my suite daily to view the sunset. Nothing beats Hawaiian sunset with a drink in hand and away from the crowd. I thought the pasta at Ferraro...
I stayed at the Elite suite when I was here couple years ago. The suite was newly renovated then and had a commanding view of the ocean which was nice. I took breakfast at the suite’s lanai daily. The unobstructed view was stunning. I also rush back to my suite daily to view the sunset. Nothing beats Hawaiian sunset with a drink in hand and away from the crowd. I thought the pasta at Ferraro was over cooked. I def would not go back. Spago was not bad but still doesn’t compare to the one in Beverly Hills. The resort is huge and feels a bit overwhelming. If your room/suite is at the end of the U shape structure, then it’s a quick walk to the beach. If your room is in the middle of the U shape structure, then it’ll take awhile to walk. The ocean off the hotel had many giant turtles swimming in it. I swear the turtles are human size big! It was incredible. Overall it was a great stay although I prefer Four Seasons Lanai.... less crowd, better finishes, and better food at the hotel.
To whom it may concern
The appearance to me seemed Lacking warmth certainly would have selected an entirely different layout rather slightly industrial looking . from what I gathered from pictures , There was nothing Classic. About it . Not that this was the objective. To each his Own . The pool area was rather pleasant and nice I do admit .
The dinner ware Was certainly not elegant Gimmicky Bigger is not...
To whom it may concern
The appearance to me seemed Lacking warmth certainly would have selected an entirely different layout rather slightly industrial looking . from what I gathered from pictures , There was nothing Classic. About it . Not that this was the objective. To each his Own . The pool area was rather pleasant and nice I do admit .
The dinner ware Was certainly not elegant Gimmicky Bigger is not better the food may have been excellent The omelette I could have surpassed that in presentation and preparation. , curious in what the napery fibers consisted of . I could certainly select superior to my opinion in my exposure in a worldly tropical setting . At a fraction the cost . Your efforts were appreciated in photographing . What was shown in the rooms lacked warmth , understandable May had something to do with The present Conditions worldly. thanks always enjoy your blog Hopefully Mother is doing exceedingly well. Sincerely Love your Country where you spent time .
@Anthony The Marriott Wailea Beach Resort was perfectly acceptable in my experience. While it didn't come without flaws (parking lot was a bit awk at times, the fees, overall a large property), it was still a great time. They were generous with towels (gave us as many as we wanted, as often as we wanted without tracking them down), staff were all friendly and courteous, the location was great. We got a beautiful upgrade from...
@Anthony The Marriott Wailea Beach Resort was perfectly acceptable in my experience. While it didn't come without flaws (parking lot was a bit awk at times, the fees, overall a large property), it was still a great time. They were generous with towels (gave us as many as we wanted, as often as we wanted without tracking them down), staff were all friendly and courteous, the location was great. We got a beautiful upgrade from the base room to a high floor room - the manager allocated us one which had a sofa bed as well as 2 queen beds which was the next best thing from a suite (which wouldn't have fit 4 people as well). We also used Marriot GCs on the fees which helped for sure!
Lucky - you did not provide any feedback on your Spago dinner…was it good? Worth the premium price? Please advise!
Hey Ben why don’t you review the Motel 6 in Parker Arizona, you SNOB
@Lucky -- I hate to be the one to break it to you but "No nickle-and-diming" when you're paying $1,800/night, that's already built into the price for you tenfold, bud.
I know you get paid for promoting chains by saturating your review with links, but for about 25% the price, I'd much rather stay at the more intimate and adults only Hotel Wailea. There was nothing in your review that would justify anything close to that price.
No Toto Washlet? Unacceptable.
I jest, but it actually is surprising to me for a place of this price/caliber in Hawaii.
Why would i go to Maui over St Barts or St Marteen at those prices?
I stayed at the Four Seasons Maui early last week, so was there around the same time as Ben (or might have even overlapped). Totally agree that this place continues to provide great service, even with Covid precautions. I, too, left my glasses out on the table, and found a cloth underneath when I came back. We got housekeeping and turndown service every day/night.
As for the pool chairs situation, the Serenity pool gets...
I stayed at the Four Seasons Maui early last week, so was there around the same time as Ben (or might have even overlapped). Totally agree that this place continues to provide great service, even with Covid precautions. I, too, left my glasses out on the table, and found a cloth underneath when I came back. We got housekeeping and turndown service every day/night.
As for the pool chairs situation, the Serenity pool gets popular and doesn't have have a enough chairs (especially in the shade), and I've often run into a waitlist situation. That said, the other pools have plenty of chairs, and because there are attendants setting them up, guests don't claim and hog them for the entire day. It's so nice to grab a chair and towel whenever your want.
