Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites

Built in the 1960s, this 30-story building was the erstwhile and iconic shoot location of "Hawaii Five-0"; it is now a mixed-use property overseen by a company called Aqua Hotels. The airy, spacious lobby retains the dated aesthetic with wicker furniture and marble floors, though not in an unpleasant way. Because there are larger private rental suites with full kitchens, the building is popular with tourists and groups, particularly those seeking extended stays.

The hotel is barely a few steps from the bay and a calm, medium-sized lagoon, which is idea for children. It is about a 20-minute drive from the Honolulu International Airport (also accessible via public transportation). While those wanting the shopping of Waikiki will have to walk about 20 minutes, Ala Moana shopping center, the largest mall in Hawaii, is a 10-minute walk. The Modern Honolulu Hotel, a trendier hotel with a popular nightlife scene, is nearby, which guests have commented contributes to noise at night on the lower floors.

The rooms and suites at Ilikai are a mix of dated and renovated; renovated rooms are sleek and modern, with retro-chic patterns. Unrenovated rooms are outfitted in pastel shades and feature older carpeting. Guests seem satisfied with bed quality and cleanliness, though they have commented that the private rentals (as opposed to the rooms managed by the hotel) are not universally equipped with a standard set of amenities, including variety of cookware and size of fridges. Bathrooms can be tiny. All rooms have flatscreen LCD TVs and wired, high-speed internet included in the price.

The hotel has two pools on-site: one located on the ground floor, and another pool area with floating loungers, added in October 2016. There is a 24-hour fitness center, and a sports bar and restaurant in the hotel complex with a good happy hour; the food gets mixed reviews. The Duke Lagoon is steps away from the building and a good place for children to swim.