Kaua‘i hotels named among world’s best

Travel + Leisure magazine’s discriminating readers have spoken again – and again Kaua‘i is a well-sung theme. The magazine’s “World’s Best Awards Readers’ Survey” results were recently announced in the January 2009 issue and three Kaua‘i hotels were cited as among the 500 best hotels in the world.

Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa, Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club and Princeville Hotel garnered this distinction. What’s particularly impressive for Princeville Hotel is it is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation and is scheduled to emerge rebranded as the St. Regis Princeville Resort this summer (accepting reservations beginning in July).

The characteristics Travel + Leisure readers considered when voting for top hotels were rooms/facilities, location, service, restaurants/food, and value. For islands the subjects included natural attractions, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people, and value.

All three of the Kaua‘i hotels honored are frequently acclaimed resorts with highly regarded golf courses. They, along with award-winning standalone course Puakea – rated by Golfweek Magazine as one of “America’s Best Courses You Can Play” – offer a collection of unforgettable playing experiences and resorts under the tagline “Kaua‘i: Discover Golf’s Ultimate Island Green.”

Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i proudly offers Poipu Bay Golf Course as an amenity. This intoxicatingly beautiful course – also a RTJ Jr. design – hosted Tiger Woods and other top PGA TOUR stars in the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994-2006.

Princeville is home to two courses with a combined 45 holes – the 18-hole Prince (rated No. 1 in Hawaii by Golf Digest Magazine) and the 27-hole Makai (currently closed for renovation until Fall 2009). Both are designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

The Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club includes the Jack Nicklaus-designed Kaua‘i Lagoons Golf Club among its many activity options. Currently 18 of 36 holes are in play. The back nine ocean holes of the Kiele Course are currently closed and in the process of receiving extensive upgrades, including the addition of one new ocean hole which will create a mile-long stretch of oceanfront golf.

“Kaua‘i is always honored to be recognized, and is especially excited because of the source – Travel + Leisure readers – people who are experiencing first-hand what each resort has to offer and then sharing their informed opinions with others,” said Sue Kanoho, Executive Director of the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau.

For more information about the Garden Isle, visit Kauaidiscovery.com/activities/golfing.