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Our second time visiting the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, did not disappoint. Player 2 and I used the Hilton Free Night Reward for a two-night stay with no resort fees in paradise.
As Hilton Honors Diamond elite members, we received complimentary upgrades to the Ocean View King Room upon arrival and check-in. We each hold the American Express Hilton Aspire Card, so we get the Hilton’s highest elite status Hilton Honors Diamond and earn a Hilton Free Night Reward through that credit card every year. The credit card also offers a $250 resort credit each year that we used while staying at the Grand Wailea.
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| Adults-Only Pool at Grand Wailea |
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Beachfront Location
As the name suggests, Grand Wailea is located in the Wailea area, where you find other luxury resorts such as Marriott Wailea Beach Resort and Andaz Maui.
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, is a beachfront property. The sandy beach is just steps away from the property, and the location is also a great place to enjoy the sunset in the evening.
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| Beach at the Grand Wailea |
Room Upgrades
On arrival, we inquired about a possible upgrade to the Ocean View room from our booked standard Terrace View room.
I hesitated to check in using the Hilton Honors mobile app because the room type remained the Terrace View. So I waited until we got to the property to ask about an upgrade for being a Hilton Honors Diamond elite member.
The friendly front desk guy appreciated us for being Hilton Honors Diamond elite members and searched for a room that offered us an Ocean View. Our room was upgraded to the Ocean View King room in the Molokini wing.
Napua Tower Upgrade
I’d like to talk about the Napua Tower upgrade too. When we first stayed with Grand Wailea long ago, we got lucky and received an upgrade to the Napua Tower Club Room. We enjoyed all the free food and beverage offerings in the Napua Club Lounge throughout the day.
This time’s visit, we were not that lucky! We did not get the Napua Tower Club room. However, we were totally fine with that because getting access to the Napua Tower is never a guaranteed benefit for Hilton Honors Diamond elite members. This is clearly spelled out by the Hilton Honors program:
Upgrades are granted on a space-available basis for the entire stay, as determined at the time of check-in. (Excludes Napua Tower at Grand Wailea, Imperial Floor at Rome Cavalieri and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.
If you are interested in learning more about the Napua Club Lounge, check out the review below:
Ocean View Room Review
The Ocean View King room at the Grand Wailea is large and comfortable, with a beautiful ocean-view balcony.
Our assigned Ocean View room is in the Molokini Wing, number 6106, on the 6th floor, and the wing is slightly far from the reception desk. There are 9 floors in the Molokini wing, with 4-9 being the guest rooms.
After entering the room, to the right is a large beautiful bathroom with a bathtub and a standup shower. In the corner, there’s a toilet, and the sink is in the middle of the bathroom.
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| Bathroom at Grand Wailea |
Moving on is the bedroom with a comfortable king-size bed though I did not like the pillows as much. The TV was also in a strange position on the wall, making it hard to enjoy watching it while lying in bed due to the open floor plan.
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| Bedroom Area |
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| Bedroom Area |
A nice seating couch with a small table and a spacious work desk is inside the room.
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| Bedroom Area |
A sliding door leads to a beautiful large lanai (balcony) with comfortable padded seats and a table. The views are incredibly beautiful. On one side, you see the resort’s beautiful ground, including the koi fish pond and lush green trees, and on another side, you have an endless gorgeous view of the ocean and the other side of Maui. If you visit during the whales’ migration season, you may be able to see them blowing the water from afar too.
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| Balcony |
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| Resort’s Ground View |
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| Ocean View |
Overall, the Ocean View room we got upgraded to was nice, and the views from the balcony were definitely the room’s highlight.
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| A Glimpse of Sunset View From the Balcony |
Napua Club Lounge
Grand Wailea has a Napua Club Lounge, but the access is not complimentary for Hilton Honors Diamond elite members.
Related Post:
Welcome Amenity
The welcome amenity for Hilton Honors Diamond is 1,000 bonus Hilton Honors points.
Food & Beverage Credits
Because Grand Wailea is a U.S. property, the food and beverage credit is $25, up to $50 daily for two guests staying in the same room.
You can use the $50 credits for any dining needs at the resort, not just breakfast. You simply charge the dining bill to the room, and the system will automatically take care of that.
Breakfast
Hilton Honors Gold and Hilton Honors Diamond elite members no longer receive complimentary breakfast at the U.S. Hilton Hotels & Resorts, such as the Grand Wailea in Hawaii. Instead, you get the $50 food and beverage credit mentioned above.
