Thanks for the offer. When you get there, take shots of anything you feel would help others get a better feel for the place, particularly the distance from the Poipu wing to the pool. Also, if you're on 4, take a picture of the back of the door. It's the only floor we're missing.
If you're in the Shipwreck wing, the back of the door would be a huge help, since I don't know anyone who has ever stayed in it. I was told there are more rooms in this wing.
Enjoy your stay... actually, you won't be able to help enjoying your stay.
FWIW - access to the spa is free for diamonds. That means you can use all the facilities (except spa services) whenever you'd like. I have a terrible steam room addiction
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Quote:
Originally Posted by figer
Thanks Mary.
I don't think I know enough about the hotel to figure out which wing I SHOULD want to be in, Poipu or Shipwreck. Are the rooms really equal with the only difference being their distances from the pool or RC?
Also, do the diamond upgrade rooms come in suites, that is with two separate bedrooms? Should I ask for some super special type of room, i.e. the "presidential suite" or some such thing?
There are advantages to both the Poipu and Shipwreck rooms.
Off the top of my head:
Shipwreck +'s.
1. Shorter walk to the main river pool.
2. All rooms here are on floors 3 - 6 which can make for some dramatic views (or great views of the parking lot if you book "mountain" or "garden" views - the vast majority of rooms in these categories are in this wing).
3. The tennis center and golf course are beyond the Shipwreck wing - if you plan to walk to either it's considerably shorter starting from here.
4. Ocean view rooms on this side will typically have a great SUNSET.
Poipu +'s.
1. RC is in this wing - as are the majority of RC rooms (though RC access can be granted to ANY room). As a practical matter you're not going to use it much if it's 15 minutes each way (and I agree that it is from the distant shipwreck rooms).
2. Access to the real beach is shorter (mostly) from this side of the hotel. Rooms here start from floor 1, at beach level. Although all rooms in the hotel are decorated similarly - you will notice that hallway furnishings are more sparse and less numerous on floors 1 & 2 - lessons learned from Inik'i - everything was ruined by water incursion.
3. Poipu wing is directly connected to the main hotel building and the walk there, while long (depending on where your room is located) never need take you outside - something you'll consider during not so infrequent afternoon showers.
4. The spa and the conference facilities are on the Poip'u side of the hotel - if you plan to use either extensively you'll probably prefer being on this side.
5. Ocean view rooms on this side will often have a great SUNRISE.
Shipwreck -'s:
1. While it is possible to get to the main building entirely indoors most take the "shortcut" across the pool deck from the main building. This works great as long as it's dry . . . rain adds several minutes of twists and turns making a long walk even longer.
2. While the main parking lot is on this side - it's a longer hike than is typical from the Poip'u wing.
3. Your room may look over the waterslide, kiddie pool, or one of 3 hot tubs which are very close to the building. Outside noise probably won't bother your sleep - but it can make the lana'i a little less private - as can the constant parade of folks hiking back and forth to the pool past your room.
Poip'u -'s:
1. Man it's a long way to the main pool. If you plan to be there every day, all day, you'll put some serious miles on your slippahs! Also, you'll pack everything into your pool bag to avoid a long walk back to resupply.
2. You'll initially think there aren't enough elevators in this wing (there actually are plenty, but a few are rather well "hidden".
3. You'll likely be 'enjoying' the Luau whether you planned to and paid for it or not . . . it happens on the large large lawn area outside of the few "garden" view rooms on this side of the hotel. Similarly, you'll probably see a wedding or two during your stay. I've never found either obnoxious - but some would be bothered. I suppose if you're IN the wedding party this would be yet another plus for this wing.
I hope these thoughts help a little. I've spent a lot of nights here and have stayed in essentially every room category and location . . . can answer more specific questions if asked.
As you upgrades, they do happen, but realize that this property averages something like 80%+ occupancy year round. There's probably somebody staying in and paying for the top level suites most nights . . . so keep your dreams within realityland . . . Garden to Mountain? Might happen. Mountain to Presidential Suite - nope, not gonna.
Wow, you guys are great. Thanks for all the information. It sound to me that my wife and kids will likely spend a lot of time at the pool, and given that, we should stay in the Shipwreck wing?
