1. Only 131 units
Feels like a lot more with the hotel right next door, and MOC on the other side.
If so few units, why was it such a hassle and we had to make appointment for the BBQs? At HGVC Kingsland they have enough BBQs that you can use whenever you want.
2. Exclusive feel
IMO I did not get this feeling. By comparison, I feel more welcomed and exclusive on my HGVC visits. Perhaps because they treat owners differently? .
3. Not crowded (compared to other TSs on Maui)
Boardwalk in front was always crowded. Difficultly running in the early morning because of crowds. Westin does not have as many crowds on boardwalk.
Westin pools are more crowded. I liked that we could get chairs late morning at the Hyatt pool.
4. Adjacent to Hyatt Regency (which has mall, restaurants)
This adds to the crowded feeling. But nice to walk to this and Whalers.
5. All 2 BRs have fabulous ocean view
Not as nice as OFC, OFD at Westin and MOC OF which are directly in front of the ocean and don't have a noisy pool, plus yoga classes and kids activities between the lanai and the beach.
We were there in late June so perhaps the pool etc was noisier with kids on summer break.
6. Wide lanai with retractable sliding door
Loved this.
7. Lanai furnished with table, chairs, and lounge chair
Nice but other Maui TSs have this also albeit with not as nice furnishings.
8. Unit has high quality furnishings
Agree
9. Upscale appliances
Agree
10. Upscale lobby
Yes but other TS are nice too. Who spends time in the lobby anyway?
11. Nice, wide beach area
IMO Westin nicer less crowded. But both are nice (splitting hairs).
12. Best beach location
IMO Westin nicer. The Hyatt beach was crowded and thin when we visited last summer.
Etc..
Ritz Carlton Residences Aspen resale units not comparable to HKB. Those are fractional units whose original cost/resale values were much higher than HKB.
It is all relative - prices at RC declined by 80% which is in ballpark with other TS resale. Marriott acquisition uncertainty and potential to dilute with points programs will hasten this as owners get nervous and sell out before prices plummet.
Yes, we definitely have to agree to disagree.
1. Definitely did not sense a lot of people at the beach directly in back of HKB. The Hyatt Hotel and Marriott guests tend to stay at their respective beaches. We rented a hut for a day, and only 2 or 3 people were on the beach in front of us the whole day.
2. Very upscale and exclusive feel. Guess it depends on what you're comparing it to. In terms of feel, reminded us of Beaver Creek.
3. Boardwalk directly in back of HKB was never crowded. We have stayed at WKORV and Nanea. There are approx. 1500 units between the 3 Westins; the boardwalk there is definitley more crowded, and it's not even close.
4. Disagree. Hyatt Regency guests tend to stay near that resort.
5. True, that the 2 BR units at HKB overlook the pool, but we never had a problem with noise, and the view cannot be beat.
6. Retractable doors are great.
7. The lanai, along with furnishings, is probably one of the nicest (at TSs) in Maui.
8. Agree
9. Agree
10. While you may not spend a lot of time in the lobby, you spend a good amount of time walking through it. They really missed it with the lobby at Nanea. It is hideous.
11. No comparison. This part of the Kaanapali beach area is nicer handsdown.
12. The beach area is very nice, relatively wide, and fewer people, relative to the Westins. Perhaps, you ventured into the Hyatt Regency and Marriott beach areas.
