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Comparisons among south Kauai resorts::
Contributed by Steve Nelson, t_r_oglodyte@yahoo.com
18 August, 2001
In my opinion, the key differences among these resorts are:
- resort versus residential setting; and
- type of waterfront
Setting
As regards resort versus residential setting, the Embassy and the Marriott are
on opposite poles. The Marriott is a large, full-service resort hotel; a
portion of which has been converted to timeshares. When you stay there, you
are very aware that you are staying at a resort hotel. In contrast, the
Embassy was built as a residential condominium project. The Embassy is
actually zoned residential, as is the almost the entire surrounding area. As a
consequence, staying at the Embassy is much more like staying at an ocean front
residence. If you want resort amenities and luxuries, the Marriott would be a
better choice. If you want to feel as if you just spent a week in your ocean
front condominium, the Embassy would be the better choice. The Embassy is very
close to the Hyatt Hotel, so if you want resort amenities, they are still
available a short walk away.
Pahio Kauai Beach Villas occupies condominium units located adjacent to the
Radisson hotel. I believe that some of the condominium buildings in Kauai
beach villas are wholly owned, and not part of the timeshare operation. In
this respect, the Kauai Beach Villas combines elements of both residential and
report settings. In my opinion, the Marriott is a nicer hotel than the
Radisson, and the Embassy units are nicer than the Kauai Beach Villas units.
Because Kauai Beach Villas is part of a larger resort project, Kauai Beach
Villas still "feels" to me more like a resort than a residence.
Lawai Beach resort was conceived and built as a timeshare project. Although it
is in surrounded by residential properties (wholly owned condominiums that are
part of the vacation rental market), it retains the feel of a timeshare - i.e,
a lot like a residence (but not quite), but also clearly not a luxury hotel.
Waterfront Type
As regards type of waterfront, the key differences are whether or not the
waterfront immediately next to the resort is suitable for swimming. The
beaches at the Marriott and Lawai Beach resort are good beaches for water
contact activities. Kalapaki Beach at the Marriott is far the best for
swimming. Lawai Beach is the best for snorkeling. If you have an upper floor
unit in either the Alii or Banyan buildings at Lawai Beach, you can easily sit
on your lanai and watch your family swimming, snorkeling and sunning on the
beach.
The "beach" at Kauai Beach Villas is not suitable for water contact; it is nice
for walking and sunning. The Embassy is situated on a rocky shoreline with
heavy surf. If you have an ocean front or ocean view unit, you can watch raves
crashing on the rocks from your room and lanai. The sounds of the surf are
prevalent throughout the property. I think the shoreline next to the Embassy
makes for spectacular walking and surfwatching. At both Kauai Beach Villas and
the Embassy water contact beaches are a short walk away.
Whales should also be visible at both the Embassy and Lawai Beach Resorts
during winter and spring. (I'm not sure how frequently whales might be visible
at the Embassy and Kauai Beach Villas properties..)
Summary
In summary, if you are in the fortunate position of being able to choose among
these resorts, you should consider whether you prefer resort or residential
setting, and whether you want to be next to rocky shores with pounding surf or
sandy beaches with more gentle surf.
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