Though its name says hotel, this mid-range property is actually 60 privately owned condo-type suites which guests must book individually with owners or a management company. The positive is that guests are guaranteed to be in a quiet area of Waikiki -- Hawaii's Gold Coast -- overlooking the ocean; the negative is you don't always know what you're going to get in terms of room amenities, so do the research. Most units have kitchenettes with refrigerators, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. Shared features are few, but the venue does provide free Wi-Fi in public spaces, coin-operated laundry, and on-site parking.
Though its name says hotel, this mid-range property is actually 60 privately owned condo-type suites which guests must book individually with owners or a management company. The positive is that guests are guaranteed to be in a quiet area of Waikiki -- Hawaii's Gold Coast -- overlooking the ocean; the negative is you don't always know what you're going to get in terms of room amenities, so do the research. Most units have kitchenettes with refrigerators, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. Shared features are few, but the venue does provide free Wi-Fi in public spaces, coin-operated laundry, and on-site parking.
Location and value pricing are the top reasons for selecting to stay at the mid-sized, two-and-a-half pearl Castle Waikiki Grand Hotel. Just half a block from the beach, across the street from the Honolulu Zoo, and within walking distance of Diamond Head, this property couldn't be more conveniently placed. The rooms here are actually privately owned vacation studios, so amenities vary, though decor is generally uninspired and dated. A pool and separate roof deck are on hand and the LGBT-friendly vibe is evident both there and at the on-site Hula's Bar & Lei Stand, one of Waikiki's most popular gay bars.
Location and value pricing are the top reasons for selecting to stay at the mid-sized, two-and-a-half pearl Castle Waikiki Grand Hotel. Just half a block from the beach, across the street from the Honolulu Zoo, and within walking distance of Diamond Head, this property couldn't be more conveniently placed. The rooms here are actually privately owned vacation studios, so amenities vary, though decor is generally uninspired and dated. A pool and separate roof deck are on hand and the LGBT-friendly vibe is evident both there and at the on-site Hula's Bar & Lei Stand, one of Waikiki's most popular gay bars.
This BEST WESTERN The Plaza Hotel is an airport hotel with an outdoor pool and a handy free shuttle, but its location under a freeway in a rundown part of town that leaves little else to recommend. The restaurant has a daily breakfast but keeps an odd dinner schedule that's inconvenient for weekday guests. Business travelers and those with overnight layovers in need of the basics will find that the dated rooms have useful amenities, including mini-fridges and microwaves, along with some of the least appealing views in Honolulu. The nearby Airport Honolulu Hotel tends to have slightly cheaper rates for nearly the same amenities.
This BEST WESTERN The Plaza Hotel is an airport hotel with an outdoor pool and a handy free shuttle, but its location under a freeway in a rundown part of town that leaves little else to recommend. The restaurant has a daily breakfast but keeps an odd dinner schedule that's inconvenient for weekday guests. Business travelers and those with overnight layovers in need of the basics will find that the dated rooms have useful amenities, including mini-fridges and microwaves, along with some of the least appealing views in Honolulu. The nearby Airport Honolulu Hotel tends to have slightly cheaper rates for nearly the same amenities.
The two-and-a-half pearl Waikiki Park Heights is a condominium with most units rented out for short stays by the friendly staff at Unipack. Other individual owners complicate the scene, renting out condos that offer a mixed decor and varying degrees of cleanliness. All rooms have bathrooms with curious Japanese soaking tubs and private balconies. The building itself is well maintained but heavily dated with few on-site amenities aside from the outdoor pool and an unaffiliated fine-dining steak house.
The two-and-a-half pearl Waikiki Park Heights is a condominium with most units rented out for short stays by the friendly staff at Unipack. Other individual owners complicate the scene, renting out condos that offer a mixed decor and varying degrees of cleanliness. All rooms have bathrooms with curious Japanese soaking tubs and private balconies. The building itself is well maintained but heavily dated with few on-site amenities aside from the outdoor pool and an unaffiliated fine-dining steak house.
Full of backpackers and young tourists on a budget looking to meet fellow travelers, one-and-a-half pearl Hostelling International Waikiki provides cheap rooms close to the beach. Guest units are divided into male and female dormitories that pack six into a shared bunk space with a bathroom, or small private rooms that have their own bathrooms, but no air-conditioning. Alcohol isn't allowed and there isn't much of a social hub here outside of the communal kitchen and a TV lounge that’s often too hot for comfort. Wi-Fi is only free in common areas, but guests can borrow boogie boards on their way out.
