Kauai: Marriott Resort??
 

We're hoping to head to Kauai in August for a big anniversary. We have points we can use for a Marriott, though we'd still have to pay over $100 a night for a room. Have been doing lots of looking around and the reviews for the Marriott Resort are so mixed. We hate to wind up somewhere where'd we be unhappy especially since it's a special occasion.

Has anyone on the forum stayed here in 2015? Thoughts good or bad? Things that are important to us are cleanliness, no mold issues, un-perfumed bedding, good circulating air conditioning. (Allergy issues) Obviously, good customer service and nice amenities figure into it too, but mostly the comfort of not having to worry about feeling crummy while in the room.

Would appreciate any feedback pro or con. THANKS in advance!

Just to clarify - you are talking about the Marriott in Lihue, right? (as opposed to the Marriott Waiohai in Poipu, which is a time-share resort, rather than a hotel)? We stayed at both, but it was awhile ago (the Waiohai in 2007 and the hotel in 2011) so I won't comment unless you ask!

Sadly it has been a long, long time (prob about 10 years) but we loved the Kauai Marriott in Lihue. I'm sure it has been updated since then; it was not outdated at the time. Good central location; you are kinda in the middle of the action as Poipu beaches are a short drive west and Princeville / Kee Beach / etc are to the east. The hotel has a nice pool area and there was a nightly hula show at sunset which was a great way to relax with a drink. Beach is not swimmable, but that is not an issue b/c there are so many that we spent our days bopping around and stopping at whatever beach spoke to us.

I'm not sure what the complaints are, but as always, I take them with a grain of salt.

Well, if we are giving our opinions based on stays not in 2015, I will say that in 2011 I thought the Marriott Lihue was quite 'tired'. Unless it has been updated since then, I wouldn't stay there again.

OK full disclosure, we owned a timeshare at the Lihue Marriott from 2/98 to 3/13 when we sold and always enjoyed our stays, we had a one bedroom oceanview and as best I recollect they normally redecorate about once every 5 years, as I distinctly recall at least 3 separate styles during our stays. Staff is friendly, always saying "Aloha" when walking around the grounds. Not sure what another poster meant about the beach not being swimmable although it is a bay, inside of a breakwater. There is some surf toward one end of the bay.
There are two other Marriotts, the one in Poipu which is mostly timeshares, and also a Courtyard up in Kapa'a.

I recollect they normally redecorate about once every 5 years

That probably applies to the timeshare portion of the resort (I know our Palm Desert timeshare is refreshed every 5 years). It doesn't necessarily apply to the hotel. I would definitely check whether the hotel has been renovated since 2011.

stayed at the Lihue Marriott in 2012. Tired, way too big and poorly designed, pretentious pool decor, lousy massage (no ambiance). That about sums it up. Waited a long time to finally eat at Dukes at the Marriott. It will be my last time too. the beach at that Marriott is not up to Hawaiian standards - Kalapaki Beach. It was only a 1 night stay as we had to be out of the condo and this was close to the airport. Being close to the airport was the only thing I really enjoyed about it. Perhaps it has changed some in a couple of years.

Shar, proximity to the airport and having to be out of our condo are the reasons we stayed there too. As I said, not a fan. We've eaten at other Duke's and try to limit ourselves to the bar!

I've been to the beach at the Marriott Lihue, but haven't stayed in the hotel. I find that to be one of the least attractive areas on the island.

I've stayed several times at the Marriott Courtyard near Kapaa. Again, not the most beautiful part of the island, but I liked the hotel. It doesn't have grand pretensions, but it worked well for me. The beach is not swimmable, although it's a nice place to lie out. The hotel provides chaise lounges. I liked the hammocks by the pool, too. I don't know if this hotel is even an option for you, but based on the location, it would be my preference.

Considering that you'd still be paying $100/nt. I'd suggest looking into an inexpensive North Shore condo. You'd save your money on food alone if you eat a few meals in the condo. I'm currently at Sealodge and loving every minute. The good news is that you'll probably have a wonderful time regardless of where you stay. :-)

I also stayed at the Lihue Marriott on points in 2011. We were somehow upgraded to a beautiful, ocean front suite so I can't complain about our room. Some of the hallways in the other buildings did seem quite dark though and in need of updating. I didn't care for the location or Kalapaki Beach. I knew that going in though, so I already knew most of our time would be spent driving to other beaches.

If I was using points and paying an extra $100/night I'd call the front desk and make sure I was getting an updated room. For a special occasion like your anniversary I'd seek out a location with a beautiful beach, but I'm a beach not a pool person.

The Marriott Waiohai I mentioned above has beautiful grounds (the travelers' photos on TripAdvisor are accurate), two nice pools (one is an adults-only pool, the other is very lovely, but not a mega-resort type of pool), and is on a nice beach. The rooms are standard-issue Marriott timeshare (which is fine - they look like our timeshare in Palm Desert). Given the choice, I'd definitely choose it over the one in Lihue for a variety of reasons - nicer beaches, newer property, beautiful grounds, near to some excellent dining.

To me, and I've visited multiple times but have never stayed, I find the Marriott Lihue to be the Poconos of Kauai, just a wee bit dated and out of date and fashion, no matter what lipstick updates they may have done.

That's a great description (I'd call it the "Catskills" rather than the "Poconos", but same meaning!)

We've stayed at Kiahuna Plantation near the Marriott Waiohai and agree that the grounds are beautiful and in a great location. I love that beach! We walked over there every morning for coffee and and pastry. If you can get the Marriott Waiohai I'd stay there over the Marriott Lihue.