I've read many contrasting reviews on this place. My hubby wanted to stay in Hanalei and we booked it. Is it reallllly that bad? Last time, on our honeymoon, we stayed at the Hyatt in Poipu. I know it's completely different from that, but has anyone been there recently that can offer some insight?

In my experience the privately owned condo's at HBR are better than the hotel rooms. Hotel rooms are small but really not that bad.
Please see recently topped postquot;Princeville, Kauai Resort Help"

I stayed there for a week two years ago after a wedding.

The Good: The view is amazing.
The Bad: The staff is not friendly; every answer to a question is prefaced with a timeshare offer; it's a long drive to go anywhere else; the bar closes at 8:30 and will refuse service at 8:20; restaurant closes early and won't hesitate to strongly "hint" that they're about to close (after you spend over $100 on dinner); it rains (or at least spritzes) often, the beach is down a steep hill and isn't worth the trip, no beach chairs supplied, most thrilling on-site activity is "lei making" and they charge $$$ for that.

In short, the view is great but it's a pretty bush-league place.

We stayed in a privately owned 3 BR ocean view condo at HRB. It was comfortable and the decor was a bit "tired" but it was clean. I wouldn't choose HRB for the accommodations but for the view, the grounds, and the ambience. It is really hard to beat getting up every morning, looking at "Bali Hai", the two rainbows o the front lawn, the birds perching on the lanai and of course the ever present chickens and rooster. The gardens and the pool area is lovely as well.

The Hanalei Bay Resort is amazingly beautiful! The views of the mountains, Bay, and surrounding grounds are gorgeous! The main restaurant is yummy. Bring some mosquito repellant for your legs at night, though, as it is open to the awesome views. The chocolate mousse is a bit of heaven. Have fun!

Thanks everyone. I'm sure we'll make the best of it...we want to explore more of the island this time, so we don't plan on spending too much time there. Thanks!

I think it depends on what you booked. The so-called hotel room we got (8/01)was shabby and definitely not worth the $$. It could have become an extra bedroom to an adjacent unit, the connecting door had a big gap underneath allowing us to hear their baby crying etc and loud phone calls back to the mainland at 5/6 am local. Maid service was very late- 5pm, after calling front desk. Pool nearest our unit was a borderline algae farm. Privately owned condo units might be better. On the positive side the grounds are lovely as are the views.
We stopped by there for a drink and favorite pupuu Sept 02, were informed desired snacks unavailable (until 5pm, about 20 min away if that), drinks slow and weak. This place has so much going for it but seems determined to shoot themselves in the foot (or maybe both feet). Shame really, with some effort they could rival the Princeville at a better rate.

My husband and I just returned from Hawaii last week - we spent 4 nights at HBR and truly enjoyed it. It is so beautiful and quiet there. We didn't have any of the above mentioned problems with staff bugging us for timeshares, early bar closings (we actually were there most nights until 10:30 having a maitai before bed!), or even rude staff. I would agree that the units are not quite luxurious (we had a 1 bedroom suite)and if they did a little work fixing wallpaper or painting it could make a big difference - but i would return in a second if given the chance.

Have fun!

Bubbling ttt for BUBBLES