Disclosure: as an official blogger for the Kauai Marathon, my marathon entry fee and accommodations at the Grand Hyatt Kauai were complimentary. All opinions herein are my own.
No pun intended, but the Grand Hyatt Kauai is really grand. It has a grand presence, and when you arrive, you know you’ve arrived at a very special place. It is the tropical paradise I always dreamed that a Hawaiian resort should be. It is sophisticated and, well, awesome!
First things first! Right at the entry to the hotel, Won’t Run and I were greeted by staff and each adorned with leis. Mine was made of flowers and Won’t Run’s was made of Kukui Nuts. As a Diamond Gold Passport member, we were checked in by Ronald at the front desk. He was extremely helpful and hospitable, taking extra time to explain the hotel features and amenities to us and even giving us an 8 p.m. late check out for Sunday, as I’d be running the marathon that day, and had a 10 p.m. flight Sunday evening!
Photos of Lobby area:
In the months prior to my arrival, I’d corresponded with the hotel’s director of Public Relations, Diann Hartman, concerning the upcoming trip. She is that special type of person who can make mountains move if needed! I’d asked about availability of a suite upgrade, but was told that it was a busy weekend and a suite would probably not be available. Essentially, the message was don’t get your hopes up. I knew it would be alright regardless, as I’d seen the photos and knew I couldn’t go wrong anywhere in the hotel. Hell, a broom closet would’ve been divine! Well, I guess a suite in fact did become available (thank you, Diann!), because when I opened the door to my room suite, I saw this! .
There was even a little kitchen area, with a microwave and refrigerator.
The bedroom was really nice – I loved the decor and the four-poster bed!
The balcony was gorgeous – it spanned the entire length of the suite – you could enter from either the living room area or the bedroom area.
There was one bathroom – which included both a bath and a shower. The toilet, a TOTO, with all the bells and whistles (do you prefer oscillating or pulsating?), was housed in a separate room.
phones in bathrooms always make me laugh. I imagine an investor making calls saying “Buy” or “Sell” and hanging up…
Oh. My. God. – the views!!!! I love fancy rooms, but, honestly, this is what it is really all about. How can I explain how spectacular it was to stand on the balcony and look down at the incredible grounds of the hotel, or to peer out beyond the palm trees and see the ocean? Better yet, it was beyond glorious to open my eyes in the morning to see the ocean right before me! I just could never get enough of this:
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Grand Hyatt lounge. We spent some quality time here for both breakfast and afternoon appetizers.
Other Kauai posts:
Overview: Kauai is Magic! [Trip Report]
Sampling Hawaiian Cuisine: 10 Delicious Local Foods and Drinks
The Painted Doors at Kauai’s Garden Island Inn!
Kaua’i Marriott Resort – a Picturesque Resort, A Spectacular Run and an Ugly Map
Sweepstakes: Enter to Win Trip to Kauai Marathon
And Coming Soon:
Marathon Report: The Kauai Marathon
Fitness Center and Spa Review: The Grand Hyatt Kauai
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
All looks very familiar! Oh, the awesomeness!! And I must have one of those toilets for my house!