Hi,

About four months ago, I made reservations at Hanalei Bay Resort for May 13-19, 2001. Since then, I have read negative postings about this resort, saying it used to be good but now it is going downhill. I thought I still might be okay, since I reserved a suite, and most of the postings seemed to be about the hotel rooms. But now I am beginning to worry -- one or two postings I read a couple days ago said the service was slow and restaurant not that great. Does anyone have a suggestion as to where else to go? Or should I just forget it, and not worry?

Thanks

Hi Chris,

We honeymooned on the island in Sept. Did not stay in Princeville area, chose Poipu beach instead. LOVED this sunny, safe beach. Very happy at the Sheraton (probably a little less luxurious than H.B.), but heard the Hyatt also very nice. Drove up to Princeville for the day, drove through the H.B. resort, looked lovely, but not right on the beach. Hanalei Bay is stunning, but was cloudy the whole day we were there. We were told it tends to be cloudy/rainy up that way. Being beach & sun lovers, we felt we made the right choice. Sorry no specific info on the resort itself. Bon voyage!

Chris:
I was one of those posters thatrecently gave a bad reriew to HBR (See my review atwww.epinions.com)

To better answer your question, I think more info is needed. How long is your total trip? Are you going to any other island? Is this your 1st time to Kauai?
What are you looking for in a hotel, and what kind of activities are you planning for your stay in Kauai? How much are you paying for the room? How much more are you willing to spend for a different hotel?

In my review, I stated that I really didn't like the hotel much. But then again, I was only paying $99/nt. Given the price, I know i could not get much better in the North Shore.. But if i was paying any more than that, I would have been very disapointed.

So why don't you give us some more info, and maybe we can give you some more advice!

Anthony,

This is a 25th anniversary trip for myself and husband. Our total trip is 2 weeks. Flying into Honolulu and staying one day to see Pearl Harbor. Then fly to Maui, six days there. Fly to Kauai, six days there. This is our first time to both islands.

As far as hotel, I am looking for a clean, comfortable, spacious room with nice furnishings. I would like to have a swimming pool and beach at the hotel where we can relax for one or two days, but we are going to spend the rest of the days going to the Kalalau Trail, Waimea Canyon, the south shore, take helicopter or boat tour, snorkel. Right now I am paying $190 a night. Would be willing to spend up to $300.

I am another poster who was disappointed with Hanalei Bay Resort. I agree with Anthony about the price however -- we were only paying $85 per night plus tax, and for the price it probably could not be beat. The location, beach, grounds, and pool are all gorgeous. (The beach has no beach chairs for Hanalei Bay Resort guests though -- only for Princeville guests -- which I thought was ridiculous -- like a caste system with all the Princeville people on chaise lounges and all the HBR people on towels on the sand.) Our hotel room (just a standard room, not a suite) was pretty run down. Not dirty, just very old and beat-up looking. When we got to our room and saw it, I called the front desk and asked to be moved to another room, but they said none were available. Also, the service at the front desk and in the restaurant was slow. We were awakened at dawn every morning by roosters that crowed for about 20-30 minutes. I thought the food in the restaurant was decent -- not great, but certainly more than acceptable.

I don't know what to tell you. Since you have a suite, it may be very nice and well worth the money. Our regular room was not.

If you are willing to spend up to $300, maybe you should look into the Princeville, which had discounted rates available when we were looking into it that definitely would fit into your price range (did not fit into ours, however).

Chris

We have traveled to HI every Feb/March for the past dozen years. Needless to say, we enjoy HI immensely, Kauai being our favorite. We have stayed at HBR many times. In fact, this year, we are staying at the HBR for only 3 nights and then onto the South Shore for two weeks. The North Shore is our absolute favorite, however, because of weather conditions, have chosen to spend the majority of our time on the South Shore. Nowhere is lovelier and "lost in time" than the North Shore. Again, it is not for everyone. If you are looking for quiet, beauty and isolation, with weather conditions iffy, then choose the North but temper your visit with time spent South.

