Marriott Vacation Club has 3 properties on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Many of you may be familiar with the Kauai Beach Club and the Waiohai Beach Club. In 2010, MVCI opened up a 3rd property called Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u. This was originally built as a whole ownership Marriott Residence Club. Due to the real estate crisis in 2007, Marriott was forced to turn the property into a Vacation Club.
The good news for guests is that the 2 and 3 bedroom units are fabulous – the largest and most luxurious of all Vacation Club properties. They have Residence Club finishes throughout: large kitchens with sub-zero refrigerators, huge balconies with a table for 4 and 2 lounge chairs, large living spaces and bedrooms.
There are 3 view categories in the 4-story buildings: Island View, Ocean View and Oceanfront. Island View is the bottom 2 floors of the buildings. All face into the resort as opposed to a parking lot. Ocean views are the 3rd and 4th floor except for the section closest to the ocean. Those are considered Oceanfront.
The buildings are in a horseshoe shape. You can request one of 3 buildings: A, B or C. A is closest to the ocean but unless you are Oceanfront, you are looking directly at the partially-built Ritz Carlton Club in the near distance. This is quite an eyesore. Building B also looks towards the Ritz but has more of the lush landscaping in front. Building C has the best views of the pool and property overall with the Ritz off to the side. C units hear quite a bit of noise from the pool.
With only 76 units, this is a small, intimate property. The pool is a nice size with a small slide for kids and one hot tub. There is no bar or restaurant on-property so if you envisage yourself lying by the pool and sipping a mai tai, this is not the resort for you. There is also no beach access which I think is the biggest drawback to the property. You can go down to the beach at the Kauai Marriott Hotel but you can’t use any of their lounge chairs so you have to be comfortable with lying out on a beach towel. The fitness center is quite large and well-equipped.
Shuttle service is offered until 5:45pm to the hotel and the golf course. Unfortunately, if you want to go to dinner at one of the restaurants by the hotel you either have to drive or be prepared for a good walk. Valet service is complimentary at the hotel after 5:45pm.
If you want to experience fabulous villas and don’t care about a beach or food/drink service at the pool, you will really enjoy this resort.
