The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue

Everything is totally wonderful! And I really want to thank you Blinda for helping me get helicopter tour booked !! I will come back some day !

I love the Sonesta Brand!

Everything was fine for the first 3-4 days we were there. We were leaving the hotel in the morning and coming back at night. But when we wanted to stay at the hotel during the day to enjoy the pool and dining, the construction noise made it nearly impossible. So, I wouldn’t recommend staying there if you plan to spend time at the resort during the day until the construction is finished.

This is the second year in a row at this resort. We feel the location is perfect. Especially if you plan to explore the island. Just a couple of miles from the airport (don’t really hear much at all from planes). Staff get an. A+. Everyone very helpful. Yes, there is construction right now. Main restaurant and bar are closed but a tent and tables are set up by the pool along with a bar. There is a limited menu but the food was very good and servers very good and friendly. There is also construction on hot tubs but 2 of the 5 were open when we were there. Rooms are nice and beds very comfortable. It was very hard to keep humidity out of the room, but expected with rainy island. Not sure why all the negative reviews. We had a fantastic time once again.

We love this hotel. This is the fifth time we have stayed here. They have a fantastic, large pool; lounge chairs were plentiful. They also have a kiddie pool with a slide. The food and drink are excellent, as are the staff. Other dining options are within an easy walk. Dukes is a great oceanside bar and restaurant. The ever popular ABC store is also a short walk from the hotel. Some construction continues until the end of October. The views from our room were breathtaking. The resort fee is $42. plus tax per day. Parking is also extra. However, there is a free shuttle to and from the airport. The hotel is very clean and is beautifully landscaped. It's a very long plane ride from the Midwest, but definitely worth it. We cannot wait to return sometime in the future.

To celebrate our 30th anniversary my wife and I planned a trip to visit Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island during September 2024. After spending a week at the Royal Hawaiian and then Disney’s Aulani resorts we traveled to Kauai and stayed several nights at the Royal Sonesta. Since this was a special occasion I didn’t mind spending a lot to experience the best of what Hawaii has to offer. Unfortunately, I did not find that experience at the Royal Sonesta. The first sign that our time at the Royal Sonesta was going to be far different than the other deluxe resorts was when we arrived at the main entrance. When we arrived another guest was being assisted with their luggage and partially blocked the driveway so we waited behind them. About 4-5 minutes passed and none of the bellmen acknowledged us or attempted to direct us to where we could be assisted with our luggage and valet of the vehicle. When another vehicle arrived behind us one of the bellmen ignored me but waved for the other driver to pull up. After the other vehicle had passed us the bellmen assisted them but neither he nor the other bellmen acknowledged us so I drove up and stopped near the bell service desk. Even though I was right in front of several bellmen who were not assisting other guests none of them welcomed us or offered to assist us with our luggage or valet our vehicle. Unfortunately this left my wife, daughter and I to carry our luggage through a service corridor and down an elevator since luggage is not allowed on the escalator which takes you to the check in desk. The appearance of the resort overall was nice but the design was a bit dated and the common areas were not well cared for. The resort staff were helpful, but not exceptionally friendly or welcoming when not involved in providing a service. If you’re planning a special trip and looking for a special experience and superior service I’d suggest looking to another resort.

We booked through Resort Pass for a day room so we could enjoy the hotel/amenities prior to our 9 PM flight. We ended up staying at the hotel due to a flight cancellation. First of all, the staff at this hotel are amazing. Helpful, nice, and professional. There is some construction going on at the hotel - a restaurant near the pool. However, this did not impede our enjoyment of the pool (which is spectacular) and the beach. We enjoyed the beach and Duke's Bar. Because it was originally a day room, I was unsure on how it would be. The room was very nicely appointed and look recently updated. Super comfortable and bathroom was uber modern. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there and now we will consider going back to this location as the staff was fantastic - from the moment you get out of the vehicle to check out.

My wife and I enjoyed our stay at the Royal Sonesta. The location is great ... the beach directly in front of the hotel is hard to beat, our room was clean and comfortable, pool area is relaxing, and the hotel grounds are well maintained. This is not a super luxury hotel, but it is very nice and surpassed our expectations. We thought it offered good value.