aston islander on the beach--kauai
 

Has anyone stayed at the Aston Islander On the Beach in Kauai? Feedback, please.

Didn't Kal just get back from his annual trip to Kauai? He stays there. This posting will bring the thread back to the top. Maybe he'll see it and reply.

Hi again, Anne. we stayed at the Islander in May 03, so this is a little dated. We thought it was fine. the room was clean and well-kept. The grounds are not lush but were well-landscaped, and it is beachfront. Again this is not a swimming beach but a pretty one to walk on. there are lounge chairs for use on the beach. Very good view of sunrise from here. There is a paved walking path next to the beach that runs along several hotels. I understand the hotel rooms are now being sold as mini-condos, so don't know how that may have affected it. It is adjacent to Coconut Marketplace, very convenient for shopping and meals. We didn't use the pool, but as I recall it was not extremely large; did not have any slides etc. There is a hot tub which was usually full of people. there is a small bar next to the pool and that seemed to be very popular too. Overall, I would recommend it, but again I don't know about changes related to the sale of the units.

Thanks, aloha. So you would recommend it. Perhaps it'll be even nicer than when you went in 2003, because I understand it is undergoing renovation right now, which is slated for completion in April. We are going end of July, so hopefully by then construction dust has settled and the rooms are bright, spanking new. They're supposed to repaint walls, provide new furniture and work on pool. I didn't know about the condo sales.

Kal?

Me again. I was concerned about this property because on tripadvisor.com, some people complained about the construction and the moldy smelly rooms. I imagine the renovation would get rid of the mold and smell by the time we go in July, and the construction would be finished.

up

We've booked 4 nights there in late May. I understand that the rooms are all being renovated and should be completed by that time. ((b))

Units at Islander on the Beach are being sold now as individually-owned condos -- eventually to be completely refurbished:
http://www.islanderonthebeach.com/

Reportedly, all oceanfront units are sold, as are most of the remaining ones -- but their "for sale" ad is still running in our local Garden Island newspaper.

Aloohaaa!

Just stayed there this past Dec/Jan for I think the 14th time in the old, usual room.
No probs but we keep the slider open most of the time to hear and smell the ocean.

Never used the a/c in all the years we've been going over.

The Islander isn't for everyone.
If you want a 4((*)) hotel, by all means, go stay at the Marriott, Hyatt, PVille etc.

I saw in one website that someone said "it wasn't like the 4 Seasons on Maui". From the "Book of Duhhh"? 8-}

They were working on the wing right out side our lanai and we didn't have any probs as they usually started after
8-8:30ish and we were sobered up by then. I did ask once if they could lower the radio...no prob...

We also checked out the newly remodeled rooms and we will def be back again in about 303 mo' days. Tommy Bahama furnishings, I believe, new beds, fridges, tile floors, 27" TV, am/fm/CD player like you see in Sharper Image, new a/c units w/ remote control controls.

Mrs Kal wants to re-do our master playroom in that motiff. $)$)$)

Got the in-laws an upgrade to a new room this past Jan/Feb (missed us by 4 days-PHEW!!!) and they loved it. They've stayed there before and have a comparison point.

As AuntieM says, they are being remodeled and turned into "cond-tels"...condo hotels, that re being sold separately, not time shares either.
So, I would think they would keep up the property and the units "mo bettah" now.

I heard the Sand Bar is currently closed for remodeling.:'(

As for the sunrises aloha mentions...Ohhhhhhhh yeahhhhhh!:-X

Thanks, Kal--I'm encouraged! Wheww! I guess one thing to keep in mind is that some of the complaints may be due to unrealistic expectations--not checking out the number of stars ahead of time.

annie-
Have you checked out the pic of the room on the site Auntie M gave you?

ahhhhh...a nice long walk up to Coconuts for lobster Ravs....=P~

I just checked out the link auntiemaria sent. Didn't do it before because I thought it was the website I already saw--oops! Thanks, auntiemaria. The new rooms look nice! So does the lobby. I feel tons better about my reservations now. Especially with the Entertainment rate I got them for. I hear the rooms are small, though. Kal, you say you've never used a/c when you go, but I'm going in August, which I'm told is the hottest month of the year there.

Hi Budman, I noticed that renovation will complete by the end of April and we booked 5 nights at islander at the end of May also. It is glad to know some one is heading to the same place at same time.

blue_kite, we're spending 3 nights on the West Coast, 26-28 May, and 29 May-1 June at the Islander.

