When visiting the island of Kauai, there is a good chance that you'll consider staying at the Lihue hotels at some point. Lihue is where the island's main airport is located, and due south of the city is the island's main seaport, so virtually everyone who visits Kauai arrives at Lihue. Whether you choose to stay for a while or you just need a dependable place to rest before moving on to your ultimate destination, the hotels in Lihue should be more than adequate. The Lihue lodging scene also features some vacation rentals that come in the form of cottages and condos, so you might consider them as well when looking for a place to stay.

Kauai Marriott Resort

One of the best things about Lihue lodging is its relative affordability. The vacation rentals and hotels in Lihue cost less than their counterparts in other top Kauai destinations, so if you are interested in saving on lodging costs, Lihue is a good place to be. Should your budget allow, staying at one of the Lihue resorts might be the way to go. The Kauai Marriott Resort takes top honors when it comes to the most luxurious Lihue hotels, and it sits right on Kalapaki Beach. For those who are looking for the resort experience that costs less, the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort might be a better fit.

Some of the hotels in Kauai come in the form of resorts that feature vacation rental units, and the Kauai Beach Villas Resort is one such property. This Lihue condominium resort offers an array of different guest units, and you'll likely be pleased with the rates. The amenities in the guest units at Kauai Beach Villas vary, and you will understandably pay more for a beachfront unit. Most of the units feature fully equipped kitchens, entertainment centers, and laundry facilities, which raises their convenience factor, and wireless internet access is also generally available. A bright and cheery decor is standard regardless of the unit that you book, and ample furnishings are provided, both inside the condo and out on the private balcony. When you're not relaxing in your comfortable condo at Kauai Beach Villas, you can head for the beach, which stretches from Lihue on north to Wailua and Kapaa. Relaxing by the cool, outdoor pool is also an option, as is playing a tennis on one of the resort's four tennis courts. Barbecue grills and picnic tables are spread about the grounds at Kauai Beach Villas, so you can take advantage of them as well.

Kauai Map

Garden Island Inn

When you choose a resort as your Lihue lodging, you will pay more than you will at one of the local hotels or motels. For travelers who have lower rates in mind, the Garden Island Inn is worth considering. There are 21 tropically themed guest units to choose from at the Garden Island Inn, and each one boasts a kitchenette, cable TV, wireless internet access, air-conditioning, and a ceiling fan. Some of the units also feature a private balcony, and ocean and mountain views are usually part of the deal. You'll find the Garden Island Inn near Kalapaki Beach, and you're also close to an array of local shops and restaurants. One of things that helps make the Garden Island Inn one of the better hotels in Lihue is the beach gear on offer at no extra cost. Snorkeling equipment, beach chairs, and boogie boards are among the items that you can borrow for the day.

Basing yourself in Lihue when visiting Kauai is a great idea, thanks in part to the city's location. Visits to the island's south shore or north shore are easy to arrange when staying in Lihue, and you can even rent a car or take a bus to check out places such as the Na Pali Coast or the Waimea Canyon. When you choose to book your stay at one of the more affordable Lihue hotels, such as the Kauai Inn, you'll have more money left over for such side pursuits. While it doesn't offer direct beach access, the Kauai Inn is still close to Kalapaki Beach, so you can easily enjoy plenty of beach time during your stay. The relaxing grounds on which the hotel sits help guests to unwind, and you can hardly argue with the quality of the accommodations. There are 48 guest units at the Kauai Inn, and each features an attractive tropical decor. Standard amenities in all guest units include cable TV, free high-speed internet access, a mini-fridge, a microwave, a telephone, a ceiling fan, a hair dryer, and an iron and ironing board. Outside of the rooms, a swimming pool, barbecue areas, a guest computer, and laundry facilities figure among the overall amenities. In terms of overall value, it's hard to top the Kauai Inn when looking for your ideal accommodation in Lihue.

Lihue motels including the Tip Top Motel and the Motel Lani offer some of the lowest lodging rates on the island of Kauai, and while they are fine if you don't require a lot of amenities, you might consider spending a little extra to stay at the discount Kauai Palms Hotel. Formerly known as the Hale Lihue Motel, the recently renovated Kauai Palms Hotel enjoys a central location just off Rice Street, which is the main street in town. There are 28 clean and comfortable guest rooms to choose from at the Kauai Palms Hotel, and they all feature cozy beds, island-themed furnishings, a flat-screen television with cable channels, free wireless internet access, a mini-fridge, and a coffee maker. If you choose to book one of the deluxe units, and you'll also get a fully equipped kitchenette. It's hard to find lodging that rivals the Kauai Palms Hotel when it comes to cheap hotels in Kauai, which is why many travelers depend on it during their visits to the island.