Marriott's Maui Ocean Club - Lahaina Tower

Just returned from first visit to Hawaii. Stayed for 2 weeks in Maui; first week at Marriott Ocean Club, second week at Westin Ocean Villas. I'll use a comparison as a review and a 1-10 rating.

Location: TIE (8) = 2 miles seperate the two properties and each have advantageous locations

Room: Westin (9) = occupied the single best unit at the Westin (2631/2630=top floor ocean front new building w/ largest balony) GET THIS ROOM if you can; at Marriott (6)stayed in Lanai (older converted hotel) 2 bed/3 bath...OK, but missed a full kitchen; If we had a new room at Marriott, I've a feeling that Westin would have lost out overall.

Grounds: Marriott (10) = Gorgeous park-like setting...stunning/lots of private areas around the pool with high-end umbrellas; Westin (7) was nice but felt like a resort...Westin pool chairs are so close you have NO privacy and there are very few chickies for which you have to hunt or go down at 730AM to attain

Outdoor grills: Marriott (10) = New VERY high end granite surrounded outdoor grills that are numerous and conveniently located-probably cost over $10K for each pair. Westin (7) nice, but more like a built in outdoor home type gas grill as opposed to Marriotts professional grade

Beach: Marriott (7) = The beach directly at Marriott is nice, but further down toward Sheraton it is very nice; Westin (5) = Nice to look at but unusable due coral. [As reference, we've traveled extensively throughout the carribean and typically vacation in Aruba which would score a (10) for beach quality]

Luxury feeling: Westin (8) High end products and service abound-nothing feels cheap except the beach towels; Marriott (7)...felt like a Marriott.

Service (front desk/restaurants/shops/bellman/valet): Westin (9) = VERY professional upscale service; very responsive. Marriott (7) felt like a Marriott.

Housekeeping: Westin/Marriott (4). Both resorts have subpar housekeeping standards. Each have a 1 time per week cleaning; When the sofa bed was opened the previous occupants bedding was still in place and very unkempt; Marriott had mold on the shower curtain and between some shower tiles; Westin had hairballs on shower floor; Westin housekeeping made the bed and left some toiletries...no towels replaced, nothing else done. Very disappointed with housekeeping at both properties and both felt somewhat dirty. Would not purchase from either for this fact alone. Our timeshare in Aruba (CLBR) has housekeeping 6 days per week and on the 7th day (Sunday) towels are replaced...and costs far less (albeit a somewhat older property) than either of these properties but still maintains a far superior beach with great service.

Recap. We had a nice time at both resorts and would probably return, but Maui would not be our first choice for destination.

Favorite vacation spot by far. Been to the Marriott Maui Ocean Club 6 times; each time better than the last. Visited all the islands, but keep coming back to Maui with the family.

Oceanfront penthouse with awesome views of Lanai and Molokai. Unit has full kitchen and washer/dryer. Plenty of room for large family and guests.

Lahaina Tower is on the water! Can view whales from lanai. Amazing Resort! Lahaina Tower units have Full Kitchens (no kitchenettes) Unit #8208 8th floor, 45 yards to the beach

Fantastic location and facility for the whole family! We've been vacationing in Ka'anapali for 20 years and really enjoy the beach walks, restaurants, golfing, pool facilities and activities! The view from the Ocean Front unit never gets old. Walk to Whalers Village for shops and food. Lots of water activities!

We love the Marriott Maui Ocean Club for a wonderful vacation. The buildings and grounds are extremely well kept. It's always a pleasure to stay there.

I have been coming here for over 15 years and the best part of the resort is the staff. After that , we love the beach and pool. It's great how teenagers can be independent and walk to Whaler's village along the beach. The villas are comfortable and have everything we need to cook, even a rice cooker on request. The beds are comfy, the balconies are typically island view, but we can still see the ocean as well. It's truly our home away from home

THE BEST !

Great place with full resort type amenities. Great pools and walking distance to black rock beach /whalers village. Watching whales from the hotel and beach are a real treat!