Victoria P.

Review of Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach

There are both pros and cons to this hotel, hence ...

There are both pros and cons to this hotel, hence my middle-of-the-fence review.

PROS:
1. Breakfast is included. And the entrees are standard with a few changes around every 2 days. There's always egg, some kind of meat (either bacon or sausage), and a starch (french toast or potatoes). Other dishes include miso soup and rice, along with cereal, toast, oatmeal, and fruits. I appreciated miso soup in the morning because I had a bad cold on the first day of my trip. And instead of the starch for the entree, I got the rice to compliment the eggs and meat, which is what I would eat at home.

2. Close proximity to the beach and Kapiolani Park. Kuhio beach is about 2 blocks away, and Kapiolani Park is about a 7-minute walk. We happened to be in town during the Okinawan festival at the park, so it was convenient being close by.

3. Clean rooms with room to move. I was in a party of 6, so I was afraid there wouldn't be much room to maneuver in the guest rooms. I was wrong. The first room we had (because we went to Ko Olina in the middle of the trip) had lots of room, even with the fold-out sofa at the corner of the room. And with the balcony, there was plenty of room. The second room had less space with the sofa bed, but still manageable. It also has a balcony.

4. Cool Japanese toilets. Yes, the ones where there are bidets and seat warmers. It's just missing the music.

CONS:
1. "State of the art elevators." They may be new, but really slow. There are only 2 elevators, and there aren't any indicators as to which floor they are located.. so a minute waiting feels like 5, especially when there's a line to get one. The hotel did have a letter as when it'll be more difficult to get an elevator. At one point, I ended up just getting on regardless of the direction because it'll eventually had to go to my floor. If you're closer to the ground floor, or the 3rd floor where breakfast is served, take the stairs.

2. Layout of room with ocean view. I guess something had to be compensated. In the first room with ocean view, the bathroom essentially had no privacy. There wasn't a wall that separated if from the rest of the room, so it felt really small. In the second room, the bathroom did have a separation, but there was partial ocean view. So pick your poison when deciding.

3. Pool. Extremely small. Besides, the ocean is literally down the street. No need to go to the pool.

4. Small driveway and parking situation. The incline of the driveway to the hotel is narrow and steep. Also, self-parking is across the street. We opted for valet, and still did when our rental car was badly scratched and dented. The valet staff were professional and did the paperwork that the rental agency needed.

In conclusion, if you're traveling in a large group, especially with kids, staying at this hotel may be a good option, especially with breakfast included. I believe the Hyatt took over this building from another hotel company, so though upgrades did occur, more improvements can be made.