Help, Kauainuts! My husband & I have booked flights to Kauai for mid-Sept. and now need help deciding bewteen the Sheraton & Marriott. (We've had to rule out the Princeville & Hyatt ($$$$ ) but we found good rates on Ocean View rooms at Sheraton/Marriott.)

I've read that they both have swimmable beaches (a must for us) and have "decent" rooms (hope they're better than that, though?). I've also read that the Sheraton has shared privileges with the Princeville which would be nice. We were leaning towards the Marriott until we heard you can hear the planes from Lihue airport there? True? Not a big deal?

Any extra notes on which hotel is nicer/newer...has fewer kids...etc...would be great!!!

Also, is it true the Sheraton charges a daily activity rate? And beach chair rental fee?

We've never been to Kauai and plan on doing all the cool activities that are talked about here (driving to other beaches, snorkeling, hiking, etc). We're very excited about our trip and thank you for your advice!!! Mahalo.

I prefer the location of the Sheraton. The Marriott is on a Bay. The Marriott has a grander pool area and more dramatic grounds. The rooms I stayed in were just your average hotel rooms.

Thanks, Islandmom!

I assume you are talking about the old Marriott in Lihue, not the new property in the Poipu area. If so, I can remember driving by the entrance (it is nicely landscaped etc... ) and thinking thank goodness were not staying here! It is situated on the outskirts of Lihue, the largest town on Kauai. The view was marred by some very industrial looking buildings, smokestacks etc...and it seemed that it was off in it's own space without alot within walking distance. I'm sure it's a fine resort but I would go to the Sheraton many times over before I stayed at the Marriott in Lihue.

We stayed at the Marriott in Lihue and loved it. The pool is beautiful...right on Kalapaki Bay..never heard the airplanes coming and going.......great location...the restaurants are very good.......Duke's is withing crawling distance of your room. Kalapaki Beach Hut (great for breakfast) is within walking distance.
Don't have a clue about the Sheraton, but we loved the Marriott and will stay there again.
For some reviews of both hotels (and you may get a deal)......check out biddingfortravel.com......they give great advice on priceline bidding...and both hotels are reviewed...tripadvisor.com may also have trip reports on these 2 hotels.

I'd say the Marriott is my favorite all-around hotel on Kauai. The grounds are beautiful, there are tons of walking paths, golf, restaurants are close-by, fabulous pool, huge lawn with beach chairs, safe swimming, central location.

The beach at the Sheraton is better but their pool isn't too spectacular. The Sheraton oceanfront rooms have great views, you can hear the pounding surf from the bed! Lots of restaurants nearby.

I am not a huge Poipu fan, so that is probably why I am biased towards the Marriott. (And please don't flame me for not loving Poipu; I live on Kauai and Poipu is way too hot for me!)

PS....The plane factor at the Marriott is a neverending debate. I never even notice the planes except OCCASIONALLY when the flight pattern is changed due to high winds or storms. You may hear some helicopters but the fountains around the pool are so noisy that you probably will hear nothing.

Also, the Marriott is near a working harbor. I love the cruise ship arrivals and departures, others may not enjoy sea-faring commerce while on vacation.

The Sheraton's location is really nice...loved that beach. If you stay there, try for the deluxe ocean front room so you aren't on the other side of the street...also you may be able to use the facilities up at the Princeville if you spend a day on the n. shore.

I am staying a few nights at the Sheraton in December and was curious about being able to use some of the Princeville's facilities. I called the Sheraton yesterday and asked them and they agreed that you can use the Princeville's facilities while you are staying at the Sheraton. I thought it was a nice little perk!

Thanks everybody for your advice!!! I'm still torn! The comments are more in favor of the Marriott but with the Sheraton & the shared-Princeville privileges...that sounds like the best of both worlds... MAHALO for the info! I'll decide by the end of the week and let you know.

I have visited both hotels but did not stay at either. The Marriott property definitely appealed to me a lot more. It had more of a Hawaiian feel, great landscaping, gorgeous pool, and Duke's was a fabulous spot to eat - we went there twice. Good food without being too expensive & also a nice spot for a drink.
Sheraton seemed a little more bland & the pool was certainly nothing spectacular. If you do choose the Sheraton - be sure not to get a room on the land side of the street. (Some rooms you have to cross the street to get to the ocean side) Poipu beach is supposed to be very nice although we did not swim there. (We went North for most of our beach swimming)
Also - I personally prefer the Lihue location b/c it is more central. You can easily drive North or South - and you will almost certainly find things you want to do in both areas.
As for the dual-privileges, that is a neat perk they offer. It comes more into play if you want to use Princeville's pool. Their restaurants are open to anyone and the beach there is public so you can also feel free to set up camp there.
I was also there with my husband and if we had to choose btwn those 2 spots, I would choose the Marriott.
Also look at the other sites you want to see & restaurants you want to go to. That may help you pick your hotel also b/c I don't think you'll want to drive around ALL the time. Even as beautiful as the island is.
How long are you staying?
What are your plans while there?