In 2019, I reported that Hawaii’s first AC Hotel would be built in the Wailea Resort on Maui. At the time, the developer had just broken ground and didn’t provide a projected opening date. But now we know the AC Hotel by Marriott Wailea is to open in April 2021.
AC Hotels
In Marriott’s collection of brands, AC Hotels is classified as a “select” brand along with Courtyard, Fairfield, Four Points, SpringHill Suites, Protea Hotels, aloft, and Moxy. These tend to be more affordable, limited-service brands, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. After all, brands like SpringHill Suites and Fairfield Inn offer complimentary breakfast. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with AC Hotels. However, what you can expect from this brand from Europe are rooms with clean, modern, functional designs and on-site restaurants featuring European-inspired menus.
AC Hotel by Marriott Wailea
While AC Hotels usually draw inspiration from their European origins, the AC Hotel by Marriott Wailea combines its European sensibilities with island-inspired aesthetics. As a result, you can expect the property’s 110 guestrooms and 12 suites to feature sleek yet purposeful designs.
Outside of its guestrooms, the AC Hotel by Marriott Wailea features a business center, a fitness area, an infinity-edge pool, with a poolside tiki bar and cabanas, an AC Lounge, and an AC Kitchen. Typically, the AC Kitchen prominently features a tapas and wine menu. And while it sounds like this may still be an aspect of the service at the AC Wailea’s AC Kitchen, there will also be locally-inspired bites and sips.
What I find most interesting about the AC Hotel by Marriott Wailea, though, aren’t its features – it’s the behind the scenes details. You see, this property’s developer is the same as the Courtyard Kahului Airport. What’s more, the property is dual managed alongside the Residence Inn Wailea – which is literally, right next door. Pretty interesting, huh?
Pricing
Since the hotel is tentatively scheduled to open in April, I can’t find any dates in April yet. However, in May, I see the AC Wailea pricing in at $466 per night – that’s $79 more per night than the Residence Inn and $33 per night cheaper than the (Marriott) Wailea Beach Resort. Unfortunately, for my local readers, kama’aina rates do not appear to be available at this time.
For those of you looking to redeem points at this property, it’s a category 6. That means standard award nights cost 50,000 points, peak award nights are 60,000 points, and off-peak award nights are 36,000.
AC Hotel by Marriott Wailea to Open April 2021, Final Thoughts
When I first saw the exterior renderings of this property back in 2019, I wasn’t exactly impressed. It looked kind of blah to me. But, seeing the renderings of the rooms, I’m liking what I’m seeing. I’ve never stayed at an AC Hotel property before, so it’s definitely someplace I’d like to check out. And, true, the property isn’t on the beach, but neither is the Marriott. Sure, it’s on the shore, but you’d have to walk over to the Elua Village (Hyatt) or Grand Wailea (Hilton) to get to a beach. So, if you can make do without the direct beach access, it might make sense to check out this property too. After all, Maui has so much more to do and see – I’m sure most of you will spend your days out exploring, right?
Special thanks to the AC Hotel by Marriott Wailea’s PR team for giving me a virtual sneak peek.