Now, my wife just asked a good question. Is it actually possible to eat enough at the RC to make up a whole meal? From what I have read on this thread so far, it sounds like it is reasonable to have a real breakfast in the RC, but maybe not so much for lunch or dinner. Of course, we'll want to have "real" meals at regular restaurants in many cases, but with the kids - we are wondering if the afternoon nibbles are just snacks or if there is enough for a small lunch? Thanks again.
There is more than enough to eat for dinner. Hubby2e & I actually did that a few nights.
The hors douvres are different each each night of the week, so you can ask the concierge what's being served each night and you can plan your meals accordingly. In other words, if it's Friday, it's Coconut Shrimp night IIRC, Monday is spring rolls night.
There is no lunch served at all. Cookies and beverages are out all day, but after breakfast there's nothing else until 5pm.
Keep in mind that the lunch served at "The Dock" poolside is expenseive - really really expensivel. Like a cheeseburger is $12. It's a huge burger that can probably be shared by 2 people, but it's still expensive.
Most people are away from the hotel during the day anyway. Kauai starts and ends early. The sidewalks are basically rolled up at 7pm and people go to bed early. That's it's charm.
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Mary Life is too short to spend it being angry
Actually, we got 3029, which is a "partial ocean" view. Unfortunately, the patio had a massive plant right between us and the ocean, so there was no ocean view at all.
Slightly in gest, we requested to be moved next door to 3028, which I think is the most massive suite in the hotel. The desk clerk was real nice, but said it would cost lots of money to do that. Instead, she offered 5048, a full ocean view for free. That worked just great and we settled in there. It turns out that 5048 is also quite a bit larger than 3029.
Thanks Hyatt!
p.s. I snapped the 4th floor map by politely asking one of the maids if I could take a picture of the back of the door while she cleaned some random room. Now, I have to admit that it was a bit embarrasing and awkward to ask her to barge into somebody's room - I told her that I was part of some travel club. She must have thought I was a weirdo, but she let me do it.
We booked a Garden View and were upgraded to a partial ocean view (3029). After seeing that the view was obstructed, we requested a further upgrade and were given a full ocean view with no problem in the Poipu Wing (5048). (Note that I am diamond)
It was a long walk to the pool, the beach, and the RC, but we felt it was worth it for the ocean view. The staff were really warm and helpful, and all in all, we had virtually no complaints.
The breakfasts in the RC were great, especially with the kids - dinners were also good in the RC. We could have easily eaten all breakfast and dinners in the RC the whole time if we had wanted to. We had some great meals in nearby Keoki's Paradise (in the mall down the road - their big ice cream desert is a must) and also at Tomkat's (in Koloa). Both offered fresh grilled fish daily, and prices were reasonable. Both places were also kid friendly and offered kid's menus.
We also had a fancy meal at Tidepool's Restaurant, which was delicious, and somewhat pricey, but I would say, worth it. The restaurant sits on the water, and you can see the koi fish from nearly every table surrounding the restaurant. There is also a large white swan who floats around the restaurant.
Our children really enjoyed the pool and the long winding slide (for children 42" and taller). We also enjoyed the beach, although the red flag (hazardous conditions) was up the entire day. We did not enjoy the man-made shallow beach which is just in front of the slide as much as some of the other folks with small children. I found that the artificial sand was extremely coarse, and I had trouble walking on it, but that could just be me. The real beach was gorgeous, and it was fun to watch the surfers.
We tried to partake in nearly all morning activities offered by the hotel, but found that many of them were canceled, even though they were listed on various of the pamphlets. The ones we did do which were fun were: lei making, shell jewelry making (for a minimal fee), bird talks (you can hold the bird), feeding the koi fish.
We also enjoyed the Grand Hyatt luau - the show was wonderful, and the food was also very good, despite the large buffet style.
My wife also said that she enjoyed the Anara Spa facility. I took a tour of it, and it seemed real spiffy - but I don't use spas.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by figer
Our children really enjoyed the pool and the long winding slide (for children 42" and taller). We also enjoyed the beach, although the red flag (hazardous conditions) was up the entire day. We did not enjoy the man-made shallow beach which is just in front of the slide as much as some of the other folks with small children. I found that the artificial sand was extremely coarse, and I had trouble walking on it, but that could just be me. The real beach was gorgeous, and it was fun to watch the surfers.
