olimaspecto

At this property SPG Platinum will almost always get you an Oceanfront front, and often to a suite upgrade. You'll definitely get moved out of the garden wing - which actually won't be part of the hotel much longer as they are converting it to timeshares.

clover

Just a nitpick...but Platinum will get upgraded...assuming there are rooms to upgrade into on the Ocean side of the hotel. Granted it is unlikely to be full, but we don't take any chances when we've stayed here. We reserve a room on the Ocean side and hope to get an upgrade to a prime oceanfront room or suite. So far we have been successful each time. I just wouldn't take a chance that could keep you on the Garden side.

clover

We've always enjoyed this property but haven't been there since the renovation. Had you been there prior to this visit? What is your opinion of the renovation? I assume the rooms had new furniture, flat screen tv, etc. I agree on preferring it to Princeville, though I always visit there for a round at the Prince course, we prefer the weather and beach (among other things) at the SKR. We are thinking of heading back this summer and I'd appreciate any other comments you have on your stay. TIA!

olimaspecto

I've stayed at the property multiple tmes pre and post renovation, and I must say that the rooms are much nicer now. The bathrooms have been expanded and vastly improved and the redecoration of the rooms in general is very appealing. I've only stayed in the Ocean wing, and so that's what my experience is based on, but if you can get a Deluxe Garden Room or Ocean Front froom in the Ocean Wing, I can assure you that you'll be very happy with it. On my most recent trip I stayed at the Princeville immediately after, and while the Princeville is still extraordinary and much more elegant and refined, you'll feel as if the rooms are dated coming from the Sheraton.

olimaspecto

Upgrades are always based on availability at any hotel, and this hotel always seems to have upgrade-able space, based on my travels there throughout the year (in low and high seasons). I almost always book a standard Garden room and have always gotten upgraded to the Ocean Wing (both as a Gold and a Plat); if the standard garden rooms are sold out, then I book a Deluxe garden (in the Ocean Wing), or a Partial Ocean View (in the Garden Wing) and again have always been upgraded. The hotel sems to sell out more of the Garden cheap rooms than the Ocean/Beach wing rooms, which is why its a safe bet to chance the upgrade.

mauld

Interesting comment on the rooms at the Princeville. On my last trip to Kauai, I stayed at the Hyatt and drove out to Princeville. I was interested in seeing what the rooms were like, given all the fantastic comments about this property, and so wandered around the halls as the cleaning staff were going about their business and 'peeked' into various rooms. I was not impressed with the furnishings, nor size of the rooms and found them to be at best, slightly above average. That coupled with the long drive from the airport, and the fact that aside from golf (I'm not a player), there wasn't much to make me want to stay here, I happily went back to Poipu Beach. Also glad to hear of the Sheraton's rooms as I am no longer a Diamond at Hyatt and so will be staying at a Starwood for my next visit to Kauai.

clover

Welcome to the *wood side! I agree on the comment on the Princeville rooms though I haven't yet seen the "new" SKR rooms. Be advised though that the Hyatt is a higher end property than the SKR. I like the SKR for what it is but the Hyatt Kauai is a nicer campus with more luxurious rooms, public areas, etc. (disclaimer: I was last at the Hyatt in '99). It also has a nice spa area. On the other hand, there is no beach on the property while the SKR has a great beach that are a few steps from the beachfront rooms.

We like the SKR for what it is: a nice, low key resort with a great beach in Poipu and....all my SPG Plat amenities! We will probably be back there again next year.

Da5id

I'm not so sure that the timeshares will be going where the garden rooms are. We were there in January and were moved from the Ocean Wing to a garden room for a late checkout and courtesy room. The garden rooms have all been updated and are quite decent. I'd be surprised to see HOT spend that kind of money only to clear it in the not too distant future.

chipshot4me

I concur on "not taking chances", as last November I was sent to the Garden Side even with a Platinum status (and the suite was disappointing).

It was only for one night while waiting to check into my timeshare next door (Marriott - Waiohai), but I'd expected better as being Platinum. As for the property itself, I still believe it needs some serious updating. However, the restaurant (Shells) is quite good

This year, I'll do a better job prior to arrival and ensure I get an Ocean view - else, I'm heading down the road to the Hyatt!

bocastephen

Didn't work for us...kept in our reserved Garden Wing room even with status. The Garden Wing rooms have been updated somewhat, but still pale in comparison to the Ocean side rooms with superior fit/finish, furniture and even flat screen TVs.

OTOH, we spend very little time in the room while in Hawai'i, so it was nothing to get upset over, especially given our corporate rate.

I always advise people check for Stay Certificate availability at the Grand Hyatt, where the cost is often in line with the Sheraton and the accommodations and environment are far superior.

clover

What is a Stay Certificate (I'm not a Hyatt elite member)? Also, while I agree that the Hyatt is a nicer overall hotel in many ways, it doesn't have its own beach whereas the SKR has a great beach steps from your beachfront room. It just depends on what your priorities are for your stay. The Hyatt has a nice pool and spa and the ambience is higher end than the SKR.

bocastephen

Stay Certificates are available to anyone, and are fixed-cost vouchers you buy from Hyatt to exchange for accommodations at the hotel. They are subject to capacity controls, so book the reservation over the phone first (the agent must book a stay certificate reservation, not a revenue one), and then you can purchase the certificates after the reservation is guaranteed.

peezers

I stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Nov '05 and the Sheraton in Mar '06. Would strongly recommend the GH over the Sheraton because the campus, facilities, etc. are far superior.

W2B Globetrotter

An elite stay certificate (up to 4 nts) allows one to redeem at top-tier Hyatts for $249/nt. But no stay credit for status.

What do you mean the Hyatt has no beach?
It has an absolutely large, picturesque beach (Shipwreck) with the lithified cliffs nearby, it's just not calm or swimmable for the average visitor. But for sunbathing and walking, it's fine. And you don't get as much visitors as the highly-touristed Poipu Beach.

I'm a *W Plat, but I make it a point to stay several nts at the Grand Hyatt when visiting Kauai. I'll be staying at the Princeville in Sep 07, and I'm hoping it'll be as enjoyable as the GHK.

DH

For the certificate link -
https://www.certificates.hyatt.com/p...CertsStay.aspx

Here are a couple of threads on the stay certificate -
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...ay+Certificate
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...ay+Certificate

W2B Globetrotter,

You may be disappointed with Princeville Resort depending on what your preferences are. Its swimming pools and campus doesn't come close to Hyatt.