Prince Waikiki is a four-pearl property along Ala Wai Harbor at the far western end of Waikiki. The 541 are fresh and modern, with floor-to ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. Upgraded Club Rooms feature better amenities and poolside lounge access. Unfortunately, it's a 10-minute walk to the beach from here, though there are still fabulous water views from two pools (including an infinity pool). The hotel’s pricey restaurants get mixed reviews and serve sushi, American, Hawaiian, and buffet menus. Amenities include free shuttles to the property’s 27-hole golf course and central Waikiki, weekend live music, and a coffee shop. Travelers willing to sacrifice the fresh look for something more traditional in order to score direct beach access should consider the Moana Surfrider instead. Rates there are often similar.
Prince Waikiki is a four-pearl property along Ala Wai Harbor at the far western end of Waikiki. The 541 are fresh and modern, with floor-to ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. Upgraded Club Rooms feature better amenities and poolside lounge access. Unfortunately, it's a 10-minute walk to the beach from here, though there are still fabulous water views from two pools (including an infinity pool). The hotel’s pricey restaurants get mixed reviews and serve sushi, American, Hawaiian, and buffet menus. Amenities include free shuttles to the property’s 27-hole golf course and central Waikiki, weekend live music, and a coffee shop. Travelers willing to sacrifice the fresh look for something more traditional in order to score direct beach access should consider the Moana Surfrider instead. Rates there are often similar.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, the largest resort in Hawaii, is a veritable upscale village with five towers, 18 bars and restaurants, dozens of shops, five swimming pools, direct beach access, and a separate lagoon. Everything from surf lessons to a regular luau to a kids' club (fee) are on offer here, and the garden grounds resemble a tropical mini-zoo, with exotic animals and lush greenery. The 3,386 rooms have solid amenities such as mini-fridges, signature Hilton mattresses, and coffeemakers, but range from contemporary to somewhat bland and dated, depending on the tower. The Ali’i Tower is the most exclusive section, with a private pool and concierge. The property is fun for families wanting a self-contained resort with loads to do, but extra fees can add up and the hotel can feel overcrowded. Travelers seeking a quieter spot may prefer the Hilton Waikiki Beach.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, the largest resort in Hawaii, is a veritable upscale village with five towers, 18 bars and restaurants, dozens of shops, five swimming pools, direct beach access, and a separate lagoon. Everything from surf lessons to a regular luau to a kids' club (fee) are on offer here, and the garden grounds resemble a tropical mini-zoo, with exotic animals and lush greenery. The 3,386 rooms have solid amenities such as mini-fridges, signature Hilton mattresses, and coffeemakers, but range from contemporary to somewhat bland and dated, depending on the tower. The Ali’i Tower is the most exclusive section, with a private pool and concierge. The property is fun for families wanting a self-contained resort with loads to do, but extra fees can add up and the hotel can feel overcrowded. Travelers seeking a quieter spot may prefer the Hilton Waikiki Beach.
Park Shore Waikiki is a three-pearl oceanfront hotel with fabulous views of Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and the lush Kapiolani Park. Its 370 bright rooms have pleasant furnishings, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and balconies (some with ocean views). They’re a tad small, but efficiently laid-out. The hotel’s freshwater pool has stunning ocean and beach views and is surrounded by loungers. Free yoga classes are offered daily, but there’s no fitness center. The three independently-owned restaurants get mixed reviews and serve American, Hawaiian, and Japanese cuisines. There’s also a Starbucks. Other amenities include a surf shop, free Ala Moana mall shuttles, parking, and Wi-Fi. For an oceanfront stay with more to do -- like ukulele and hula lessons -- check out the Outrigger Reef Beach Resort (but be prepared to pay more).
Park Shore Waikiki is a three-pearl oceanfront hotel with fabulous views of Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and the lush Kapiolani Park. Its 370 bright rooms have pleasant furnishings, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and balconies (some with ocean views). They’re a tad small, but efficiently laid-out. The hotel’s freshwater pool has stunning ocean and beach views and is surrounded by loungers. Free yoga classes are offered daily, but there’s no fitness center. The three independently-owned restaurants get mixed reviews and serve American, Hawaiian, and Japanese cuisines. There’s also a Starbucks. Other amenities include a surf shop, free Ala Moana mall shuttles, parking, and Wi-Fi. For an oceanfront stay with more to do -- like ukulele and hula lessons -- check out the Outrigger Reef Beach Resort (but be prepared to pay more).
It's nicely located -- in the heart of Waikiki -- but worn, noisy rooms, a limited staff, and poor maintenance drag this Sheraton below the standards of its competitors. Until the hotel gets its much-needed renovation in 2014, consider any of the other similarly priced hotels in the area -- like Hotel Renew or the Aqua Waikiki Pearl.
It's nicely located -- in the heart of Waikiki -- but worn, noisy rooms, a limited staff, and poor maintenance drag this Sheraton below the standards of its competitors. Until the hotel gets its much-needed renovation in 2014, consider any of the other similarly priced hotels in the area -- like Hotel Renew or the Aqua Waikiki Pearl.
An all-around solid -- but never spectacular -- time-share tower three short blocks from the beach, with generic units equipped with full kitchens, a large pool, free parking, and a gym, but no on-site restaurant and virtually no service.
An all-around solid -- but never spectacular -- time-share tower three short blocks from the beach, with generic units equipped with full kitchens, a large pool, free parking, and a gym, but no on-site restaurant and virtually no service.
The Waikiki Gateway Hotel sits on a busy thoroughfare in an urban area, making it less than an ideal location for a relaxing tropical vacation. However, for those who want to be near Hawaiian nightlife and shopping options, this hotel isn't a bad choice -- especially given its affordable rates. Many of the shops, restaurants, and bars of Waikiki are within close walking distance. It's not a bad pick for budget business travelers who want to be located on Kalakaua Avenue either, particularly those who want easy access to the Waikiki Convention Center (which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel). Though the low rates are a perk, rooms are on the small side and many are in need of a serious refresh, with dated decor and ancient TVs.
The Waikiki Gateway Hotel sits on a busy thoroughfare in an urban area, making it less than an ideal location for a relaxing tropical vacation. However, for those who want to be near Hawaiian nightlife and shopping options, this hotel isn't a bad choice -- especially given its affordable rates. Many of the shops, restaurants, and bars of Waikiki are within close walking distance. It's not a bad pick for budget business travelers who want to be located on Kalakaua Avenue either, particularly those who want easy access to the Waikiki Convention Center (which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel). Though the low rates are a perk, rooms are on the small side and many are in need of a serious refresh, with dated decor and ancient TVs.