Where to Stay in Oahu? - Tiki Travel

B bamalamalu Tiki Socialite Joined: Mar 20, 2006 Posts: 1294	B bamalamalu Posted posted on Mon, Mar 7, 2011 7:05 PM Also not a local, but will add my bit...One thing I remember from my past life as a travel agent was that the Ambassador Hotel was almost always the least expensive hotel offered in any of the packages. I seem to recall it appearing in an episode of Hawaii Five-0 once, which always gave it some appeal to me, but it always seemed to be presented as the bottom-of-the-barrel choice. However, I was suprised to see good reviews on tripadvisor.com, so maybe I was unfair. I also distinctly remember the Maile Sky Court from those days - from the picture in the brochures it looked like the rooms were really closet-sized, with a lousy small window. There always seemed to be better looking choices (room quality & location) for the price. A couple years ago I was booking a family trip & needed something nice enough for my parents but inexpensive enough for us to book a few rooms. I ended up choosing the Queen Kamehameha and was really happy with it. By comparison to other hotels, the price was great - I think we paid $109 per night, half a block from the beach, and I requested and got my ideal view - straight across at Diamond Head, with the ocean also in clear view. It is OLD, but it wasn't at all dirty and I'd easily stay there again. It's also in easy walking distance to Rainbow Drive-in, etc. I believe most rooms have balconies but some only windows, so make sure you pick the balcony. Previously I stayed twice at the Aston Waikiki Circle. Also a great location right across from the beach. The rooms are small - especially the bathrooms due to the shape of building, but I kind of got a kick out of the wacky-shaped room. I was lucky enough to be on the front side both times. My stays there were several years ago but I imagine it's was a good price for the location/view in comparison to others. Apparently they've renovated recently. I'll also second the recomendation for the Oahu Revealed book /wizard publications online listings. They're detailed and do give some of those local-perspective tips.

Also not a local, but will add my bit...One thing I remember from my past life as a travel agent was that the Ambassador Hotel was almost always the least expensive hotel offered in any of the packages. I seem to recall it appearing in an episode of Hawaii Five-0 once, which always gave it some appeal to me, but it always seemed to be presented as the bottom-of-the-barrel choice. However, I was suprised to see good reviews on tripadvisor.com, so maybe I was unfair.

I also distinctly remember the Maile Sky Court from those days - from the picture in the brochures it looked like the rooms were really closet-sized, with a lousy small window. There always seemed to be better looking choices (room quality & location) for the price.

A couple years ago I was booking a family trip & needed something nice enough for my parents but inexpensive enough for us to book a few rooms. I ended up choosing the Queen Kamehameha and was really happy with it. By comparison to other hotels, the price was great - I think we paid $109 per night, half a block from the beach, and I requested and got my ideal view - straight across at Diamond Head, with the ocean also in clear view. It is OLD, but it wasn't at all dirty and I'd easily stay there again. It's also in easy walking distance to Rainbow Drive-in, etc. I believe most rooms have balconies but some only windows, so make sure you pick the balcony.

Previously I stayed twice at the Aston Waikiki Circle. Also a great location right across from the beach. The rooms are small - especially the bathrooms due to the shape of building, but I kind of got a kick out of the wacky-shaped room. I was lucky enough to be on the front side both times. My stays there were several years ago but I imagine it's was a good price for the location/view in comparison to others. Apparently they've renovated recently.

I'll also second the recomendation for the Oahu Revealed book /wizard publications online listings. They're detailed and do give some of those local-perspective tips.

Post #579312 by bamalamalu on Mon, Mar 7, 2011 7:05 PM