Polynesian Residences Waikiki Beach

We had a family room and it was excellent. Beach towels and chairs were available from the front desk on request, which was handy for visitors since we didn't have to buy them or pay high prices. Everyone on staff was extremely nice and helpful. The parking lot costs $35 a day, and the key card lets you come and go as often as you like. The only snag was a road closure that meant taking the longer route to the lot, but it wasn't a big deal. There are lots of restaurants and shops nearby within walking distance. This was my first visit to Hawaii, and I'd gladly stay here again. Highly recommend.

The staff were super nice. I had trouble with the shower, and the manager came right away to help me, such a lovely woman. The shower had hot water, the beds were comfortable, and we were happy to have a fridge and microwave. I didn't try the pool, though it looked nice. It's a relaxing place with nice rooms, right at the start of the main street, so you can walk everywhere. ABC Store is across the street, Burger King is nearby for an easy breakfast, and Hard Rock cafe is next door. I'm a big Hard Rock fan and have visited many of them, so that says something about the location. The vendors right by the entrance selling makeup, creams, and samples were the one annoying part. They kept approaching us and wouldn't leave us alone. Otherwise, we'd gladly come back. 👌

There's a moldy smell as soon as you enter, and the room was disgusting. The bathroom and toilet were dirty, with visible grime and mold. The shower was worst of all, with clumps of slimy mold and dirt in the grout and beside the door. I'd give it zero stars if I could.

We left after just one of the seven nights we'd planned because of serious sanitation concerns. The black mold covered the bathroom, the wallpaper was peeling in the main room, and the surfaces were sticky and disgusting. We only stayed that first night because we arrived at midnight after a seven-hour flight. They moved us to another room, but it was just as bad. The grout and caulking in both bathrooms were black. The photos online don't show what the place is actually like. We were stranded from 8 a.m. until our new hotel was ready at 4 p.m. We paid about the same at the Marriott, which had better amenities and was sparkling clean. Getting our refund through Expedia and the front desk took a fight, but it was worth it. Changing hotels changed the whole course of our trip.