Questions about the Westin Ka'anapali Villas

[Anal Annie]

So we were able to book 3 nights in an IV studio at the Westin Ka'anapali Villas using Starwood points. I just hope this is not a let-down following 7 nights at Aulani in an OV studio!! They look pretty nice on the website but we've never stayed there. I was reading some mixed reviews about the buildings there on Trip Advisor...has anybody stayed there before who can maybe give me some pointers / tips / advice on what to maybe request. I don't know if they allow room requests (especially if booked on points) but thought I might explore the option. I read that some rooms can be noisy if they face the road. And of course we'd prefer a true "island view" not a view of a parking garage or something. Just looking for some advice for this property. (I figured Dean would know the answers...)

 

[dvc_john]

I can't really help much as I've never stayed there. But I did wander thru the resort last September while walking the ocean front path from the Hyatt on the south end to the northern end. I would stay there anytime in any view unit.

Did you view the website?
http://www.westinkaanapali.com/roomsandsuites/roomtypes
This shows where the IV studios are located.

 

[FoodLover]

We stayed there in 2009 and really liked it. We had been staying in a villa at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and decided at the last minute to extend our vacation when I got a great last-minute deal at the Westin Ka'anapali Villas.

At the Westin we had a 1-bedroom, which had a full kitchen, washer/dryer, etc. Having since stayed at Aulani, I would say the unit was similar to DVC in terms of amenities and decor.

(By the way, ironically, while the Ritz-Carlton was quite a bit fancier, with higher-end finishes, the Westin met our needs better because the Ritz-Carlton unit didn't have its own laundry facilities -- you had to send everything out to valet laundry, which was super expensive -- and the Ritz-Carlton unit's "kitchen" only had a microwave!)

We used the grills at the Westin Villas several times. The pools are lovely. The beach pool bar is very enjoyable. Ka'anapali Beach is one of the best on Maui, with great snorkeling right off the beach.

Restaurants were pretty good, though we ate in our unit most of the time. Really we had no complaints.

 

[Anal Annie]

I can't really help much as I've never stayed there. But I did wander thru the resort last September while walking the ocean front path from the Hyatt on the south end to the northern end. I would stay there anytime in any view unit.

Did you view the website?
http://www.westinkaanapali.com/roomsandsuites/roomtypes
This shows where the IV studios are located.

Yes, I've browsed through the website a few times...It looks very nice - I've just read a couple of reviews on Trip Advisor that said if you face the highway it will be noisy and I know there are more than 1 building so I was just trying to figure out if there was something I should put into a room request to avoid the highway problem.

We stayed there in 2009 and really liked it. We had been staying in a villa at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and decided at the last minute to extend our vacation when I got a great last-minute deal at the Westin Ka'anapali Villas.

At the Westin we had a 1-bedroom, which had a full kitchen, washer/dryer, etc. Having since stayed at Aulani, I would say the unit was similar to DVC in terms of amenities and decor.

(By the way, ironically, while the Ritz-Carlton was quite a bit fancier, with higher-end finishes, the Westin met our needs better because the Ritz-Carlton unit didn't have its own laundry facilities -- you had to send everything out to valet laundry, which was super expensive -- and the Ritz-Carlton unit's "kitchen" only had a microwave!)

We used the grills at the Westin Villas several times. The pools are lovely. The beach pool bar is very enjoyable. Ka'anapali Beach is one of the best on Maui, with great snorkeling right off the beach.

Restaurants were pretty good, though we ate in our unit most of the time. Really we had no complaints.

The last time we went to Hawaii we stayed at the Sheraton at Black Rock - loved that walk along the beach into Lahaina. We'll only be on Maui for 3 nights this trip so our time is limited...not sure that I'll plan on grilling anything. We'll likely do breakfasts in our villa. Want to hit a couple of places in Lahaina that we want to eat at again and possibly do a luau.

From what I've seen on the Westin website it appears that even the studios have a cooktop, full frig, real dishes and a washer & dryer so that's a plus. (Sounds a little better than DVC actually since the DVC studios don't offer any of this stuff.) Although I despise doing laundry on vacation I was considering doing a couple of loads at Aulani - but since we're also in a studio there it wouldn't be as convenient since I'd have to go to a laundry room. So I may wait until we get to Maui. We'll see. It would be nice if I could manage to pack the 3 of us in our carry-ons and only 2 checked bags in order to avoid paying checked bag fees for the 3rd person....but with being gone for 2 weeks I'd definitely need to plan on doing some laundry somewhere!!

 

[disneydenisel]

Have you already finished your stay? We own at that resort and have visited at least 10 times.

