Review: The New Andaz Maui Villas

The Montage on Maui is amazing and blows any resort in Maui out of the water, including the Four Seasons. Thankfully, Montage does not have a loyalty program, so it’s never flooded with redemption people playing the pool chair game.

@ James -- I'm not sure it's redemption people who are "playing the pool chair game." After all, this hotel is notorious for blocking award redemptions. 😉 The Montage doesn't have issues with pool chairs because the property is so much smaller, it has nothing to do with a loyalty program.

You ever thought about doing video walkthroughs for your hotel reviews? Especially in this case, I feel like a video would give a better sense of perspective since it's such a big room. That said, this was a great review as always. Thanks!

The villas are well appointed and upscale. Wow airport transportation would have been nice. We were beyond tired and grumpy upon arrival .

Other than better appliances I don’t see how much better it was than the 2 bedroom 2 1/2 bath 2 floor 2000 SQ FT partial ocean view villa I stayed at in Kona at a Wyndham destinations. After 10 minutes of politely dyknwia and phone calls at Checkin I received gifts for being a Diamond member and got a suite upgrade. Staff was very helpful. The decor was beachy and Hawaiian. $85 per night plus 3,000 go fast Wyndham points a night. Deal of a lifetime. Booked back in feb or March.

Great review Lucky! I stayed here years ago shortly after opening and had a fantastic stay. Looking forward to going back at some point.

The only point I’d quibble with is your comment that Wailea beaches are the best in Maui. As someone who has been to Maui countless times, I’d say Ka’anapali and Kapalua are just as good, if not better. (Ocean conditions can make a difference). Snorkeling and the beach off Sheraton Black Rock are fantastic!

Also, following up James’ comment, the Montage is tremendous (my sister got married there and her in-laws are members), but it almost seems TOO nice (for me at least). I do appreciate the resorts that attempt to have some natural connection, where you can wake up and know for sure you’re in Hawaii

It is possible that this property has gotten better. I stayed there a few years back and I must say this was the worst property I have every stayed at in Hawaii (and I have stayed at pretty much every 4 or 5 star hotel on every island). We had an ocean view suite which largely overlooked and was over a parking lot. The restaurants rarely got our orders right but were happy to charge us 150 USD a person anyway. We rented a cabana every day at the pool and no one, not a single person for over a week offered us menus or towels. We (and other guests) ended up ordering lunch in Grubhub and picking up our food from the lobby. Attendants aT beach were too busy pulling each other’s pants down in the middle of the ocean (I kid you not) to give us chairs. I would never stay in a villa there on my points. I’d rather go to the four seasons.

Lots of "i wishes" and "I would'ves" in this review. Definite pass. Not worth it.

@ Mike -- Wow, that sounds awful. I'd definitely give the hotel another try then, because that doesn't match my experience, or what I'd heard from others.

Remember how much you hated the Amdaz the first time you stayed there? Sparse rooms. Bad food options.

Different folks, different strokes. Wailea beach is fine but snorkeling off Black Rock next to Sheraton is much better. Also, ocean conditions tend to be somewhat better there. Andaz villas are nice ... except when I go to Hawaii I would like to stay outside. What is the value in a wine fridge if you are staying only 6 days? Good wine will survive a few days without being at a proper temperature. Sure, a Bosch superautomatic machine makes a nice coffee drink but how much extra you are paying for that? Also, if you traveling as a large group for an extended time - like a week or two - renting a private house would be a better idea, at least for me. Thus, no plans for renting those three bedroom villas nay time soon. I fact, this Spring I tried talking my wife into going to Maui to Andaz and also burning free nights at Waldorf Astoria but failed - she find Maui boring vs. Big Island or Kauai.

@ Mike
I fully agree with your assessment of the Andaz Maui ant the service. I stayed there once in a suite a couple of years ago. I was extremely disappointed and I vowed never to return. The property & service was so much better when it was a Stouffer/Renaissance. Now that Hyatt has the "Destination Resorts" villas in Maui, this Hyatt "Explorist" has recently been staying at those on Maui and I have been very pleased.

@ Ben
Do they still play the "W" club style background music in the lobby of the Andaz Maui? It seemed so "un-Hawaiian" when I stayed there.

@ Ben -- I'm out at "There’s no way to redeem World of Hyatt points for Andaz Maui villas" I better be staying somewhere a month or more to spend $10k. To me, that is a waste of money.

Going by just the in-room photos, I was beginning to wonder if this place was really on the Hawaiian Island of Maui. I'm sure its upscale and very nice (esp. since brand new) but it looks like any upscale property now-a-days in any major US city. Must be people consider a hint of Hawaiian flavor in the rooms to be too kitschy. To say it lacks a sense of place is an understatement.

