artnkar

We just got an offer from Starwood for 6 days 5 nites at the Westin Princeville Resort Villas on Kauai for $849 plus either 7000 points or a $75 resort gift certificate. Must travel by Dec 15,2010. Is this a good deal? Sounds good to me but have never priced Kauai. We have been wanting to go, but were aiming for around May 2011.
Thanks for any help, Karen

AustinTraveler

I got the same offer and I compared it to their website prices and it appears to be a very good deal, especially because you also get $185 toward a rental car.

We're thinking of going in September. Anyone know if this is a good time for the North side of Kauai?

montereybob

Any time is good for the North side of Kauai. However, in the winter months, the waves are big and rough---so not good for swimming and snorkeling. Doesn't sound like either of you will be going in the winter though.

toncasmo

we did this a few years ago and really enjoyed it. the timeshare presentation was waaaaay over the top awful but we enjoyed the place. i got the offer again too but won't do it again!

AustinTraveler

My offer doesn't mention anything about a timeshare presentation. When do they let you know about that?

toncasmo

maybe yours is different than mine. mine said it in the invite, but i think i only paid $498 so that must be the difference!

artnkar

I have also scanned the offer & do not see anything about going to a presentation.

james_lee

It is a good offer, but keep in mind that prices for meals and other services at the St. Regis are VERY high. We had lunch there for about $70. and chalked it off to enjoying a few hours on site. Drinks, service, and taxes really add up. It is a beautiful spot, however, as long as the weather is good, which by now becomes increasingly likely day to day. You're on the windward, not leeward side.

toncasmo

your offer isn't for st regis is it? ours originally said that and then when we booked it was for the westin..
it was just bad all around

SonomaPinot

I don't know about the price, we've never stayed there, but it's a nice-looking, new place with a good restaurant. Food prices are a bit high but that's usual for Kauai and Hawaii.

The drawback for me is that it's not on the beach. The drive from there to a reliable swimming beach is about 15 minutes or so (the beach at Hanalei pier has safe swimming most of the year, or there's Kalihiwai Beach the other direction which is good in summer).

Weather can always be a little unpredictable in the tropics, but we like going in Sept. and Oct. because the ocean is warmer than the rest of the year (we snorkel and swim a lot). But May is my second favorite time to go; there seems to be more flowers blooming, and the ocean is warm enough. In July, August and especially the period between Christmas and New Years the island can be pretty busy (I've even had trouble getting a rental car then). We avoid going then. If you go in winter, there will be more days of heavier rain, which can make snorkeling less fun due to murky water.

Beaches on the north shore (Princeville) are usually swimable from May through October or November, although that's just a generalization. I've snorkeled at Tunnels Beach on a flat day in the middle of January, and been unable to swim because of 8 foot waves in June, but those are unusual. (Please be careful when in the water, and know your limits).

artnkar

Thanks, that is the dealbreaker. If it is not on the beach, forget it!