The hype
Families love the space and kitchen, but couples seeking romance often find it too noisy and kid-centric.
Residence Inn Maui Wailea
$350-550/ night
Book this if You want the Wailea zip code and a full kitchen without the $1,000/night resort price tag.
Why People Love It
- No resort fees (a rarity in Wailea)
- Free hot breakfast buffet daily saves families ~$100/day
- Complimentary shuttle to beaches and shops runs 8am-9pm
Quick Take: It’s a glorified, high-end apartment complex uphill from the beach, not a luxury resort—but it saves you a fortune.
Reviewed by @StephanieW: I stayed here with my family and it was the perfect low-stress base for Maui. Having a kitchen and huge grassy areas for the kids made our trip so much easier. We drove to the beach for turtles, but the resort vibe was exactly what we needed to relax.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Ocean View' often means a sliver of blue visible past a parking lot or palm tree.
- You are traveling with kids and need a separate living room
- You plan to cook meals to save money
- You refuse to pay $50+ daily resort fees
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable but often 'light' service; missed spots under beds and in corners are common.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean but showing age; grout lines can be discolored and water pressure is average.
- Maintenance: Fair. Reports of loud AC units, peeling paint on lanais, and slow-draining tubs.
- Linens & towels: Standard Marriott quality—clean and crisp, but not luxury plush.
- Odors & scents: Mostly neutral/fresh, though some rooms have a lingering 'damp' or musty smell from AC usage.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud in-room AC units that rattle
- Hallway noise from kids/families
- Thin ceilings (footsteps from floor above)
Before you book
Good to know
- The shuttle tracks via GPS—ask the front desk for the link to see where it is.
- Laundry machines are expensive (~$5/load) and often require an app or specific coins.
- The 'Market' in the lobby is exorbitantly priced; go to Foodland or Safeway in Kihei first.
What to pack
- Earplugs or white noise machine (essential for thin walls)
- Reusable water bottle (fill stations available)
- Insulated cooler bag for beach days (since you aren't staying on the sand)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Top floor (4th/5th floor) for actual ocean views and no footsteps above
- Corner suites for extra light and less neighbor noise
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms (privacy issues, bug risk, noise)
- Rooms near the elevator (high foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Requesting a top-floor suite (4th or 5th floor) facing the ocean, away from the elevator. Please avoid ground floor units due to noise sensitivity.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there really no resort fee?
Yes, this is one of the few Wailea properties with $0 resort fee, though parking adds ~$40/night.
How far is the walk to the beach?
It's about 0.8 miles downhill to Ulua Beach (15 mins down, 20+ mins up). Take the shuttle.
Is the breakfast actually good?
It's standard hotel buffet fare: waffle maker, eggs, sausage, fruit. Good for fuel, not a culinary event.
Can I walk to dinner?
Yes, Monkeypod Kitchen and The Shops at Wailea are a 10-15 minute walk, but it's dark at night.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the pool is heated and generally pleasant, though often crowded with children.
Do the rooms have ovens?
Most suites have a stovetop and microwave; only select 2-bedroom suites typically have a full oven. Verify if critical.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Use the hotel shuttle to go to dinner at the Grand Wailea or Four Seasons to avoid their valet fees.
- ✨
The 'Island Gourmet Markets' at The Shops at Wailea has great poke and deli items if you don't want a sit-down meal.
- ✨
Grills by the pool are free to use—buy fresh fish in Kihei and cook your own dinner to save big.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Ocean View' upgrade is often disappointing; save your money and enjoy the view from the lobby lanai.
💡Ants can be an issue, especially on lower floors—keep food sealed tight.
💡The sofa beds are notoriously uncomfortable with thin mattresses; ask for extra comforters to pad them.
💡Housekeeping is often 'light' (trash/towels) rather than a full deep clean daily.
💡You can hear the luau drums from nearby resorts in the distance at night (actually kind of nice).
Local Playbook
Map
See where Residence Inn Maui Wailea is located and what's nearby.