Andaz Maui at Wailea

Andaz Maui at Wailea, a Michelin Key Selected property, is consistently praised as a premier luxury destination on the island, offering a blend of modern elegance, exceptional service, and an enviable beachfront location.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Andaz Maui at Wailea is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "world-class 5-star hotel" that provides a "clean, modern, and relaxing experience". Many consider it one of the best resorts in Maui and a highly valuable redemption option for World of Hyatt points.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects that set Andaz Maui apart:

• Location: The resort boasts a prime beachfront position on Mokapu Beach, known for its soft sand and calm waters perfect for snorkeling. It offers direct beach access and is conveniently walkable to The Shops at Wailea and neighboring luxury resorts.
• Design & Ambiance: The property is celebrated for its stylish, modern, and design-forward aesthetic, from its breathtaking open-air lobby with ocean views to its "mellow vibes."
• Amenities: The resort features five outdoor pools, including a series of cascading infinity pools and a more secluded spa pool. A state-of-the-art fitness center with Peloton machines and heavy dumbbells, a full-service spa, and a complimentary laundry room are also highlights. Included in the resort fee are various activities such as snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboard lessons, kayaking, outrigger canoeing, yoga, Pilates, and bicycle rentals. A complimentary shuttle service operates within the Wailea area.
• Service: The staff is often described as excellent, friendly, attentive, and genuinely dedicated to guest satisfaction. Thoughtful touches like a welcome beverage at check-in and complimentary champagne for special occasions enhance the experience.

3. Room Quality

Rooms and suites at Andaz Maui are characterized by their modern, chic design and spacious layouts. They feature a soothing neutral palette with light wood furnishings, often complemented by white and light blue accents. All accommodations include private lanais (balconies), with many offering stunning ocean views. Bathrooms are a standout feature, commonly equipped with dual-head or rainfall showers, large soaking tubs, and Malie toiletries. Some bathrooms even have shutters that open into the bedroom, allowing for ocean views from the shower. Guests appreciate the generous closet space. Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are a welcome amenity in the minibar. However, some older reviews mention uncomfortable mattresses and lower quality bedding or towels. There have also been comments regarding privacy issues on some balconies due to metal poles.

4. Dining Experience

Andaz Maui offers a diverse and high-quality dining experience:

• Ka'ana Kitchen: This main restaurant serves an "epic" breakfast buffet, widely considered one of the best hotel breakfasts. It features fresh island fruits, a variety of pastries (including highly praised banana bread), made-to-order eggs and omelets, waffles, pancakes, fresh-squeezed juices (like P.O.G. - passion, orange, guava), and a rotating selection of Asian-inspired dishes. Dinner at Ka'ana Kitchen, with its farm-to-table focus, is also highly recommended.
• Morimoto Maui: A highlight for dinner, offering fresh sushi, Wagyu, and picturesque oceanfront dining. Reservations are highly recommended.
• Bumbye Beach Bar: Located by the pool, it serves island-inspired dishes, shareable bites, and refreshing cocktails throughout the day.
• Lehua Lounge: An elegant beachfront lounge, perfect for enjoying handcrafted cocktails and small bites while watching the sunset.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Andaz Maui consistently receives high praise for their exceptional hospitality. Guests frequently commend their friendliness, attentiveness, and willingness to go the extra mile. Examples include prompt courtesy car service, excellent breakfast servers, and personalized touches like welcome drinks and honeymoon gifts. While generally outstanding, a few isolated complaints have surfaced regarding inconsistent concierge service and occasional lapses in housekeeping communication or service.

6. Location & Accessibility

The resort's location in Wailea is a significant draw. It spans 15 beachfront acres directly on Mokapu Beach, offering guests direct access to calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The property is part of the scenic Wailea Beach Path, allowing guests to walk to other luxury resorts such as the Four Seasons and Fairmont. Conveniently, The Shops at Wailea, featuring luxury boutiques and restaurants, are just a 5-minute walk away, as is the Island Gourmet Markets, a grocery store with prepared foods. The resort also provides a complimentary shuttle service within the Wailea area, enhancing accessibility to nearby attractions and dining.

7. Value & Pricing

Andaz Maui at Wailea is a luxury property, reflected in its pricing. Cash rates are generally very expensive, ranging from approximately $700-$800 to over $1,200-$2,000 per night for a base room, with oceanfront views and suites commanding even higher prices. This high cash cost makes it a particularly attractive option for those utilizing World of Hyatt points, often redeemable for 35,000 to 45,000 points per night, which many guests consider a great value. A daily resort fee (around $50) applies, though it is often waived for World of Hyatt Globalist members. Valet parking is an additional cost of $59 plus tax per night.

8. Common Complaints

Despite its high ratings, some recurring issues and criticisms include:

• High Cost of On-Site Dining and Services: Beyond the room rate, guests frequently note the expensive nature of food, drinks, and other services on the property.
• Breakfast Seating Wait Times: Even for the buffet breakfast, guests have occasionally reported long wait times for seating.
• Balcony Privacy: Some balconies, particularly those near the lobby, have been noted to lack privacy due to their design.
• Limited Hot Tubs: The resort has only one communal hot tub, which can become crowded, especially during peak times.
• Inconsistent Concierge & Housekeeping: While service is generally excellent, there have been isolated reports of unhelpful concierge staff and inconsistent daily housekeeping service.
• Minibar Restocking: Some guests have mentioned that the complimentary minibar items are not consistently restocked daily.
• Points Booking Restrictions: Booking with World of Hyatt points can sometimes be challenging due to minimum stay requirements (often 3 nights) and limited award availability.

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