honu

Several species of gekkos were introduced to Hawai'i, but AFAIK, only one, the Tokai gekko (with limited distribution on O'ahu) is capable of dining on our full-grown cockroaches. The American and Asian cockroaches we have here are about the size of a small hummingbird (but thankfully, they don't fly as fast), and are preyed upon by the Giant Toad (also known as cane toad in Australia). Interestingly, as much of a pest as cane toads are in Oz, they are rather harmless to the native environment here.

Well, sorry for the digression, but it's almost impossible to be in Hawai'i and not share company with a variety of bugs. Even when you don't see them, they're there (and probably see you).

Steve M

I've stayed at the Princeville twice: once at the FHR rate, and once as part of a group booking. When I checked in for the FHR stay, they apologized profusely for not being able to upgrade me. They said that they take the FHR program seriously, but the hotel was booked to capacity. I later found out that there was a PGA tournament on island at the time that was likely responsible for it being booked. But, even without the upgrade, the FHR room was a great deal. For $10 more than the lowest mountain view rate, I got an ocean view room plus free breakfast. For anyone that's not stayed there, paying extra for an ocean view room is worth it - the view is nothing short of stunning.

When we heard about the in-house "cinema," we were excited. But, we came to find out that it was actually just a video projection screen in a smallish room with cinema-style seats and layout. Had they had an actual 35mm projector, it would have been cool, but as it is, I don't think it is any great loss.

As for the bugs, we made the mistake of leaving the sliding doors open without the screen closed. When we came back, our room was infested with a large number of small insects that were clinging to the ceiling and walls near the window. I'm not sure what they were - something between a fly and a gnat. They were harmless. I didn't see any cockroaches, and despite living in Houston for several years, I don't get along too well with Texas-sized cockroaches. We did get a visit from a lizard one night, which was kind of interesting.

Regarding logo items, we received none (visits was in 1999 and 2000). There was a coupon for 25% off "select" logo items in the gift shop, but of course these were only on the least tasteful items. It was more of a close-out sale than anything else.

The biggest downside of this property in my opinion is that there is absolutely nothing to do at night. The lobby bar (a.k.a. "The Living Room") is the only thing open late, and it closes around midnight. The promotional materials say that they have various board games available to loan to patrons, but the only thing they actually had was a deck of playing cards. If they are going to go to the trouble of touting the "board game" benefit, how hard would it be to have a Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit set? And, there's really nothing nearby that's open late.

But, for a top-notch resort, with an incredible view and setting for nearby off-property wonders, it would be hard to beat.

spellbound2

We just got back from 5 nights (award stay) at Princeville. The first night we stayed in the lower realm in a standard room, but the other 4 nights we had the junior suite upgrade to the 11th floor. It was beautiful and the room was on the end of the building so we didn't have the noise from other guests all around us- just the one room next door. The view was so beautiful, and we loved the magic window. Does anyone know how it works? It's so fast from white frosting to clear- we loved it.

ANSWER from Princeville Platinum Amenity:
"The windows employ liquid crystal technology found in laptop computer screens and digital watches. A thin layer of crystals are suspended between the two layers of clear glass. When the power is off the crystals align themselves randomly creating the opaque effect. When power is turned on the crystals realign allowing light to pass through and making the glass clear again."

We went to Tunnels Beach and saw our first sea turtle and swam very close to him but did not touch him. It was sensational. I loved being part of schools of tropical fish, too. On our anniversary, we had a painting lesson with an on-site artist. It was so fun and memorable since we painted the scene that we woke up to every morning and now we can relive it each day with our paintings! I haven't painted since junior high and it was my husband's first time, so it was nice to have 4 hours of productive time come out so well. They also have a local photographer in the lobby some afternoons with some great photos. We bought 2 of her infrared series- "Kane Hula" and "Rembrance". Very unique and nostalgic looking.

The restaurant was very nice and we loved watching the sunset from there. We didn't ever see the green flash, but all the sunsets were magical. The very nice waitress, Ginette, let us come back later in the evening for dessert since we had the mult-course dinner and were so full. We got 2 green orchid leis that were very special and unique, so even locals would stop and ask where we got the beautiful leis. I have them refrigerated, so I hope they last a little longer. We also liked Postcards Cafe- especially the rotini with fish and shrimp. The salmon rockets were interesting.

We visited some friends out by Wailua for an o'hana style dinner. I think that's what they called it. Very interesting to hear lots of Hawaiian history and stories since a few were native Hawaiians or had ancestors that were. Their backyard was a beautiful view of the valley and tropical rainforest. Wonderful.

Unfortunately, I had a resurgence of a sinus infection while we were there, so I had to go to a local dr. That was interesting... The clinic had chickens running all over and the house was not in the best of shape, but the dr. was very friendly and gave me some antibiotics which I desperately needed. The flight home was interesting, but now I can head to a specialist since I don't want to mess around with this anymore. I guess the chickens got loose during the big hurricane they had years ago and now they are all over the island.

The Platinum amenity is now short stories about the area. It's ok, but we've had much nicer amenities. They also gave us a coupon for a free bottle of champagne or 2 non-alcoholic beverages from the restaurants, room service, or the Living Room for our anniversary. It was a nice gesture, but it lacked the personal touch that was so nice at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider (see other report).

