Kauai- Princeville or Hyatt?
 

My husband and I (mid 30s no kids)are coming to Kauai for the 1st time. We can't decide which hotel to stay in. We loved the Maui Four Seasons- the elegance, service, beautiful hotel. We are not too adventurous- basically love to lay out by the pool and relax,maybe do a little sightseeing. Above all, we like beautiful surroundings and great service and not a lot of kids. which hotel would we like best?

I'm thinking you sound like a Princeville-kind of couple. You can't go wrong staying there, and on the north shore of Kauai. Beauty, tropical lushness everywhere............

Just got back from the Princeville. The resort has spectacular views as well as the nicest staff of any hotel I've been to. My only two complaints are the following:

-the pool and beach areas are not so amazing at the Princeville (especially compared to the 4 seasons Maui). We only spent one day at the princeville pool and beach. The rest of the days we preferred to lay out at the beautiful beaches.

-the weather can sometimes be iffy on the North Shore. We got lucky and had great weather most of the time. But, we did have to drive to the south side once or twice to escape clouds.

I would imagine the Hyatt being packed with kids and families (opposite of Princeville).

Go to the Princeville Hotel, but go to the beaches during the day and relax...or who knows you may like the pool area there...everything else is exceptional at the resort.

Another vote for the Princeville Resort Hotel! We loved it there! Can't say enough good things about this resort and the views are absolutely amazing. You can lay by the pool or the beach or in a hammock! Also, you can get a beach side massage. I don't remember seeing any children. Hope you enjoy a great time!

Yes, I'd agree--Princeville is what you're looking for. We stayed at the Hyatt and enjoyed it, it's a lovely hotel, and the kids weren't TOO overwhelming (although they were present). However, if you're looking for a more Four Seasons-esque vibe you should do Princeville.

A note: Poipu (the south side of the island where the Hyatt is) is beautiful and gets lots of sun--so be sure to drive down for a visit. Maybe make dinner reservations at the Hyatt's Tidepools so you can see the vibe of the hotel and walk along its pretty grounds and shoreline.

Princeville, however, if you need to float in those colors of blue and green, then you best visit Kauai in the summer...I love my memories of that fabulous winter surf, however, the waters call me and I will only return when Tunnels accepts me as a friend.

Thanks to everyone for your responses. It sounds like Princeville is the call!

Well...someone has to put a vote in for the Hyatt! I love that place. We never found the children annoying (unlike some of the drunk adults) or overly pervasive while we were there. If you like to hang out at the pool, this is the place to do it! Gorgeous and relaxing. If you are super allergic to children, there is an adults only pool too that isn't often mentioned. We never even used it. Have fun deciding.

Gyppielou,

We're staying in Princeville in June and we're SO looking forward to the amazing blues and greens of the north shore reefs! I read the report where you went to the north shore in winter and couldn't go in the water--I have nightmares like that, how could you stand it??

love
roxy

Well, I have to agree with the poster who voted for the Hyatt in Poipu. The Hyatt in Kaui and the staff are AMAZING. We had the time of our lives. While we were there, there were several people checking in at the hyatt because they were so disappointed with the Princeville and the weather in that area. You will NOT be disappointed if you chose the Hyatt. In fact, it may be one of the most memorable places you've stayed at. It certainly was for us!!

I agree with the comments about the Hyatt. We loved it!!! We were there in Feb and there were not many kids. The pools are great, as is the lagoon, and yes, the waterslide. You can do sightseeing anywhere on the island. We had dinner at the Princeville one night and were not impressed. You could have been anywhere, USA.

Although I live in Princeville -- and love it -- the important thing when visitors come to this island, is that they enjoy their surroundings. Some "essentials" need to be evaluated:

Seasonal weather conditions: winter on our north shore will most likely be rainy and cool; south side (Po`ipu) will most likely be sunny and warmer. Summer temps will be cooler on the north shore than elsewhere, with rain primarily overnight only. Spring and Fall are wonderful no matter _where_ you go on this Garden Island! 8-)

Children: the Hyatt has a "Kids Club" and encourages families to stay at their resort. The Princeville allows children, but does not seem to encourage families to bring them.

Swimming pools: Hyatt wins this one, for sure. Princeville has one, but it's just a pool.

Restaurants: Hyatt dining is nice but Princeville's Cafe Hanalei and La Cascata win. Fine food, great service, spectacular views.

Views: Hyatt will give you the shoreline and the Pacific Ocean; Princeville gives you the ocean, the shoreline, the reefs, Hanalei Bay, the mountains, the waterfalls, and the rainbows. Gee, which would you choose? :-)