Re HBR, we, too, have experienced the horrors of transitioning this once lovely resort into interval ownership (timeshare). The units that have not been remodeled are abysmal. Even some of the suites are horrendous. This year, we have gone through an agency that specializes in HI, and we have chosen a specific unit in the Bamboo section (since we know the resort so well) and know that this building fronts Bali Hai and Hanalei Bay. There are no other buildings in front of us. We know we can be happy there for 3 days even if the unit is not spectacular, the view is well worth the price of admission. However, Global Travel has assured us that this unit has been remodeled and is in excellent condition. It is very important to know where your unit is located whether it be a suite or a single room. You also need to know if it is individually owned (not part of the timeshare resale project) or if is part of the timeshare and has or has not been upgraded. You won't find a lovelier view than HBR and the grounds are usually spectacular. You take a chance with the weather, but when it is clear and sunny, it just doesn't get any better. Weigh all the variables and make your decision. Two years ago when we spent a week at HBR and had a horrendous suite (with a spectacular view), we complained and were given 50% of our entire cost refunded and sincere apologies from management, which was Castle at the time.

I don't know if I've helped or made your decision more complicated. With travel in May, it is likely that you should have much nicer weather than we experience in the winter months on the North Shore. If you know your specific HBR unit, I will be more than happy to help you. Also, did you book directly at HBR or through another agent. You can get much better prices not booking directly. We are paying $266.00/night for our Bamboo Oceanfront suite and that includes all taxes. We have paid much more than that directly through HBR. Keep in mind that the cost is contingent greatly on the location of the unit. Bamboo is premier so we feel we got a fair rate.

We have always enjoyed the Bali Hai Restaurant onsite. Their breakfasts (and views) are remarkable. We have also thought the dinners have been somewhat pricey but quite good. Also, the Happy Talk Lounge adjancent to the restaurant offers a very nice happy hour with local entertainment most days. It is a nice hour or so spent between the beach and the dinner hour whether you eat at HBR or elsewhere. There are a number of very good restaurants from which to choose on the North Shore. I would hate for you not to experience the beaches and ambiance of this location.

To the Two Karens and Lisa:

Thanks so much for your replies. It has helped me to make a decision. I am going to change my reservations to somewhere else. I am thinking of Sheraton Kauai or Princeville Hotel. Of course, Princeville is more expensive than Sheraton. But Sheraton is on the south shore, where there is less rain. Let me know if you know anything about these two properties.

Chris

Chris: At $190/nt, I do not think that the HBR, even in a suite, is worth the money.
I think you have a several options. If you are planning to do some of the activities you mentioned, staying on the South Shore would be more convienent.
The Sheraton would then be an option. Another option would be the Mariott, which is located near the airport. If you were thinking of a place like The Priceville Resort, then I would recommend The Hyatt Kauai on the south shore as an alternative ultra-luxury property.
You obviously should make a trip to see the North Shore; you can make the south shore your home base, and spend the day to drive to the North shore, some hiking on the Kalalau trail and finishing the day with drinks and watching the sunset and dinner at The Princeville Resort. While I would agree with other posters that the view is wonderful from the HBR's lounge and restaurant, what others fail to mention is that the viewis EQUALLY as impressive from the Princeville Resort, plus the lounges and restaurants are many times nicer at the Priceville.
Even though we stayed at the HBR, we had drinks and viewed the sunset at The Living Room Bar and dinner at La Casata at The Princeville. What was nice about La Casada was that they had a Prix Fixe menu (choice of any entree on the menu) that allowed you to have a wonderful complete meal at a reasonable price(Something that The Bali Hai Restaurant at HBR did not have)

If you don't want to drive 1 1/2 hrs back after dinner, then you MUST at least stay for the sunset, or another option would be to stay the 1st 5 nights in the south shore and the last night in the north shore, thus eliminating the drive back to the south after sunset.

When you rent your cars, use alamo. They have the best rates in Hi. Are you a Costco warehouse member? My exstensive research has concluded their Alamo membership #'s provide the BEST discount for an ALAMO car. You can save more money by getting 1 day off ALAMO coupons in the travel brouchures given out at the Costco stores. If you are not a member, let me know, and I can give you the Costco Alamo membership #'s. In the many yrs of using them, they nenver ask to see the costco card when you pick up the car.