Just wanted to make clear that the water slide is for children of ALL ages.
The amazing thing about the artificial sand is that is magically falls off your body, so sand is not tracked throughout the grounds.
Just wanted to make clear that the water slide is for children of ALL ages.
The amazing thing about the artificial sand is that is magically falls off your body, so sand is not tracked throughout the grounds.
I never made it onto that sand last trip. Seems someone wanted to be near the hot tub
I do like that area, but I think it's become the kiddie pool because it's not that deep and the kids are contained. Our first trip there weren't any kids in it at all
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Slightly in gest, we requested to be moved next door to 3028, which I think is the most massive suite in the hotel. The desk clerk was real nice, but said it would cost lots of money to do that.
FWIW, last time I was there they offered me an upgrade into 3028 for a $200 per night upcharge. I was just there with the wife so I declined it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by figer
Instead, she offered 5048, a full ocean view for free. That worked just great and we settled in there. It turns out that 5048 is also quite a bit larger than 3029.
I actually really like the room views from that row of rooms near 5048. You can see the ocean out in the distance and the fish pond by Illima Terrace right under your balcony, and then you can see the whole hotel grounds. These rooms are some of my favorite at GH Kauai as I prefer to see a bit of the grounds as well rather than just a straight-on ocean view..........
Quote:
Originally Posted by figer
We had some great meals in nearby Keoki's Paradise (in the mall down the road - their big ice cream desert is a must)..
I concur. Keoki's is my favorite restaurant near Poipu. And also agree about the Hula Pie, we get it EVERY time for dessert and can barely finish it between the two of us..................
Quote:
Originally Posted by figer
We also enjoyed the beach, although the red flag (hazardous conditions) was up the entire day.
I don't think the red-flags ever come down at Shipwreck Beach. It is a fairly dangerous and rocky beach and as such those red flags stay up at ALL times.
Quote:
Originally Posted by figer
We did not enjoy the man-made shallow beach which is just in front of the slide as much as some of the other folks with small children. I found that the artificial sand was extremely coarse, and I had trouble walking on it, but that could just be me.
Again, I feel the same way as you do. That fake sand is too big and hurts my feet............... I guess it needs to be big though otherwise it would be all over the whole lagoon.
After working 12 staight days, I decided that a little vacation was in order and AA cooperated with a $319 all in fare to HNL. So 3 days at the GH Kauai.
The start was as rocky as Shipwreck beach. Arrived at 2:30PM after the interisland AQ flight, offered Room 3029, I see the trees that make that a very slight "partial" oceanview. Asked for a xx28 or xx16. Coreen offered 5030 but neither 3029 nor 5030 were ready. She offered 2 drink coupons and handed me a pager. About 4:30PM and quite buzzed, went back to the reception and told it was still not ready. A short wait and off to the room. Quite nice as you are high enough (not just the mai tai's talking) to clear the trees.
And, I am using FFN's for the first 2 nites, but Passport Plus (28k, ouch!!!) for Monday. Plenty of rooms available. GP says it's up to the hotel to open to use a 3rd FFN, but after some discussion at the front desk, told that it is up to GP to open it. Hopefully, a little more effort will get this out of the Hilton/IC/SPG award levels and use up a FFN.
Not a big fan of Poipu as the beach is marginal (Secret Beach near Princeville is where I am heading for some bodysurfing.) Though, it is sunnier on the south shore, but it's all water anyway.
Dinner at Tidepools was expensive, but great, mahi mahi with a banana, macadamia nut crust, huge scallop (I do like mine a little more well done,) and grilled jumbo shrimp for about $40. Hopefully, a $100 resort dinner/drink coupon will show up (DHL says it is in HNL,) before I check out Tuesday.
Grand Club about as nice as any domestic property.
And, definitely warmer weather and water than Berkeley.
Just got back from a 3-night stay at the GH Kauai. rbAA - sorry for not meeting up with you, I did not see your PM until now...