For an IV studio, your best bet is to book at the Westin Ka'anapali Villas North, since none of the views from that resort are parking lot. They are usually garden, koi ponds, etc. The studios at North will have a small lanai, whereas the studios at South will not have a lanai (South was built first and then they changed some things when they built North).

The studios at North are a bit smaller than South. We own an OV at South and love the resort. You really can't go wrong. If you don't like kid noise, maybe you can request NOT a view of the Pirate Pool.

You may have already come and gone, but let me know if you have any questions.

 

[utahkennedys]

We stay at the Westin every year. The real bonus is Starwood builds much better studio layouts including a washer/dryer. We prefer the 1BR of course but will make do in a studio. It's a fabulous resort! We stayed 10 days at Aulani last year combined with the Marriott Ko'Olina and...preferred the Marriott property. So my point is I don't think the Westin will be a let down. We also prefer the south villas at Westin and have always had ocean view. It's a much quieter and spread out vibe than Aulani.

 

[Anal Annie]

Have you already finished your stay? We own at that resort and have visited at least 10 times.

For an IV studio, your best bet is to book at the Westin Ka'anapali Villas North, since none of the views from that resort are parking lot. They are usually garden, koi ponds, etc. The studios at North will have a small lanai, whereas the studios at South will not have a lanai (South was built first and then they changed some things when they built North).

The studios at North are a bit smaller than South. We own an OV at South and love the resort. You really can't go wrong. If you don't like kid noise, maybe you can request NOT a view of the Pirate Pool.

You may have already come and gone, but let me know if you have any questions.

We stay at the Westin every year. The real bonus is Starwood builds much better studio layouts including a washer/dryer. We prefer the 1BR of course but will make do in a studio. It's a fabulous resort! We stayed 10 days at Aulani last year combined with the Marriott Ko'Olina and...preferred the Marriott property. So my point is I don't think the Westin will be a let down. We also prefer the south villas at Westin and have always had ocean view. It's a much quieter and spread out vibe than Aulani.

Hi guys! We don't go until August. I don't know how to know where we're booked! The confirmation only says "The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas". It doesn't specify north or south. Can you tell by the address? (ie Do they have different addresses?) Do you contact them ahead of time with a location request for north or south or do you just ask at check-in for our case? On the amenities list on the confirmation it does not mention a w/d but I thought I read the studios have them....

What to do....what to do?! A lanai would be nice....

 

[utahkennedys]

As far as I know they are 2 separate resorts with 2 separate names and addresses. We did have a great corner lanai once on our first visit to a studio but that is pretty rare in the original villas. For some reason the north villas have always felt more removed to me and away from the main resort, but my girls do enjoy the pool there so we swam there a few nights. Honestly...give me any room at either resort and I'll be happy!!

 

[Anal Annie]

As far as I know they are 2 separate resorts with 2 separate names and addresses. We did have a great corner lanai once on our first visit to a studio but that is pretty rare in the original villas. For some reason the north villas have always felt more removed to me and away from the main resort, but my girls do enjoy the pool there so we swam there a few nights. Honestly...give me any room at either resort and I'll be happy!!

OK then so the address on my confirmation is 6 Kai Ala Drive, Lahaina. Can you tell from that which one we'll be in?

 

[utahkennedys]

OK then so the address on my confirmation is 6 Kai Ala Drive, Lahaina. Can you tell from that which one we'll be in?

I would say call Westin and ask which one you booked? Perhaps as a hotel guest they don't guarantee regular or North??

 

[disneydenisel]

OK then so the address on my confirmation is 6 Kai Ala Drive, Lahaina. Can you tell from that which one we'll be in?

6 Kai Ala Drive is the South Villas, which is the original one, where we own a week. If you booked it through the hotel, then it should be pretty simple to rebook at the North Villas if you want to guarantee a lanai (it's tiny, but you can sit there ). I can't imagine it would be a different price.

All the studios have a w/d so you are good!

The studios at South are bigger, but with a railing to lean on vs. a lanai. I love the South myself, but you seriously can't go wrong in either place. It's all great! Maui is my favorite place besides Disney.

 

[Anal Annie]

6 Kai Ala Drive is the South Villas, which is the original one, where we own a week. If you booked it through the hotel, then it should be pretty simple to rebook at the North Villas if you want to guarantee a lanai (it's tiny, but you can sit there ). I can't imagine it would be a different price.

All the studios have a w/d so you are good!

The studios at South are bigger, but with a railing to lean on vs. a lanai. I love the South myself, but you seriously can't go wrong in either place. It's all great! Maui is my favorite place besides Disney.

