St Regis Hotel Bar

Hyped by many as "THE place to go" for sunset cocktails in Princeville, we decided to check out the St. Regis in ourselves. Make no mistake the view IS absolutely beautiful making it ta romantic or special occasion "go-to", but be ready for the luxury hotel gamut of slow-paced high-priced options for any sort of seating or eating. Your easiest option with the best view would be a visit to the St. Regis Bar, and here are some tips for how to get the best out of the experience.

At a Glance:
Cuisine: pupus, and high end cocktails
Price: $$/$$$$
Location: Princeville, Kauai
Hours: Daily Bar 3:30 to 11:00 pm; Dinner service: 5:30 to 10:00 pm
Environment/Dcor: Indoor and outdoor seating just off the luxury hotel lobby and next to balcony facing sunset.

As you drive into Princeville resorts and take the main road to the end, you come out to the Pu'u Poa Point and the overlooking bluffs, home of the luxury resort the St. Regis. The valet greets you upon arriving, and you step right into the hotel entry and lobby. The bar is across the lobby toward your right. Follow the sound of the Hawaiian music, usually being performed live. Sometimes in the evenings they also have live piano music, as well as live jazz a few times a month. The main seating looks a lot like the hotel lounge, but you will see two menu placards that serve as your entry, once greeted you will be seated. Ask for a balcony if the weather looks good outside. Seating is first come first served, so you may want to come an hour or more prior to sunset to be able to get that table, and get the drinks before the "sunset rush".

Once seated, don't be alarmed but to order drinks, they hold your credit card. With this in mind, realize that on a summer evening sunset when they are holding and processing dozens of cards, your check out time can be delayed quite a bit. Either surrender to staying a while and soaking up $16 cocktails and $20 pupus, or put that "show up early" attitude in motion and get your drink order in, then 20 minutes before sunset start your billing process. You will look like a genius as you toast the sunset and then walk out when your drinks are done, card in hand ready to get away from the crowd. But hey, you just went to the hotel of kings, and now can celebrate at one of the many locally owned eateries that encourage loitering and great food portioning.

The classic sunset into the ocean only happens from late spring to early autumn, the rest of the year it is behind the mountains of the islands interior. The peak season for sunsets at the St. Regis is July and August, it can be wall to wall with people during this peak season. A "champagne sabering" ceremony happens year round at the sunset for a little extra show nightly. If you are not attached to sunset, come enjoy the setting for dessert and cocktails in the evening, or earlier in the afternoon enjoying the indoor air-conditioning while gazing through ceiling to floor plate glass windows.

Local's Tip:
If the St. Regis Bar is overflowing, try the poolside bar for a much less overcrowded option. They view is not as elevated but the Bay and poolside are equally beautiful.

Contacts:
Phone: 808.826.9644
Website: http://www.stregisprinceville.com/dining/st-regis-bar
Link for "sunset champagne sabering": http://www.stregisprinceville.com/pdf/Champagne.red.pdf

Address:
5520 Ka Haku Road
Princeville, Hawaii 96722

Directions:
From Kuhio Highway HI-route 56Turn right onto Ka Haku Rd at the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit and stay on Ka Haku Rd for 2.2 miles until the end. Valet parking at the hotels main entry.