LaniKai vs. Lae Lani?
 

I currently have (cancellable) reservations at Lae Lani and I am happy with the location, etc.
I just got my Entertainment book and while no Entertainment discounts are listed right now, the 2 bedroom OV is $207 per night, which is a good rate. It frankly looks like it shares almost the same beach with Lae Lani, has a nice pool and a plus is, it has a washer and dryer in each unit. The Blue Book describes the interiors as "high quality" and the size is about 1500 square ft. Does anyone have any experience with this condo complex?

I stayed at LaniKai a couple years ago.
Units are spacious and nicely furnished.
Lae Nani is right next door. Both are on a quiet side street that is a pleasant walk to Coconut Planatation Marketplace and some other good restaurants. I liked the looks of Lae Nani a little better because it has more a extensive lawn area. The pool is larger, also. Lae Nani has many more units, but they are spread out over the property so not at all crowded feeling. The "beach" is not much to rave about at either place. Very coarse sand. It general, not good for ocean swimming. There was a little protected area by the Lae Nani where I felt safe going in the water. Very similar properties, but I would stay at Lae Nani if I were to go again...probably in a ground floor unit since there are no elevators.

DawnCt, you might want to check with Lae Lani to see if they honor Entertainment rates. Sometimes, hotels and condos do, even though they aren't listed in the E book.........

After hitting "post", I realized that maybe I was answering a question you didn't ask? :p I was thinking that you were thinking of moving to Lani Kai for a better rate, but guess that isn't the case. You think Lani Kai might be nicer to stay at, right? Sorry ....

Hi Bonnie, Yes, I was "attracted" by the washer and dryer in the unit and they seemed nice. The pool is smaller but then there are only 18 units. The OV for $207 is their "Entertainment" rate which doesn't go into effect until 30 days ahead depending upon occupancy. Of course, if I reserve a unit now they would 'honor' the E rate when it came into effect 30 days prior to arrival but I have reason to believe it wouldn't go into effect with only 7 units in the rental pool and me confirmed in one of them. It seems that on Tripadvisor, guests who actually got to stay at Lanikai, loved it. The problem with Castle is that they reserve the right to send you to Lae Nani when they overbook Lanikai. I did find a better deal at Lae Nani, which I will probably opt for. In the past, I have been happy with my one experience at Outrigger and I have heard more negative things about Castle.Given Barbara's comments about Lae nani, I think I will stick with them as well. We aren't big ocean swimmers. I like to look at it and then swim in the pool.

I didn't realize that there were't washer/dryers in the units at Lae Nani.
That is certainly a consideration! I would check further on the laundry options before booking. Is there just one laundry room, or are there several? What hour(s) are they open?
There's a condo complex I like on Maui, but I won't stay there anymore because laundry room is only open 8am-5pm. I don't want to spend the day doing laundry! If I can do it at 5am or 8pm, that's OK. Sometimes I just drop it off at a wash and fold place and pick it up later. The ability to do laundry with ease makes a big difference in my ability to pack light for a trip!

Bonnie, I meant to say that Lanikai has the washer and dryer. I do think I will stay where I am but I booked directly with Outrigger. I found a TA who can book Outrigger units significantly lower so I think I will give her a call today.

We stayed at Lae Nani this past August. We rented through Outrigger which was great because you could cancel up to 3 days before your reservation. We stayed in a 2 bedroom, two bathroom on the ground floor which we loved. The grounds are beautiful. My husband and son threw a football around on the spacious lawn. I couldnt see much of LaniKai, it is up on a hill. You would have to walk down some stairs to get to the beach. LaniKai looks much smaller than Lae Nani.

Oh yeah, one more thing, Lae Nani didnt have a washer and dryer in the condo but had them in the complex. I didnt use them myself but my daughter used them. I think she said they were near the office.

There are great photos of both properties available at www.kauai1.com.

One of my favorite sites for looking at the exteriors, grounds, and surroundings of Kauai condos.

I can get a better rate through a TA that I used before than I can from Outrigger. When I called her yesterday, she said that I should seriously consider Poipu Kai. Just when I thought I had my mind completely made up. When I read the reviews in the Blue Book, it sounds like some of the views of the ocean, I would have to crane my neck to see but there are indeed advantages of staying in Poipu. Now what?