Full of backpackers and young tourists on a budget looking to meet fellow travelers, one-and-a-half pearl Hostelling International Waikiki provides cheap rooms close to the beach. Guest units are divided into male and female dormitories that pack six into a shared bunk space with a bathroom, or small private rooms that have their own bathrooms, but no air-conditioning. Alcohol isn't allowed and there isn't much of a social hub here outside of the communal kitchen and a TV lounge that’s often too hot for comfort. Wi-Fi is only free in common areas, but guests can borrow boogie boards on their way out.
Opened in 2017 and part of the larger Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, The Grand Islander is an upscale, all-suites hotel with 418 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. All units have balconies (many with views out over the ocean), fully equipped modern kitchens, washer/dryers, and sofa beds, making them a good choice for large families or groups. Amenities are geared toward vacationers, with plenty for kids and adults alike, including fitness facilities, a spa, kids' club, and several restaurants. There's also a dedicated Grand Islander pool that's long enough for lap swimming, although it is narrow. Overall, the hotel fits the bill for a home-like setting in Honolulu, though many complain of high resort and parking fees (even for self parking). Travelers who don't need kitchens might want to consider The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, which is more central to the main drag on Kalakaua Avenue.
Opened in 2017 and part of the larger Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, The Grand Islander is an upscale, all-suites hotel with 418 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. All units have balconies (many with views out over the ocean), fully equipped modern kitchens, washer/dryers, and sofa beds, making them a good choice for large families or groups. Amenities are geared toward vacationers, with plenty for kids and adults alike, including fitness facilities, a spa, kids' club, and several restaurants. There's also a dedicated Grand Islander pool that's long enough for lap swimming, although it is narrow. Overall, the hotel fits the bill for a home-like setting in Honolulu, though many complain of high resort and parking fees (even for self parking). Travelers who don't need kitchens might want to consider The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, which is more central to the main drag on Kalakaua Avenue.
All the hallmarks of an upscale beachfront hotel can be found here, including multiple restaurants, sweeping ocean views, and family-friendly activities. What makes the Sheraton Waikiki stand out is its sheer size -- it has a slew of features, including bustling shops and nightlife venues packed with both guests and Honolulu locals. The location, amenities, and views are hard to beat, but they come at the cost of sometimes overwhelming crowds. Service is generally good, but with over 1,600 rooms and so many guests, it’s not always timely. Those looking for a more relaxed stay may find it at the comparable, Outrigger Reef On The Beach, a slightly cheaper alternative on the same prime stretch of sand.
All the hallmarks of an upscale beachfront hotel can be found here, including multiple restaurants, sweeping ocean views, and family-friendly activities. What makes the Sheraton Waikiki stand out is its sheer size -- it has a slew of features, including bustling shops and nightlife venues packed with both guests and Honolulu locals. The location, amenities, and views are hard to beat, but they come at the cost of sometimes overwhelming crowds. Service is generally good, but with over 1,600 rooms and so many guests, it’s not always timely. Those looking for a more relaxed stay may find it at the comparable, Outrigger Reef On The Beach, a slightly cheaper alternative on the same prime stretch of sand.
This three-and-a-half-pearl, 369-suite hotel by Hilton has a family-friendly vibe and prime location on Waikiki Beach Walk. It's surrounded by numerous shops and restaurants, and the beach is only a two-minute walk away. Suites are a bit dated, but include separate living spaces plus microwaves and refrigerators, while some add furnished lanais with gorgeous ocean views. There's an outdoor pool with a sundeck, hot tub, and kids' pool, plus a modern fitness center and 24-hour business center including meeting rooms. The all-day restaurant serves American and Asian cuisines, plus a free breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelettes. The lack of resort fees is a nice surprise, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. For something with a bit more, check rates at the Marriott Waikiki instead, which adds a spa and Italian restaurant.
This three-and-a-half-pearl, 369-suite hotel by Hilton has a family-friendly vibe and prime location on Waikiki Beach Walk. It's surrounded by numerous shops and restaurants, and the beach is only a two-minute walk away. Suites are a bit dated, but include separate living spaces plus microwaves and refrigerators, while some add furnished lanais with gorgeous ocean views. There's an outdoor pool with a sundeck, hot tub, and kids' pool, plus a modern fitness center and 24-hour business center including meeting rooms. The all-day restaurant serves American and Asian cuisines, plus a free breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelettes. The lack of resort fees is a nice surprise, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. For something with a bit more, check rates at the Marriott Waikiki instead, which adds a spa and Italian restaurant.