Fairmont Orchid or Hapuna Prince

I am about to book staying 6 nights in June with my husband and 13yr old daughter. Looks like the pricing I got was Fairmont at approximately 500 more than Hapuna. I have seen Fairmont on many T%26amp;L, Conde Nast, etc.. and was leaning toward it but seems that Hapuna has a better beach and is a smaller hotel. We usually stay at very nice hotels (more along the lines of the Four Seasons Hualalei) but I am trying to be a little more frugal. Which one (Hapuna or Fairmont) would meet the criteria of a convenient location, better food, nicer beach, better rooms, and the best views or ambience generally? Thanks so much!!! I always depend on my fellow tripadvisors and have never been steered wrong!

Fairmont Orchid or Hapuna Prince

I don%26#39;t think you can compare the two, the Fairmont is clearly superior to the Hapuna Prince. (It used to be the Ritz-Carlton.) There is only a small beach there compared to Hapuna Beach, but if a beach is important for you than you might want to consider the Mauna Kea Resort instead.

Fairmont Orchid or Hapuna Prince

How about the Mauna Lani? It has been some years since I stayed there, but I loved it then.

If also would recommend the Mauna Lani but if price is the ultimate critera, then Hapuna. However, Fairmont is far superior to Hapuna.

Bill

Are you sure the Hapuna Prince is pricing out higher than the Fairmont Orchid? Fairmont is running a very good promo right now (I won%26#39;t say how much my rate is for my stay in May 09, but it%26#39;s LOW - lower than the lowest rate at the Hilton Waikoloa and even lower than my booked rate at the Sheraton Keauhou). Unfortunately, rates have been going up due to increased popularity of their promo.

On the fairmont.com site, enter NFAF under promo code for your dates of interest to see what rates are offered. If you like the rates, search facebook and other social networking sites for Fairmont employees who are willing to share their booker ID%26#39;s with you. They%26#39;ll get $10 per reservation booked and it was encouraged by Fairmont a few weeks ago since it%26#39;s yielding higher occupancy rates for them.

Bluefan, I am seeing wins on priceline for Hapuna Prince between 75 and 100. I don%26#39;t think I could get a room at the fairmont for that.

I would say Orchid because the hotel is right at sea level (or close) rather than terraced up above the beach and because it is walking distance to Mauna Lani%26#39;s snorkeling and fish ponds. BUT if the price is wildly less at Hapuna....

Hapuna is a BIG SANDY beach with possibility of rips and shore break. Orchid and Mauna Lani have smaller, sand and rock beaches. Depends what you want. No beach on the island is like the Gulf beaches.

wow wpbii

that%26#39;s unreal. you seeing that on biddingfortravel.com for Jun 09? (can%26#39;t access BFT at work).

can%26#39;t go wrong at either the Hapuna or Orchid if you%26#39;re able to book at such low rates. just don%26#39;t expect an ocean view ;-)

I love the Hapuna Prince BUT the rooms at the Fairmont are much nicer, the Prince is getting ready for a remodel (IMHO). Since you normally stay at 4S type places you might find the Hapuna rooms not up to your standards. I feel the beach at Hapuna is far superior and in June I would not worry about rips.. Have you looked into the Mauna Kea Beach Resort? I love the beach there, the rooms were just renovated and it has 4S type staff.

Thank you all for your suggestions and tips!! For six nights it was only 500 more for the Orchid so sounds like that would be a good deal for us. I will check the promo code and look into Mauna...Thanks again!

Also the Fairmont is on the Muana Lani Resort property is is beautiful.

Bill