Checked in late (9:30PM), and were given room #4017, 'deluxe ocean view.' Room was a standard one with a nice ocean view, no complaints here.
The grand club was excellent, as always. Here is what they served in the evenings:
Fri - Coconut Shrimp
Sat - Buffalo and Teriyaki Chicken Wings
Sun - Lamb Chops
Like many others, we took all of our showers at the Anara Spa. I tried out the 12-head shower as well as the lava showers, and I must say, the lava is still my favorite. Women may have a different opinion regarding which shower is their favorite though...
One interesting titbit - Reviewing my folio online, I noticed a daily charge of $62.67 with the description of 'Redemption.' That can't be the amount Hyatt Corporate reimburses the hotel for each FFN redeemed, can it???
Lastly, as a Diamond, I asked whether it would be possible to waive the $15 resort fee. The fee was waived w/no questions asked!
Overall, an excellent stay. I will definitely be back in a couple of years, either on certs or as a revenue customer!
__________________ Rule #1 of Mistake Fares: Don't call the airline till the fare is long gone.
I was there as a Diamond on an FFN for 9 nights a few weeks ago, and was wondering the same thing. When I first saw the 62.** charge "redemption fee" on the TV folio, I was more than a bit concerned, but it did not make it to my bill (thankfully).
Had an okay room (we always stay Poipu side) the first night - we groused at checkin but they were quite full the first night, but we were offered a MUCH better room (6010) for the rest of the stay. No idea how Hyatt corp. reimburses this property, which can't be making any money off the FFN's. We always go out of our to be sure to tip the lagoon drink folks and the breakfast staff very well - hey, if you're not paying for the stay, and with great service, and their cost of living, we feel it makes sense to.
A couple of recommendations for things to do and places to eat.
1. Sushi lovers - give Kintaros, right before the Coconut Mall a try. I know it's kind of a haul, but well, well worth it. (My wife lived in Japan for a couple of years, and swears by this place, and many, many knowledgable locals agree - you will never find better fish prepared like they do anywhere.) A great experience if you a. Get there early - doors open at 5:30, get there at 5:15 and wait outside, and b. make sure to sit at the Sushi bar. Try the soft shell crab handroll. Even folks who don't normally like crab wind up trying to eat 2.
2. Kalaheo coffee company for breakfast. Be sure to get a knuckle. You'll be back for more.
For active folks - a couple of good hikes. (Besides the obvious north shore ones).
1. The hike down to Waipua falls in the canyon is quite easy (it took my pregnant wife - (kind of messed with her Kintaro plans this time around) about 50 minutes to get down to the pool, and only about 55 minutes out. The top of the trail goes into the canyon (the part you see from the road) and is much more spectacular than looking from the road.
2. The trail at the very end(top) of the Canyon highway is always worth a walk out; in 15 relatively easy minutes you can get some good veiws out and down, in 45 minutes to an hour you will get some great ones.
As always, get to both of these hikes early (8- 9 am), as it tends to cloud up later in the day - this way you can be back at the spa/lagoon/pool by lunch, and, if you've hiked, you can always justify a pukadog on the way back.
We just got back from another great trip- 5th trip in the past 5 years. The hotel is still one of our favorites and they continue to treat Diamonds very well here.
We were given a copy of the club's appetizer schedule, so I knew Flyertalkers would want to see it:
Sunday: Pistachio crusted baby lamb chops (Dondero's)
Monday: Kalua pork spring rolls with sweet chili saucem (Yum Cha)
Tuesday: Guava BBQ glazed pork baby back ribs (Ilima)
Wednesday: Teriyaki beef steak with Indonesian style peanut sauce (Yum Cha)
Thursday: Baked penne with Dondero's Bolognese sauce and Parmesean (Dondero's)
Fiday: Coconut shrimp with sake and sweet chili (Ilima)
Saturday: Chicken wings two ways: Korean and traditional Buffalo style (Tidepools)
Life is too short to spend it being angry 
It sound to me that my wife and kids will likely spend a lot of time at the pool, and given that, we should stay in the Shipwreck wing?
I guess it needs to be big though otherwise it would be all over the whole lagoon.