We're going to have a GTG for drinks on the 27th of May, if you're going to be there and interested. So far it's me, iceeu2, and auntiemaria, along with significant others. Details to follow. ((a)) ((b))

Bug_man, We reserved islander 24-29 May. I was thinking maybe it is a better ideal to stay at west coast for few nights. Any hotel you recommend there? I can barely drink but we may join you guys on 27th.

Hubby & I stayed there in January 04 for one night. Based on my experience, I wouldn't return, but that's just me. The location is good, but even though we had requested a room that was already renovated, we were still put in the older section. The hallways were dark and dirty-feeling and I just never felt comfortable.

The room was very small and upon arrival (8pm or so), we found that there were no sheets, comforters or pillows on the bed or towels in the bathroom. After spending the day hiking the North Shore, all we wanted as a place to relax. Eventually someone came up, but it took a while.

There was a terrible rainstorm overnight and it was impossible to sleep due to something rolling around on the rooftop and the sound of water leaking in thru the sliding door. By morning, the carpet was completely soaking wet about 2 feet into the room.

Breakfast buffet was included in the cost of the room, which was good because I would have been highly disappointed if I had paid for it. The selection was minimal and I think we would have been happier finding a cafe somewhere off-premises.

We weren't expecting a high-end hotel, just somewhere to stop for the night before heading over to the Big Island the next morning. It served its purpose, but I wouldn't return.

blue kite...you don't have to drink....just be there and be able to console the real icee and myself...the 27th is going to be our last night there...so, just look for Budman (you won't be able to miss him...he will be the only one there wearing an aloha shirt)...and look for me...the short plump southern girl crying in her beer..and auntiem...well, maybe I shouldn't describe her since I don't have a clue!!

sherhatfield, sorry to hear about your experience. I believe the place should be totally renovated by the end of May. My confirmation shows an ocean front, and I know they have been renovated.

Iceeu2 - no tears in my beers. ((a)) I'll bring some wine. Maybe we can fine a secluded place on some patio and pop a few corks.

Auntie -- do they do corkage in Hawaii??

Yup, that'll be me -- in the bright red flowered shirt!! ((b))

Iceeu2 and bud_man, May 29th will be our last day there. Look forward to see you on 27th at islander. You can find us easily, an east asian couple.

Hot dang, I can't help but laugh....

1. A yankee couple with him wearing an aloha shirt!

2. A southern couple with her crying over her drinks!

3. A hawaiian couple with her with a microphone, I guess...

4...And, finally an east asian couple.

Hot dang...are we ever gonna stand out! Nobody will resemble any of us!!!!!!!!!! We may never find each other!!!

Kauai Pasta and Mints for a photo shoot!

Did somebody say something about mints at Kauai Pasta??? Don't get me started again!!! ;)

Oh, Margot...that was supposed to be your surprise! Ok, we'll do a photo shoot somewhere else!!

i2 - hey, far be it from l'il ol'ME
to stand in the way of your right to have your photo shoot there! As a matter of fact --- do it with my compliMINTS! (hardee har har!)

Yikes we are staying at the Islander on Good Friday through Hotwire. I'm sure we'll be put in an old room. Oh well it's only one night.

wauhob3, now, it's up to you to report back. ((b))

Will do Budman.

Better yet, why don't you reach out to the Aston Islander and ask them for a renovated room. 800-847-7417. ((b))

"Very small rooms" and "hallways"?

Ya'll sure you we were at the same place?
sher-
If you were there during the BIG storm of Jan '04, looks like we were there at the same time. Washed out most of the lawn area between the beach and walking path/ocean front rooms.

I can see the bugs and attitude but very small rooms? Do you normally stay in suites? :-/

The room we usually get has 2 beds and we have plenty of room for a 17-21 day stay.

I guess small is in the eye of the beholder?

<------------------------------>
(6 inches, right?)

Wau-
Hope Hotwire rooms can be transferred. If they aren't full, and you're a good schmoozer, I bet getting moved wouldn't be a prob.

285, baby!

b'man, I2 and Auntie M....the picnic area at Lydgate may be a good meeting place...I think they allow wine there.

We've had a coupla "meetings" (wine, beer, pupus) there and watched the full moon risings on a few trips awhile back with some local pals.

Picnic area at the Islander too.

Kealia Beach?

Kal..you got that 6 inches right...Least that's what we have always been taught!!

