November 7, 2008
Ala Moana Surfirder Hotel, plantation style
While I did not stay at this hotel, I enjoyed music, coffee, and the beach from it.
It is one of the most lovely hotels on Waikiki Beach and one that actually pays attention to the exterior look of the hotel. It looked like a large Southern plantation home with wide and sweeping verandas on front and back sides, each graced with relaxing rocking chairs to sit at your leisure.
The beach side of the hotel featured a lovely pool area, the famous Banyan tree, and restaurant, all with great views on the beach.
The location is wonderful, the surroundings in the hotel are relaxing. It did look quite crowded, which is the only drawback.
I would likely stay here next time if I could find a deal on a room below $170 a night.
Every bus on the island passed by this hotel, so it is cheap and easy to get anywhere (just takes a while by bus!).
It is one of the most lovely hotels on Waikiki Beach and one that actually pays attention to the exterior look of the hotel. It looked like a large Southern plantation home with wide and sweeping verandas on front and back sides, each graced with relaxing rocking chairs to sit at your leisure.
The beach side of the hotel featured a lovely pool area, the famous Banyan tree, and restaurant, all with great views on the beach.
The location is wonderful, the surroundings in the hotel are relaxing. It did look quite crowded, which is the only drawback.
I would likely stay here next time if I could find a deal on a room below $170 a night.
Every bus on the island passed by this hotel, so it is cheap and easy to get anywhere (just takes a while by bus!).
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November 7, 2008
Ocean Resort Hotel - great location, cheap, and clean
After reading multiple books about O'ahu (my favorite was O'ahu Revealed), I elected to book my 1 week vacation at this hotel.
There are two towers, the Pali (which is updated) and the Diamond, which has nice ocean views but the rooms are really, really old and worn.
I tipped the cleaning staff $2 each morning and left a note what I wanted in the room for towels, shampoo, etc. and they provided quick, effecient service like on a cruiseship!
The room was almost shocking how worn it was, but after a few days I didn't notice anymore. All smoke-free, the beds were clean and comfortable (which is good since I ended up quite sick with a cold and spent a full day in the room).
The restaurant was cheap, but it didn't look appealing to me so I ate down the block at Tiki's, which is a great restaurant and bar at the Resortquest, with a great ocean view for sunsets. Also, Sansei, the best sushi on the island, was across the street at the Marriott.
I found the check-in staff to be not very friendly, but the tour-booking guide made up for that. Upon check-in I did not get the freebie coupons that came with the booking, but I didn't ask for them either. Check-in was smooth and quick, and they did provide me with the best view of the ocean as requested.
This hotel as in the perfect location~ close to all bus routes, quiet, convenient and well lit at night to the beach and restaurants, safe, and has an ABC concenience store about 2 doors down where I bought coffee and pineapple for breakfast every morning.
The pool here is unpleasant so I avoided it. I would definitely stay here again, as I thought it was a good value. At $70 per night for an oceanview room, the deal can't be beat on Waikiki.
My room was 1207~ the 12th floor of the Diamond Tower.
There are two towers, the Pali (which is updated) and the Diamond, which has nice ocean views but the rooms are really, really old and worn.
I tipped the cleaning staff $2 each morning and left a note what I wanted in the room for towels, shampoo, etc. and they provided quick, effecient service like on a cruiseship!
The room was almost shocking how worn it was, but after a few days I didn't notice anymore. All smoke-free, the beds were clean and comfortable (which is good since I ended up quite sick with a cold and spent a full day in the room).
The restaurant was cheap, but it didn't look appealing to me so I ate down the block at Tiki's, which is a great restaurant and bar at the Resortquest, with a great ocean view for sunsets. Also, Sansei, the best sushi on the island, was across the street at the Marriott.
I found the check-in staff to be not very friendly, but the tour-booking guide made up for that. Upon check-in I did not get the freebie coupons that came with the booking, but I didn't ask for them either. Check-in was smooth and quick, and they did provide me with the best view of the ocean as requested.
This hotel as in the perfect location~ close to all bus routes, quiet, convenient and well lit at night to the beach and restaurants, safe, and has an ABC concenience store about 2 doors down where I bought coffee and pineapple for breakfast every morning.
The pool here is unpleasant so I avoided it. I would definitely stay here again, as I thought it was a good value. At $70 per night for an oceanview room, the deal can't be beat on Waikiki.
My room was 1207~ the 12th floor of the Diamond Tower.