This place is terrible.

Pool chair games, “ocean views” that are 100 yards from the ocean, slow and forgetful service, inconsistent breakfast offerings.

It photographs well and that’s it.

I’m chasing lifetime globalist, too, but will visit the four seasons next time.

FYI- those hot sauces are from hi-spice. I ordered a 12 pack after my first trip here. They are amazing.

Odd use of the word ‘villa’ here. This is a block of flats, call them what they are; ‘appartments’.

Looks nice enough, but why is it called a Villa? More like an apartment.

Great review as always!

I can’t for the life of me figure out why they’d pick a trundle for the third bedroom. I get there may be families with kids (or nanny and baby) but then do two twins. Is the room so small that they really need a trundle—can just fit a twin, and when bottom pulled out no room to walk around? From the picture it looks like there is room for twins.

I agree that it looks like a regular apartment one would find in Sao Paulo for 150 a night on airbnb. I stayed in a similar one in Amman, and that included a bunch of pools as well.

Maybe I'm getting spoiled, but I seem to agree with James. It seems like an overpriced apartment that's not even super luxurious. The pool looks pretty great though.

The Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria property, has similar (but I think better) Villas across the road from their property with full access to all the resort amenities. I've stayed there several times, as well as the at the Ritz Carlton and the Kea Lani which has smaller multi-bedroom villa type units. I've also stayed at the Montage and while the views are stunning, I found the overall pool experience just average. Each property has their own character and appeal. I haven't stayed at the Andaz, but have been to Morimoto's several times and I don't think I would call it a "chain" Japanese restaurant, even though there are several much like a Nobu's in cuisine quality, so I would give it a bit more kudos. Thanks for your honest reviews and I'll be heading to Kauai and Maui for two weeks this Saturday! (PS, I think you went to Mama's Fish House right? That's worth a separate review of its own for sure!)

3 of those oceanfront bungalows at the Hana property probably woulda been my choice when throwing down big money at a Hyatt in Hawaii. Or the 2-br Family Residence + a bungalow.

Location feels more like real Hawaii. Room selection more cumulative space but property only 75 rooms ttl. On the Prive list for perks. Redone. More peaceful, beautiful, & calming.

Thanks for a great review! I really missed reading your trip report during pandemic. Now it feels like we are one step closer to normal!

If I put a positive spin on my impression from the photos, all of the food looks dull and blah. I am surprised that a hotel at this price level can't serve something looking more inspiring. My first thought on the luau food was 'awful'; maybe the serving just does not make for a good photo op, but it certainly does not look appealing.

The hotel itself looks more mainstream city location than Hawaii.

@Lucky, thanks for the review (and the great pics). I assume you normally tip the beach (and pool) attendants for their assistance with chairs, umbrellas, etc. at these resorts?

And did you try the balcony grill? I assume it was gas so you/guests don't need to buy charcoals (and lighter fluid), etc.?

The Wailea Beach Villas, now a Hyatt Destination Residence offers 3-bedroom villas at similar if not lower price point vs Andaz. Much secluded property along the same area, fully stacked outdoor lanai with BBQ. It is much better equipped and even has outdoor showers and private plunge pool.

The best is you also earn Hyatt points and status!

Taken in isolation, the apartment is very nice. Perhaps not overly luxurious, but a cut above the average. I completely agree with @jcil, and others, that it lacks a sense of 'place', which I would expect in this price range and brand. The way it currently looks, it could be any apartment from anywhere in the world - Hawaii does not spring to mind! Are local touches necessary? No, but they do add to the overall experience. And in this case, the glaring absence has been enough to merit more than a few comments....

But my biggest gripe has to be the profoundly misleading name. This is not a villa. It's a block of apartments - pure and simple. Try convincing seasoned travellers who've stayed in Bali, the South Pacific or the Maldives that this is a 'villa' and see what reaction you get.......

I have to agree, it is an apartment, in no way a villa. It does not even look like part of a villa, it is an apartment in an apartment block. Sorry but this is way off, and false marketing.

- Earned over 100K Hyatt points in one stay
— me: WHAT???

- …at Andaz Villas at over $1800/night
— me: Oh…

meh, not impressed with the sao paulo like apartments (weird they call it a villa). SO happy you and your mom enjoyed it tho, thats what matters.

anyone know why the Four Seasons Maui has suites priced at $10k-$20k a night? theyre not villas, theyre not 3, 4 bedroom penthouses....theyre just big suites with an oceanfront view. that pricetag is just horrendous i dont understand.

