Normally before a trip I spend a small amount of time getting myself aquainted with the hotels, activities and areas I’ll be experiencing. However, with a last minute hotel change (as sometimes happens during travel) and a hectic schedule I hadn’t got the chance to give Kauai Shores Hotel a once over before arriving there midweek during my stay in Kauai. With it’s understated exterior, I was feeling a little underwhelmed when I pulled up to the hotel but once I “breached the fortress” I was pleasantly surprised.
The check-in center had a wonderful open air feel, a design element that I really appreciate and enjoy in warm climates. The receptionist was incredibly friendly and helpful. Despite a mix up on my reservations she had me straightened out and on my way to my room in no time.
As I made my way across the courtyard to my room, I noticed the buildings surrounding the courtyard were a cheerful contrast to their outer walls with bright accentuating hues of blue, orange and green. Carefully placed vegetation made the courtyard feel intimate despite its large size and at it’s center was a fair sized pool surrounded by lounge chairs and shade umbrellas in the same color scheme.
A large fire pit was tucked into one corner in what I imagined was the perfect spot for family to gather around at the end of each day with a frosted beverage in hand. The courtyard may have surrounded the pool but there was no doubt that it’s true gem lay at the North end, along the shores of Kauai. The ocean was just steps away and I excitedly realized then that I would be able to hear the waves crash along the shore each night.
I wasn’t dissapointed when I made it to my room and discovered that not only could I hear the waves, I could see them too. Yay for ocean front views! Even better, each courtyard facing room features a private balcony with privacy shades and a seating area.
The interior of the room was as charming as the courtyard with a bright, beechy colorscheme. The king size bed was so comfortable I may have spent more time there than I should. Bonus, the bed featured a variety of pillows which is a huge perk in my book since most times I actually hate hotel pillows. I was able to try them all and immediately found heaven in two of them.
The room itself was a spacious 313 square feet which included a nice closet. Each room comes equiped with free WiFi (always a big plus), a 42″ LCD HDTV, Air Conditioning, Ceiling Fan, Mini-refrigerator, and a safe. The air conditioning was a must after adjusting to hot days in Kauai and an in-room refrigerator is always nice for snacks, especially when traveling with family.
A stay at Kauai Shores Hotels also includes a free daily Continental breakfast and complimentary yoga classes. The location couldn’t be beat either. I was just a short 5-10 minute drive from Kapa’a town, restaurants, more beaches (although I sincerely recommend the one on-site), and shopping. With its budget friendly price point and cheery beachfront atmosphere I would easily recommend Kauai Shores Hotels to anyone looking to visit Kapa’a.
Thank you to the Kauai Visitors Bureau and Kauai Shores Hotel for hosting my stay, all opinions are my own.
Looks so peaceful and restful. I’d love that for a week or so.