I have to admit that I have also been underwhelmed by the Hanalei Bay Resort despite it's wonderful location. And, I would agree with the person above who was wowed by the views and ambience of the Princeville Hotel-well worth one spectacular night. Another suggestion on the south shore that would offer lovely accommodations and very personal service for such a special trip would be Gloria's Spouting Horn Bed and Breakfast. We have stayed at the Hyatt and at several condo's in the Poipu area but this is our favorite spot. It was completely rebuilt after Hurricane Iniki and sits on a magnificent stretch of coastline. The location would also provide better access to Waimea Canyon. It is also close to our two favorite restaurants: the Beachhouse- perfect for the ultimate sunset view- and Piatti's at Kiahuna Plantation, a restaurant with wonderful locally grown food, in a warm, elegant old plantation home with koa floors and a wide veranda set in a gorgeous garden.
I would suggest splitting your time between the Northshore and the Poipu area since the driving time between the two is pretty significant and each is wonderful. I'd splurge on the Princeville-(see if any friends have United frequent flier hotel certificates that they'd be willing to share. This would knock 50% off of your stay.) You can also book a Sheraton package that would allow a discounted rate and a split between time at the Sheraton in Poipu and the Sheraton run Princeville hotel.

Chris -

While I agree that all the responses have had merit regarding your stay in Kauai, does no one think that while the Princeville has a lovely location, that it is an ugly hotel. It was much nicer when it was a Sheraton and decorated "Hawaiaina" style. Now, the Japanese influence is abundant, and the hotel is dark, heavy woods and does not resemble what one would think of as island flavor. There is nothing light or cheery in tone with the present Princeville. We had friends who were married at the Hyatt on the South shore and were going to spend equal time at the Princeville. They thought it so horrendous in decor and style that they opted not to stay there after one night. To each his own, but I imagine the Princeville Hotel is expensive, and I don't imagine all the rooms have the Bali Hai View that warrants this price, but be forewarned that this hotel does not truly reflect the Hawaiian spirit.

The Hyatt Regency on the South Shore is a lovely hotel and has tons of ambiance. It is filled with the lovely Koa wood throughout and the decor and openess of the hotel is breathtaking. Also, Gloria's at Spouting Horn has a tremendous view. You could not be closer to the ocean here. However, Chris, I do think a trip to Kauai warrants a stay - not day trips alone, on the North Shore. If you have given up on the Hanalei Bay Resort, there are many condos in the Princeville complex that will afford you all that the North Shore offers. I would attempt to find one that suits your needs. There are also a number of B&Bs, if that's your style, that have great accommodations as well. You won't be disappointed in the North Shore. To commute daily from North to South is difficult. Also, as one individual suggested, I cannot imagine spending the day hiking, swimming and snorkeling, and then having dinnere at the Princeville Hotel before returning South. The Princeville is not the casual attire that you can get away with at many of the island's restaurants. Just food for thought!

Anthony, Mary Jo, Jim:

Thanks for your replies.

Anthony and Mary Jo: I did not want to stay in two different locations while on Kauai, because I didn't want to have to pack and unpack again (we are already having to unpack and pack twice -- once in Maui, once in Kaui). But, now I am thinking if we stay in one place on Kauai (either North or South Shore), it will be a long drive there and back to see other places. Plus, I am also thinking that if we did just stay on the North Shore the whole time, rain would be more likely!

Jim: I read a press release on the Princeville website that the decor has been changed to much lighter tones.

Chris

Karen, Could it be that you used All Globe Travel Services? We booked with them for August for HBR. We have a 3 BR ocean front/view reserved. Now I am getting nervous. I called them today and the TA is getting back to me with regards to which building our unit will be in. Since we are going in August, are leaving Wailea on Maui, we thought that the north shore might be a definate contrast before we head over to the Big Island.

