Kauai - Marriott or Hyatt
 

My fiance and I have booked two separate reservations for our honeymoon and are debating which to cancel. Grand Hyatt partial ocean view for over 550 a night....though this was our first choice resort from friends' recommendations. Would I miss not having a usable beach? Second is at Marriott for more than $100 a nice cheaper, and includes a free night and breakfast (though I heard an upgrade with free breakfast is likely at the Hyatt on arrival). Any thoughts? We are young, active travelers and will be spending our second week in Tokyo so looking for something relaxing and tropical for the first. Thanks!

Sorry I meant the Marriott is over $100 a *night cheaper :)

I'd say Hyatt, hands down.

You don't mention time of year which can make a difference but in this case I'd say whilst their beach isn't a swimmers' beach it's still good to watch strollers/surfers (or just the waves)and you'll only be about a half mile walk or drive to Poipu Beach Park. In the other direction you can drive (or hike) to Mahaulepu beach(sp), not too good for swimming either but quite scenic and empty for the most part.
Have a great trip :)

for your honeymoon, i recommend the hyatt.

congratulations and have fun.

The Free breakfast buffet at the Grand Hyatt comes with the Sunshine on Sale package. Pay for 4-5 nights, get the next one free, and a free room upgrade. Check it out on the Hyatt's website.

If you don't use any package plan, pay regular price, you might get a room upgrade, but you won't get the breakfast, which is $28 a person otherwise.

If you tell them it is your Honeymoon in advance, you will get champagne on arrival and perhaps a fruit and cheese tray.

We've stayed there five times and love it. The salt water lagoon is right next to the ocean and great for floating around on a mat on days you are not out doing activities.

Thanks so much for all the replies - turns out we booked the partial ocean aloha rate, so we decided to do royal gardens sunshine on sale rate and just cross fingers for the upgrade. The free night and free breakfast are enough to make a different though for sure - thanks! (Ps the trip is in April of next year, hopefully weather is nice then)

rachel, I think you will love the Hyatt. We've stayed at both places, and we liked them both; but for a honeymoon, I would definitely choose the Hyatt. Have a wonderful time!

Based on all of the positive reviews that I have read about the Hyatt my hubby and I are staying there in February, 2008 - can't wait!

Thanks, can't wait :) We also have on our itinerary to do a catamaran cruise at sunset, helicopter tour, either one of the adventure day trips or at least a hike to the canyon, and maybe forego the luau idea. If anyone has anything else to suggest including restaurants let us know!

One activity that you maybe haven't done before is kiteboarding. It's harder to learn than windsurfing, but it is so much fun. At least go watch the locals down at Kapa'a Beach Park.