Hotel Review: Grand Hyatt Kauai
A few weeks ago, we covered Kauai as our Destination of the Week, which got me thinking about a trip to Hawaii. Since I spent much of last week in Los Angeles, I ended up booking a last minute trip on American Airlines from LAX to Lihue.
I also booked a room at the Grand Hyatt for $393 a night, but using my Diamond Gold Passport suite upgrade certificates, I was able to confirm an upgrade to a 1,300-square foot Garden View Suite ,which was going for $693 a night at the time of booking. The room rate was a little pricy, but I am working on Diamond re-qualification so I booked two revenue nights and two nights in a club room at 27,000 Gold Passport points a night (they had no standard rooms available, which would have been 22,000 points a night). I was also hopeful that they'd let me stay in the suite for the entirety of my stay, though that did not end up being the case.
Arrival
I arrived at the hotel 2:15pm on Thursday and was told check-in was at 3pm and my room wouldn't be ready until then. When I asked about staying in the suite for my whole stay, the rep checked with a manager and said I'd have to switch rooms because they were fully committed. I wasn't completely shocked since it was a holiday weekend, but I thought they could have been a little more proactive - even suggesting that they'd check again or see what could be done. However, I ended up checking availability at the St. Regis Princeville on the north shore of Kauai and they actually opened up some regular rooms at 21,500 Starwood points a night. I did the math and decided I'd rather use 43,000 Starwood and try a new hotel and have a chance at a suite upgrade than use 54,000 Hyatt Gold Passport for a downgraded room from my original suite. This is where I think Starwood really beats Hyatt - I don't feel guilty about using points since my award stay still counts towards elite status qualification and I'm eligible for a complimentary suite upgrade (which I did end up getting, but more on that in my post on the St. Regis).
Coincidentally, when I went back to the check-in desk to get my keys at 3pm, the manager came out and let me know they could arrange some sort of suite for me, but it was too late at that point since I had cancelled my points reservation and booked at the St. Regis. If they would have had given me that option when I checked in, I probably would have stayed at the Grand Hyatt the whole time, but I'm actually very happy I ended up switching to the St. Regis and got a chance to take in the magical northern coast of Kauai.
The Suite
The suite itself was nice - comfortably furnished and spacious. It was a ground level Garden View Suites that had an open sitting/living area with a dining table for four, a wet bar, work area, a sectional sofa, 42-inch plasma television and a door to the semi-private patio. The bedroom area is separate and mine had a king bed with a pillow-top mattress, a huge all-marble bathroom with double vanities, separate shower and a whirlpool tub.
Restaurants
As a Diamond Member, I had access to the Grand Club Lounge, which had a substantial spread - all of the basics like smoked salmon, cured meats, cereals, bagels and fresh squeezed juices (and even a bottle of Cava for mimosas). However, one day I decided to try the restaurant Ilima Terrace where I got a local classic: loco moco- a beef patty with rice, fried egg and brown sauce. It wasn't the lightest breakfast, but it hit the spot.
One night I went to Tidepools, the fine dining restaurant, with a group of friends who happened to be in Kauai. The food was pretty great all around- the poke (Hawaiian raw fish salad) and mahi mahi entree were both notably delicious.
Afterward, we went to Stevenson's Library, which is a great bar/lounge onsite with lots of couches and pool tables.
Beach
The first day I was anxious to just get in the water, so we went swimming on the beach where the hotel is located, Shipwreck Beach. It's a pretty rocky and there is a lot of coral where you walk in. The waves can get pretty big so you need to be careful about not getting knocked over into the coral. On my way out of the water I cut my foot in several places as I was quickly trying to get over the coral in between waves. Nothing major, but something to note - I wouldn't recommend this beach for swimming - especially since there are so many other amazing ones in the area.
Overall Opinion
I had a nice stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, but frankly two days isn't enough time to fully judge the resort. What I didn't like about the property is that it definitely feels like a huge complex with over 600 guest rooms and multiple wings. I also found the hallways to be poorly marked, which made getting lost pretty easy. That being said, it's in a great location close to the famed Poipu beach and numerous world class restaurants and it's definitely a great spot for families - especially since the multiple pools are a kids dream come true.
I'd definitely return, but I don't think it's worth the $400 a night price tag or the premium in points over 22,000 a night.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.