Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
from the beach. The property has a bright, clean look. The Diamond Tower houses the budget
rooms; at 325 square feet, they boast new carpet, bedspreads, drapes, and other interior re-
designs. These rooms have showers only; tub/shower combos are available in the more ex-
pensive Pali Tower rooms. All rooms in both towers have refrigerators, and the rooms with
kitchenettes have two-burner hot plates and cooking utensils; those from the ninth floor up
also have small lanais. Only studios and suites have coffeemakers, so if you want one, ask for
it when you reserve. The on-site restaurant offers steak and seafood.
175 Paoakalani Ave. (near Kuhio Ave.), Honolulu, HI 96815.
www.oceanresort.com
.
&
800/367-2317
or 808/922-3861.
Fax 808/924-1982. 450 units. $85-$132 double; $105-$150 studio with kitchenette, suites from $211. Senior and AAA
specials start at $77. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking $15 valet only. Bus: 19 or 20.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; babysit-
ting; 2 outdoor pools; currency exchange desk.
In room:
A/C, TV, high speed Internet access ($11/day), fridge, hair dryer,
kitchenette (studios).
Queen Kapiolani Hotel
This budget property, managed by Aqua Resorts, is named for Queen
Kapiolani (1834-99), the wife of Hawaii's last king, David Kalakaua (1836-91), and the theme
here harks back to the days of the Hawaiian monarchs. The 19th-century flavor includes
10-foot chandeliers in the main dining room and a full-size portrait of the queen in the lobby.
The hotel just underwent renovations in 2010; however, the budget rooms remain quite small.
For just a few bucks more, get the superior room. Not only is it double in size, but its shoreline
views are vastly improved. The property's location is great—across the street from Kapiolani
Park, a block to the beach, and within walking distance of the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki
Aquarium, and the activities of Waikiki, including the municipal tennis courts. For even more
savings, book through the website.
150 Kapahulu Ave. (at Lemon Rd., across from Kapiolani Park), Honolulu, HI 96815.
www.queenkapiolani.com
.
&
800/
533-2317
or 808/922-1941. Fax 808/922-1982. 315 units. $99-$159 double; $139 studio with kitchenette; $179-$199
1-bedroom suite with kitchenette (sleeps up to 4). Check for Internet specials, which start at $80. Extra person $40. Chil-
dren 18 and under stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking $12 self only. Bus: 19 or 20.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; babysitting; concierge; large outdoor pool; municipal tennis courts nearby.
In room:
A/C, TV, high speed
Internet access ($10/day), fridge, hair dryer, some kitchenettes.
Royal Grove Hotel
★
This is a great bargain for frugal travelers. You can't miss the Royal
Grove—it's bright pink. Among Waikiki's canyons of corporate-owned high-rises, it's also a
rarity in another way: The Royal Grove is a small, family-owned hotel. What you get here
is old-fashioned aloha in cozy accommodations along the lines of Motel 6—basic and clean.
For years Frommer's readers have written in about the aloha spirit of the Fong family; they
love the potluck dinners and get-togethers the Fongs have organized so their guests can get
to know one another. And you can't do better for the price—this has to be the bargain of
Waikiki. For $55 (about the same price a couple would pay to stay in a private room at the
hostel in Waikiki), you get a clean room in the older Mauka Wing, with two twin beds, plus a
kitchenette with refrigerator and stove. We suggest that you spend a few dollars more and go
for an air-conditioned room ($64) to help drown out the street noise. Even the most expensive
unit, a one-bedroom suite with three beds and kitchenette for $80, is half the price of similar
accommodations elsewhere. At these rates, you won't mind that maid service is only twice a
week.