Does anyone know if this place will still be operating as a hotel by July? We are rethinking our decision to stay in Poipu and as this place comes recommended by the man who seems to be a "reliable source (Kal)" I was wondering if anyone knows what the status of the place will be in July 2005. The website was not as helpful as I would expect and therefore I assume it will be all sold as condos etc, by the time we arrive. Anyone know of the time frame? I will call them directly tomorrow for details...

Eeva - call the 800 number and ask.

"reliable source(Kal)" -- ((y)) along with being our favorite Wine-O. b( ((d)) ((b))

budman/icu2, Two options for your consideration on 27th: 1. There is a Japanese restaurant "Cafe hanalei and Terrace", lots of people recommended the Friday's seafood buffet with sunset.
The place is about 23 miles fr the hotel.
2.There is a picnic/BBQ at hotel's pool area, we can have BBQ, drink beer and see the sunset there.

If you do BBQ and have a few "pops" at The Islander, make sure you pay homage to "The Sand Bar Irregulars"! ;)

We have bought food over at The CocoMktplace and brought it back, too....Like Aloha Pizza...just make sure you tell them "well done".

If you say "well done AND a lot of jalapenos" they may ask you if you know me.
Don't rat me out...I'm in the Witless Protection Program. #-O

We're staying on the West Coast the first 3 nights (26-28 May), and 29 May-1 June at the Islander.

Let's go for the picnic/BBQ area at the Islander's pool area. Let's say from 5-7pm for cocktails (I'll bring some of my wine) and hors d'oeuvres and/or pizza. I'll want to head back West before it gets too late.

Any other suggestions? ((b))

Hello, stayed at the Islander in Oct 2003 and 2004. Enjoyed both times and would go back again, can't beat the price. Rooms are largish for a regular hotel. (this is not a resort).
Definitely try for the renovated and even though you have to lug your own suitcases...get the 2nd floor so you can see over the pool to the ocean and no critters are on your doorstep. (geckos love the light)

After our 1st trip I was smart and we did a stop by wal-mart and bought a $1.09 wire rack for the shower. Even the new rooms have the small stall and nowhere to put your shampoo or soap. That is the only bad thing I have to say in our experiences at the Islander. The shower is small enough that trying to rinse the soap off certain areas had me attemting yoga!

The pool and pool bar is great (just watch out for the honeymooners as they sometimes put on a show in the hot tub!) Great story as I was IN the tub at the time when these people...Yeah, it's funny NOW!

As for food...do try "The Bullshed" right up the street in Kapaa is really great...go early for better seating and views (5:45-6:15pm), reasonable pricing, great food, 3 min away from the Islander.
http://www.bullshedrestaurant.com/

Duke's canoe club in the Mariott...
7 spiced ahi...park at the beach and walk in from there...much easier although the Mariott is a trip to walk thru. Make reservations, here's the number...still programmed in my phone!
(808)246-9599

If you head west and go thru Kalaheo on the Mountain side is the Camp House Grill...it looks bad on the outside and very worn on the inside but clean...the BEST PIES EVER!!!

Also, Heard great things about the Cafe Hanalei but did not get a chance.

If you would like some info on any tours or adventures let me know as we used a few places and did some on our own as well.

Have an absolutely fantastic time!!!

Dawn

I promised an update. Even though I booked it through Hotwire we were given an updated room. I asked when we arrived on Friday and they already had us assigned to one. The room was large with ceramic tiled floors. It had a king size bed. A marble counter top area with a half size refidgerator. They could easily enhance the room by adding a microwave at a low cost. It also had a small table with two chairs. There wasn't a loveseat or plush chair but there would have been room for one. The lanai also had two chairs and a small table and we had a partial ocean view through the pool area. The pool bar was open but the pool wasn't. They are still working on it. There was obvious construction going on but we didn't hear any going on but only stayed the one night. All in all I would stay there again if I wanted to stay in the Kapaa area.

Good recommendation! We just called and requested a renovated room on the second floor. How are we going to contact with each other? Not everyone has internet access after arrived the islander, at least we don't.

blue_kite, here's the thread for the Kauai GTG. Check back here before you leave. I leave on 26 May and will see you at the Islander on the 27th at 5:pm. Aloha!!!

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34586354 ((b))

We are going to be staying here next week and were wondering if anyone had been there recently? How are the rooms,pool? Do they have a hot tub? Any info would be appreciated!