Lae Nani or Kauai beach villa in Dec?

Question

My hubby, 17 years old son and I will be spending Xmas and NY in Kauai. We are thinking of staying in Kapaa since it’s central to both north and South Island and we have a rental to explore. We would like to rent a condo so we have more space and we can eat in and out throughout our stay. I have narrowed down to 2 places.

Lae Nani- beautiful ocean view with 1.5 bath, but washer / dryer not in condo, don’t have beach gears available but good space for 3 of us. I was told the beach around there is nice. The price is slightly more.

Kauai beach villa- smaller with 1 bath no ocean view, I believe there’s a water fountain view from lanai? The pros is this condo can access to the outrigger resort with 4 pools and water slides, which I know my son will enjoy. Beach gears available in condo. I think the beach around there is nice too…

Which condo would you choose and why??

Answer

Both the Lae Nani and Kauai Beach Villa are excellent options, and the right choice depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for during your stay in Kauai. Here's a breakdown of both properties to help you decide which would suit your family better:

Lae Nani

Pros:

Ocean View: The beautiful ocean view is a major perk, especially if you enjoy waking up to scenic views and spending time on the lanai. It’s hard to beat the sound and sight of the ocean during your stay.
More Space: The condo offers 1.5 baths, giving you a bit more space and convenience, especially for a family of three. Having extra room is always a plus, especially for longer stays.
Location: Lae Nani is centrally located in Kapaa, making it easy to access both the north and south shores of the island. This is great for exploring all that Kauai has to offer.
Quiet and Relaxing: Lae Nani is known for being a quieter, more peaceful place, perfect if you want a relaxing environment away from busy tourist areas.

Cons:

No Washer/Dryer in Condo: While the condo has a lot of space, not having a washer and dryer directly in the unit can be a bit of a hassle, especially for a week-long stay. However, there may be laundry facilities available on-site.
No Beach Gear Provided: You mentioned that there are no beach gears provided. Depending on how much beach equipment you’d like to use, this could be a downside, although you can rent them locally.

Kauai Beach Villa

Pros:

Access to Resort Amenities: One of the major advantages of Kauai Beach Villa is the access to the Outrigger resort amenities, including 4 pools and water slides. Your son will likely enjoy this, as it adds an extra layer of entertainment and relaxation that’s especially nice after a day of sightseeing.
Beach Gear Included: Having beach gear available in the condo is a great convenience, as you won’t need to worry about renting or bringing your own equipment. You can easily head to the beach without extra hassle.
Nice Beach: The beach nearby is lovely, though note that it may not be as ideal for swimming due to stronger currents, but it’s still great for walking, lounging, and enjoying the view.
Cost-Effective: It seems that the Kauai Beach Villa may be slightly more affordable than Lae Nani, especially considering you’re getting access to resort-style amenities. This could be helpful if you’re looking to save a bit of money for other activities during your stay.

Cons:

No Ocean View: The lack of an ocean view can be a downside if you're looking for that special oceanfront experience. However, the water fountain view from the lanai may still provide a relaxing and pleasant ambiance.
Smaller Space: The condo seems a bit smaller, with only 1 bathroom, which may be less convenient if you want more space to spread out. This could be a consideration if you like having room to relax after a busy day of exploring.

Which Condo to Choose?

If you're looking for a more peaceful, spacious, and scenic experience with a beautiful ocean view, Lae Nani may be the better choice. It offers a larger space with more privacy and the soothing presence of the ocean, which can make for a very relaxing stay.

However, if your son enjoys swimming and water slides and you’d like the convenience of beach gear and resort amenities, Kauai Beach Villa might be a better fit. It’s also more affordable and centrally located, offering easy access to the pools and resort facilities. While it doesn’t offer the same ocean view, the convenience of having more things to do on-site could be a big draw.

Final Recommendation: If your priority is the ocean view, quiet atmosphere, and spacious condo, go with Lae Nani. If you want more activities for your son and beach gear included, and you're okay with a smaller space and no ocean view, the Kauai Beach Villa will offer great value.

Lae Nani or Kauai beach villa in Dec?

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