I was underwhelmed with the lack of communication, basic regards to safety and well being. Since I know it’s been a crap year, I’m going to leave out the emotions and just state a list of pros and cons.
Pros -
- Papakea Resort Unit #K306 specifically.
- Clean towels
- Clean bed sheets
- Complimentary soaps, dishwasher and laundry
- Lights and ceiling fans worked
- Doors opened and closed
- Locks on doors (use these at all times when you’re in the space, especially as a solo traveler)
- Television worked
- Pool, Grills and grounds were meticulously maintained and cleaned daily
- COVID-19 protocols taken seriously and created safety in shared areas
- Beautiful views
- Elevator and stairs available
- 2 Beach chairs, 2 beach towels and cooler available for use
Cons -
- Airbnb/ Maui Paradise host canceled my original reservation due to unexpected construction. This occurred 1 week before my arrival, which according to both AirBnb/ Maui paradise correspondent and Stacy from Maui Paradise happens and is out of their control.
- My options from Airbnb/ Maui Paradise after cancellation was full refund (and no place to stay) or, “upgrade” to Papakea resort. No follow-up after 24 hours lead me to believe Maui Paradise properties wasn’t real/ a scam, called Airbnb to verify they were legit, then called the Maui Paradise properties directly to make sure they got my confirmation to “upgrade” to a new space, since I was 5 days out from arrival at this point.
- K306 Unit at Papakea Resort didn’t offer salt and pepper, tin foil, or cooking oil
- Papakea Resort, Maui Properties and Airbnb have no consistent communication. Everyone points fingers at who is responsible and rolls eyes.
- Maintenance is through Maui Properties, not Papakea
- Air conditioner kept blowing fuse, Maui Paradise sent maintenance to fix it, lasted for a couple hours then shut off again, I gave up and turned it off for the remainder of my 8 days, left sliding glass door open, fans on and bedroom window slightly open to create nice cross breeze
- Maintenance man didn’t confirm what day or when he was coming, walked into him in my unit unannounced. As a solo traveler, I didn’t feel comfortable having someone in my space, without me there.
- $17 daily resort fee, not included in Airbnb, this doesn’t go towards an improvement in hospitality.
- Front desk had my check out for 24th, I paid through 25th through Airbnb. Papakea resort said it wasn’t their responsibility to correct it, that I needed to call someone to call them to confirm. I reached out the Maui Paradise via Text, they said they’d send message to reservations, 3 days later nothing. I followed up with front desk at Papakea resort, they hadn’t received anything. I called Maui Paradise reservations and they had nothing on record. Manager said she’d look into it. 24 hours later, nothing. Front desk had no contact again. On day 8, I emailed Airbnb and told them the discrepancy, they contact Papakea and fixed it. This back and forth lasted the entire length of my stay.
- Day 8, I walk into my unit to find a guy and a spray can unannounced. Front desk at Papakea confirms that yes, the pest control company is spraying. I asked if they send an alert to the guests. They said they contacted the owners 1 month ago, that signs are posted on elevators. I verified there was no signs posted in elevators. Front desk didn’t seem to see an issue with a man coming into a guests unit unannounced. Contact Airbnb to ask that they please notify guests if there’s someone coming into unit. John from Airbnb/ Maui Paradise apologized for it, said it only happens once a quarter, no big deal. As a solo female traveler I had issue with this casual access to my space.
**I highly advise against rental of this space at Papakea UnitK306 until they resolve these communication issues and take the safety and well being of their guests more seriously. Especially as a solo traveler.