This hotel had it all! Great location...ocean across the street! Lovely rooms with original artwork and decorated in a way that you know you are on the Garden Island right down to the fresh flowers! The room was clean and comfortable. The staff was helpful and friendly. You could borrow extra towels for the beach, mats, boogie boards,etc,etc. There is shopping for essentials and places to eat within walking distance. You are on a road that easy goes to all destinations! We had a wonderful stay!

Date: July 30, 2008
Reviewer: a member from Tucson, Arizona
For us, the Garden Island Inn in Kauai was that “small hotel” in the romantic song “There’s a Small Hotel, With a Wishing Well.” Instead of the well, it had one of the best beaches in the world, with a nice little snorkeling area on one end.
We found it by accident in Lihue, from a friend’s recommendation. Once there, we noted that its staff members care about your happiness more than any I’ve seen in 40 years of travel. Lots of help, ideas. It has the works, Wi-Fi, snorkels, beach towels, beach books, kitchens, advice. I suspect the owner Steve Layne might even loan you a bicycle.
The beach is just across the street, by a park and next to the big Marriott, and classy restaurants like Duke’s. The rooms are smallish, but the inn is so reasonable you think you’re getting a family discount. Its upstairs balcony is good for reading or lunch, looking out at a mini-jungle with birds and cloud-covered mountains beyond. Check with Steve, at www.gardenislandinn.com, [--].

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!