I have researched Kauai hotels pretty extensively, and thought I had decided on the Hyatt, but after really looking at the Marriott, it really seems to give you alot for the difference in the money, which quite frankly I would rather spend on activities (I really don't plan to spend too much time at the resort) Will we regret not staying at the Hyatt? Is the Marriott a good choice for the money???? It looks beautiful, the only negative postings I have read had to do with it's proximity to the airport, and hearing the planes every hour, but again we do not plan to spend too much time there, however would like it to be nice.

Terry,

I stay at the Marriott and have never had any problems with the airport noise, the only time I heard ANY plane noise was when sitting out by the pool you might see the occasional helicopter but they were not loud and you certainly could not hear them in your room.

They have a nice wide swimming beach and the biggest pool in Hawaii (although no waterslide like Hyatt). We have always have superb service from all departments. Duke's Restaurant and Barefoot Bar are great for lunch or a casual fish dinner. Kukui's I only tried once, it's OK but I usually only eat in the hotel the first night and go out to other places the rest of the time. Looked like they had a great brunch though if you like that kind of thing. There is also a spa and two excellent golf courses adjacent which you can book through the hotel.

We have stayed there the last 3years(we own a timeshare there)and are going back in December.

Generally I think the Hyatt has a much more beautiful physical property and perhaps if I was going there for a special occasion I would stay at Hyatt. But husband and I are like you, and far prefer to spend money on meals and activities. If I did not have the timeshare, I would stay at a more modest property or rent a condo.

I am sure whichever place you stay you will have a great time.

Mahalo

i stayed at the kauai marriott for a week in may '98. as far as i can tell, the marriott and the hyatt are similar as far as amenities, service, grounds, and decor. the marriott is more secluded and the beach is beautiful and expansive but the surf can get rough. i didn't notice any noise from the airport. the pool, service, and accomodations were great and i would recommend the seafood buffet. i don't think you will regret staying there instead of the hyatt. i would also like to note that the hyatt is in an area with a lot of other resorts/condos (poipu) and a nearby shopping center and the beach at the hyatt tends to be calmer. hope that helps!

If you are not planning to spend much time at the resort, have you considered one of the lower-priced condos or cottage rentals?

Terry, While it's hard to argue with the Hyatt, the Marriott is no slouch.
Central location on the island. About half hour away from Poipu, about the same to Princeville and about 45mins/1 hr to the westend-Polihale.

When we go to Kauai, we usually hit Duke's for a few cocktails/munchies and have walked thru the Marriot's grounds on numerous occassions. Nice place..no prob. with the airport.

If you golf, 2 nice golf courses right there. If you like beer, The Whaler Brew Pub is within "aerobic" walking distance...Great Sunday Beer Brunch. Beautiful view...Overlooks Nawiliwili Harbor/Kalapaki Bay. When we were there this past Dec/Jan the whales and the dolpins were putting on quite a show! Only bad part is some inconsistent service. But it's been worth the wait.

Some nice restaurants towards "town"..Burger Hut (don't let looks deceive you), JJ's Broiler, Cafe Portofino.

You can't lose with either hotel but expect to pay little more for things in Poipu as it caters a bit more to the high end tourists.
Kal

Terry - We stayed at the Marriott for a week last June and we loved it. The staff was great. Only noticed noise from planes occasionally while sitting out at the beach. Never heard anything while in our room. It was no problem at all. The grounds are beautiful - like a botanical garden; the pool is gorgeous, and I loved the beach, situated in a cove. It was very peaceful and beautiful.

I agree with Kal regarding the Whaler's Brew Pub. A fantastic place to sit and enjoy the most amazing view -- and the food was good too.

I don't think you can go wrong.

Have fun!
Janis