Where to Stay - Honolulu, Waikiki and Oahu - page 129

EXPENSIVE
Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk ★★★ This ultraluxurious outpost of the hotel chain,
known for its complimentary, all-you-can-eat, “cooked to order” breakfast and evening man-
ager's cocktail reception, has one of the best central locations in Waikiki: It lies amid the
shops and restaurants of the newly opened beachwalk , just across the street from the beach.
The one- and two-bedroom suites feature top-of-the-line furniture, Hawaiian decor (such as
bronze hula lamps), plush mattresses, high-quality linen, granite bathroom counters, CD/
MP3 players, and views from every window (some are ocean-view). The amenities here are
numerous; each suite features a separate living room, flat-panel LCD TV, minifridge, wet bar,
microwave, coffeemaker, and lots of entertainment electronics to keep the teenagers happy.
The two-towered property is connected via a huge lobby area (with sun deck, swimming pool,
waterfall, and covered terrace where those yummy breakfasts are served). At first glance the
prices may seem high, but when you add in the included breakfast, evening reception, and
amenities, it pencils out to quite a deal for families.
201 Beachwalk St., Honolulu, HI 96815 www.waikikibeach.embassysuites.com . & 800/EMBASSY [362-2779] or 808/
921-2345. Fax [phone] suites. $242-$349 1-bedroom; $442-$600 2-bedroom. Extra person (over 2 people)
in 1-bedroom $60. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking $25. Bus: 19 or 20. Amenities: Complimentary “cooked to order”
breakfast and cocktail party daily; nearby restaurants and bars; bike rentals; children's program in summer and at Christ-
mas; 24-hr. concierge; 24-hour fitness center; outdoor pool and whirlpool spa; room service (lunch and dinner); water-
sports equipment rentals. In room: A/C, TV/DVD, CD/MP3 player, small fridge, hair dryer, microwave, Wi-Fi (free), free
local calls.
MoanaSurfrider,AWestinResort ★★ This wonderful property was Waikiki's first hotel—it
dates from 1901 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The rooms have
the usual comfy Westin amenities: Heavenly Beds, flat-screen TVs, and the Westin Kids Club
child-care program. Plus, there is a spa on property, which fills most of the second floor. It's
hard to get a bad room here—most bedrooms have ocean views and all come with bedside
controls, luxury amenities, and comfy plush bathrobes. Our pick is the Banyan Wing, where
the historic rooms are modern replicas of the hotel's first rooms. They are small and don't
have lanais, but they're all reminiscent of Hawaii circa the turn of the century, when steam-
ship travel with big trunks was the only way to see the islands. Back then, the Moana was
considered an innovation in the travel industry: Each guest room featured a private bathroom
and a telephone—an unheard-of luxury in the early 20th century. And yesteryear lives on at
this grand hotel: The female employees wear traditional Victorian-era muumuu, and the aloha
spirit that pervades this classy and charming hotel is infectious.
One of the best reasons to stay here is the hotel's prime stretch of beach, with a lifeguard,
beach chairs, towels, and any other service you desire. The BeachBar and a poolside snack
bar are located in an oceanfront courtyard centering on a 100-year-old banyan tree, where live
music is featured in the evenings.
2365 Kalakaua Ave. (ocean side of the street, across from Kaiulani St.), Honolulu, HI 96815. www.moana-surfrider.com
or www.starwoodhotelshawaii.com . & 800/325-3535 or 808/922-3111. Fax [phone] units. $245-$380 double;
from $1,050 suite. Plus resort fee $21/day. Extra person and rollaway bed $90. Children under 18 stay free in parent's
room using existing bedding. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $33; self-parking at sister property $26. Bus: 19 or
20. Amenities: 3 restaurants; bar; babysitting; children's program; concierge; nearby fitness room (about a 2-min. walk