Four Seasons Wailea, Maui | room categories

Four Seasons Wailea is the most popular Four Seasons resort in the world and has the distinction of being the first resort that Four Seasons developed. Built in 1990, it is one of four major resorts in the Wailea area of South Maui.

Maui is blessed with great beaches, but those beaches tend to be lined with larger resorts, especially on Ka'anapali Beach where the Grand Hyatt has 806 rooms in an 11 floor tower and the Westin has 759 rooms in a 9 floor tower (among other properties). Though large by Four Seasons standards, FS Wailea is smaller by design with just 377 rooms spread out over 15 oceanside acres. It is the most intimate resort in the Wailea area. Many travelers prefer to stay in Wailea because its climate is drier and warmer than West Maui.

What room category to choose at FS Maui? This was the question I had in mind during my site inspection last Friday. I am quoting some room rates as an indication of relative cost; these are the current rates for 20JUN, 2011, but rates are subject to change. Double-click on the pictures to see a larger version.

Mountainside Room

Mountainside rooms are the lead-in room category at Four Seasons Wailea and are priced at a considerable discount from the resort's other rooms. Located on the east side of the property, these rooms face the roof of the parking garage with a peek at the mountains beyond (see picture immediately above). Not the most attractive view, but if you don't plan to spend much time in your room, they offer an affordable way to experience all the luxury and service of Four Seasons.

the view from #429

the inner courtyard at FS Maui

Garden View rooms are on the lower floors, some with an attractive view of the lush landscaping in the inner courtyard, but with others having an inferior view. There is no view of the ocean. It's important to request a room closer to the elevators (and, hence, closer to the ocean). When there are Experience More promotions offering free nights or hotel credits, Garden rooms can be a better choice if you are looking for value, as promotional rates typically do not apply to Mountainside rooms.


Partial Ocean-View Room
Four Seasons defines "partial ocean view" to indicate that you can see the ocean from the room's balcony but not from inside the room itself. These rooms are on the lower floors of the hotel.

Ocean View Room

Ocean View rooms are on the outside of the "U" shaped hotel building, facing the ocean and the villa complex to the south (as in the picture here) or the Grand Wailea Resort to the north.

Ocean View Prime Room

Ocean View Prime rooms have the same view of the ocean as the Ocean View rooms, the distinction being that they are on the inside of the "U" shaped hotel building and look out at the ocean over the Four Seasons's landscaped courtyard and pool area.


No matter which room category you select, your best value is to book through a Four Seasons Preferred Partner. You will receive a complimentary Full American Breakfast for two daily (via room service or in the restaurant, including buffets - a $70 value), one complimentary lunch for two (up to $85), and a room upgrade on arrival subject to availability. Guests in suites also receive complimentary internet service when booked through a Preferred Partner.


Four Seasons Wailea (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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