Wailea-Makena Romantic Holidays

It’s just not the same…. Like so many things these days it just isn’t up to the standards it once was for luxury, quality and service. This was my fifth trip to the Grand Wailea since it originally opened. The grounds were still mostly beautiful although many tiki torches were nonfunctioning, handrails missing, cracked, missing tiles at the adult pool was particularly sad to see and areas within the grounds that just seemed unkept, especially around the old Asian restaurant, which is now shuttered/abandoned. Upon arrival, I immediately knew that something was a miss when the incredible waterfall that sets the tone for the grandeur that was always promised was inoperative. The staff says it has been broken for over a year and has not been fixed. This was the center piece of the tropical experience for me. It is this lack of maintenance that would keep me from going back to the Grand Wailea as it is no longer a five star resort, even after their $350 million partial resort renovation. Our ocean view room was large and comfortable, but the decor was as basic as a Holiday Inn. One picture, one decorative mirror was all the design afforded. You could tell they’ve cut way back on staff too. It is still a worthy of at least one holiday if your priority is to enjoy the extensive pools, spa, etc. If you’re truly looking for a five star experience, the Four Seasons is a better choice.

It’s just not the same…. Like so many things these days it just isn’t up to the standards it once was for luxury, quality and service. This was my fifth trip to the Grand Wailea since it originally opened. The grounds were still mostly beautiful although many tiki torches were nonfunctioning, handrails missing, cracked, missing tiles at the adult pool was particularly sad to see and areas within the grounds that just seemed unkept, especially around the old Asian restaurant, which is now shuttered/abandoned. Upon arrival, I immediately knew that something was a miss when the incredible waterfall that sets the tone for the grandeur that was always promised was inoperative. The staff says it has been broken for over a year and has not been fixed. This was the center piece of the tropical experience for me. It is this lack of maintenance that would keep me from going back to the Grand Wailea as it is no longer a five star resort, even after their $350 million partial resort renovation. Our ocean view room was large and comfortable, but the decor was as basic as a Holiday Inn. One picture, one decorative mirror was all the design afforded. You could tell they’ve cut way back on staff too. It is still a worthy of at least one holiday if your priority is to enjoy the extensive pools, spa, etc. If you’re truly looking for a five star experience, the Four Seasons is a better choice.