The Bed alone is worth it!
Overall rating: 
LandonCole3 from Tarzana on 02/09/2013 said:
“
I rarely write reviews but since I read over 100 just to rent 1557 for 2 nights I felt that I needed to report back. I will say that the other reviews were helpful especially about the resort itself. There were no surprises other than the amazing king bed the condo had.
I chose this condo for 2 main reason's, the price and also the responses I read from the owner himself. He answered everyone's complaints and seemed to take care of any problems immediately I was very impressed with his concern for the comfort of his guests.
I will say that the reason I'm giving the 4 stars instead of 5 are for all the same reasons that other's have written about. You can hear your neighbors, especially on the Lanai. We are not quiet people and felt like if our neighbors were on the Lanai, we could not be out there at the same time without them disturbing us or vice versa. And by 'disturb' i just mean the feeling of ease dropping.
also, We did have ant's, but I had noticed them on the resort before heading to our room so I was not surprised. We called down to the front desk and someone was there within 5 min. But, then we had to live with the smell of the spray. Since we spent most of our time out doors we really didn't have to deal with it much. Washing dishes in the sink is a bit of a pain I must say. But i was happy with the small kitchenette. it had everything we needed. I would suggest if there is time and money for a small remodel, i would put in a more accommodating sink for washing dishes as well as your face. (i'd also re caulk the tub and freshen up the doors).
I'm nit picking because I think this condo is on the verge of a 5 and with small changes it could be.
The view is amazing, the decor is warm and inviting...oh and all the gear in the closets is wonderful. Boogie boards, tennis rackets, ice chest etc...I would definitely recommend this condo and would probably stay there myself in the future. Aloha!!!
”
Nice condo for the price
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Dave from GIg Harbor, WA on 12/11/2012 said:
“
Nice place for a short stay. The limited kitchen facilities would make longer stays challenging. Had to defrost the refer upon arrival as the freezer compartment was completely encased in ice. Hbr is a great resort, well managed with a wonderful pool and beach access.
”
Manager response:
“
Aloha Dave:<br />
<br />
Thank you for the heads up and for your review and stay. The cleaners now have included a check of the freezer compartment in the fridge to make sure that future guests don't have this happen to them. <br />
<br />
Aloha,<br />
Jim Dornfeld, Owner, Hanalei Bay Resort Condos 1557, 1558, 1557-58
”
Super Great
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Ron Payne from Lodi Ca on 12/07/2012 said:
“
We loved the Luxury, fantastic super great! We loved the beautiful condo, view of mountains,climate, service received, and location to all attractions. Many thanks for a great getaway.
”
Hooked Up
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Marv from San Francisco on 11/23/2012 said:
“
Convenient spot to access the North Shore, sweet view, comfy room, beautiful pool and hot tub with waterfalls, complementary ride to the beach for snorkeling. Aloha.
”
soothing and relaxing views
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Yvette from Los Angeles on 11/02/2012 said:
“
We were pleasantly surprised upon entering room 1557. The unit was spacious for a studio and the bathroom space was more than adequate. We stepped onto the balcony and immediately fell in love with the gorgeous views. We sat outside every morning to eat our breakfast. The grounds are nice and 1557 is a short walk to the pool, tennis courts, and the front desk. We were told to request a golf cart ride to the beach but we decided to walk instead. It's a nice walk down but a bit of a steep walk up. The beach is shared with the resort next door and is definitely worth a visit. Be sure to bring the snorkel gear and beach chairs that are in the closet. I do have a few negatives to mention. We noticed ants in the bathroom and in the hallway on the first day that we arrived. I sprayed them with a cleaner that I found in the bathroom. It helped, but they returned each day. Make sure you don't leave any food or trash out. Also, there is absolutely no counter space to prepare your food and all the dishes have to be washed in the bathroom sink. The unit was pretty quiet. However, on the last day I turned the air conditioning off and heard the conversations in the adjoining unit. The service at the resort was helpful and friendly. We absolutely loved that the resort was close to the Napali Coast and Queensbath. I didnt mind that there was no restaurant or store on the premises. There is a Foodland and restaurants to the left of the resort when you exit. I have to mention that making the reservation was easy and the information I received by e mail was very detailed and helpful.
