Westin vs. St. Regis Princeville:

Beach access:
St. Regis has a beach, although there is not a whole lot of beach there. Westin is not on a beach, but a short walk down a steep path takes you to a great beach called Anini Beach.

Views:
St. Regis has some of the best views in Hawaii, bar none. Views are OK, but not spectacular at the Westin.

Kids/Families:
There are more families at the Westin and their rooms with kitchens are set up for families. St. Regis has a kids program, but it is not the reason to book the St. Regis.

Food/Svc. Value:
Food is expensive at the St. Regis. Westin has a number of food options including a very reasonable general store. There are self serve grills at the Westin. Westin also has a full service restaurant. Everything is full service at the St. Regis. St. Regis still does not have a convenience/general store open on property. Service is now good at the St. Regis.

Seclusion/Privacy:
Uh, well, neither one of them would I call secluded or private. Maybe some of the higher end rooms at the St. Regis might qualify to be called that. Westin is not secluded or private. They are both in Princeville, and it is active but not too busy, but not really secluded either. FWIW, a lot of stars have been staying at the St. Regis recently and I guess they think it's private enough.

Downsides:
Not really that I can think of. Well, maybe the Winter weather here, lots of rain.

Spectacular:
Uh, well, did you say you are a couple or a family? Did you say you are on Starwood points? If you are a couple and you're using points, yes, by all means stay at the St. Regis. If you are a family, stay at the Westin. All depends on the room rate you can get. If you can get a good room rate at the St. Regis, go for it. The Westin is a new property and nice place too.

Best thing is to go out and about on the Northshore of Kaua'i. There is a lot of good stuff to do outdoors here in the Summer. Our weather on the Northshore of Kaua'i is really only consistently good in the Summer, May-Sept, and not the rest of the year, unless you're a surfer. If you are coming during the Summer, you can do no wrong.