Programs: AA: PLT MM, HA: Pualani Tinfoil, UA: 125 Grocery Miles at a time!
Posts: 16,736
Anara Spa News
There is a new manager at the spa. The day passes that they were giving out for an additional day (to people who had spa services), virtually for the asking, are no more. Further, while you can still buy a pass that will allow you ten visits, they are enforcing the rule that they have to be all used within 30 days.
I'm hoping the tightening of the purse strings is not because of the promotion we've been doing here.
Unless things have changed since November, the pool cabanas are free. We always got one, sometimes early in the day and no one charged us a cent.
Perhaps you mean the beach cabanas, which, indeed are $100 per day.
For your money, you get nice wooden lounge chairs at the edge of the property right near the sand, padded cushions, and a cooler with ice/water.
I believe thesilb has said he rented them and felt they were worth the money.
I haven't tried #1 or #2 - mostly because I would prefer to spend that money on spa treatments, and it's easy now since the raised the prices so much
We might have a meal in Tidepools, but for most meals, we'll either go to Roy's or Brick Oven Pizza, or nosh enough for dinner in the RC.
I agree with IluvParis about the situation poolside. However, I also know when you're going, and expect the hotel will be pretty full. You'll either have to get up pretty early to stake a claim to a chair in a prime (shady) spot, or pony up the $$$ to make sure you have shade by renting the beach cabana.
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Mary Life is too short to spend it being angry
There are more than enough chairs for all the guests and then some. This is not the Hyatt in Aruba.
The pool area is huge, with several different levels and types of pools.
We are talking about specific types of chairs, and I only mentioned getting up early to be certain to get a spot in the shade in a location you might prefer.
I did it only once because I wanted to be both in the shade and near a hot tub.
You really have no worries at this property.
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Mary Life is too short to spend it being angry
Programs: AA: PLT MM, HA: Pualani Tinfoil, UA: 125 Grocery Miles at a time!
Posts: 16,736
Quote:
Originally Posted by flyfarfar
Does anyone know what its like in early May to get 2 chairs by the pool & beach?
I was at the Hyatt Aruba last year and people were heading down to the pool at 6 AM to stand in line for chairs. I'm hoping this isn't the case for the GH Kauai.
Feedback appreciated.
Well, Mary2e is the world's renown expert on this hotel, but I was there two weeks ago and as late as 10:30 a.m., her favorite chairs, right by the one of the jacuzzis, were available on two different days and the hotel was supposedly full. It may have had something to do with a psychiatrists' convention and the sessions they were in. Closer to the beach and salt water lagoon, it was even less crowded. By May, spring breaks should be over and things relatively calm methinks. There are so many things to do on this island that I don't think most people go to the pool every day, all day long. You wouldn't have to get to the pool at 6 a.m. for a chair under any circumstances - even at mid day (although maybe for shady spots you might have to wait).
Programs: UAL1K MM UGS, Hertz 5* PC, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 993
Quote:
Originally Posted by flyfarfar
Does anyone know what its like in early May to get 2 chairs by the pool & beach?
I was at the Hyatt Aruba last year and people were heading down to the pool at 6 AM to stand in line for chairs. I'm hoping this isn't the case for the GH Kauai.
Feedback appreciated.
I've been to this properly early May perhaps 4 or 5 times, I agree with others that the sheer volume of chairs makes it unnecessary to get up in the wee hours to stake your claim . . . as is so common elsewhere.
That's not to say that there aren't some bad actors who do so, only that there's never a time when the pool chairs are "sold out".
Still staff could do a better job of clearing out unused chairs after an hour or so - just to be fair.
I just returned from here. It's a very nice property, and I had a pleasant (but not outstanding) stay. I don't have much to add to this thread besides what has already been mentioned in this thread. The pools are expansive and very nice. There is plenty of chairs, and everyone kept telling me the property was totally sold out. If that really was the case, i don't know where everyone one was, because it really seemed slow to me this past weekend.
One thing that really irritated me though was that I was unable to get a WiFi signal in my room. And then what got me irritated me more was when I found out that there is no WiFi access (as confirmed by the staff) in the Regency Club.
I made a lot of use out of the tennis courts. The woman at the store gave me extra time at no charge: guests are given one complimentary hour per day. The tennis garden manager even found me a hitting partner, which was great.
At check-in, the front desk agent gave me the wrong directions to my room, which caused me to walk aimlessly for about 15-20 minutes. I was pretty annoyed. While the front desk apologize profusely, I wasn't given any sort of additional amenity for the inconvenience. I should have asked, but at the time, didn't think of it. I just wanted to get to my room and shower.
