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Sheraton Maui Resort
A Review of the Sheraton Maui Resort on Ka'anapali Beach

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By , About.com Guide

View Looking Towards the Lobby Over the Grounds of the Sheraton Maui Resort

Photo by John Fischer
It's no secret to anyone who knows me that my two favorite places to stay at the Ka'anapali Beach Resort are the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel and the Sheraton Maui Resort. While the two hotels are quite different in many ways, they share the one thing in common that most people look for first when they select a place to stay - location.

Location, Location, Location

Nestled at historic Pu'u Keka'a (Black Rock) promontory, the Sheraton Maui Resort is situated on 23 oceanfront acres that flow gracefully from the crest of Black Rock to the shores of Ka'anapali Beach. This section of Ka'anapali Beach offers the widest beach with the best snorkeling and scuba diving. It also is the most quiet and private part of the Ka'anapali Beach Resort yet within easy walking distance of the central shopping and dining area of the resort, Whaler's Village.

My affection for the Sheraton Maui Resort began with my first stay at the resort many years ago. I was impressed not only by the location, but also by the staff, the rooms, the dining options and the facilities and activities available to guests. Nothing has changed over the years to change my opinion.

I used to joke with the resort's former Public Relations Manager by asking her if the resort was barely occupied with guests. She'd almost always reply by telling me that they were fully booked. That in itself is a major plus for the Sheraton Maui Resort. Since it is spread out over 23 acres, you never get the sense that the resort is crowded. There always seems to be a place where you can get away from everyone and just breathe in the Maui air or gaze at night into the star-filled sky. Yet, if you need the assistance of a staff member it's never hard to find someone.

Expansive Resort

Open-air Lobby of the Sheraton Maui Resort

Photo Courtesy of the Sheraton Maui Resort

The only drawback in a resort that is so spread out as the Sheraton Maui Resort is that it will take you some time to get your bearings and avoid getting lost going to and from your room, especially if you're lucky enough to have a room near Black Rock.

To their credit, the front desk staff has always done their best to accommodate guests who for one reason or the other need to be closer to the lobby. Don't worry though, you'll quickly learn you way around.

Speaking of the lobby, it's one of my favorite in Hawaii. The lobby is open in the front and back with beautiful views of the resort grounds, the ocean and Black Rock. A gentle cooling breeze always seems to flow through the lobby.

Guest Rooms

The standard guest rooms at Sheraton Maui are comparable to other resort hotels I've stayed at in Hawaii. Everything you'd expect to find in your room is there. In other words, a standard guest room won't bowl you over but nor will you be disappointed.

Deluxe Ocean Front Room at the Sheraton Maui Resort

Photo Courtesy of the Sheraton Maui Resort

I not only enjoy but need high speed Internet access, so that is always a positive for me when it's available as it is at Sheraton Maui.

Most resort hotels are moving towards flat screen hi-definition televisions in all guest rooms and I'm sure that this is already on the horizon for Sheraton Maui. (Its sister hotel in the resort, the Westin Maui already has gone in this direction.)

'Ohana Suites

On one visit I had the chance to stay in one of their 665-square-foot 'Ohana (family) suites which are perfect for parents with children or family groups. Located on the ground level, they feature direct access to the outside lawn near the pool and beach.

These accommodations feature two double beds, a deluxe pull-down wall bed and spacious bathroom with double sink, separate shower and tub, and specialty bath amenities. These 20 suites also feature a wet bar and microwave oven.

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