We stayed at this condo complex over Christmas. We had unit number 34. It was a 2 bedroom with a (very) partial ocean view.
The Good:
The service from Destination Resorts (the booking agency) was very good. The condo was very big, we are 2 adults and 2 teens and we had plenty of room. The bedrooms are roomy, there is lots of closet space and the bathrooms are spacious. The living space was fine and the air conditioning was good, although noisy because they are window mounted. The grounds are lovely and well maintained. The location is fair to good. It is close to the Shops of Wailea- about a 10 minute walk. You could walk to the beach but we always drove because if you carrying a cooler and supplies it's way too far to walk. The daily cleaning service was nice to have. If you book privately you may not get cleaning service- make sure you ask. I enjoyed the pools, although they are small. Parking was good. Free long distance was included- great perk.

The Bad:
Dated decor and furnishings. European style Kitchen cupboards from the late 80's. Worn and grubby carpet. Older appliances. Laughable "artwork" . Our unit needed a reno. Badly. We did have 2 big plasma TVs in our unit- weird. Some family members were staying in other Grand Champ condos, one (#13) was similar to ours and the other 1 bedroom (#34) was privately rented and was MUCH nicer inside. We paid $370/night and I thought it was overpriced even for Christmas.
The condo is not on the beach- next time I would choose to stay closer to the beach. It is quite a drive to a grocery store although it looks like a shopping centre of some sort is going up just east of the Grand Champs. Strangely, there are no sidewalks leading up to the main road, so walking is a bit hazardous as there is HEAVY traffic at times- this area is not an island hideaway!

My 2005 review on Grand Champions goes into more detail and what I said in that favorable review is all still true of our 2007 stay. We had no problems with construction nearby. However, I do see the validity of other people's general comments, in the sense that the Destination Resorts rental pool condos can be treated as neglected cash cows by their owners. We were coincidentally given the exact same unit we had two years prior, and it had the exact same big stains on the exact same rugs and couches. Daily tips for the cleaning people do seem to elicit attentive daily service, but this has no effect on longstanding stains, of course. We received ample room and comfort in Wailea at a very reasonable price point, and so we have no real complaints. We weren't there for the couches, and I guess they know that. But for honeymooners or people who value luxury and pampering, I would look elsewhere. It is a rental unit in a residential condo complex, not a resort or a luxury hotel. Even at that level, a pool rental will be generic in its furnishings and decor (and their maintenance) whereas a direct-from-owner unit might offer more polish, for someone who intends to spend more time in the unit. The plus in dealing with Destination Resorts is on-island staff if there is a plumbing or appliance problem, daily maid, and a more generous cancellation policy than an individual owner can give you. Most direct-from-owner units expect full prepayment two months in advance, on a use-it-or-lose-it basis. That is their big drawback, in my opinion.

recently my husband and I stayed in two of the most beautifully appointed condos that I have ever stayed in. The unit numbers are 171 and 70. We were expecting my parents as well and therefore spent some time in the smaller unit before heading off to the larger one. both condos are decorated in an island, relaxing theme. it's all very pleasant. the beds are very comfortable. and the included amenities were fantastic. lots of cookware, cute plates, plenty of candles, books on hawaii, dvd's, music cd's, and even alcohol and cocktail mixes. There is wireless access in both units and the larger one has a computer with a printer and fax. unbelievable ease. we loved the complex too. spent lots of time bbqing and relaxing at the clean pool. the owners are super accomodating and just good people. loved the whole thing. can't wait to get back to maui and the wailea gem!

Of the five lodgings we stayed over our 2.5 week Hawaiian vacation, this one was the least memorable.

Pros: Clean, tastefully decorated, and well stocked. Quiet neighbors. Air conditioned! which turned out to be a lifesaver as there is little or no breeze to cool down the condo (in contrast to oceanfront lodgings). Reserved parking. Best of all, affordable!

Cons: Our condo was located in an complex reminiscent of condo and apartment complexes back home. Our one bedroom came with one small TV set located in the bedroom. While we could walk to shops and the beach (and did so on a couple of occasions), it wasn't a pedestrian friendly walk--with no or few sidewalks or shade along the way.

Overall, a pleasant and affordable stay.