Located in the center of town, half a block north of Lahaina's busy harborfront promenade, this remains Lahaina's most sophisticated boutique-hotel, a tropical treasure tailored to couples wanting a civilized blend of fine French cuisine and traditional guest quarters with a hint of antebellum charm.
Little has changed here over the past few years. Gerard's, the fabled restaurant, continues to outshine the slightly aging accommodations, but renovations were just commencing at inspection in early 2008. This is good news because some of the units look only slightly better than those at the budget-grade Pioneer Inn.
This two-story colonial mansion festooned with gingerbread fretwork and Palladian windows is backed by a two-story annex holding
12 of the 19 guest rooms. Between the two structures, a tranquil bricked courtyard surrounds a tiled pool inset with a whirlpool. Guests register and pay their bills at a small, nondescript alcove around back.
Run by its owner-chef, Gerard's continues to reign as one of Maui's best. The restaurant's importance is immediately recognizable: It takes up most of the first floor, and its wicker seating spreads out onto a veranda for alfresco service. The wonderful marriage of cultures results in such delicacies as duck foie gras with poha berries, and Kona lobster with locally grown avocado. The wine list includes a few local vintages.
The pool and whirlpool prove refreshing, and a five-minute stroll leads guests to a public beach. The ferries 
to Lanai and Molokai are five-minutes from the hotel. Parking is free.
Like the cooking, the accommodations are nicely blended, mixing Asian and island accents with a touch of Continental elan. Unfortunately, these days the guest quarters lack the freshness of the food, but they are on the mend and should surface with new looks by mid-2008. They are individually decorated, but all provide older quality furnishings, French windows and canopied or four-poster beds. A smattering of antiques adds to the charm.
Maintenance is good, but some of the furniture needs a little more TLC. Ceiling fans bolster the air-conditioning, and armoires, TVs, VCRs and refrigerators are in all rooms. The two least-expensive standards lack sitting areas and lanais, while 
the four superior units, though cramped, provide lanais overlooking the pool or parking lot. For a slight hike in cost, the nine deluxe units are almost twice as large and have roomy sitting areas. Baths lack tubs except in suites, which have jetted ones.
This graceful inn makes no allusions to the beach scene, catering instead to those who prefer an evening of fine food and a night of romance in the heart of Lahaina's arty quarter. The weekend stay-and-dine packages are an excellent value, but long-stay guests (those here for more than three days) will find the limited public areas too public. Romantics seeking an intown location should avoid the claustrophobic, land-bound Outrigger Aina Nalu in lieu of the more inviting Lahaina Shores.
