- This was our third stay at the property and it felt like we were "nickel and dimed" more than ever before and that the quality of the property has gone downhill despite the recent room renovations that happened since the last two times we stayed. Granted we stayed during a busy period for the hotel, but they also charge much higher rates for the period so the desire for top-notch experience is no less from our perspective.
For example (1) to get fresh squeezed oj we were told there was a separate charge and that included in the buffet was "from the carton" (2) we weren't told there was a parking charge for $29 a day at time of reservation or check-in. We weren't the only ones on checkout who mentioned this, the couple next to us did too. The charge was removed, but again here, when one is on vacation one doesn't want to have to request charges removed, etc. Best to either be up front about them or not have them at all; (3) there wasn't a single meal where didn't have to ask the server to have our toddler son's food charge removed even kids under 5 eat for free, it felt like the waitstaff included it and then made you ask to have it removed. There was no asking at the outset his age, etc. This also resulted in delays in getting settled up at...- This was our third stay at the property and it felt like we were "nickel and dimed" more than ever before and that the quality of the property has gone downhill despite the recent room renovations that happened since the last two times we stayed. Granted we stayed during a busy period for the hotel, but they also charge much higher rates for the period so the desire for top-notch experience is no less from our perspective.
For example (1) to get fresh squeezed oj we were told there was a separate charge and that included in the buffet was "from the carton" (2) we weren't told there was a parking charge for $29 a day at time of reservation or check-in. We weren't the only ones on checkout who mentioned this, the couple next to us did too. The charge was removed, but again here, when one is on vacation one doesn't want to have to request charges removed, etc. Best to either be up front about them or not have them at all; (3) there wasn't a single meal where didn't have to ask the server to have our toddler son's food charge removed even kids under 5 eat for free, it felt like the waitstaff included it and then made you ask to have it removed. There was no asking at the outset his age, etc. This also resulted in delays in getting settled up at every meal.
- Despite that we were told construction would be completed by the time of our arrival it was still in full swing. Hearing construction at the pool and lawn area late morning and afternoon made for a less than relaxing experience. Also, granted we were there during a busy period, but it didn't seem like the pool staff was that attuned to making sure the area was neat. For example, certain people would leave drink cups or small things of sunscreen empty and it sat there all day and into the evening, even sometimes blowing near the hot tubs. Didn't seem like anyone was looking after keeping the area clean. This contributed to the feel that we were at a Disney resort rather than a Four Seasons.
- The Thanksgiving buffet at Duo was pretty disappointing. Although there were plentiful choices and the seafood raw bar was great, the quality of the traditional food (turkey, stuffing, gravy) wasn't great. It was almost tasteless and dry. This made sense when the server - who was super nice - told us that they had over 700 reservations that day. Suggest having the option of plated Thanksgiving dinners instead of buffet perhaps at another of the restaurants. For example, we would've happily gone to Spago instead if they'd been offering traditional Thanksgiving fare. The manager did manage to get us the table I'd requested, however, so that was appreciated.
- Wifi was not working in our rooms on two separate mornings of our stay. This was a problem for my husband who needed to get work out.
- Three things that remained pretty awesome: (1) the oceanside hale massage. Totally worth it and the therapist was excellent (2) The beach is great and the snorkeling set up for the kids is nice (3) the adults pool remains one of the prettiest views in Maui, but the problem there is the gamesmanship that goes into getting a seat which many other reviewers have detailed.
- After three times at the property, I must say I don't think we'd return. The property and service have gone downhill considerably for some of the reasons I detailed above and others that I haven't. In contrast, the Four Seasons Manele on Lanai was excellent two years ago during Thanksgiving. I think we'd choose that for future beach stays in Hawaii.More
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