Kauai Hotels

This modern Sheraton (since 1997) has the feeling of Old Hawaii and a dynamite location on one of Kauai's best beaches. It features buildings on both the ocean side and the mountain side of the road. The horseshoe-shape, Polynesian-style lobby has shell chandeliers dangling from the ceiling. You have a choice of three buildings: one nestled in tropical gardens with koi-filled ponds; one facing the palm-fringed, white-sand beach (our favorite); and one looking across green grass to the ocean, with great sunset views. The rooms overlook either the tropical gardens or the rolling surf. The rooms and public area were all recently updated: Flatscreen TVs have been added, new tropical furniture and drapes now adorn the rooms, and many new amenities are now on property (oceanfront luau twice a week, vintage movies are shown under the stars once a week, live entertainment in the ocean-facing bar, even educational lectures on the Hawaii monk seal -- a frequent visitor to the white-sand beach in front of the property -- are given every Wed night).

The bar is fabulous. Even if you don't stay here, come by to order a cocktail and an appetizer, and take in the view and the Hawaiian music. A golf course is nearby. Families, take note: Kids eat free with a paying adult at the Shell Restaurant, at both breakfast and dinner.

Facilities: 3 restaurants (plus oceanfront luau on Mon and Fri); extraordinary bar; 2 outdoor pools (1 w/water playground, 1 for children); 3 tennis courts (2 night-lit); fitness room facing the ocean (one of the most scenic places to work out on Kauai); small massage-and-skin-care center; Jacuzzi; watersports equipment rentals; children's program; concierge; activities desk; car-rental desk; shopping arcade; salon; room service; babysitting; coin-op washer/dryers; same-day laundry/dry cleaning

- Frommer's