”
Manager response:
“
Thank you for your review. I agree that my condo is a great place for people looking for serenity and beauty on Kauai. <br />
<br />
Sorry about your experience with the ants and that does happen if any food is left out. They will be out to let you know that the counters are yet clean! Nevertheless I will stock some ant traps in the condo as well as find out from resort management about treatments happening with the building.<br />
<br />
* Update November 13 - Resort management says that the ant problem is resort wide issue recently and they are working to solve it.<br />
<br />
When I did the remodel to put in the small kitchenette there was no easy way to put in a sink, so you do have to do your dishes in the bathroom. I will stop by this month and take a look at some ways to make that easier for guests.<br />
<br />
Again thank you for your stay and review<br />
<br />
Aloha,<br />
<br />
Jim Dornfeld, Owner
”
garden view rocked
Overall rating:
j and i from seattle on 10/11/2012 said:
“
Welcome respite after 3 nights of camping. We loved the privacy, the super high ceilings and inspiring view of the Na Pali mountain coast. It had everything we needed. Bed was fabulously comfortable (but creaky!) Like other folks said the walls are thin- if you have the aC on, you may not notice. Also, somewhat lacking in the type of surface you can make a sandwich on- but we managed with the small cutting boards provided. We had a great time- it worked just fine for our needs. We would rent 1557 again. Mahalo!
”
Great stay. Will be coming back
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M from New York on 08/16/2012 said:
“
Everything was as expected, but I really enjoyed the nice surprises. The gift basket upon arrival was nice. Also the snorkeling and tennis equipment made it easy to enjoy the beach and the rest of the facilities. Definitely a great stay and the room was beautiful with a great view.
”
Affordable Luxury!
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Rosario from Montevideo, Uruguay on 07/10/2012 said:
“
We had a wonderful 3 week stay in Kauai and were so fortunate to have found HBR and unit 1557! The unit was very clean, quiet, and the furniture and decor a great combination of sumptuous "island style" luxury. Everything was updated and remodeled, and we felt like royalty! All the details were taken care of, down to the closet full of beach chairs, body boards, and all we needed to enjoy our days at the ocean. We loved the HBR grounds, the pool area is amazing with a nice sand bottomed wading pool for the kids and a beautiful hot-tub for the adults... Princeville is the perfect place to enjoy a Kauai vacation, close to everything on the north shore and the most beautiful part of the island. Aloha Condos was great to deal with, service was personalized and timely. The experience exceeded our expectations, and is an amazing value! Highly recommended if you want to feel pampered and stay within a budget...
”
Great for the price, but...
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Sunseeker from Oregon on 06/09/2012 said:
“
This room is a great size for two if you don't want or need a full kitchen for cooking and groceries. The view is spectacular, overlooking the mountains with a waterfall running down the middle one. With the sliding glass doors open you feel like you are in a tree house with the landscape of tropical trees below. The room is comfortable and nicely appointed except for the squeaky bed. If you are a light to medium sleeper beware, the bedframe squeaks with every movement. It kept us up longer as we were trying to fall asleep with the the noises. In addition, the walls are very thin to the unit to the right, next door. We could hear the vaccuum being run as if it were in our room, and hear the neighbors conversations at a normal volume, not speaking loudly. We noticed the volume had lowered as we suspected they could hear us taking as well. We in turn also talked quietly after that. The only thing separating the lanai is a piece of lattice like fencing so you can also hear everything next to you and see through the openings. The big positives were the price, all the beach equipment provided in the closet~two beach chairs, two coolers, a beach bag, 3 snorkel sets with fins, and a boogie board. We appreciated having all of this at our disposal and not having to rent or purchase them. And also, the bathroom was spacious and nicely appointed with all our toiletry needs. The kitchenette has everything you need if you don't have a desire to cook or don't want a large fridge or need a freezer. We like to cook and wanted to store things in a freezer so were disappointed the fridge was a mini one and no more than a microwave and toaster oven. Also, it was inconvenient to have to use the single bathroom sink to also wash dishes. For the price though it was worth it. But considering the drawbacks I wouldn't stay here if the price was higher, or at least much higher. All in all it was a positive experience and would recommend it.
”
Hidden gem on north shore
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Betty from Waynesville on 05/15/2012 said:
“
This condo had the best lanai overlooking lush tropical landscape with waterfalls in the distance. The beautiful local birds were a bonus. Hanalei Bay Resort has the best hot tub on the north shore. Short drive to Foodland and shops at Princeville. Cant wait to come back.
”
Don't be fooled
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Unpampered from Brisbane, CA on 12/06/2011 said:
“
Any thoughts of a great resort quickly slide away as you are delivered to condo 1557. The golf cart takes you by the staff break alcove, the garbage dumpsters, the resort laundry, you name all those beautiful behind the scenes locals. This is the only way to get to Condo 1557 and the nearly 20 condos in this part of the "resort". Each day I would need to walk by all this to get to the parking area. I referred to several guests that I was staying in the "ghetto".
