My husband and I recently stayed the night before leaving Kauai. This is our 4th year to stay there. Last summer we stayed for 3 nights. It's close to the airport and is located just across the street from Kalapaki Beach.
This last visit proved to be better than ever -- the place was spotlessly clean, seemed to have new bed linen with new pillow protectors and nice mattress pad (yes, I check these things!)
We stayed on the 2nd floor with balcony. It was small but cozy with a glass-topped table with two chairs inside -- and a table and two chairs on the lanai. Good lamps, TV, chest of drawers and night stands. Nicely painted inside with beautiful paintings by local artist. The gardens are lovely with plumeria and other flowers.
The sunrises from the balcony are spectacular. Beautiful views of Kalapaki Beach. Easy access--just walk across the street. Beach towels, snorkel gear, boogie boards, mats are all available at the office. Wash sand off in the gardens where outdoor shower is provided. Fun. Cookies -- yummy! Lots of aloha.

I was a member of the same reunion group and couldn't agree more. Anything we asked for was cheerfully virtually always granted. Plenty of fluffy towels. Comfortable beds. Convenient location with easy access to breakfast places, ABC store shopping and Internet cafe. Nothing fancy or posh but so old-time Hawai'i. Couldn't have been happier.
MAHALO, GARDEN ISLAND INN!

My high school graduation class of 1958 had a reunion on Kauai and we chose the Garden Island Inn for a two night stay. I was a little nervous about making the choice for 20 people....BUT, Bravo! the class loved our choice. The owner made a sign for us saying "Welcome..." The staff had snorkeling equipment, towels, tatami beach mats and coolers we could use for no charge. They have coffee and oatmeal cookies available at all times. The gardens are beautiful and the whole place is filled with original art. I felt that this small hotel carried the aloha spirit to the max. I would stay here again in a heartbeat.

The hotel was nice, the room was spacious with fridge and microwave and if you book the second floor or higher, you get a nice balcony with a view towards the ocean.
Wireless internet available.
www.gardenislandinn.com

Overall I enjoyed the hotel. I think the price is reasonable for Kauai. It is conveniently close to the airport (about 4-5 min by car). Near the hotel is ABC store that is open late in case you need some wine or munchies. Also there is a nice japanese/chinese restaurant in the shopping complex near the hotel for a good price.
Not too far is K-mart and Barnes and Noble.

There aren't many hotels in the vicinity of this hotel thus it is more calm in the area.