Wailea Beach Resort — Marriott, Maui
"Give us your first impressions.There’s almost no lobby here, at least not in the traditional sense. What first greets you at Maui's Wailea Beach Resort is a grand lanai that’s mostly outdoors—one with killer views of the Pacific Ocean. Check-in takes place to the left and, if you’ve arrived before your room is ready there’s a lounge where you can rest—and even shower. Or, just head down to one of the bars by the pool or grab a fresh juice. What's the backstory?Having undergone a $100 million renovation a few years ago, this Marriott now showcases modern furniture, beautiful artwork, and Hawaiian decor. We wouldn’t necessarily say that it has targeted millennial travelers with its hip new look, but it’s definitely not a corporate hotel-on-a-highway. How are the rooms?There are more than 500 rooms and suites, all with various perks. Some have garden views. Some have garden views plus oversized lanais. Some have ocean views from balconies; others have ocean views from the ground floor. The best type of room will depend on what you plan on doing during your stay. If you have children, try to book near the Nalu kids' pool. If you’d rather be active, go for a ground-floor room near the coastal path (and away from the pools). Is there a charge for WiFi?Wi-Fi is factored into the $38 daily resort fee, which also includes bike rentals, Mai Tais, SCUBA lessons, and a few other services. What's the food scene like?The Marriott is home to the only Starbucks in Wailea so people—however sheepishly—flock here just for that. However, the resort is also home to Humble Market Kitchen, a newish concept by Roy Yamaguchi, the famous chef behind Roy’s Restaurant chain. KAPA is one of the best-looking poolside cafes in the area, with tasty tacos and fun cocktails, and the Mo Bettah Food Truck serves poke bowls and shave ice. Don't miss the Te Au Moana ("The Ocean Tide") luau show—held on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. How was the service?Down-to-earth and friendly. Who's checking in here?The crowd consists of families, honeymooners, and older couples. But thanks to the meetings and convention services at the Marriott, you'll see business travelers, too. What about the neighborhood?Situated amid higher-end luxury resorts, the Marriott feels like a happy and unpretentious place to stay. Is it easy to get around?Like other resorts in Wailea, getting to the pool deck and beach requires an elevator or walking down lots of steps. Any other special features?The pools here all have their own scene. Kids can spend hours at the Nalu pool deck with its super-long water slide and toddler-friendly features; adults can escape to the Serenity pool. As for the beach, the Marriott section occupies a smaller sliver of sand compared to the other nearby resorts. A Mandara Spa, a kids' club, and a movie room round out the slate of amenities. The resort also has laundry machines for guests to use—a nice alternative to per-piece laundering service. What's the bottom line?This is practically a new resort with modern amenities and services—without that luxury price tag." - Juliana Shallcross