Thanks - we booked with Starwood Points so we didn't really have a choice I guess. I mean I put in the request for the Westin resort in general and got a confirmation back. I guess either is fine. I am just hoping an IV there is not a let-down after an OV at Aulani. I almost wished I had booked it in reverse (Maui first THEN Aulani). Oh well...we'll still be in Hawaii, right?!

 

[epgirl]

We stayed in a 2 BR in the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas North in 2011. When entering the property, you pass the South building and then you get to the North building. The 2 bedroom is a lock-off so we basically had a studio and a 1 BR. The studio does have a cook-top, a full-sized refrigerator with freezer, microwave, real dishes, glasses, utensils, and a washer and dryer. Then, the 1 BR has the full kitchen and another washer and dryer as well. I love the Westin's studios b/c they offer more room amenities than DVC studios. We didn't have an ocean view but we also didn't hear any traffic noise.

 

[disneydenisel]

Thanks - we booked with Starwood Points so we didn't really have a choice I guess. I mean I put in the request for the Westin resort in general and got a confirmation back. I guess either is fine. I am just hoping an IV there is not a let-down after an OV at Aulani. I almost wished I had booked it in reverse (Maui first THEN Aulani). Oh well...we'll still be in Hawaii, right?!

If you are using Starpoints (hotel points versus timeshare points), can't you just rebook the other resort if you want to? I would think that each resort is an equivalent amount of Starpoints.

But yes, you can't go wrong, you will be in Hawaii! We bought at the original South Villas and couldn't be happier. This year, it will be our 11th trip there, I think ! South is closer to everything, I think. We go to the North Villas pools to relax and visit the Koi fish. It is just a very short walk away.

 

[Anal Annie]

If you are using Starpoints (hotel points versus timeshare points), can't you just rebook the other resort if you want to? I would think that each resort is an equivalent amount of Starpoints.

But yes, you can't go wrong, you will be in Hawaii! We bought at the original South Villas and couldn't be happier. This year, it will be our 11th trip there, I think ! South is closer to everything, I think. We go to the North Villas pools to relax and visit the Koi fish. It is just a very short walk away.

I have NO idea! This is the first time we've used Starpoints like this!! I had just read some reviews on Trip Advisor that said the IV villas on the North side could be noisy due to a nearby highway so I was curious.

 

[Airb330]

I have NO idea! This is the first time we've used Starpoints like this!! I had just read some reviews on Trip Advisor that said the IV villas on the North side could be noisy due to a nearby highway so I was curious.

I doubt it matters where the reservation is held. I'm sure you can call for a request or request at check-in. Do NOT cancel and re-book. SPG recently changed a lot of hotel values. You'd pay the new rates, which are absolutely a rip off! The Westin Villas were only 12,000 SPG points per night in October 2011, they are now 30,000 for October 2013. That is crazy! All are $329-$369 a night with cash, so there shouldn't be such a point difference IMO. Honestly, since a villa is essentially just a hotel room, I'd stay at the Westin Maui resort over the Villas to save some SPG points. We stayed at the hotel on our honeymoon in 2011 and loved it; we originally were going to stay at the villas. We also used SPG points. My husband was SPG Platinum at the time and we did receive a nice upgrade to a suite. But even without that, I'd still probably prefer the Sheraton or Westin hotel over the villas to save points. The Villas aren't worth the point difference over the hotels from what I've seen (We took a Villa tour for 10K SPG points in 2011).

It's funny because we are doing 7 nights at the SPG Villas (Timeshare promo) and then 3 nights at Aulani this October. Basically the opposite of your trip!

 

[dr&momto2boys]

I don't think you'll be disappointed. The Westin was just opening and still in construction when we stayed there, but it was very nice. And the Kanapali beaches are hard to beat! (and much better than Aulani's!) Also the OVs at Aulani are disappointing. Our "garden view" at Marriott's Ocean Club in Maui were WAY better than our "ocean view" at Aulani! (Aulani's OV was a noisy pool view! with the ocean a great distance away.)
Just keep an open mind and you'll enjoy both very much!

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

We stayed at Westin Ka'anapali North in December 2011 and loved it! Can't really compare it to Aulani since we haven't stayed there yet- the activities and pools at Aulani look amazing and totally over the top so not sure if you can really compare the two.

