During our honeymoon in Maui, my husband and I stayed in a one-bedroom condo at the Sugar Beach Resort. This particular condo was a timeshare that my father's wife's family owned, and therefore, he was able to reserve the room for us for the entire week at a reduced rate. I cannot, therefore, really comment upon the pricing, as it was a gift.
The room card, however, did indicate the rooms rented for $150-200/week. Given the fact that a regular hotel room, sans kitchenette, would probably be an arm and a leg, I would tend to think this is a good deal.
We had a room on the first floor. Each entry is located on the exterior of the building, in a two-entry alcove. The central area between the two buildings housed a nice pool, probably 1/3 of Olympic size. A small kiddie pool and a nice outdoor jacuzzi were available. Tennis courts are on the property too, however, I don't think we ever did successfully locate them. The buildings, along with other condos, all are just steps from a private beach that stretches a goodly way along the coast. It is not a huge beach, but is wide enough to lay out, or to run and swim in the ocean.
Most importantly, the pool, jacuzzi, sauna, beaches and grounds were all clean and well-maintained. While we were there, we did see grounds crews almost every other day; trimming the lush vegetation or otherwise cleaning the walkways.
The rooms? Well, the one-bedroom model we had was great. The king-sized bed was comfortable and clean, and the bamboo furniture was tasteful. Two large closets provided ample storage, and an in-room safe provides extra security for your more sensitive items (a sign, "There are thieves in paradise", helps reinforce the reality of crime in paradise).
The bathroom was functional. I mean, it's not a life or death decision when making a hotel room decision, but I did find that the shower did not have a slope to the floor at all, so water just stayed on the tile. Sand also kind of stuck, since there was no gradient to encourage it to wash down the drain. The dryer vented through the bathroom fan, so if you happened to shower while doing laundry, you would end up smelling like laundry exhaust.
The kitchen was great, and since the condos are a timeshare, it was stocked with most of the essentials for cooking. Plates, utensils, pots and pans, heck, even a collander, were all available. Some basic spices, too. A fridge, dishwasher, and full-size oven also were part of the kitchen package. Food was not included, however, we did take advantage of the local grocery store to stock up and not eat out everynight.
The living room was great, and included a plasma TV. Cable is part of the package, and a cable modem hookup is available for internet service... as long as you provide a credit card.
Room service is available, similar to a hotel, only it is not automatic. The maid will knock on your door and ask if you want it for that or the next day. It just includes making the bed, stocking the basics of paper necessities, and leaving behind laundry soap. Towels, if dirty, will be thrown in the washer and started for laundry (you have to finish it).
Oh yea, there is a washer/dryer combo for you to use. The condo association will provide the first box of a specific brand of laundry detergent, and you can buy additional at the on-site convenience store.
Aside from the ant problems, as well as midge flies, we had a great stay. The rooms had AC, and a short walk out the patio took you to the beach or the pool. The units were clean and very comfortable.
If you want to have a small apartment while you are away, this is the way to go. If you want all of the amenities of a hotel, it would be better to actually go to one. The condo rental is designed more for the more independent traveller. You must bring your own shampoo, etc. They help you by tidying up and the like, but else they leave you alone.
If you have kids, it may be a wise choice simply because there is a washing machine. Lord knows it was wonderful being able to do laundry while we were there; we were able to pack a lot less to take.
Overall, I recommend this place to stay while in Maui. With on-site general services and tour agents, you have pretty much everything you need. The condo units are quiet, and beautiful in paradise. It is worth the money.
by Stacy C.
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