[HOTEL REVIEW] The Kauai Marriott

At the end of June, I visited Kauai, Hawaii for a few days. I spent four days and 3 nights, staying at a different property every night to ensure I got a proper taste of some of the best properties on the Island. For my first night, I stayed at the Kauai Marriott Resort, an oceanfront resort located only a few moments from Lihue Airport — this was welcomed after a very early 6-hour flight from LAX. Though it’s an older property, Kauai Marriott underwent a $50 million renovation in 2010 and now features an elaborate tropical garden, waterfalls right off the lobby, Greek statues and columns, and an enormous 26,000-square-foot swimming pool — all great touches for a resort.

PROS

• The views from my 10th floor room were heavenly – overlooked the beautiful Kalapaki Bay and all its glory.
• As a digital millennial traveler, I really appreciated their very active social media team — truly an essential part of my hotel experience.
• Both check-in and check-out were very simple and easy.
• In-room coffee and tea service.
• The hotel is centrally located in Lihue, Kauai and very close to the airport.
• The lobby is beautifully airy with a grand wooden canoe parked in the middle.
• I appreciated that the bathroom/shower was separated from the sink area.
• Thann aromatherapy toiletries were stocked – strong energizing scents are always welcome.
• A real hairdryer was well-received by my hair.
• Very comfortable robes.
• The pool area is the largest of all hotels in Kauai and it is breathtaking, as you can see…it’s one of my favorite parts of the property.
• There were enough outlets next to the bed so I was able to charge my computer and iPhone while working in bed.
• Staying true to the Island’s nickname, The Garden Isle, the property showcases a gorgeous sprawling garden to feast your eyes upon as you walk in.
• There is an airport shuttle for those that need this. We rented a car to allow for maximum freedom around the Island

CONS

• We had a few issues with mosquitos in our room; we left the window open during the day.
• Housekeeping didn’t offer any solutions and instead told us that bug spray was available in the gift shop downstairs. That’s not the customer service I would expect from a resort where this is a common issue.
• No room service during the day. I’ve actually never seen this before and was kind of annoyed when I wanted to order something quick from room service before heading out. There is a poolside restaurant that’s open during the day, but it’s take-out or dine-in only.
• Breakfast was not included.
• WiFi is not complimentary in the rooms.
• Water is not complimentary.