Queen Kapiolani Hotel

The Queen Kapiolani Hotel is reminiscent of a Fifties Miami or Vegas hotel, with palm trees painted on the walls and gold-lettered signs pointing guests to the "Bell Desk" among other locations.This is not a retro decorating choice; the hotel could use a facelift. Hallways are dingy and scuffed, wallpaper droops, and carpets are stained. With Hawaii's palm trees and exotic flowers as a backdrop, however, the setting is still picturesque. Paintings of famous Hawaiians of the past, including Queen Kapiolani herself, line the ballroom walls, among other nods to local heritage. Waikiki Beach is within a minute's walk, and there is a dedicated surf and snorkel shop in the lobby.

The Queen Kapiolani Hotel is located out of the noise and tourists crowds of downtown Waikiki, which can be reached in fifteen minutes on foot. Next door to the Honolulu Zoo, and a minute from Waikiki Beach, the hotel is great for surfers, snorkelers, swimmers and beach enthusiasts. Beautiful Kapiolani Park is also nearby, with jogging paths, picnic facilities and more. Surrounding streets are cluttered and not scenic, but ocean and Diamond Head views from the hotel itself are spectacular.

Rooms at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel run small compared to other hotels in the area. Decor is dated and plain, and walls, carpets, and furniture show a great deal of wear. Many rooms have narrow private lanais, but traffic sounds can be intrusive when the lanai doors are open. Rooms come with coffeemakers, flat screen TVs, and AM/FM clock radios. Bathrooms are serviceable but not luxurious.

The Queen Kapiolani Hotel's third floor pool is not large, but it has a lovely view of the ocean and Diamond Head. It's a particularly great spot for sunset-watching. The day spa offers a full massage menu, including the traditional Hawaiian hot stone lomi lomi treatment. There is a breakfast buffet (at a cost) with an omelet bar plus Continental and full American breakfast options. There are numerous on-property shops that stock golf, snorkel and surfing gear as well as souvenirs. A bike rental franchise is also located in the lobby. Guests of the hotel have access to discounts at local golf courses.