All in all, it is still a great resort after not having been for 6 1/2 years. I was disappointed that they no longer had the theater, but maybe they could offer this on special nights in a different room for guests who were interested. It's fun to see "South Pacific" and see the same locations.

[This message has been edited by spellbound2 (edited 06-15-2003).]

cactuspete

I just returned from an excellent 5-night award stay at the Princeville Resort. There really is not much that I can add that has not already been said - - gorgeous property at a stunning location. As an SPG GOld, received a very nice upgrade to an ocean view room on the 10th floor. One of my favorite hotels anywhere in the world.

jml1124

My brother is getting married next May and I am helping him get is flights and hotels. He is trying to decide between the Princeville and the Sheraton Kauai, (leaning towards the Princeville)....But as of now, they are fully booked? May 2004? He wants 5 nights there (the first 4 are open in any room, the 5th has 0 availability). Does anyone know if something is going on there on May 10th? Or are some rooms just not released early? Thanks

mwong2

Try to call the hotel directly. I recently experienced this and learned that only the garden view rooms are booked for basic Cat 5 points via the website. You can book an Ocean View for 1,500 pts more / night.

CheapTraveller

I'll be briefly travelling to Kauai with a Honolulu native, who can be sensitive to the overcommercialization of hawaiian culture ... before I splurge for a night at the Princevile, I was wondering if anyone might have any idea as to whether this resort may have the capacity to cause similar feelings? My guess is no, but I want to be sure ...

cactuspete

Very much to the contrary, I would think. It is a classy joint.

pinniped

Is there anything on Kauai that would offend a Honolulu native? I mean, if you are used to Waikiki, Kauai will seem wildy underdeveloped by comparison.

cantstop

Thanks for asking.

I spent 5 wonderful days at the Princeville Resort with Mrs. Cantstop. Teeny, tiny trip report follows.

Dates (Nov. 8 - 13, 2003)

The turn into Princeville off of the main road is accented by a huge fountain that you need to drive around. As you pull up to the front of the hotel the valet greets you and asks if you are checking in. They gave us fresh flower lei's, the keys to our room and directions on how to navigate through the elegant lobby to the elevators to our room. A few minutes after arriving in our room, the bell man shows up with our bags. He tells us the local favorites for places to eat (Pacific Cafe [Mrs. Cantstop's pick], Postcards [my favorite] and a few others.

The room (spg award) is very nice with a beautiful view of both the mountains and the bay. Room service (and the entire staff) was polite, helpful and friendly throughout the hotel.

Breakfast outside at the cafe is not to be missed. The views are indescribable. My pictures from the cafe are so good people think I cut them out of a travel magazine.

The pool area is pretty neat. There are three hot tubs with a somewhat limited view of the ocean, but nicely secluded and beautiful views of the mountains. The pool has a swim up bar, but we were content with being waited on by the roving hotel staff. The pool area flows onto the beach where padded lounge chairs, tables and umbrellas await your use. We rented snorkeling equipment at the pool and swam in the protected bay. It was like swimming in an aquarium.

The lobby area has live entertainment starting around 4-5 pm. The bar includes a sushi chef. I'm not big on sushi, but our veggie sushi (not on the menu, my request) was delicious.

The hotel was not filled to capacity when I was there and I asked for and was granted a 3:30 pm checkout. This is certainly a YMMV and should not be expected. But the people their were just so accomodating, I'm ready to go back right now.

Hope this helps.


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View from seat 24E

chazas

If your friend is sensitive about such issues, you'll probably inspire more ire by calling him or her a "Honolulu native." "Local" is ok, as is "native Hawaiian" if in fact the person is part Hawaiian. "Native" has bad connotations when used by a mainlander - it has that "Gilligan's Island" feel to it. Whether you could avoid that by tacking "Honolulu" to the front end, I don't know.

This kind of stuff can be really complicated here.

emaij

Just spent two nights at Princeville as Plat. Did get a nice upgrade for one of the nights but no amenity (even though I was told twice that I would be receiving something).

Starwood Lurker

If it were me, I'd contact Hotel Customer Service at 1-800-328-6242 and have them ask the hotel to send it to you.

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

[email protected]

toadman

Just returned from a 4 night stay at the Princeville. We had a wonderful stay, although the first few hours were a bit iffy. Not used to such a high class hotel!
The lobby is beautifully decorated for Christmas. I'm just a Gold but we were given an ocean view room on the 4th floor. We only spent one full day enjoying the property. The rest of the time we were off exploring the island. But the day that we did stay to hang out at the beach and pool was very nice. It's great to have the staff coming around to give you ice water while you lounge on the beach and enjoy the views of Hanelei Bay. It was the perfect time to be there. Not crowded at all.

There were a couple of interlopers who had been using the hotel lounge chairs on the beach. They were quite rude to the staff member who was taking drink orders that asked them to move but I commend the hotel security staff, who were very discreet and succesful in getting the folks out of the chairs and ultimately the interlopers left to everyones relief. (The hotel really needs to post a few more signs to advise that the chairs are for guests only.) Not to mention a few signs about standing on the coral in the bay.

My only complaint was the $15 parking charge. We actually only used valet once as they seemed busy enough that we could retrieve our car faster than they could. Staff was very friendly and helpful from the front desk to the restaurant and bar staff. Would love to go back but other SPG properties in exotic locals beckon...

West Coast 1K

Heading there in 2 weeks for the first time. Very excited!