Hilton Vacation Club The Modern Honolulu

The room was spacious and nice, though the mattress wasn’t especially comfortable. We still slept well. At check-in we were placed beside the elevator core, and the noise was so bad we’d never heard anything like it. It was driving us crazy, so we asked to move. The staff were friendly and accommodating and changed our room quickly. They put us at the far end of the floor. We could still hear the elevators now and then, but it was much better and no longer bothered us.

It was clean and in a quiet spot away from the crowds. The elevators were loud enough to hear from bed, but a lovely front desk assistant, I think their name was Justine, offered us a white noise machine. That made the stay perfect. Everyone was so nice, and I’d definitely recommend it.

The rooms have a clean, modern minimalist feel, with lots of natural light, and everything seemed fresh and well maintained. The location suited me too, on the quieter end of Waikiki by the marina, within walking distance of Ala Moana Center and the beach. The poolside bar team were friendly and attentive. Guests rave about the 3-5pm happy hour and the Mai Tais, and I can see why. John greeted me from what felt like 50 feet away every time I crossed the lobby. His people-detection skills are something else. Courtney at the Hilton Honors front desk, a Springfield, Ohio native, made booking and rebooking feel like talking with a friend who actually wanted to help. She just gets it and turned out to be a perfect fit for Hawaiian hospitality. I’ve stayed places where “attentive service” is only marketing talk. Here, the staff remembered me, greeted me warmly each day, and seemed genuinely happy to help. That makes a hotel more than just somewhere to sleep. After six nights at the Hilton Modern Honolulu, I’m already planning to come back next year.

We booked a spacious room with two beds and a partial ocean view. My wife and I had enough room that we never had to bump into each other. It’s a nice hotel, well placed for seeing Honolulu and Waikiki, and the staff were always extremely helpful. They answered our many questions and offered help even when we didn’t need it. Keep in mind self-parking costs $40 per night.