We are first time visitors to Kauai and could use some guidance on places to stay.

We're only there a few days (3 nights) so will likely only spend one day wandering around the island. We will get a car.

What we'd like:

- good beach and/or pool with the ability to relax and have beverage service
- nice setting. relatively calm
- just a couple, so don't need anything with kids programs
- ability to find places nearby to eat (nice to be able to leave the hotel)
- close by place with great snorkeling

We're looking at Princeville (St. Regis and/or Westin Villas) and the Koa Kea resort. Since it's such a short trip we're willing to splurge.

any ideas/recommendations? I've changed my mind 3 times already so hopefully you guys can give me a little more guidance.

thank you!!!

Both times that we've been to Kauai we've stayed at the Marriott in Lihue and have not been disappointed.
While you are in Kauai, make sure to eat at Duke's which is on the Marriott property and is a tourist favorite. I would also recommend the boat ride by Smith's in the Fern Grotto.

what month? that would be my first consideration for just 3 nights

If you can afford it ... definitely the St. Regis. With all due respect, I find Lihue, and the area around the Marriott, among the least attractive parts of this exceptionally beautiful island. The beach at the Marriott is "OK" but not even close to the views from the St. Regis.

>>

enough said

I would think the St. Regis or the Koa Kea would be your best bets -- but do know that the Koa Kea is at sea level and the St. Regis is high on a cliff. There are good restaurants within an easy drive of either.

(We stayed at both the Grand Hyatt and the Marriott Lihue last October, and have stayed at Kiahuna and Marriott Waiohai in the past. We have visited the north on occasion. IMHO, the beaches at Poipu and in the north are far superior and beautiful to those on the east).

The St. Regis has a very nice beach right below it - easy to get to (elevator or even a paved path) - and a bar down there as well, so you can swim in the pool or in the Ocean. No Q - it's the best on the North Shore - and the North Shore is by far the most beautiful.

And listen to Songdoc. For a haole - he knows the "Garden Isle" very well.

BTW - when we stay at a place like that - I don't mind mixing a nice big cocktail in the room and taking it down, and after finishing that - order one of the overpriced ones from the bar.

>

HAHAHA!

Thanks so much for the help! I should have mentioned this is in July.

the Marriott in Lihue is not the best and Kalapaki beach definitely is NOT the best beach on Kauai. dukes is a tourist mecca and not worth a return visit nor is the hotel. stayed there only because it was close to the airport for an early AM flight home. The grand hyatt is lovely and very open concept in the lobby area with Views galore rooms are very nice. Koa Kea is small and the St. regis is big..Hope you find what you are looking for. Kauai is awesome!

July = St Regis

Yo Sondoc: Just kidding and I think you have gained a good appreciation of the local customs. Aloha and keep up the Ohana feeling.

I'd avoid Westin in July, full of kids. St Regis is nice if you can afford it - very pricy but North Shore will be beautiful that time of year. Grand Hyatt is also lovely and although there will be a lot of kids, it is pretty spread out and does have an adults only pool.

Excellent thanks again for the advice.. Looks like st. Regis wins!

Not all the rooms at St. Regis have lanais. Many (most?) of the them have slide away glass panels, but no sitting area. If having a lanai is important to you, make sure you make those wishes known to the reservation/front office people. I'd call and talk to the rooms manager if possible.

Enjoy the north shore.