Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel

Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel is a beach-inspired (but not beachfront) property that opened in 1971. The open-air lobby was renovated in 2016 and its beautiful live-edge benches, light wood accents, and wall-sized photo of a lush forest give it a tropical look. The hotel’s outdoor areas -- essentially the entire ground floor -- are filled with plants and blossoming flowers including planter-covered green walls. Bamboo trees cast soft, leaf-filtered light onto the Japanese foot spa, a solar-heated foot bath, and it’s hard to resist its tranquility. The hotel’s biggest drawback is the location. It’s a seven-minute walk to the beach and near the car-filled (and sometimes siren blaring) Ala Wai Boulevard. The hotel caters to a mostly Japanese clientele (think Toto Washlets, the foot spa, and Japanese breakfasts), but it’s common to see Americans and European travelers in the mix. 

Waikiki Sand is situated in a mostly quiet section of Waikiki, right by the Ala Wai Canal -- a man-made waterway used by practicing outrigger canoe teams. The  street is sometimes busy with traffic and sirens, but overall, it's not too loud. It’s a seven-minute stroll to Waikiki Beach from the hotel, past restaurants, a full-size grocery store, boutiques, and chain retail shops. Diamond Head State Monument has breathtaking ocean, Waikiki, and Honolulu views from its peak and takes 10 minutes to reach by car. Downtown Honolulu, Chinatown, Pearl Harbor, and the Iolani Palace take around 15 to 20 minutes in a car from the hotel. The stunning, cliff-framed Hanauma Beach has fabulous snorkeling and is a 24-minute car trip from Waikiki Sand. Famous for its huge waves and surfer vibe, Oahu’s north shore is an hour's drive from Waikiki Sand. Honolulu International Airport usually takes around 20 minutes to reach. 

Waikiki Sand’s simple rooms are comfortable, but overdue for an update. The bathrooms were renovated in 2014, but the bedrooms could still use some TLC. Renovations are planned for 2018, but until then, expect pastel green and yellow walls with framed paintings of palm trees. Most rooms have two double beds, but a few units are available with one king bed, one queen bed, or three twin mattresses. All beds have small headboards with leafy patterns carved into their wood panels. Tech-wise, small flat-screen TVs with cable channels, alarm clocks, and Charge Port plug/USB hubs are standard. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Renovated bathrooms have beautiful brown marble vanities, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and wall-mounted toiletry dispensers. Toto Washlets (high-tech Japanese toilet seats) are a nice surprise, since these are more commonly found in Waikiki’s high-end hotels. Overall, the bathrooms are small, but don’t feel cramped. All rooms have safes, luggage stands, coffeemakers with free coffee, mini-fridges, irons, and ironing boards. All of the units come with small balconies with two chairs and some views of the canals or golf course.  

Features are focused on budget-focused travelers. Surrounded by plants, lounge chairs, and umbrellas, the freshwater pool is a lush place to relax. The adjoining hot tub overlooks the pool and is partially-shaded by a red trellis. The solar powered Japanese-style foot spa is open late and free for hotel guests and restaurant patrons. Loco House’s fusion Hawaiian menu gets mostly positive reviews and they serve a so-so breakfast (buffet and a la carte), lunch, and dinner. It’s open until late and has happy hour drink specials. Il Buco Wine Bar overlooks the pool and serves light Italian bites. The hotel’s fitness center has a treadmill, combination weight machine, and a stationary bicycle. The hospitality room is a plus for travelers with off-hour flights and it has massage chairs, computers, a TV, and a (mostly Japanese) book library. There’s also a Natural Medical Clinic and Spa that offers massage, acupuncture, and other treatments. A coin-operated laundry room is convenient. Other amenities include meeting rooms, a car rental office, and an activity desk. There’s a fee for valet parking. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.