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There are numerous hotel choices available in Waikiki, which made it a bit overwhelming for us when my husband and I began searching for accommodations. Initially, all the hotels appeared breathtaking, but upon closer inspection, we noticed that a number of the rooms seemed a bit dated. It wasn't until we stumbled upon Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach where we finally came across a room that had a much more contemporary vibe compared to the other lodging options.

AMPLIFY YOUR ALOHA

One of the key factors that influenced our decision to make a reservation at the Alohilani was the availability of excellent vacation packages that they offered to guests. After thoroughly comparing costs on multiple hotel booking sites, we found that it was more cost-effective to make a direct reservation through Alohilani's official website.

We booked the “Amplify Your Aloha” package, which offered various VIP perks including exclusive Longboard Club Access, Premium Views, Complimentary Valet Parking, and the Daily Resort Amenity Fee waived.

PARKING

Traffic in the main area of Waikiki can be quite overwhelming, but we were relieved to find that the entrance to valet and self parking at the Alohilani was located on a quieter street, making it easy to navigate in and out.

Since valet parking was complimentary with our stay, we didn’t use the self parking option. Personally, I typically lean towards self parking, but the multiple valet staff members at the hotel meant that retrieving our car was always a quick and hassle-free process.

CHECK-IN

We arrived shortly before check-in at 3PM and luckily our room was already prepared for us. The individual assisting with our check-in was fast, however, the hotel receptionist overlooked some key elements of our booking details.

Upon receiving our room keys, we inquired about the Longboard Club and complimentary valet parking, prompting her to realize the oversight. She exchanged our keys to grant us access to the Longboard Club and reassured us that we had free valet parking.

She didn’t provide us with any information regarding the on-site amenities. Instead, she handed us a piece of paper containing the necessary details. Despite this less-than-ideal start, the rest of the staff we crossed paths with during our stay at the resort were amiable and helpful.

DIAMOND HEAD OCEANFRONT VIEW ROOM

I preferred a room with a King bed, but the only available option at the time of booking was the Queen Diamond Head Oceanfront View room with two queen beds. We were in Room 3556, which was located on the 35th floor. While the beds were indeed comfortable, I found the comforter to be on the thinner side. The room provided a selection of pillows ranging from firm to soft, a thoughtful detail that I appreciated.

Positioned between the beds was a medium-sized nightstand where my husband and I could conveniently charge our devices thanks to the two USB ports and outlets. Across from the beds, we had a 50” TV and a spacious console table with multiple drawers.

Additionally, the room was stocked with amenities such as a coffee machine with a variety of coffee and tea pods, an iron, ironing board, digital safe, and compact refrigerator. The entrance area boasted a large closet and a floor-length mirror, offering ample space for storing our belongings.

My favorite feature of the room was the private lanai, where I could savor the breathtaking views and island sounds every morning and evening during sunset. It became my peaceful retreat for enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine at night.

BATHROOM

The bathroom, while on the petite side and lacking any remarkable features, didn't dampen my spirits considering the exceptional quality of everything else in the room. We were provided with plenty of towels, a hair dryer, and basic amenities like shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and lotion.

I was surprised to find that the usual additional amenities found in hotel rooms, such as Q-tips, cotton balls, etc., were not readily accessible. I had to request them through room service on a few occasions, as they were not provided upfront.

LONGBOARD CLUB

If you want to elevate your stay, definitely add the Longboard Club to your stay. I was truly impressed by the extensive offerings at the Longboard Club. Initially anticipating a small, private indoor dining space, I was delighted to discover a vast outdoor area complete with cabanas.

The morning continental breakfast was a highlight and it was consistently outstanding in quality throughout our week-long stay. Each day brought a slightly different selection, with my personal favorite being the signature acai bowl. The acai bowl was available everyday.

The evenings at the club were equally delightful, providing a wide array of wines and custom craft beers on tap. Substantial bites beyond the expected evening hors d’oeuvres, such as pot stickers and egg rolls were all fantastic.

However, my favorite was the live action pasta station, offering made-to-order dishes every evening. The chef's enthusiasm for the dish was evident as he not only prepared it with great care but also impressed us by recalling our order the following night. All of the evening staff were friendly and attentive ensuring we were always well-supplied with food and drinks during our time at the club.

The pasta chef was exceptionally friendly and made us feel truly welcome. During quieter moments, he took the time to engage with the guests, even offering to capture memorable photos for us. This genuine gesture did not go unnoticed and added to the overall exceptional experience, making it stand out as one of the best services we encountered in Hawaii.

SWELL POOL

The poolside experience is elegant and spacious, with numerous day beds and ample seating options for guests to enjoy. Additionally, guests can take in the breathtaking views of Waikiki Beach from the saltwater infinity pool.

One minor downside was the requirement of a paid reservation to access the lounge chairs within the infinity pool, which was a bit pricey, so I opted out of that particular experience.

At night, the space transforms into a lively evening hot spot, buzzing with the sounds of live music and cocktails. The nightly video art projection adds an element of excitement and brightness to the ambiance, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

FINAL THOUGHTS

We both really enjoyed our stay at Alohilani. The rooms impressed us with its breathtaking views, perfectly complementing the prime location we found ourselves in. Being just a stone's throw away from Waikiki Beach allowed us to easily soak up the sun, while the abundance of dining options catered to our every craving.

ALOHILANI RESORT WAIKIKI BEACH (map)
2490 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-1233

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