Paki Maui Condominiums on Maui
Written: May 26 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Comfortable, affordable, great location
Cons: Parking is tight, no air conditioning
The Bottom Line: Would love to stay there again. Hope they put in new carpets and furniture before next visit. Wonderful location, wonderful experience.
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| hikini's Full Review: Aston Paki Maui |
When we decided to go to Maui, we began looking for different places to stay. I did most of my research on line and one of the places we settled on was the Paki Maui Condominiums which is now run by the Aston Hotels. I made my reservations over the phone and was able to get the Entertainment card discount. I reserved an ocean front studio unit.
When arriving on Maui in April, we drove up the coast through Lahaina and past the resorts in Kaanapali and then turned onto Lower Honoapiilani Road, where the Paki Maui was on the left just a short distance.
It's a pleasant looking place with lots of palms and flowers. Not a new building; I believe it was built in the early 70's. But the upkeep seemed to be fair and it gave a comfortable feeling right away.
When checking in at the front desk we were greeted by a very pleasant man who quickly informed us that we had been upgraded to a one bedroom unit, instead of a studio. I questioned if it was still ocean front and he said yes. There was no extra charge for this.
We were given the keys to the room which was on the 2nd floor of this 4 floor building. We made our way to the unit and opened the door to find a nice pleasant atmosphere. The bedroom was on the immediate left and had a queen bed with 2 dressers and a TV, plus lots of closet space and a safe.
Continuing down the hallway you come to a dressing area where there is a sink and big mirror and cupboards. Then a sliding door into a small bathroom with toilet and tub/shower combination. It's important to me to have a tub along with a shower, so I was happy about this.
Continuing down the hall you come to the livingroom which had a couch and 2 chairs, a dining table with 4 chairs and a TV hutch, plus a coffee table and 2 end tables. All furnishings are in a light colored rattan and flowers.
Continue around the corner to the left is a small kitchen. Small but has everything you need. Fridge and freezer, oven, microwave, toaster, coffee pot, all utensils and cooking items you'd need. Glasses, cups, plates, etc.
Then, the best part...the deck. It runs the full length of the livingroom and is nice and wide. Has 2 chairs and a table. The view was unbelievable. The unit was ocean front and from the deck you could throw a rock and hit the water. There is grass and palm trees in front, then a short wall which drops down to the beach. Across the distance is the island of Lanai.
The beach here isn't the greatest for sunbathing, but at low tide it is great for beachcombing. There is a shallow reef about 30 feet out, so at low tide it's like you have your own lap pool to swim in.
Every morning I would get up early and sit on the deck with my cup of coffee and just soak in the atmosphere. With the ocean right there it is loud, but it's a peaceful loud. Every day, several times a day we saw whales spouting, breeching and jumping. On a few occasions we saw them jumping clear out of the water. On the last day there we saw a shark just on the other side of the shallow reef!
We really enjoyed our stay at the Paki Maui, and would most definitely stay there again, but there were some things that weren't great. The carpeting in the unit was old and worn with several stains. The couch was the same way, although it was comfortable. The bed in the bedroom was very comfortable, it felt new.
There was no air conditioning so with the afternoon sun coming in (even with the drapes closed) the livingroom area got really hot. There was a ceiling fan in the livingroom and bedroom, and it did a great job of keeping the bedroom cool, but it just couldn't keep up in the livingroom. In the evening we'd keep the deck doors open with the screens closed and that would help.
There is a pool, but it's not large. Adequate for cooling off but not for a good workout. A nice lawn area with plenty of lounge chairs. The grounds are nicely kept with lots of flowers and palms. Steps leading down to the beach and water make it very accessible.
There are laundry facilities on each floor. In between the two buildings is a nice garden area with a large fish pond. The two buildings are separated into ocean view rooms and garden view rooms. The ocean view rooms face the ocean of course, but out of the backside you see the gardens. The garden view rooms have the garden on one side and the parking lot on the other side.
The staff was extremely friendly. We'd go to the front desk every day to borrow a blow drier and if there wasn't one available they would bring one up as soon as it became available.
There is shopping nearby, including a Star Market which is a large grocery store. There is a wonderful deli across the street with everything you'd ever want to eat. There is a park next door which is great for kids.
It's hard for me to rate this honestly. I want to give it 4 stars because I truly did like the place and would not hesitate to stay there again. But honestly, with the improvements needed in the unit, and because it is an 'older' building I think I have to give it 3 stars.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
hikini
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Location: Seattle, WA
Reviews written: 218
Trusted by: 207 members
About Me:
Taking a long sabbatical.
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