My Accomodation Nightmare

[Maui'dinJuly]

I am lucky enough to be planning my wedding in Maui July 2011. But as I search more into accomodations, everything becomes a lot harder. I keep running into "good deals" on condo vacation rentals just to find out that the pictures are not a true representation of what is there. Hotels are nice but expensive since there is no kitchen and you'd have to buy most of your meals.

 

If you've been to Hawaii already can you offer any suggestions on where to stay?

[karyan]

I know exactly what you mean, we're hoping for a October 2011 wedding and it's been a struggle to source decent accommodation. I've found Trip advisor very helpful and have read all the reviews on any place I've started to consider. Do you have anywhere in mind at the moment?

 

For price and location I'm looking at the Aston at the Maui Banyan right now....I'm hopefully going to talk to someone who's husband works in the hotel industry (and is a frequent traveller to Hawaii) to find out if it's any good

[Maui'dinJuly]

Hey Karyan. I found a great looking condo Lahaina, Hawaii vacation rental by owner: 1 bedroom Condo rental that sleeps 4. Lahaina Roads #308 - Just Like Home - on the Ocean in Maui. We really wanted to be able to cook and this place also has a jet tub It has good reviews and is on many different property rental sites. The owner also sent me an extensive descriptions about everything to do with the condo and area. It seems pretty credible to me. She said the pictures are taken within the actual suite so hopefully no surprises.

 

Has anyone else stayed here?

[BlondeLlamaTreww]

If you need a website for rentals- Hawaii vacation rentals,vacation homes,villas,beach rentals,house rental,condos and beach houses in Hawaii.

it's the site I used. And a lot of resorts will have condos attached to their property which have been privately bought and are rented out. That's the route we're going. It's going to be about the same price, but the condos are a lot nicer than the hotel rooms and we'll be able to cook. Hope this helps =]

[Maui'dinJuly]

Hey Karyan. Did you find anything further about the Aston? And is it that Aston Mahana or Kaanapali Shores?

[karyan]

I haven't found anything out yet

 

We are still trying to decide as we may have families with small children coming by, and the parents are a little afraid of crossing a busy street with little ones. Once I find out, will give you a post!

[AishaB]

Good luck, I know that something will certainly work out. I noticed that some ladies have already given you some great info.

[Vinster]

I am also looking into accommodations for family/friends, and came across this site price seems reasonable. Here it is: HomeAway Vacation Rentals: Beach Houses, Condos, Cabins, Villas & Vacation Rental Homes

 

This way you can get more options to choose from =D

[Allsmiles]

So, originally I wanted to stay in the Kaanapali Region at a resort. Then I checked out the prices and knew I did not want to ask my guests to pay so much to our weddingI have a party of 90 staying at the Kaanapali Shores. We chose it because it is close to Lahaina and Kaanapali Beach. It is also very reasonable, newly renovated and has awesome reviews on Trip Advisor. It's nice because it has lots of "condo" features like larger rooms and kitchens but it also has lots of resort-like gardens and public gathering areas aswell as a restaurant and bar. The beach is a bit rocky but you are literally a 5 min walk to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and all the resorts 5 mins away are twice the price.....

I was looking into condos in Kihei but I had friends stay there and said it was DEAD after 8:00 pm every night. I Have a wide range of guests, some of which I know would like to go out and explore some nightlife so I wanted to be near places that offer that.

Another awesome thing is how many different types of rooms they have at all different prices!

[bridetov]

All of my guests stayed at Papakea Resort (just north of Kaanapali). My dad owns a condo there as well as several time-shares, so I was able to get an amazing group rate discount for my guests (50% off rack rate-- OMG!!). The only thing is- Papakea has different "grades" of rooms: A, B, & C. They all cost the same- but unless you are/know an owner, you'd have no idea that there were differences.

 

"A" rooms are totally updated- typically with all stainless appliances, nice tiled floors. My dad gutted his condo and spent $100k updating everything. It's SO nice.

 

But on the flipside, "C" rooms are totally.... straight of the 70s with totally outdated everything and usually just have a gross feeling to them.

 

I was able to secure "A" rooms for all my guests... but it was tricky even with a contact at the resort.

 

If I didn't have that "in" with my dad... I probably would have used VRBO.com to book rooms. That said, it was BEYOND wonderful to have everyone at the same resort. Papakea was big enough that I could have my family all placed in the same building but request that my friends be on the other side of the property

 

Not sure if any of this made sense- but happy to help anyone out if they need it! I've been going to Maui (west side) since I was little so know the area quite well.