On the flip side the condo was beautifully furnished and comfortable, although not very sound proof, I could hear the neighbors next door quite plainly.
The whole complex was just that, a condo complex, not what I call a resort at all. You are totally on your own, no activities, no staff(except at the temporary desk as you arrive), no activities, no sundries store, etc etc.
”
Manager response:
“
UPDATE March 17, 2011: The path to the pool from the condo has been redone and is again open. The maintenance area has been remodeled and the dumpsters are now kept behind gates. The pool and surrounding area have been completely resurfaced and are working great! The restaurant and lounge won't likely be open until 2013 or later.<br />
<br />
Thank you for your review and I apologize for the current state of Hanalei Bay Resort.<br />
<br />
Yes, the resort is currently in a transition period following the fire in July 2011 that destroyed the roof of the main building at the resort The roof has been removed and most of the demolition is done and the rebuilding is now beginning.<br />
<br />
The main pool and hot tub area are being resurfaced and is expected to be functioning again in late December 2011. The front desk, restaurant, lounge and support areas (like the sundry shop) are being redesigned and are expected to open again in 2013.<br />
<br />
2012 will be a transitional year at the resort but it is still the best location in Princeville with a beautiful walk to the beach. My hope is that you'll come back after this transition to be pampered with Aloha and to see how wonderful this part of the world truly is.<br />
<br />
Jim Dornfeld, Owner, Hanalei Bay Resort Condos 1557, 1558, 1557-58<br />
<br />
PS: We will continue to update the Aloha Condos website with details on the progress. Our intent is to continue to be forthcoming to our guests as aways.<br />
”
Private Corner of Paradise - just right for us.
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GM from Salt Lake City, UT on 09/01/2011 said:
“
We stayed in unit 1557 at Hanalei Bay Resort and it was just perfect. The room has a breakfast bar with everything we needed for simple meals or preparing food for the grills down by the pool. The view is fantastic and the privacy is priceless! No other unit faces this lanai - it's just mountains, waterfalls and trees. The bed is comfortable and the unit was very clean. We also appreciated the wifi and the beach gear.
”
Easily a 4+ Star Condo if it Was Cleaner
Overall rating:
tomdor from Tacoma, WA on 08/31/2011 said:
“
The Condo:
After much online searching, we booked this condo for our honeymoon. This condo has an amazing view and the privacy on the lanai is second to none. We absolutely loved enjoying our morning coffee and breakfast on the lanai. A major bonus was the boogie boards and snorkel sets in the closet. They also had beach mats, tennis rackets and a few coolers. We really enjoyed our stay. However, it would have been better if the place was cleaner. The floor in the bathroom had hair in the corners and when we looked under the bed there was an empty water bottle and a wrapper of some sort. Also, the faucet in the bathroom was dripping when we arrived and progressively got worse over our stay to the point where it was no longer dripping but lightly running water. We don't like to waste water so we called the front desk and they promptly sent a maintenance crew out to fix it but they couldn't get a part for it so that was that.
The Resort:
The pool is absolutely beautiful. We didn't spend very much time at the pool because we were always at the beach, but a few times during our stay we lounged by the pool in the evening and then walked down to the beach to watch the sunset. The grounds are so lush and well kept and the walk to the beach isn't bad either. Some people got a ride from a golf cart but we elected to walk-the path is fairly steep in spots. The restaurant had burned down in July so there is no place to eat onsite. Because of the fire, the condo is only accessible through the employee parking lot and you have to walk past dumpsters and a maintenance office/garage. This wasn't ideal but not that big of a deal. Although you have to drive down a street with a bunch of speed bumps, we loved the location of this resort.
”
Manager response:
“
My sincere apologies for the cleaning issues that you experienced on your honeymoon. Remedies were put in place after receiving your review (I wish that you had contacted us during your stay - I live 15 minutes away) and we will continue to check to ensure that my condo is presented in a clean and well maintained state to all of our guests.<br />
<br />
Although we appreciate that the front desk can respond to maintenance issues inside of the condo (they are a great group of persons with aloha), we prefer that you contact me or my local staff via the information provided in your check-in materials and posted inside of my condo whenever there are issues that need attention inside of the condo.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately the fire in July 2011 was still being cleaned up during your honeymoon and it's too bad about the timing. We were very fortunately that nobody was injured. As of March 2012 you can again reach the condo via the path to and from the pool. If guests choose to walk past the dumpsters and maintenance offices, they have been remodeled and hidden along with removal of vegetation that now makes it a much more pleasant stroll.<br />
<br />
With Aloha,<br />
<br />
Jim Dornfeld, Owner, Hanalei Bay Resort, Condo 1557
”
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