We spent two nights (on points) at the Westin Ka'anapali later in the week (we also stayed 2 nights in Hana in between), and that place was a total zoo by comparison: lining up to get your towel (1 per guest) each morning, selling towel pins (almost encouraging you to hog those pool chairs), charging for beach chair rentals, and making you sure you return your towel cards back at checkout so not to incur a $25 per towel charge. Oh, and that's on top of the Westin's resort fee.
I booked my base room at the FS Maui in December and was grumbling a bit about the $700/night price tag (I remember paying around $500-600 in 2018). But looking at the prices now, I'm definitely glad I booked early. Since Four Seasons doesn't have any points program, I find it their properties in Hawaii a great way to use up my 2x Citi Prestige 4th night free benefits each year. I did a quick search of rates for the September/October at the other Four Seasons Hawaii properties, and (for now), they're sticking to these high summer season nightly rates: Oahu at Ko Olina (usually the cheapest) starts at $900 (although it's an Ocean-view room), Big Island at Hualalai is $1500, and Lanai at $2300. That's a lot, even with a 4th night free. But Lanai Sensei is still "reasonable" at around $600 per room, although it's no longer all-inclusive and isn't on the beach.
@Anthony, I second @Sean above. Highly, highly recommend the Wailea Beach Resort (Marriott). There are some hefty resort/add-on fees, but otherwise it's excellent and I found it to be worth it even with all of those. Plus, all of Hawaii has public access to the beach, and there is a path that connects all the Wailea hotels, so you can check them out as you wish. But yeah, the next time I'm going to Maui, I plan on staying there.
@Anthony, I LOVE the Wailea Beach Resort (Marriott). The pools are great, but, most importantly, it appears to be by FAR the closest resort to the ocean in Wailea. I believe it was the first built there, before the local bylaw stipulated how close to the water the resort could be. While the Four Seasons is more luxurious, what strikes me from Ben's pictures is how far back his room and the other amenities are...
@Anthony, I LOVE the Wailea Beach Resort (Marriott). The pools are great, but, most importantly, it appears to be by FAR the closest resort to the ocean in Wailea. I believe it was the first built there, before the local bylaw stipulated how close to the water the resort could be. While the Four Seasons is more luxurious, what strikes me from Ben's pictures is how far back his room and the other amenities are from the ocean. At the Wailea Beach Resort, my wife and I had a walk-out oceanfront room. The edge of our lanai was maybe 30 feet from the ocean. In my mind, you just can't beat that. The staff was friendly, and the rooms were comfortable. I'm looking to go back hopefully as soon as Canada drops the hotel quarantine upon return to Canada!
@Anthony - The Grand Wailea is really overrated in my opinion. If you have kids, the pool complex can be a plus but otherwise it seems too much like a theme park. While so much is included at the Four Season the opposite is true at Grand Wailea. You can wait in long lines and pay high prices to rent things like cabanas as an example. We burned a bunch of extra Hilton points to stay there in 2019 (third trip in 10 years) but we won’t be back.
I agree that service is great at the property, but the size made it feel like a resort factory. When I stayed there all good pool seats were taken by 7am. Luckily we prefer the beach anyway.
While the resort looks beautiful, which well-kept ones on Maui don't? $1800/night for little more than a place to sleep...when it becomes a fraction of that, then we'll talk.
I agree with Santastico, $1800 no thanks. When it's half that we can discuss!
Is that $72 for a side of french fries I see
Could not agree more. Stayed at the Orlando property in December and was business as normal except for social distancing and some reductions in capacity. Just returned from Jackson Hole and they too are operating wonderfully as a Four Seasons does. Booking through Ford and his agency is the way to go for sure. I always book direct so I don’t lose flexibility but the Four Seasons program actually encourages you to book through a...
Could not agree more. Stayed at the Orlando property in December and was business as normal except for social distancing and some reductions in capacity. Just returned from Jackson Hole and they too are operating wonderfully as a Four Seasons does. Booking through Ford and his agency is the way to go for sure. I always book direct so I don’t lose flexibility but the Four Seasons program actually encourages you to book through a partner. Room upgrades can have a significant cost savings when available and breakfast in most cases is at least $100 per day allotment.
Looking forward to visiting Maui when the rates return to normal!
wow, you and your family ball out.
I, as a younger Asian American, unfortunately did not have a good experience at this hotel. Most of the guests are older and affluent types and kept giving me and the rest of my family the 'You don't belong here' look. I still have chills thinking what had happened and how people can be so disrespectful just with their eyes.
I just love the consistency of the Four Seasons brand. It's not always the most luxe option but you can always count on phenomenal service and feeling like you're a welcomed guest.
Any opinions on Grand Waliea (Hilton) and Wailea Beach Resort (Marriott) from the readers out there?
We are planning a trip to Hawaii hopefully this fall, and we have enough points Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton for a visit the main points hotels. I love Four Seasons in general but not sure I want to spend $2,000 a night.
this is why they don't have a points program
Montage is much better and much more exclusive than the Four Seasons, plus the Montage is on a better part of Maui!
Maui is great but not $1,800/night great.