One thing that really irritated me though was that I was unable to get a WiFi signal in my room. And then what got me irritated me more was when I found out that there is no WiFi access (as confirmed by the staff) in the Regency Club.
You must have been on 1 or 2. I couldn't get cell service down there and had to change rooms because of it.
I didn't try the wifi because I prefer to be hard wired, when possible, and connected that way, though I may have used it once or twice on my lanai on the 5th floor, without any problems at all.
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Mary Life is too short to spend it being angry
You must have been on 1 or 2. I couldn't get cell service down there and had to change rooms because of it.
I didn't try the wifi because I prefer to be hard wired, when possible, and connected that way, though I may have used it once or twice on my lanai on the 5th floor, without any problems at all.
Actually I was on 6. I was in Room 6053 in the Shipwreck wing.
Programs: AA Plat, SPG Plat, Hyatt Diamond, Hertz #1 Club Gold
Posts: 54
I am currently at the GH Kauai. As this is one of my first stays as a Diamond (barely made it last year!!), I expected to be treated well (from what I read in the forum). Sad to say, the Front Desk was SEVERELY lacking. I was not upgraded, explained my benefits as a diamond, and even directions to the room! This is a big place! The guy at the front desk offered to put my name on a "waiting list" for an upgrade. Never knew that existed! As a Plat with *wood, I am always upgraded and treated very nicely. I expected the same with Hyatt.
As a top-tier guest, is this how I am expected to be treated as a Diamond at Hyatt?
FWIW, I am paying for my stay in cash, not points or any other means.
On another note - the grounds are absolutely stunning! What a beautiful place! I am glad I chose the GH Kauai, but just expected to be treated a little better, especially after reading this forum.
but I can definitely vouch on how well they treat you, when it's in their power.
Our last stay we checked in very late (around 10:30PM) for a one night FFN stay prior to heading up to our Princeville condo they kind of "messed up" our ressie even though I had called directly 2 days prior (and several time earlier in week) to confirm that we'd be in Poipu wing with TWO beds (traveling with kids). When we arrived they had assigned us a KING room. Not that great with 4 people. The resort was rather full considering they were going through changing the furnishings in Shipwreck wing so we were finally assigned a Garden View (which I expected since we booked a FFN) that looked out on Tennis building (maybe a little bit better than parking lot view). We were tired and didn't say much since we were just thrilled to be back in Kauai and we also knew that we'd be back for a 2 night stay. The next AM when checking out the front desk mgr Matt apologized for the mix up and say... I've got a wonderful room blocked off for you when you return. Well,, he certainly did, even though we had ressie for FFN we'd be assigned a full ocean view w/King and Queen bed. On the last day I stopped by to personally thank Matt and ask about the access to a hospitality room to change in after we checked out since our room was already booked and Matt gave us full use of a garden room until our late flight without my asking. Really helped with the kids and relaxing. THis hotel treated us very well and that's why as soon as we knew we were returning to Kauai we booked a RC deluxe room on points as soon as we returned home (3 days for NYE). I can't wait to return to this great property and finally get to enjoy the RC lounge. Unf. we weren't able to use it since it was NYE and the lounge was over booked. So even though we're using points for our stay (may actually book a $$ room for the beginning of our trip before heading up to our condo) we're using more points to get access to lounge and deluxe room. It definitely spoiled my DH who usually isn't impressed.
Now to check the threads to see what's offered in the lounge on the days we'll be there.
Programs: AA Plat, SPG Plat, Hyatt Diamond, Hertz #1 Club Gold
Posts: 54
I do agree that a suite upgrade is an exception at any property. My main grief was the attitude and lack of information that the front desk staff gave me upon checkin. Other than that - the stay has been exceptional. Always love hearing "Aloha" when I walk down the hall from the wing to the lobby. If hindsight was 20/20, I would have waited to post until I got back to provide a "summary", rather than a one-off complaint .
For those that are coming to Kauai - The RC had Teriyaki Beef skewers last night (Wed). Great selection of books and board games, as well. The spa is... incredible. Pricey, but if you have some extra cash, you won't be let down! Enjoy your stay!
I checked in yesterday and was offered a suite upgrade for $200 per night. My upgrade on a FFN stay was a Partial Ocean View with RC access. They told me the Deluxe Ocean View rooms that they had available were on the first floor. This place is twice the hotel that Maui is. Already thinking about my next stay here.
Life is too short to spend it being angry 
