After what seemed like throwing darts on a dart board, I ultimately chose to stay at the Hilton Waikiki Beach for a recent trip to Hawaii. Actually, I would have preferred to stay at the Hyatt that was just a few blocks away, but I decided against it since I’ve stayed at too many of those recently. I’m trying to be a diversified (and inclusive) hotel reviewer, but it’s really hard sometimes.
A full review of my 2 night stay at the Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel
The Hilton Waikiki Beach is centrally located on Kuho Avenue, just two blocks from the beach. But then again, what hotel in Waikiki isn’t? You really can’t go wrong with any hotel in this area (even the Vive Hotel I recently reviewed is good), but this Hilton was the nicest property I’ve ever stayed at while in Hawaii. No, it’s not super luxurious, but it is really nice.
Before proceeding with this review, it’s important to keep in mind that I’ve never cared to spend a lot of money on fancy hotels for my trips to the islands over the years. Maybe I’m just getting older (and softer), but I’m definitely starting to prefer the nicer properties these days. As you’re about to see, the Hilton Waikiki Beach did not disappoint.
The exterior of this Hilton is very unassuming – and you’ll completely miss it if you’re not paying attention. Don’t ask me how I know this…
The main entrance of the Hilton Waikiki Beach looks slightly less like the county jail than some of the other hotels in the immediate area. FYI, you can read my Sheraton Princess Kaiulani review if you’re feeling like reading a good old fashioned “Waikiki hotel that looks like a jail” review.
The lobby
I knew I was in for a great stay as soon as I approached the check in desk. The agent who checked me in was super helpful and very polite, and she did her best to make me feel welcome. Turns out she was a San Diego native, so we had lots to talk about as she prepared the paperwork.
All in all, I wouldn’t consider her professionalism to be on par with the staff at the Hyatt Regency in Hong Kong (for example), but she was friendly and helpful nonetheless and had me on my way in just minutes.
Whoa! The lobby is amazing, and the check in desk is on the back wall (to the left). A little more fancy than what you saw in my review of the Hilton at the Knoxville Airport, right?
Slightly wider view showing the entire lobby. If you read my review of the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, you’ll immediately pick up on the fact that this lobby is far more worthy of the “grand” name.
“Holy crap I picked a nice place to stay!”
BTW, there were plenty of places to sit and relax in the lobby. And who cares if it isn’t as opulent as the lounge you saw in my Moana Surfrider review? You will likely pay much less for a room here than you will at many of the more luxurious resorts here in Waikiki, so go ahead – make the gin and tonic a double. You deserve it.
Getting to my room
Yes, this is a big hotel! Just as it was at the Hilton at the O’Hare Airport (ORD), paying a bit extra for a room on a high floor is well worth it. You’ll see why in a moment…
The hallway leading to my room. These corridors don’t look anywhere near as fancy as the lobby does.
The door to my room. I’m digging the torch light (it’s very Hawaiian).
The room
I booked a high-floor room with a view, and I knew it was well worth the slight surcharge as soon as I stepped inside. The view was incredible, with a nearly unblocked view of Waikiki beach. It was exactly what I was hoping for, and I was not disappointed at all.
My first view of the room as soon as I stepped inside. I immediately liked seeing that patio!
I’ll show you the view in a moment, but first: here’s the bed.
Looking the other way, towards the bathroom. Interestingly enough, my room at the Westin Maui was almost exactly like this (the only difference was the materials). Must’ve been the same architect!
Looking towards the entrance.
The desk. But come on…who comes to Hawaii to work?
A painting of a pineapple would look good on that blank spot on the wall methinks.
Looking towards the back corner of the room. The “pineapple” vibe I’m getting is strong!
The view!
But then, pull open the curtains, and…what a view!!
Looking west over all of Waikiki.
The view of the ocean made it worth the cost. Definitely splurge if you can afford it.
Unless you’re afraid of heights, that is. The view looking straight down is no joke.
For those of you not afraid of heights, the view of Waikiki at night from the balcony is amazing!
The bathroom
The bathroom (no pineapple vibes in here unfortunately).
Looking the other way towards the large shower
The vanity was rather plain, but…
…there were some really nice glass shelving units on both sides that were really nice.
Hawaiian-themed amenities in the bathroom.
Final thoughts
In summary, I thought the room was ok. The style seemed to be “identity crisis” more than anything else, with clean and modern furniture mixed with tropical themes. It wasn’t ugly, but it seems to me it could have been better if they would have chosen to go all tropical or all modern instead of an awkward mix of the two.
But an interior designer I am not, so I didn’t dwell on it since I knew I’d be spending most of my time outside on the patio anyway. And hey – at least the decor wasn’t as bad what I experienced at the IAH Marriott.
Who cares about the room when there’s a perfectly good patio overlooking the ocean?
You didn’t think I’d end this review without a Hawaiian rainbow pic did you? This is what I was greeted with on the second morning of my stay. Beautiful!
Would I stay here again? Absolutely. It was a very quiet and comfortable property with super-friendly and helpful staff, and the location was pretty much perfect. The only thing that would make me think twice about staying here again is my need to break away from Hilton for once in order to try different brands.
