Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger

Everything is walkable from this hotel, which is less than five minutes from the beach and surrounded by shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment. It felt like being in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip, only better. There’s everything from upscale restaurants and food courts to hidden local places just steps away. Shopping is just as good, from Macy's, Sephora, Victoria's Secret, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Ross to local souvenir shops. The staff were friendly and accommodating, and we enjoyed the restaurant, pool, and easy access to all Waikiki has to offer. Our issue was with the rooms: I’d reserved two ocean-view rooms, but we were given partial ocean views. I was told that since the hotel isn’t oceanfront, partial and full ocean views are considered the same category. Yet from outside, some rooms clearly face the ocean, and the website lists separate choices for partial ocean view and ocean view. The ocean-view option I chose cost more, so it was disappointing not to get what I booked. No ocean-view rooms were available, but staff tried to accommodate us in other ways, which we appreciated.

Our room (1705) had a good Diamondhead view, and the location in mid Waikiki was convenient. But that isn’t enough to make me come back. The balcony was useless because of the AC noise from the neighboring property, and this didn’t feel like a luxury hotel or experience. The main problem was that young children, including infants in diapers, were allowed in the hot tub. It wasn’t relaxing, and during our stay the inevitable “diaper accident” meant the spa had to close. The hotel should reconsider the policy. There’s no reason to allow infants in the hot tub. I’d stay elsewhere if traveling without kids.

The location is the main thing this hotel has going for it. It’s near much better options, and I’d never stay here again. The room showed wear, and the outdoor HVAC was so loud. We were near the elevators and heard the chime every time they came and went. The pool is tiny for a hotel this size, and they wanted $100 for early check-in. No way. The coffee shop blasted music from 6am to 10pm, though thankfully our room wasn’t close to it. At the pool, coffee shop staff came out to say our Maui Brewing beer wasn’t allowed and waited for us to pour it into a clear cup. It was a can, and I’d never bring glass to a pool. They enforced that rule while kids ran around screaming and very drunk people were at the pool.

The pool could be more impressive, though it was fine. What really stood out was the location, with easy access to the beach, and the staff. Zeny looked after our room with such a big smile and clearly cared about making our stay enjoyable. Fresh towels and coffee helped, too. We’d bought five nights through a fundraiser in our town, so we hadn’t researched the hotel beforehand. We’re really glad we chose it. I wish there were a 4.5-star option: four feels a bit harsh, while five would be too generous.