Where to Stay - Honolulu, Waikiki and Oahu - page 142

apartment opens onto a fairly good-size lanai with chairs, a small table, and a partial ocean
view, with some buildings blocking the way. Tip: For apartments starting at $130, check the
website under “hot deals.”
201 Ohua Ave. (on mountain side, at Kuhio Ave.), Honolulu, HI 96815. www.astonhotels.com . & 866/77-HAWAII
[774-2924] or 808/922-0555. Fax [phone] units. $140-$232 for up to 5. Check website for special rates and
package deals. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Self-parking $10. Bus: 19 or 20. Amenities: Barbecue; children's playground;
huge outdoor pool; free tennis courts; 2 whirlpools. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, high-speed Internet access ($10/
day), kitchen.
Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel The location of this hotel, directly across the street from the
beach, couldn't be better, especially when coupled with the hotel's unique “Breakfast on the
Beach”—you get a free breakfast, which you can pack up in an insulated carrying bag and
walk across the street to eat. Several food stations offer everything from burritos (veggie, ham,
or cheese), pastries, fruit, and cereals to a Japanese breakfast of miso, rice, and fish. There are
also a couple of great restaurants, Tiki'sGrill&Bar and WolfgangPuckExpress, on prop-
erty. That's the good news; the bad news is the rooms are small—averaging 225 to 266 square
feet (though 85% of them have ocean views). If you need more space, this may not be the hotel
for you. Tip: For the best rate, check the website under “e-specials,” or choose one of their
package deals.
2570 Kalakaua Ave. (at Paoakalani St.), Honolulu, HI 96815. www.astonhotels.com . & 866/77-HAWAII [774-2924] or
808/922-2511. Fax [phone] units. $149-$257 double; from $253 suite. Extra person $45. Check website for
special rates and package deals. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $27. Bus: 19 or 20. Amenities: 2 restaurants (in-
cluding Tiki's Grill & Bar); bar; outdoor pool. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, high-speed Internet access ($10/day).
AquaBambooandSpa ★ Formerly a very neglected budget hotel just a block from Waikiki
Beach, Bamboo has been transformed into a contemporary “condotel” (a condominium/
hotel) with an Asian flair. The rooms are stylish and functional, with modern furniture,
marble bathrooms, and kitchenettes or kitchens. The location is good, too—it's within walking
distance to numerous restaurants, shopping, and the Honolulu Zoo, and just 10 minutes to
the beach. Because it's small, the staff gives guests personalized attention. As at all the Aqua
Resort properties, there's a complimentary continental breakfast every morning—but unlike
other Aquas, this hotel has its own spa on property. When booking, be sure to “reserve” a
parking space, because the parking lot has a limited number.
2425 Kuhio Ave. (at Kaiulani Ave.), Honolulu, HI 96815. www.aquaresorts.com . & 866/406-2782 or 808/922-7777.
Fax [phone] units. $114-$145 double; $129-$154 studio double; from $263 1-bedroom; from $454 luxury
2-bedroom suite. AE, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $22. Bus: 19 or 20. Amenities: Complimentary continental breakfast;
concierge; fitness center; Jacuzzi; outdoor pool; sauna; spa. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, high-speed Internet ac-
cess (free), kitchenette or kitchen.
Diamond Head Bed & Breakfast ★ Hostess Joanne Trotter offers a quiet, relaxing place to
stay on the far side of Kapiolani Park, away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. Staying
here is like venturing back 50 years to a time when kamaaina (native-born) families built huge
houses with airy rooms opening onto big lanais and tropical gardens. The house is filled with
family heirlooms and Joanne's artwork. One of the two rooms features the beyond-king-size