I am going to the Princeville on my honeymoon, and am deciding which room to take. The garden views are under $300, while the ocean views are closer to $450. While technically, I can afford the ocean view, I am really into getting the most bang for your buck (ok, I'm frugal!) and would spring for the ocean view only if it is significantly better than the garden. The lack of a balcony makes me question its value. Has anyone stayed at either room type? I would appreciate all opinions, thanks.

Just returned from the Princeville on my honeymoon and while I can't vouch for the garden view rooms, the ocean view room was spectacular. The views of the Napali Coast at sunset are a once in a lifetime experience. And seeing it from the shower through the opaque glass the bathrooms have is something I'll never forget.

Yes, having a balcony would have made it that much more spectacular, but my wife and I didn't think it detracted from the room one bit.

So, if you can afford it I would definitely recommend the ocean view. You won't be disappointed.

And congrats on your upcoming nuptials!

I believe you can get more bang for your buck by staying next door to Princeville Hotel at the Hanalei Bay Resort, for about one-half the price. The HBR shares many of the same views and the same beach with the Princeville and will give you a complementary golf cart ride to and from the beach. We liked the condo units over the hotel rooms at HBR. Also despite the high price, some rooms at the Princeville do not have an outdoor lanai.

Only you know how important having an ocean-view is and if it's worth the extra $$...

We are going in May, for the first leg of the trip we have an ocean-view with lanai on Maui at the Kapalua Bay Hotel so we are going with the mountain/garden view at the Princeville. We are going to ask about an upgrade for our "honeymoon" (shhhh) when we check-in. but we couldn't justify paying the money for another oceanview room, especially if it doesn't have a lanai. We will enjoy the views and sunsets on the terrace enjoying a cocktail.

good luck with your decision!

Is it ocean view or ocean front? There is a difference.

We stayed in an ocean front condo in Princeville 2 or 3 times instead of the hotel.

The view is spectacular. The mountain changes color during the day as the sun shifts. The sunsets are great.

It isn't so much the ocean that is the view as much as it is the Na Pali coast. If it's in your budget..go for it.

PS..Hike at least part of the Na Pali trail.

I would have to respectfully disagree with JohnD about recommending The Hanalei Bay Resort.
If you are on a tight budget, yes, HBR is MUCH less expensive, but you get what you pay for.

The + :
Beautiful Views
Nice (But not spectacular)Landscaping on the Grounds
Many Tennis Courts
Decent ( But again, not spectacular) swimming pool

The - :
Poor quality hotel rooms - 2* quality at best - unrenovated and in poor condition.
Only 1 restaurant - Bali Hai - great views, but decor of restaurant is remenicent of a summer camp cafeteria.
1 lounge, The Happy Talk - Both the restaurant & lounge closes every night by 11
Limited public spaces
No pool-side service
Rude, indifferent service
Limited and cramped parking
Time-share literature EVERYWHERE
Beach access is via a LONG, steep winding pathway

This place is really a 2.5 * timeshare complex, NOT a resort, and it's only redeeming feature is that it is located in one of the most beautiful spots in the world.

When I stayed there 3 yrs ago, it was after a 3 night stay at the Hyatt Kauai, and it was the biggest letdown in a hotel stay I have ever had. We Did not feel any compulsion to have dinner there, and instead went over the the Princeville and had a great Prixe Fixe meal there.
Additionally, The Library Lounge at the Princeville has an EXTENSIVE balcony area, where you can watch the sunset while viewing the Bali Hai Mountains. The decor of the lounge is exactly as the name suggests, and puts to SHAME The Happy Talk Lounge at HBR.

Actually, most travel companies list HBR as a 3 Star hotel.

kikihack -

For my honeymoon, I stayed at the Priceville in a mountain/garden view room. (I too am frugal!!). I did not regret my decision. Upon checkin, they automatically upgrated us to a partial ocean view room. We actually did not like the location of the room (lower floor by the pool), so we requested that we be moved to the mountain view room. The mountains were absolutely beautiful especially when the rainbows came out.

As a previous poster said, the "Living Room" bar has a large balcony w/ a lovely sunset view.

Congrats on your upcoming wedding!!!

The Princeville perches on the side of the cliff. The HBR doesn't even come close to the Princeville. It's like booking at the Maui Beach Hotel and then discovering it's not on the beach at all.

While you can see some of the Kauai mountains and part of Bali Hai from HBR, from the Princeville you get the whole bay and the sunset reflecting off from the water plus the view of the mountains and the breadth of the ocean.

Agree with Anthony re HBR, based upon our stay 8/01.
A coworker honeymooned at the Princeville in '01 and was very impressed.
Paul.

We were there in sept of 2000 for three nights and were in the gardenview room for the first night by the pool and it was noisy from the pump running. The hotel change our room after complaint about the noises to an ocean view room, and to us the view was insignificant. You see the beach all day in hawaii everywhere you go; you don't need to see it again in your room. The gardenview is actually perty good at the Princeville since you can see waterfall in the distance. Remember, quite is more important so ask for a room away from the pool may it be garden or ocean. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the advice re: requesting a quiet room away from the pool area. Living in NYC, peace and quiet is paramount on vacation!

A follow up-- I booked the cheaper mountain view room, and when we arrived, we were automatically upgraded to a corner ocean view room that was spectacular.

same here! we ended up with an incredible view of the mountains and bay - it was heavenly!