There are definitely sone executive leadership problems at this hotel.

18% service charge for a Buffet? They are having a laugh!

Mediocre bland Americana.

How much did the luau cost??????!?!?!?

@Ben why wouldn't you include that in the review, I am interested and seems like a valuable piece of information that could help others to. You already mentioned it was expensive yet didn't mention the price?!?!?

Also did I read that right that at a resort charging over a $1,000 dollars a night you have to pay to use non-motorised water crafts.

I’m glad you enjoyed your stay with your Mom. It sounds like you think the property has improved. In pictures, it still looks they picked up a 40 year old hotel from Kansas City and dropped it on the beach. It doesn’t resonate Hawaii, relaxation, or luxury to me.

That Globalist breakfast hardly stacks up to the nearby Marriott's SBUX coffee, muffin, + fruit cup for Plats & up

I wouldn't support this property just on the basis that they are intentionally evading Hyatt terms re: award stays. That's a slippery slope, and rewarding hotels that want the benefits of Hyatt's network without providing reciprocal benefits.

Same goes with hotels that evade breakfast benefits for Globalists. We're more than a year in now: I'm done with them.

The wine fridge is a pretty weird touch. Do they think people are bringing cases of wine with them? I live in Napa and love wine and I'd be happy to keep the 2-3 bottles I buy while over there in a regular fridge.

I've done that Andaz in its first year open.... Clearly, it remains underwhelming.

Those 'villas' are bland and the finish-out looks pedestrian. It's sadly the same issues I had with their suites. Tons of fake finishes that will age VERY badly in less than a year.

For the price, I'd much rather be at Hotel Wailea, Montage or Four Seasons.

@ ryan -- Hah, it's a fair point. I think it's more style over substance and is intended to make the kitchen look more impressive, rather than being an amenity that everyone will use. But who knows, maybe it's something that some people value.

@ Andrew -- It's a fair point and I'm not a fan of the games the hotel plays with award availability. That being said, I do think World of Hyatt deserves some blame here as well (as much as I love the program), and I don't think it's fair to exclusively blame the hotel. At just about all other properties, issues with award availability have quickly been resolved when reported to World of Hyatt, but that hasn't happened at the Andaz. Presumably on some level the program is fine with it, and this is more about controlling costs than anything else.

@ Morgan -- My mistake, I thought it was listed in the document I posted a picture of, but I guess not. The luau cost $240 per person. You can find more info here: https://feastatmokapu.com/

@ SullyofDoha -- On the plus side even the service charge was included with our breakfast. For that matter, in the USA it's pretty standard to have to tip at a buffet if you're still being served drinks, etc., so it's not that unusual. I'm happy they automatically add that much so you don't feel like you have to tip more.

@ schar -- Supply and demand is the answer, plus Four Seasons' name recongition. It's the same reason standard rooms there are currently 2-3x as much as they used to be. Demand for Hawaii is currently through the roof.

The Alila Uluwatu in Bali has true villas instead of this apartment

Can't beat the hoolei maui across the street from the Grand Wailea. Go to spot. Huge lanai. 3 bedroom homes. Great ocean view. $1300 a night.

Ben - thanks for the response. I hear what you're saying, and agree that some of this is on Hyatt in general.

FWIW, I did complain to my concierge about the breakfast benefits, and their response seemed helpless. So I'm staying in House/Place properties, since they still seem to be serving it. It does make me question the value of loyalty, though.

I was just there with friends about a week ago (May 2 through May 7). We may have inadvertently crossed paths at the Andaz luau. We stayed at the Marriott Wailea Beach Resort next door but went to the Andaz luau because the Marriott luau was booked. Really liked the food but the performance seemed very short (done by 7:15 and it was billed until 8:30).

We also went to Kauai and stayed at the Grand Hyatt and that was absolutely excellent. Easily the best Grand Hyatt I've stayed at. Would highly recommend.

The thing I most struggle with is why wouldn’t you book an airbnb for less money? Rental condos on the beach are a dime a dozen on Maui. I found a 3bd for $429 a night in July.

Your photos show few people. The lobby is empty, the bars are empty. Almost nobody at the pools. I've heard that Maui is quite crowded and restaurant reservations are difficult to get except well in advance. So what's up at the Andaz. Does it feel crowded? Were you able to do the beach activities such as outrigger and canoe rides, mixology class?

Wish I remembered this article before my stay. I am here now and paid your priding for a hotel suite, should have checked with Ford.