Was able to book this through II using a bonus certificate (not points) so I warned DH we would probably have a parking lot view. We ended up getting ocean front, right near the jogging path along the beach. We only had a studio, but their studio is much better than other resorts. We had a full size fridge, small dishwasher and a two burner cook-top, plus a studio has a washer/dryer. There was a nice area to grill near the pools and there is a grocery store up the street. There is also a Walgreen's nearby and you can get any beach toys or boogie boards for a reasonable price. Just be prepared that sometimes the grocery store will run out of milk and you need to comeback the next day when they get a new shipment in.

I highly recommend Ululani's Shaved Ice in Lahaina. We ended up there several nights.
http://ululanisshaveice.com/

If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a PM!

 

[Anal Annie]

I doubt it matters where the reservation is held. I'm sure you can call for a request or request at check-in. Do NOT cancel and re-book. SPG recently changed a lot of hotel values. You'd pay the new rates, which are absolutely a rip off! The Westin Villas were only 12,000 SPG points per night in October 2011, they are now 30,000 for October 2013. That is crazy! All are $329-$369 a night with cash, so there shouldn't be such a point difference IMO. Honestly, since a villa is essentially just a hotel room, I'd stay at the Westin Maui resort over the Villas to save some SPG points. We stayed at the hotel on our honeymoon in 2011 and loved it; we originally were going to stay at the villas. We also used SPG points. My husband was SPG Platinum at the time and we did receive a nice upgrade to a suite. But even without that, I'd still probably prefer the Sheraton or Westin hotel over the villas to save points. The Villas aren't worth the point difference over the hotels from what I've seen (We took a Villa tour for 10K SPG points in 2011).

It's funny because we are doing 7 nights at the SPG Villas (Timeshare promo) and then 3 nights at Aulani this October. Basically the opposite of your trip!

I don't think you'll be disappointed. The Westin was just opening and still in construction when we stayed there, but it was very nice. And the Kanapali beaches are hard to beat! (and much better than Aulani's!) Also the OVs at Aulani are disappointing. Our "garden view" at Marriott's Ocean Club in Maui were WAY better than our "ocean view" at Aulani! (Aulani's OV was a noisy pool view! with the ocean a great distance away.)
Just keep an open mind and you'll enjoy both very much!

We stayed at Westin Ka'anapali North in December 2011 and loved it! Can't really compare it to Aulani since we haven't stayed there yet- the activities and pools at Aulani look amazing and totally over the top so not sure if you can really compare the two.

Was able to book this through II using a bonus certificate (not points) so I warned DH we would probably have a parking lot view. We ended up getting ocean front, right near the jogging path along the beach. We only had a studio, but their studio is much better than other resorts. We had a full size fridge, small dishwasher and a two burner cook-top, plus a studio has a washer/dryer. There was a nice area to grill near the pools and there is a grocery store up the street. There is also a Walgreen's nearby and you can get any beach toys or boogie boards for a reasonable price. Just be prepared that sometimes the grocery store will run out of milk and you need to comeback the next day when they get a new shipment in.

I highly recommend Ululani's Shaved Ice in Lahaina. We ended up there several nights.
http://ululanisshaveice.com/

If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a PM!

Thanks all. This will be my 5th trip to Maui and have stayed on previous trips at both the Marriott Ocean Club and the Sheraton so I am familiar with both of those resorts too. So anyway, no real big questions about Maui in general... I was just curious about the difference between the North and the South Westin villas. Sounds like either would be fine as long as we don't get put on this highway that I read about on Trip Advisor. I wasn't sure how to know which side we'd be in ahead of time.

(Oh, and I know many hotel chains recently changed their point structures for using points - boy when that news broke was I glad we got in before that happened or we wouldn't have been staying there at all!! We actually had to convert Amex. Reward points to Starpoints in order to do this so now we're all tapped out on Amex. points too).

 

[Airb330]

(Oh, and I know many hotel chains recently changed their point structures for using points - boy when that news broke was I glad we got in before that happened or we wouldn't have been staying there at all!! We actually had to convert Amex. Reward points to Starpoints in order to do this so now we're all tapped out on Amex. points too).

Isn't that the truth?! SPG's devaluation didn't hit us too hard. Some of the hotels are now just a ripoff (Sheraton Park Anaheim at 10,000 SPG Points? It is routinely $110 in cash), but that's "inflation". Hilton's on the other hand....completely destroyed the program for us! No more Conrad Tokyo or Hilton Ocean City for 36,250 HH points per night with an AMEX award....they are 95,000! We're burning the rest of ours asap!

I really recommend doing a timeshare tour if they offer something decent. I think we got 10,000 SPG points and we were in and out within 50 minutes. The staff are very, very understanding, and we generally enjoyed seeing the property. Low pressure.