Hawaiian Holiday Guide.

Sheraton Kauai vs Grand Hyatt Kauai: Which One Fits Your Vacation Style?

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Hawaii's Kauai island is a popular destination for tourists, offering breathtaking views, stunning beaches, and a relaxing atmosphere. However, choosing the right hotel can be a daunting task, with numerous options to choose from. Two of the most popular hotels on the island are the Sheraton Kauai Resort and the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. While both hotels offer luxurious accommodations and stunning locations, they also have distinct differences in terms of amenities, dining options, and overall atmosphere. As someone that has stayed in both, I will compare the Sheraton Kauai Resort and the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, giving you a detailed analysis of each hotel's strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the perfect accommodation for your Hawaiian vacation.

Amenities:

Both the Kauai Sheraton and the Grand Hyatt offer a range of amenities to make guests' stay comfortable and enjoyable. The Kauai Sheraton features two outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, a spa, a business center, and several on-site restaurants and bars. The Grand Hyatt also has two outdoor pools, a fitness center, a spa, and a business center. However, it goes beyond by featuring a man-made lagoon, water slides, a lazy river, and a saltwater swimming pool. But it's always good to compare amenities:

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa:

  • Championship golf course
  • Multiple outdoor pools and hot tubs
  • Saltwater lagoon
  • Water slides
  • Lazy river
  • Full-service spa
  • Fitness center
  • Tennis court
  • Camp Hyatt kids club
  • 12 restaurants and bars

Sheraton Kauai Resort:

  • Two outdoor pools
  • Beachfront restaurant
  • Poolside bar
  • Fitness center
  • Full-service spa
  • Cultural activities
  • Concierge service

Location:

The Kauai Sheraton is located on Poipu Beach, one of the most popular beaches on the island. The beach is known for its calm waters, golden sand, and great snorkeling opportunities. In contrast, the Grand Hyatt is situated on Shipwreck Beach, which is famous for its large waves, making it a popular spot for surfing.

Room Types:

Both hotels offer a range of room types to suit various needs and budgets. The Kauai Sheraton features 391 rooms and suites, with options ranging from standard rooms to oceanfront suites. The Grand Hyatt has a larger room inventory, offering 604 rooms and suites, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, oceanfront suites, and villas. Both hotels provide balconies or patios with their rooms.

Rates:

The rates at both hotels can vary depending on the season and room type. At the Kauai Sheraton, standard rooms start at around $300 per night, while oceanfront suites can cost upwards of $1000 per night. At the Grand Hyatt, rates for standard rooms start at around $400 per night, and prices go up to $1,500 per night for their presidential suites. However, the Grand Hyatt offers some promotional packages such as the Hyatt Staycation which provides guests discounts up to 25% off the standard rate.

Dining Options:

Both hotels offer a range of dining options to suit various tastes and preferences. At the Kauai Sheraton, guests can enjoy a range of cuisines at the on-site restaurants, including a beachfront bar, a poolside bar, and a seafood restaurant. The Grand Hyatt offers even more options with a variety of restaurants serving Asian, Italian, and Hawaiian cuisine. Guests can also enjoy drinks at the on-site bars, including a swim-up bar and a cigar bar.

Activities:

There is no shortage of things to do at both the Kauai Sheraton and the Grand Hyatt. The Kauai Sheraton offers a range of activities, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, yoga classes, and cultural activities. The Grand Hyatt offers a variety of activities as well, including water sports, beach volleyball, hula lessons, and a championship golf course.

So Which One to Choose? The Sheraton Kauai or Grand Hyatt Kauai?

I have stayed at both resorts and the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa is a more luxurious and upscale option compared to the Sheraton Kauai Resort. The Grand Hyatt offers a wide range of amenities, including a championship golf course, multiple pools and hot tubs, water slides, a lazy river, and a full-service spa. In contrast, the Sheraton Kauai Resort has a more limited range of amenities, including two outdoor pools, a beachfront restaurant, and a full-service spa.

Also the Grand Hyatt has more extensive dining options, with 12 restaurants and bars to choose from, while the Sheraton Kauai Resort offers just one beachfront restaurant and a poolside bar. The Grand Hyatt's larger and more varied pool areas, including a saltwater lagoon, are also a notable feature that sets it apart from the Sheraton.

However, some travelers prefer the Sheraton Kauai Resort's more intimate and laid-back atmosphere compared to the busier and more crowded Grand Hyatt. The Sheraton offers cultural activities and a concierge service to help guests plan their activities, while the Grand Hyatt may feel overwhelming to some travelers due to its size and busy atmosphere.

Both resorts have excellent locations, with easy access to Kauai's beautiful beaches and natural attractions. Additionally, there are attentive and friendly staff at both resorts and we had excellent service at both properties.

The Grand Hyatt may be a better choice for those seeking a more luxurious and extensive resort experience, with numerous dining options and extensive pool areas. Meanwhile, the Sheraton Kauai Resort may appeal to those who prefer a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere, with a range of cultural activities and a concierge service to help plan their stay. Ultimately, the choice between these two resorts depends on individual preferences and priorities.