Stay Hotel Waikiki

Stay Hotel Waikiki was originally a college dorm before being converted into a hotel in 2011. It’s not the fanciest Waikiki stay, but a 2016 refresh brought a dash of beachy style to the overall vibe. The lobby’s mostly white walls are complimented by black, low-backed couches, wood paneled accent walls, and a big flat-screen TV usually tuned to CNN. Glass doors open onto a narrow patio with Swingasan hanging chairs. Given its slim features and basic style, the hotel is best used as a place to sleep at night -- and nothing more. Though even if you take that advice, you should expect poor soundproofing and noise (especially in the morning). While views aren’t a hotel selling point, the open-air hallways overlook Waikiki, lush mountains, and -- nestled between two hotel towers -- the Pacific Ocean. Stay Hotel attracts guests from throughout the United States and around the world, including families. 

Stay Hotel Waikiki is located in central Waikiki, a two-minute walk from Waikiki Beach (and three minutes from Kuhio Beach). The hotel is situated on a side street behind big hotels and consequently picks up lots of rumbling truck traffic. Multiple restaurants, bars, and shops are within a five-minute stroll of the hotel and a full-size grocery store is nearby as well. Honolulu Zoo is set in a lush, sprawling park and is a three-minute drive or 10-minute walk from Stay Hotel. Diamond Head State Monument is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, and from there it's a 45-minute uphill hike to reach the crater’s breathtaking vistas. Iolani Palace, Hawaiian royalty’s former home in downtown Honolulu, is 17 minutes away by car, depending on traffic. Punchbowl Crater, the site of the beautifully maintained National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, is a 25-drive from the hotel. Oahu’s North Shore takes about an hour to reach by car. Honolulu International Airport is ostensibly a 30-minute drive away, though traffic can be a factor.

Stay Hotel’s air-conditioned guest rooms have unfussy interiors with white walls, black details, and photos of tropical flowers. Most are a decent size, except for Petit Queens (which live up to their name). Beds are either one queen or two twins set on low platforms. Standard features include flat-screen TVs with hundreds of DirecTV premium channels, basic alarm clocks, coffeemakers with free coffee, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Bathrooms run the gamut, but in general they're tiny and dated. Expect brown and baby-blue accented stand-up showers, soap dispensers, body wash, shower gel, and hairdryers. The upgraded Queen One Sofa Bed rooms are the hotel's biggest offering and are the only rooms with USB and power-plug integrated wood desks. However, the so-called sofabeds are actually black futons. A limited number of balcony rooms are available upon request. Unfortunately, street noise is a major issue throughout the hotel. Light sleepers might want to bed down elsewhere or grab a pair of free ear plugs that are available in the lobby (even so, many guests still report a poor night's sleep). Cribs and rollaway beds are available for a fee. Free Wi-Fi is included in the hotel’s mandatory resort fee. 

Features here are limited, and the lack of a pool is probably the biggest liability. However, as the hotel is located so close to the beach, most guests spend their days there anyway. With that in mind, the free inner tubes, beach mats, toys, and umbrellas are a hot commodity here. Just note that beach chairs aren’t available. Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar is located on-site (but independently owned). It has a bar-food menu and Sunday drag brunch. The free laundry facilities (and included detergent and dryer sheets) are a solid perk as well. Free coffee, tea, hot water, and filtered water are available in the lobby. You'll also find free guest computers with a printer, newspapers, and ear plugs in the lobby. Other amenities include vending machines, an ATM, and book exchange. Limited parking for cars, bicycles, and mopeds is available for a fee. Wi-Fi is included in the mandatory resort fee. While resort fees are common in the area, the lack of any major features makes the charges here feel particularly unnecessary.