Kauai Plantation Hale Suites by Coldwell Banker Island Vacations

Being beside a shopping center and an easy walk from the beach is a big plus. The room, though, felt old and had a musty odor we couldn't clear out during our stay. The walls were so thin that we heard every conversation and the upstairs neighbors' footsteps all night.

The room itself was great, and the location was good, though the balcony sliding door may or may not work. The service was where things fell apart. It felt like camping, with guests left to fend for themselves: no room service and no housekeeping. At 8 in the morning I tried the reservation, room service, and after-hours numbers without getting an answer. The emergency contact went straight to voicemail too, which seems to violate hotel safety requirements. The office was closed during normal business hours on a regular workday, so I got the manager through the HOA office. An hour later there was still no response. All I wanted was towels, beach towels, and coffee. Welcome to the wild, wild west. Saving a quick buck means no service.

We had a great ground-floor, one-bedroom condo, and the suites are in a really good location. There's a water refill station, so bring reusable bottles and you won't need to buy water. Theo, our guest specialist, was very helpful.

The location worked really well for getting to the airport and either the north or south shore, and shops nearby were convenient. There's also a lovely, uncrowded beach within walking distance. The grounds were beautifully landscaped, with pools and hot tubs, and there was plenty of parking. Though it's an older place, it's been kept up well and seems updated. Our room was clean and quiet, with a full kitchen, A/C, comfortable beds, and an ocean view from the lanai. God is amazing! We enjoyed our stay and felt it was good value.