Hi Chris.
If you would like to e-mail me, you may, because my husband and I stayed at HBR two-and-a-half years ago, and we had
a fantastic experience. WE must have been some of the lucky ones. I will tell you that I was surprised too to see how many people have had such negative experiences. We paid for a studio and were upgraded to a 1 bedroom condo. If was in the Plumeria Building, Unit 8222. I just pulled out our paperwork so that I could suggest a good unit!. Ocean view the whole works, and air conditioning. From what I understaqnd, some of their units don't have air conditioning. Now I loved Plumeria, because we walked right out our front door, and had a little wading pool within a few feet, so that was nice, with a spectacular view of Bali Hai!! I do not recommend the Sheraton Princeville, because it's so outrageously priced for the same view as HBR. There are very nice condo complexes in that immediate HBR and Princeville area. I've stayed at the Cliffs before twice, and it's decent.
I hear that Pali Ke Kua Condos are pretty nice, and I've seen some pics on the web of different units, and from what I r4emember their prices were very, very good! I might also add that I tend to be a little bit fussy when I travel, i.e., about my hotel/condo room, and I just did not have ANY COMPLAINTS about the HBR, but I guess things change. As for the weather, it's so beautiful on that north shore, that I never, ever have minded the rain, and
it only takes 50 minutes to drive to Poipu for the sun, if you MUST have sun.
I heard that Gloria's place is very good too! And I liked the suggestion that someone had of doing 3 days north; and 4 days south or visa-versa. Although
I wouldn't recommend that for myself, it sounds like a creative idea.
I guess what it all depends on is if you'd rather have easy access to a beach or pool or if swimming is of utmost importance to you, therefore you must have sun, or if you're easygoing and don't mind the rain, then do the north shore thing. But of all the islands, I love Kauai the most, and i've been to all of 'em except Moloka'i.

I called and found out that we are going to be in the Palm building, ocean view, no a/c. Any thoughts?

I too stayed at HBR 2 and a half years ago and loved it. Returned this past summer, summer Y2k--the difference was almost heartbreaking. While the views and landscaping are still spectacular, the hotel room was dingy. ANd the reservations foul-ups were numerous --heard at least three nightmare stories ,and that doesn't include my story !. If you want a good central location, and a lovely, simple,very Hawaiian feeling hotel, i would recommend the Islander on the Beach, behind the Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa. it's now owned by Aston. You can get a perfectly decent room a few feet from the ocean for less than $90 Entertainment rate. You can't swim at that beach, but oh, what a lovely setting and atmosphere--and you will be centrally located for all parts of the island.

Dawn -

Yes, you are correct. It is All Globe Travel that we booked a specific unit at HBR. I was adamant about their specifying this info in my confirmation letter, right down to unit number and building. Have them do that for you as well for your own protection. If you let me know which building, I will be more than glad to give you my input. In fact, I believe I still have a map of the grounds of the HBR that I could fax to you if you give me a number.

By the way, Dawn, you have chosen my very favorite spots to visit in HI. Wailea is our favorite on Maui; the Big Island is our second favorite next to Kauai. You have chosen quiet, beautiful, places to visit on the islands - I think the very best away from the hustle and bustle. I assume this is not your first trip or else someone has steered you in the direction to your liking.

Hi! We have not stayed at the HBR, but we did eat at the Bali Hai restaurant (the view is incredible and we enjoyed our dinner...large portions, probably could have split a dinner) and toured the grounds. But personally, we were glad we chose the Hyatt and the south "sunny" shore (which was closer to most of the excursions...Na Pali boat tours, Waimea Canyon, Polihale Beach, Helicopter tours). A friend of mine has a time share at HBR and said it very cloudy due to its proximity to the mountains.

North Shore: if you start out early, a day trip to the north shore is definitely do-able and definitely worth it. The drive and views were gorgeous, but 1 day was enough for us.

Regarding the Princeville: In October 2000, it did not look like it had been brightened up at all. While it is pretty, I agree with previous postings that it is not a very cheerful looking place...it's more refined, we almost felt like we should whisper as we walked through the main lobby area. Also, the pool is tiny!

The most important thing, though, is not necessarily where you stay (although we would return to the Hyatt in a heartbeat), but what you do and see while you're in Kauai. Buy "The Ultimate Guide to Kauai" to help you discover some things you probably would never find on your own. Make sure you enjoy all the island has to offer!!

My wife and I stayed at the Hanalei Bay Resort recently, the staff, view and the grounds are nice. The hot tub was broken, air conditioners don't work, and the furniture is older than my grandmother. They try to sign you up for timeshare every chance they get. We move to the Princeville Hotel where the rooms had new furniture.