Thanks everyone for your thoughts regarding Hyatt vs. Sheraton. I think we'll go with the Hyatt. The Marriott sounds great too...just not the kind of trip for a condo this time around.

sf, we are overlooking the public parking for Poipu Beach Park and we can see a sliver of the ocean and the lifeguard stand from our lanai.

nv, we haven't stayed at The Hyatt, but I don't know how you could go wrong with it! Aloha!

iamq, is the Koa Kea open yet?

Yes icee, the koa kea is open. Poke your nose over there and give it a look-see, will ya? That is, between bites of ahi.

We once stayed at Sheraton, oceanfront. Once was more than enough for our tastes. Hyatt should be wonderful.

iamq, just went over to the Ko'a Kea and the grounds and lobby/restaurant area are outstanding. I never know what "boutique" hotel means. It appears to be "luxury" to me. Picked up a rate card and chatted with the girl at the front desk and the server in the restaurant. Only one person in the restaurant. Very serene.

NV: Give us a report when you get back. I've had one night stays at both properties. (Can't afford longer; usually get a cheap condo and do a one night splurge mid-trip) My choice would be the Hyatt. Sheraton's oceanfront pool is small and crowded. Lots of kids in diapers when I was there. Ick! Be sure to seek out the Hyatt's lazy river, at the top of the pool complex near the adult pool. BLISS!

Thanks I'2! I appreciate it.

What happened to calling me billyboy or somesuch thing?

would you prefer

big enormous woody?

aloooha chica I'2!!!!!

hi billboyQ!!!!

smooch((r))

We have stayed at the Hyatt, the Marriott Waihohai and the Marriott Lihue on Kauai. We enjoyed all three, but we feel like the Kauai Grand Hyatt is the most luxurious of them all. We love the meandering pools and the landscaped grounds. If you're most interested in the pool area, I think you'll be very happy there.

"would you prefer big enormous woody?"

If the shoe fits...

you know what they say.....

'big feet.. . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .. .big disappointment!"

...big kahuna maybe...

I have just booked the Hyatt for this coming Christmas, and this will be the 5th time I am staying there. It is a premium property, gorgeous, pool and outdoor areas are incomparable. There are other nice hotels on Kauai, but in my opinion, none come close to the Hyatt. Plus the Poipu location tends to have less rain, I think in all the times I've been there, at different times of the year, I can remember perhaps two days that were too rainy to be outdoors, which is very different than other parts of the island.

Ditto!

Iceeu2 we must have just missed you! We left Kauai on the 22nd and stayed at Nihi Kai - I spent every morning (early) down by Poipu Beach and the Waiohai - for those of you interest in the Koa Kea here are my pictures - although you will have to go through all of them LOL -- I do highly recommend the Nihi Kai

http://picasaweb.google.com/banas.po...mma/Kauai2009#

We have been going to Kauai for about 15 yearas and this was the best trip yet! If you see a guy sitting by the picnic table between the Poipu beach and Waihai ask if his name is Royden and tell him Queen Emma said HI LOL -- he also volunteers to roping off the seals - a real sweetheart!

Thanks to all for your thoughts regarding the Hyatt on Kauai. We had a fabulous 5 day stay at the Hyatt at the end of May. The most outstanding features of the property are the many pools, saltwater lagoon, the beautiful beach (agree with previous reviews that the rough surf makes this beach more of non-swimming beach!) and manicured grounds. The hotel upgraded us to a full ocean view room and while it was a good walk from the lobby and pools we loved the privacy not to mention the exercise after the bountiful breakfast buffet included each day in our stay. We found the staff very friendly with lots of hellos while walking around and the service very good. With a huge breakfast, sometimes splitting lunch at the pool (we learned portions were huge!) and access to the Regency Club late in the day we were stuffed and did not eat at any of the hotel restaurants for dinner. We opted for a very special dinner at the Beach House Restaurant in Poipu about 10 minutes from the hotel which I would highly recommend - make sure to call in advance and book a 6pm reservation to take advantage of the gorgeous sunset and beach. Indeed, the Hyatt on Kauai is pricier than other resorts and condos on the island but we thought overall we received very good value for our money. We are already talking about a return visit in the next year or two and would recommend the Hyatt for a restful and wonderful vacation break.

Awesome nvtravel!
We all knew the Grand Hyatt was the property for you and glad they upgraded you to a full ocean room..
Glad you had a lovely time!

So thrilled you had a wonderful trip. It is a great resort. Hope you got to see a bit of the island - or perhaps on your return trip.