BWW Reviews: MAUI SANDS RESORT AND WATERPARK in Sandusky, Ohio - Small Size, Big Fun
By: Christina Mancuso Jun. 30, 2014
Nuzzled right in between "America's Largest Indoor Waterpark" to the east and a "Great Wolf" to the west, the Maui Sands Resort and Waterpark certainly stands on its own as your quick family vacation getaway. Although understated in size to its competition, the Maui Sands and Resort offers comfortable rooms, relaxing areas, pleasant staff, and exciting water rides and attractions for the budget-conscious family. It is centrally located near all the major northwest Ohio attractions, including Cedar Point, Put-In-Bay, Kelley's Island, African Safari Wildlife Park, Sandusky Speedway, Marblehead Lighthouse, wineries, restaurants, shopping, parks, and more.
Looking for an exciting family getaway without breaking the bank? Look no further. The Maui Sands Resort and Waterpark is the ideal place for fun, relaxation, and a stress-free experience for the entire family.
Lobby/Check-In
The lobby is bright, open and inviting, and friendly staff are eager to answer your questions in a swift and timely manner. The check-in and check-out process is quick and easy, and someone is always there to greet you and answer your questions, offer suggestions, or help with any of your travel needs. During your stay, you will most certainly be greeted by "Doc", who is always on hand to give restaurant suggestions, directions, answer questions, fix problems, and offer a friendly smile. Every time.
The Hawaiian theme resonates throughout the decor of the hotel, sweeping you away into a Hawaiian dream.
Accommodations
The Maui Sands Resort offers several choices for your stay to give you a "home away from home" feel. We stayed in the basic Queen Lily Room, which has two queen beds, a 32" flat screen TV, microwave, refrigerator and free WiFi. The room was spacious enough to easily accommodate myself and my two children. The room was clean and well-kept and also had a table to use as a work station or for dining. Beds were comfortable and the room temperature was consistent. The bathroom was clean and well-maintained and offered the popular Bath & BodyWorks products, including shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and bath bar.
Our travel plans changed at the last minute and we required a longer stay. We then switched to the Hana Suite, which included a comfortable king bed in its own private room, then two bunk beds in a separate kids area. Both sleeping areas boasted a 32" flat screen TV for your viewing pleasure with plenty of storage space. Again, the room also had a microwave, refrigerator, table, and free WiFi.
Other accommodations include the Cabana Molkini which offers a king bed in a suite with jacuzzi tub, and the King Kamehameha Suite, an 800 square foot space with two bedrooms, living room with pullout sofa bed, marble kitchenette with wet bar, and two bathrooms. The Maui Sands Resort also provides ADA and wheelchair-friendly rooms for your special needs.
All rooms are centrally located and convenient to the waterpark.
Waterpark
The waterpark offers a fun-filled time for all ages. Older teenagers will enjoy the thrilling tube slides which will have you spinning at 35-45 MPH before plunging in the water, while the littlest ones can safely play in "Pineapple Bay" with its own small slide, or soak in the "Half Moon Lagoon." Even adults will enjoy private time in the adults-only "Ka'anapali Spa." Other attractions include a treehouse, lazy river, vortex whirlpool, body slides, tube slides, obstacle course, and a "Coconut Cove" activity area that features a swirl pool and water basketball. There are ample lifeguards surrounding each station who are all very helpful and friendly and will answer any questions, reposition your tubes or mats, and offer helpful advice.
I especially enjoyed the layout of the waterpark. It is fun and exciting but not too overwhelming and intimidating in size. Parents can choose to relax outside the water in various sitting areas scattered around so they can still keep an eye on their kids without ever getting wet. Or, adults can have a full view of the waterpark while sitting in the adjacent restaurant as it provides large windows with full views throughout. The entire waterpark gives parents the peace of mind that it is safe for the smallest ones, and thrilling for the older teens so they are worry-free.
Restaurant/Bar
Families can enjoy fresh food and drink at the Volcano Grill, located just outside the waterpark and off the main lobby. Options include hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, large salads, wraps, smoothies and other treats. Quality is excellent, prices are very reasonable and service is quick and efficient.
A full bar is provided in the restaurant, where you can enjoy beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages of your choice, along with specialty frozen drinks, both with or without alcohol.
Also included in your overnight stay is a free breakfast buffet, which offers hot choices such as scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, potatoes, and more, along with cold cereals, fresh fruit, and unlimited juice, coffee, hot tea or hot chocolate. Food is fresh, delicious and plentiful, and wait staff and cooks are eager to come out and offer pleasant conversation while you dine.
Fitness Room
Although the Maui Sands technically has a fitness room, it's in desperate need of updating. Treadmills and bikes are old and rickety. Luckily, the resort is located only a mile and a half from Osborn Park, where you can run or walk laps on their 1.19 mile trail which surrounds a wonderful play area for kids. The fitness center does have sufficient barbells and plenty of space if you prefer to do light weight training during your stay.
Extras
Extras include an arcade room, Birthday packages, and group rates for Boy or Girl Scouts, youth groups, family reunions, churches, and other companies and associations. The sales team will work with you to ensure a memorable experience for all.
The Maui Sands Resort and Waterpark is the ideal place for families wanting a quick getaway at affordable rates. With all the choices in Sandusky, you won't be disappointed in this resort. You can count on friendly staff, clean accommodations, good food, exciting entertainment, and the ideal location central to all the exciting attractions in Sandusky and surrounding area.
For more information or to book your stay, visit: http://mauisandsresort.com/
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