Looking for a nice reccomendation for Kauai for 10 nites starting Nov 21- Dec 3rd. Looking for R&R; Would like to stay at a place that has at least one restaurant or some near by walking distance/ on the beach; not a crazy fan of high rise hotels. Enjoying looking at other Kauai postings. Has anyone stayed at the cottages? or Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa?

We stayed at the Waipouli Beach Resort a couple of years ago. The resort is really nice. It has a great pool, but screaming with kids because of the great slides.

You would be right across the street from the shopping center where Safeway is. There are several restaurants there. It's also within walking distance of many other restaurants. Kauai Pasta, The Bull Shed, etc. Plus, you can walk to Kapaa town with no problem.

The DH and I were just talking last week and he said The Waipouli has been his favorite place to stay on Kauai because of the location. I think he likes the fact that he can kick back and I feel comfortable getting out and exploring that little area by myself.

You might also consider some of the hotels down around the Coconut Marketplace. Or, if you want to go on up the road a bit farther near Kapaa town, there is the Pono Kai. And, there is a renovated little hotel that the name escapes me right now...I'll look for it and get back to you.

Have fun!

btw, I have seen on vrbo.com where people are running fabulous deals at The Waipouli and other places.

Thank you! Yes there are some great deals- 10 days for under 3k with flight/ car/ hotel or condo! I would like the option to not have to leave where I am staying to be at the beach/ and also looked at a new things on the north side but wonder if I might feel too isolated? Definitely do not want the big box resort hotel tho- stay in too many of those for work! Years ago stayed at the marriott in maui and did not feel like vacation to me-

jill, know that if you stay on the East side, you are not on a swimmable beach.

The hotel in Kapaa town that I was thinking of is the Hotel Coral Reef Resort resort. http://www.hotelcoralreefresort.com/index.htm

Islander on the Beach is also behind the Coco Marketplace.
Crawling distance to Huki Lau Grill and Trees resto, two Kal Faves...and the places at the Coco Marketplace.

We've run into many a solo traveler at the hotel's Sand Bar.
A good place to meet people (other locals) and feel some good "ohana".

Lydgate Beach is within walking distance if you are a walker.
If not, about a 5 min drive.

Any suggestions for locations that Have a swimmable beach?

Try looking at: www.hanaleisurfboardhouse.com

All the restaurants and fun of Hanalei, plus the beach is half a block. You can have your morning coffee in your jammies on the beach, as it is a very quiet and nicer part of Hanalei.

Hanalei isn't swimmable at the end of November- is it?
My choice would be to look at the AAA rate for Kiahuna Plantation as managed by Castle on the South Shore.
Fantastic swimming beach and beachfront property.
You'll have a kitchen so you can make the morning cup of coffee but can also walk across the street or next door to many restarants.
This would seem ideal to me!

There are very few places to stay on Kauai that are right on a swimmable beach and also walking distance to restaurants.
Kiahuna Plantation in Poipu meets your description best. It has a very tropical atmosphere, with low rise buildings spread out over a huge lawn/garden area. For the winter time frame, you will probably find better weather and ocean conditions on the south shore.

On the east shore, Kaha Lani is a short walk from Lydgate Park, which is usually a good place to swim. It has a nice, peaceful setting, but you would have to drive a short distance to shops and restaurants. Here's a website where you can see both properties: www.castleresorts.com. Other agencies handle units, also.

If you didn't like the Marriott, I don't think you'd find Waipouli Beach Resort all that different in atmosphere. Usually busy, with lots of families. And it lacks the great swimming beach and lush oceanfront lawn of the Marriott. On the other hand, it is a very convenient location. You can see aerial photos of the resorts you are considering at www.wizardpub.com. I think you are wise to take the North Shore off your list for a Nov/Dec trip, however you might enjoy a drive up there to scout it out for a future summer visit.

Thank you to everyone- I am sure I will have more questions and appreciate your responses!