Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk

If dated rooms and a very family-focused atmosphere don't bother you, this place may suit you, but Waikiki has plenty of better options in my opinion. The location is decent: it's a little off the main strip, with the beach, shops, and restaurants all easy to reach on foot. The pool and hot tub were noisy with kids whenever we went, and breakfast could also feel crowded with families. That would make me think twice about staying here as a couple or for a girls' trip. Breakfast itself was just okay, with much the same menu day to day. There was always fresh fruit, omelet eggs, miso soup, and rice, with small changes such as pancakes one day and French toast another. The building feels old despite the newer decor in the rooms, and there was a musty smell that stuck around even with the air conditioning running. The beds were especially uncomfortable. The mattresses felt cheap, with springs noticeable against my back and so little support that the bed sagged. In the bathroom, the tub drained poorly and there was no ventilation. After a shower, steam and humidity built up quickly even with a family of three, and there was mold in the shower area. The balcony was dated too, and we skipped it because the chairs were so uncomfortable. The free coffee was watery and stale tasting, so we went out to buy coffee each day. Happy hour was average, and the drinks seemed to use cheaper alcohol, so we mostly chose wine instead.

Aside from the elevator problem, we had a great stay. The location was wonderful, the breakfast was good, and the rest of the hotel was great. We also rented a car from Akamai across the street. They were easy to deal with and honest. But before booking, call the hotel and check that every elevator in your tower is working. One was out the whole time we were there, and getting to our floor took forever. I hated having to use it. With one elevator down, you should expect lines. I hope this nudges the owners to keep the elevators working, or make repairs a major priority when they aren't.

The pool and hot tub were nice, but there were kids in the pool nearly the whole time we were there. It seems like a good spot for families. If you want a quiet, relaxed pool, this may not be the place. The evening reception was another nice extra, with two complimentary drinks per guest from 5:30 to 7:30, light snacks, and live music on some days. Breakfast felt like a real buffet, with lots of hot food and protein, fresh fruit, salads, pastries, and miso soup. The omelette station was separate, and the woman working there was always smiling. Our room was large and had a separate living area and bedroom, each with a TV. The bathroom was nice, and they gave us a tote bag at check-in, which was a breeze. We were on the fourth floor, close to both breakfast and the pool, which are on that same floor. Valet parking is paid, but the attendants were attentive and brought our car within a couple of minutes each time.

The location made it easy to get around on foot, with everything we needed nearby. A smaller, quieter beach was about a five-minute walk away, and it took around ten minutes to reach a bigger, livelier stretch of sand. We didn't need a car to enjoy the area. Everyone was friendly and welcoming from the moment we arrived. We also liked the complimentary happy hour from 5-7 PM. There were only a couple of drink choices, but it was still a nice chance to unwind before going out for the evening. We had a relaxing, comfortable stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Waikiki and would recommend it. 🌺🌴