Premier Kauai at The Cliffs at Princeville, Princeville

We were a little apprehensive when we were reading online reviews, but we really enjoyed our stay at the Cliffs. The room was very nice and clean. Our room really was as nice as the pictures on their website looked. We had the one bedroom unit with a living room, kitchen, and small dining room. We also had 2 lanais. We kept the sliding doors cracked for a cross breeze, as the rooms don't have a/C. We did have ceiling fans in the bedroom and living room, and we found the temperature just right. It had a nicely furnished kitchen complete with pots, pans, tupperware, utensils, and bakeware. We were able to make most of our meals in our unit, and we were able to take food with us on our excursions. The Cliffs also have a number of nice Weber grills conveniently located around the property. It's not a full service hotel, as they only change the towels and linens once at the midpoint of the stay. Location is nice for golf and for things on the north side of the Island and okay for the east side, but if you're trying to do a lot on the south side or west side, be prepared for a long drive. Also, as we visited in the winter, the north beaches are essentially unswimmable because of the rough ocean. We did use the concierge service, but their offerings are a bit pricey compared to what you might find on your own. Also, they have relationships with some places, so the offerings may not be the best choices. Finally, they charge a $75 resort fee on top of everything else, so don't be surprised.

I am surprised to read the different reviews regarding Princeville. Some love it and then others say not stay there. We have gone back to Princeville since 1982 and love it every time. Last few times (2006/2007/2008) we rented a Unit that was on the second floor. It is perfect for a couple. Has one bedroom - 2 bathrooms - living w/dining area - kitchen w/all appliances and washer/dryer. We leased it for two weeks through a realtor who leases some of the condos at Princeville. We were able to lease the same condo each time we went during the month of September. I know Kauai has gone through some very difficult times in the past few years and I am assuming that they are perhaps suffering from not having enough staff. Nothing is done fast over there - so don't expect it. It is layed back and no one is in a hurry. I do think anyone that has interest in Princeville should get a layout of the condos to see where they are situated. Some are more inside and therefore do not have a view of the ocean. If you want to "party-hardy" - this is NOT the place to stay. I think they have noise restrictions in the area and it is quiet by around 9:30. I also always suggest to people when they go there...to be sure to arrive when it is still light outside. It is very dimly lit and finding your Condo when it is dark is an experience well worth remembering. When it is dark in Kauai........it is dark! There are little lights on the walkways, stairs and doorways - but does not help much unless you know where you are going. Hang loose........you will find it.....eventually! We love it......and can't wait to get back to it. Go to TJ's to have a great dinner.....and say Aloha to Suzanne from Irene & Punch. This part of Hawaii is like no other place we have been. Aloha!

We stayed in a four bedroom condo this summer (2010) at Cliffs. The unit overlooked the ocean which was fabulous. The 200 foot cliff is covered in trees and grasses making it seem quite safe for our family. The unit was beautifully decorated with new appliances, flat screen televisions in each room, wireless internet, and a fully stocked kitchen. We loved the pool with it's lava rock border and waterfalls. The property is located within the wealthy Princeville community - most luxurious community on the island that we saw. Minutes from the St. Regis Princeville and their SPA. Minutes from Hanalei Bay with it's charming shops and top rated beach. We could not have asked for a better location or experience and will definitely be back.

We just stayed in unit #1203. All the kitchen appliances (frig, microwave, stove, dishwasher) were badly rusted. The carpet was coming apart at the seams and quite dirty. The bathroom floors looked like they hadn't been cleaned in quite a long time and the mattress was hard as a rock. The fact the unit was not airconditioned was okay because the breeze was great if you kept the bedroom door open. Since we kept the bedroom door open at night to keep the air moving, the porch light outside the front door, which lit up the entry, was like sleeping with a bright night light on. Some units have long-term occupants and there is laundry hanging on the lanais. Be sure to find out what unit you are staying in and as specific questions.

Got in at 6 pm after a long flight,grocery shopping & an hr drive from the airport. Got keys from the desk & proceeded to condo which was not cleaned from the previous guests. They did apologize & put us in "an even better condo" for one night. It did have very distant views of the ocean out the living area but the bedroom lanai faced the parking lot. They told us to go about our sightseeing the next day & that they would move our things to our designated condo. So we drove to other side of the island & get a phone call on the beach from them telling us to be out of the condo they put us in ASAP as they have the rightful guests waiting to check in! That got straightened out & our condo was nice though not very well equipped compared to others we've stayed at. The beach chairs provided were broken, not enough drinking glasses, no beach towels. There was construction going on all over the place & quite noisy. The activities lady was not very helpful, she acted like she had better things to do. The desk staff were friendly & apologetic. All in all I would stay somewhere else next time.

We stayed here for our honeymoon five years ago and came back to celebrate our fifth. The location is perfect if you need to be squirreled away from the city and are not into the touristy thing & souvenier shopping 24/7. This is laid back and yet a convenient 45 minute drive to all points on the island. We wanted to enjoy golfing, horseback riding and the hiking trails and have time for each other. A car is a must if you stay here so you can explore the island & fill your fridge from the local market. The condos are spacious and well maintainted. The front desk was very polite and accomodating. A happy place I would recommend them highly!

Just returned from a week at The Cliffs. Unit very roomy, huge master bedroom, enormous grounds but not utilised. View from the second and third floor units may be very nice of the sea, but hard to see from the ground floor due to the unkempt garden in front of the unit. Found staff to be very distant, unhelpful and unfriendly. Check in time is 4pm, we were kept waiting till after 5pm without even an apolpgy. Had to make activity arrangements through a local agent as the activity director was not interested in helping us. We were a group of 4 from Australia. Housekeeping was very poor, after changing some of the sheets on the 3rd day they stowed the upright vacuum cleaner in the wardrobe in the lounge amongst our clean hanging clothes and on top of our shoes. Every activity was $20 or more, even painting a coconut. Kaui is a very beautiful island and there is lots to see and do, however make sure you stay somewhere other than The Cliffs, you will certainly enjoy your stay on the island more.

its my favorite place to stay its like a secound home!!!!!!!!!! i have been there about 5 times and i love it!! its has a great pool and spa and great seice!

This is by far the best place to stay on the island of Kauai. I have been to Kauai ten times over the years, and have stayed here for eight of them, and am going back this summer. The Cliffs is located on the north side of the island, which is the perfect side of the island to get away from tourists, and crowded beaches. Also, it is located about 5-10 minutes from Hanalei, and 15 minutes from Ke'e beach, which is the best getaway spot on the Hawaiian Islands. The cliffs is located on just that, a cliff, but it is not steep, and there is plenty of foliage, so it is plenty safe for the kids. Also, since it�s located on the north side of the island, you will see spectacular sunsets that are hard to find anywhere else. I highly recommend the cliffs.

The location of The Cliffs is perfect if you want to be able to hang out at the Princeville Resort without all the glitz and glam and expense of those Ritz-Carlton hotel-staying types. Sure, the North Shore isn't the most dense place for activities, but the nearby beaches are fantastic for snorkeling, hiking, and going out to taste the local fare. As for The Cliffs, there are activities for those that don't want to leave the Resort and plenty to do. They have an Activities Coordinator, nice facilities, and great rooms for a reasonable price.