We loved the Kauai Inn. The staff was awesome and so accommodating. We were greeted with fresh flower and kukui nut leis. The continental breakfast was wonderful with delicious pastries and fresh local fruits and of course good Hawaiin Coffee. The room was clean and comfortable. I loved the toiletries and soaps laden with the fragrance of paradise. The pool was well kept. And let’s not forget the hotel cat, Jessabelle, who visited us with a friendly purr. A really great place to stay. I’ve stayed in hotels around the world. This one ranks right at the top.

The grading system is madness!

Here is a beautiful little hotel, set in a quiet and secluded bit of the Island, yet only a few miles from Lihue Airport. The lodges cluster round a small, but immaculately kept pool. Each lodge is just two stories, and each room is spacious and well appointed. It's not hyper-modern. The rooms have lots of 'character' and that is a good thing, not a euphemism for shabby or tired - it simply isn't. We have stayed in many three and four star hotels in France with much smaller rooms, not maintained to the same standard.

The communal area where a simple but adequate breakfast is served in the morning is where we chose to sit most nights. The complimentary coffee machine is 24 hours with a wide choice of blends, and as long as no glass is involved (it is near the pool) you can enjoy any drinks you buy during the day by the light of flickering, real flame, torches - a magical touch. Deeper into the grounds there's a barbecue area.

Completing the homely atmosphere is the most crucial staff member - Jezebel, the black cat. She stalks around and may, if you are lucky, decide to grace you with her company.

Second most important staffer is Paula, the host / front desk during the afternoon and evening. For us she is the 'face' of Kauai Inn, and it is hard to image a better one. Friendly and efficient, however busy she gets she always makes time for the guests, leaving you feeling valued and welcome.

Just a mile away is the small commercial centre and surfing beach at Nawiliwili. An ABC Stores can provide most needs and the restaurant there is excellent in a very American, sports bar style.

You do really need access to a car if you are going to base yourself at the Kauai Inn, but if you are over-nighting the cab from the airport is no problem. For one of our evenings out which involved a certain amount of alcohol, Paula sourced for us a wonderful taxi driver. She was reliable, turning up to collect us at the end of the evening exactly as promised, and giving us each a big hug as she dropped us off. What a deliciously friendly place this is.