Where to Stay - Honolulu, Waikiki and Oahu - page 136

business travelers. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Limited free on-site parking, $18 across the street. Bus: 19 or 20. Amenities:
Exercise room; outdoor pool w/sauna. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, high-speed Internet access (free) in deluxe
rooms (floors 10-16), kitchen.
MODERATE
AquaWaikikiWave ★ It is hard to believe that from the wreck of the old Coral Reef hotel,
this sleek, modern oasis has emerged. The result of $7.6 million in renovations is a clean, hip
decor with bright white walls, offset by the burnt orange fabric on the bed headboard that ex-
tends up to the ceiling. Potted plants and live orchids freshen up the rooms and flat-screen
TVs and free Wi-Fi or high-speed Internet access bring them into the 21st century. About a
10-minute walk from the beach and next door to the International Market Place, rooms at the
Wave either have two queen-size beds or a king (with very sleepable mattresses). The decades-
old bathrooms have new plumbing, modern fixtures, and resurfaced tiles and tubs.
2299 Kuhio Ave (at Duke's Lane), Honolulu, HI 96817. www.aquaresorts.com . & 866/406-2782 or 808/922-1262. Fax
808/922-5048. 247 units. $128-$150 double; from $172 suite. Extra person $20. AE, DISC, MC, V. Parking $20. Bus: 19
or 20. Amenities: 2 restaurants; babysitting; fitness room; outdoor pool; spa. In room: A/C, TV/DVD, fridge, hair dryer,
free Wi-Fi, free local calls.
AstonWaikikiJoy Tucked away down a narrow path on a side street, this boutique hotel offers
outstanding personal service and a Jacuzzi in every room. The Italian marble-accented open-
air lobby and the tropical veranda set the scene for the beautifully decorated guest rooms, each
with a marble entry, tropical-island decor, and a lanai wide enough for you to sit and enjoy
the views. Another plus: All the rooms are soundproof. The suites are even more luxurious:
either a king-size bed or two doubles, a fridge, a microwave, a coffeemaker, and a wet bar. Ex-
ecutive suites come with two double beds and a kitchen with microwave and full fridge, and
the executive king suites add a separate living room and bedroom. However, a few downsides
do exist: The 1960s hotel has had some renovations (new carpet in the rooms, new paint), but
it still is older. Plus the rack rates (even with a complimentary continental breakfast) are on
the high side (check the Internet for deals), especially since the pool is extremely small and
the property is located about a 10- to 15-minute walk to the beach. And although there's a
sandwich/coffee shop on-site, the food's nothing to brag about. Tip: Check the website under
“e-specials”; as we went to press the best rate for rooms started from $99.
320 Lewers St. (btw. Kuhio and Kalakaua aves.), Honolulu, HI 96815. www.astonhotels.com . & 877/997-6667 or 808/
923-2300. Fax [phone] units. $107-$168 double; $131-$187 double club suite; $180-$257 junior suite with kit-
chen (sleeps up to 4); $215-$307 1-bedroom executive suite with kitchen (up to 4). Rates include continental breakfast.
Extra person $30 for certain rooms. Check the website for special deals and packages. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet-only
parking $19. Bus: 19 or 20. Amenities: Restaurant; bar (karaoke); concierge; minuscule outdoor pool w/dry sauna. In
room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, Internet access ($10/day), kitchenette (full kitchen in suites).
BestWesternCoconutWaikiki Built in 1962, this small, boutique hotel was totally renovated in
2008 into a comfortable inn with modern decor and amenities (such as free high-speed Inter-
net and flat-screen TVs in every room). Formerly known as the Coconut Plaza, it's been man-
aged by a host of companies; its current owner, Best Western, has made it a very affordable
and welcoming place to stay. One of the main reasons to stay here is the price (which includes
a continental breakfast) and its location—only a 10-minute walk to the beach and near a bus
stop for those without a car. Rooms are comfy and spacious enough for a couple (if you have