Waikiki Heritage Hotel

The property is beautiful, with plenty of native plants and trees, and a cute native Hawaiian tiki statue. The staff were really nice, and the beds were extremely comfortable for my chronic back pain. It’s a decently priced place in Waikiki, with shops and food within walking distance, including Honolulu Hard Rock Cafe and an ABC Store across the street that sells souvenirs and towels. The downsides: the windows are screens and shutters rather than actual glass, parking is very tight even for a compact Kia, and the pool closes at dusk. We kept getting back after dusk, so never got to swim, even though it stays warm enough for an evening swim. They also don’t provide housekeeping, so you have to ask the front desk if you need clean towels or anything extra. I’d recommend it to someone looking for a reasonably priced hotel in the area.

Most of the staff seemed friendly and helpful, and the rooms appeared to be cleaned every three days. There are rooms with or without a kitchenette. The front gates close at 10 at night, but getting back in is easy with the keylock combination they provide. The rate seems fair for this location, even if the property itself is modest. It’s close to the Waikiki tourist center, the beach, and Hard Rock Cafe.

I found a lizard in the bed when I moved my pillow to go to sleep, and that was it for me. It was after 10 PM, the desk was closed, and there was no on-call staff for an urgent problem. A family member eventually found the lizard under the mattress and removed it. I was anxious and uncomfortable after that. The next morning, the clerk didn’t seem concerned and said lizards might be around because it’s an environmental space. Fine, but they shouldn’t be in a guest’s bed. She called it a favor to have housekeeping change the linens. In daylight, I also saw that the bathroom needed a serious deep clean, and the AC unit wasn’t fitted properly. A square of gauze, the kind used for first aid, was stuffed into the gap at its base. I’ve never stayed in a hotel this disgusting.

Nothing like the pictures. The front desk people are lovely and want to help, though room attendants only take instructions from the desk, which is fair. It might do in a last-minute pinch for an overnight, but I’ll avoid it when I can. ABC is across the street and the big shopping areas are nearby.