Dining
Several restaurants and bars include a food truck, grab-and-go, and a swim-up bar at Grand Wailea. You can check out the dining page here.
The $50 food and beverage credit mentioned above can be used at any one of these dining places at Grand Wailea.
Resort Fee
Grand Wailea has a high $50 resort fee. However, the resort fee is waived because we booked with Hilton Free Night Reward, and this is the same as if you book using Hilton Honors points.
The resort fee provides the following amenities:
- Two bottles of PATH water
- 45-minute photograph session
- Unlimited call, toll-free, and credit card calls
- Wi-Fi guest internet access
- Beach Yoga class
- Twice-daily scuba clinics and daily snorkel lesson
- Beach cruiser bikes
- Beach umbrellas and chairs
- Hual and ukulele lessons
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| Resort Fees Amenities |
Advance Deposit
It’s worth mentioning that Grand Wailea allows advanced deposits.
If you are not familiar with an advance deposit, it’s a way for you to pre-pay and have the monetary credits available in your folio before you begin your stay. This practice can be useful if you have a spending requirement to meet before the offer’s end date, such as Amex Offers on Hilton purchases.
The advance deposit is completely refundable if you cancel the reservation or do not use all the credits. It is also useful if you want to spend the $250 Hilton resort credit of the American Express Hilton Aspire Card.
However, keep in mind that credit card issuers such as Amex may claw back any statement credit offers if the transaction is refunded.
Parking
Parking at Grand Wailea is valet parking only and costs $65 before taxes.
Pet Policy
- Pets are allowed up to 2 with a maximum of 50 lbs per pet.
- There’s also a $30 non-refundable fee.
Internet/Wi-Fi
Available, free of charge, included in the resort amenity fees, without any access codes needed.
Bottled Water
Yes, two reusable bottles of PATH water inside the refrigerator.
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| Free Reusable PATH Water Bottle |
Early Check-in
We arrived at the Grand Wailea around 2pm and were able to check-in. The regular check-in time is 4pm.
Late Check-out
We did not need the late check-out, so we did not request one. The regular check-out time is 12pm, and Hilton Honors Diamond elite members can request a late check-out if needed, subject to availability.
Spa
Yes, Grand Wailea has a spa center available, but too expensive for us points travelers, LOL!
Fitness Center
Yes, it’s on level 1 in the Lagoon Wing by the main lobby.
In-Room Safe
Yes, inside the closet.
Robes & Slippers
Two robes are inside the closet, but no slippers.
Swimming Pools
The swimming pools at Grand Wailea are wonderful.
- Adults only pool
- Lazy river
- Water slides
- Rope swing
- Swim-up bar
- Pool’s beach for little ones
The pools at Grand Wailea are perfect for everyone, from adults-only to family-friendly fun.
- Get the wristband at the activity center by the pool to get the pool towels and enjoy the waterslides.
- Bring your own floaters to save money and use them through the fun lazy river.
There’s the coolest water elevator at Grand Wailea too, but unfortunately, it was under maintenance.
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| Adults-only Pool |
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| Main Pool |
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| Beach Pool For Kids |
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| Lazy River |
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| Swim-Up Bar/Cave |
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| Waterslides |
Beach & Amenities
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, is a beachfront property with a nice soft sandy beach. While the beach is public, you can enjoy beach amenities such as beach chairs and umbrellas, all complimentary and included in the resort fees.
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| Beach and Amenities at Grand Wailea |
The process of getting beach chairs is silly. You must stop by the activity center where you get your wristband and request beach chairs and umbrella service. They provide you a slip of paper, and you hand it to one of the guys in the neon green shirt on the beach, as shown in the photo above.
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| Rental Paper Slip For Beach Chairs & Umbrellas |
Contact
- Phone: +1 808-875-1234
- Text: 808-745-1555
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Grand Wailea
How to Stay at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, For Free
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| Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort |
I am a dedicated travel enthusiast with a deep passion for miles and points. Always willing to share my expertise, I possess a wealth of knowledge on miles and points, extensively researching and staying up-to-date with the latest strategies for maximizing travel rewards through credit cards and loyalty program promotions.
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Best 185,000 Bonus Offer: Marriott Brilliant Card
Earn 185,000 Bonus Marriott Points after you make $6,000 in eligible purchases on your card within the first 6 months of account opening. The offer ends on October 2, 2024.