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the “resort fee” that hotels charge) called a “cleaning fee.” Personally, I hate this. Why not just incorporate all costs into the room rate? I think “cleaning fees” is a chintzy way to look “affordable” but then add yet another cost on to your unit. (Travelers: Be sure to read the fine print; if you are getting a unit for $135 a night plus an $80 cleaning fee for a 2-night minimum—you really are buying a $175-a-night unit.) I have gotten numerous cards, letters, and e-mails from guests complaining about these “cleaning fees,” all saying they feel slightly cheated by this additional cost. B&B and condo owners: Take note that it is better to have one rate (including cleaning fees and all other costs) than to have unhappy guests.

INEXPENSIVE

Brennecke’s Beach Bungalow Attention honeymooners (or honeymooner wannabes): This is your place. It’s so close to Poipu Beach that you can see it from your private lanai (about a 45-second walk from the front door to the waves). Tucked into a large two-story house is this private-entrance studio decorated with bamboo floors, maple cabinets, and lots of Hawaiian decor. This studio also has a small kitchenette (microwave, toaster oven, blender, coffeemaker, and fridge), cozy sitting area, and a big, comfortable bed. Outdoors there’s a beach shower, barbecue area, and big, green lawn. Restaurants, dining, tennis, and golf are just minutes away. Book this baby!

2255 Nalo Rd., Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii 96756. 88 8/393-4646 or 80 8/742-1116. Fax 80 8/246-2505. www.poipubeachbungalow.com. 1 studio. $150–$175, plus a cleaning fee of $115. 7-night minimum. No credit cards. Amenities: Barbecue area; golf nearby; tennis courts nearby. In room: TV/DVD/VCR/CD, fridge, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi.

Ellie’s Koloa House For years Ellie ran the popular Koloa Landing Cottages, then in 2007, she sold that business and renovated an old plantation house in the heart of Koloa. This two-bedroom/two-bathroom home, surrounded by tropical gardens, is for the traveler who wants a “real” Hawaii experience living in a residential area. Ellie has a terrific eye for color and design, and has taken this plain-Jane house and converted it into a whimsical tropical cottage—perfect for a family. Entry is through a plant-filled, outdoor lanai, where you will likely spend lots of time—just like Hawaii residents. The house (with full kitchen) has antique furniture recovered in old Hawaiian-print fabric, with paddle fans to keep the house cool, TV, washer and dryer, barbecue, and everything you can think of to make your vacation. Just a mile and a half to the beach and walking distance to Koloa town’s shops and restaurants.

5335 Malino Rd., Koloa, HI 96756. 80 0/779-8773 or 80 8/635-0054.www.koloavacationrental.com. 1 house. $125 for 4. 2-night minimum. No credit cards. Amenities: Barbecue. In room: TV, fridge, Internet, kitchen.

Hale Pohaku This half-acre tropical compound can be either a great bargain for independent travelers or a terrific find for a big, big family. Just 30 seconds from Poipu Beach, this four-house complex was purchased and renovated in 2005, and consists of a five-bedroom manager’s house, two restored plantation-era two-bedroom cottages, and a third two-bedroom cottage built in the same plantation style. You can rent everything from a studio to the entire lot (sleeps 22). Each unit features a fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, private barbecue area, hardwood floors, and outdoor beach shower. This gated compound has a swimming pool, extra amenities for kids (highchairs, and so forth), and plenty of beach toys (boogie boards, snorkeling equipment, and such). Golf, tennis, restaurants, and shopping are close by.

2231 Pane Rd., Koloa, HI 96756. 86 6/742-6462 or 80 8/742-6462. www.vacationrental-kauai.com. 5 units. $135 studio double; $275 2-bedroom cottage double; $625 5-bedroom house, plus cleaning fee $80–$250. 2-night minimum. AE, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Pool; golf nearby; tennis courts nearby. In room: TV/VCR, barbecue area, hair dryer, kitchen, Wi-Fi.

Kauai Banyan Inn On a hilltop, overlooking an