Castle Waikīkī Shore

Most things were great, though the storm had left the place a bit messed up. One elevator was out, and the elevators took ages. The main room got really hot because one of the AC units was broken.

Our reservation had been confirmed months earlier through a corporate booking service I use regularly for work, but when we reached Outrigger Reef Waikiki late Tuesday night after a full day of travel, the front desk said it didn’t exist. We’d saved for five years for this long-awaited Hawaii honeymoon, which had already been delayed since the pandemic. Instead, we were exhausted, heartbroken, and stuck without a room. They offered no sympathy or solution, just a $2,500 price for another room, even though the website showed lower rates. We had to cancel our plans, find an Airbnb, and spend money we’d set aside for food and activities just to have somewhere to sleep. We were met with indifference, and at worst it felt like something close to discrimination. Outrigger Reef let us down at every level. What a heartbreaking start to the honeymoon we’d dreamed of.

We felt right at home in this roomy condo, with comfortable beds and a balcony that had the best ocean view. We even had front-row seats to the Friday night fireworks from the Hilton. It’s an easy walk to everything, from great restaurants and high-end shops to ABC stores. Service was great too. Next time we’re in Waikiki, this will be our destination. I wouldn’t hesitate to book this condo again.

There’s a kitchen in the condo, so I could cook and eat on the lanai during my stay. I rented it for personal use and won’t post photos of the interior. The beach is right outside, and I saw a rainbow from the room. I also enjoyed beautiful sunsets by the water and spotted seals resting during my stay. Even though it’s near the heart of Waikiki, it was quiet at night. A wonderful condo.