Frustrated trying to find a hotel that’s close to Waikiki Beach, easy on the wallet, and doesn’t require renting a car? The Waikiki Resort Hotel checked all those boxes for me, and it might be just what you’re looking for too.
Its ideal location, affordable price and proximity to bus and trolley stops made it a smart pick for my trip. I spent a few nights here and wanted to share my honest thoughts. While there were some lovely highlights, I also came across a few surprises along the way.
In this review, I’ll cover everything you need to know before booking your stay. From the location and rooms to breakfast, staff and more.
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📌 Quick Facts
- 📍 Location: Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu
- 🛏️ Type: Mid-range hotel with basic amenities
- 🚶♀️ Walkability: 1 block from the beach, near bus & trolley stops, restaurants, and shops
- 🚌 Nearest Transit: Bus and trolley stops within a minute’s walk
- 💵 Price Range: Affordable for Waikiki standards, resort fee applies
- 🧳 Great For: Solo travelers, couples, and budget-conscious visitors
| Waikiki Resort Hotel Address and contact information |
|---|
| 2460 Koa Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 1-800-367-5116 | hotel@waikikiresort.com |
Overview: Waikiki Resort Hotel Ratings
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Location | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Just one block from the beach, ideal for exploring Waikiki |
| Rooms | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Clean and cozy, but a bit dated |
| Amenities | ⭐⭐⭐½ | Thoughtful touches like water refill stations and daily activities |
| Staff and Service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Friendly and helpful, with some inconsistencies |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐½ | Good value for the area, but resort fee and luggage storage cost could be improved |
Location: 5 /5
The biggest draw of the Waikiki Resort Hotel and the biggest reason I chose it is because of its location. You’re just one block from the beach, an easy walk that takes under a minute.
Even better, it’s surrounded by bus and trolley stops, making it ideal for travelers relying on public transportation. There’s no need to worry about parking or car rentals when restaurants, shops and beaches are all within walking distance.
For those who want to explore more of the island, nearby bus and trolley connections make this hotel an excellent base for car-free travel.
Here’s what you’ll find close by:
- Multiple bus stops for exploring Oahu
- Plenty of restaurants (hello, poke bowls and garlic shrimp!)
- Shopping options for every taste
- ABC Stores on nearly every corner
If you’re looking for a hotel right in the heart of Waikiki where you can walk to the beach and get around easily, this is a fantastic choice.
How do I get to the hotel from Honolulu Airport?
A taxi from the airport costs about $50–60 and takes roughly 25–35 minutes. A shuttle is $18–25 per person and takes about 45 minutes with stops along the way. Both are available at the airport.
Room: 4 /5
We booked a room with two beds, and it worked well for the two of us. The room was simple, clean and just the right size for a short stay. It felt cozy enough after long days of exploring the island. The decor and furnishings could use an update as they felt a bit dated.
The beds were okay, not the most luxurious but comfortable enough for a few nights. We appreciated the daily housekeeping service.
The room came with all the essentials:
- Mini fridge
- In‑room safe
- Flat iron and hairdryer
- Basic toiletries
We had a balcony with a city view which was fine for us since ocean-view rooms were more expensive. We weren’t planning to spend much time in the room anyway.
Balcony with a city view, not the beach, but still relaxing with fresh air and sunshine.
🛁 Bathroom and Cleanliness
The bathroom was clean but felt dated, and the bathtub was on the smaller side. Everything was clean, which is the most important part for me. The layout could use an upgrade even so, it met our needs for a short stay.
Clean but dated bathroom. Small tub and older fixtures.
While the room decor wasn’t fancy, it was cozy, functional and felt like a solid home base for all-day beach adventures.
Minor con: No USB ports in the room. So pack your wall plugs!
Amenities: 3.5 / 5
What really stood out for me were the water bottle refill stations. This was such a thoughtful touch for travellers on the go, especially in warm Waikiki!
Here’s a quick look at the amenities available:
- Free WiFi that worked well throughout my stay
- Water bottle refill stations on the second floor and in the lobby
- Pool – We didn’t use it so I can’t comment on that experience, but it’s there if you’re planning to cool off without heading to the beach.
- Lobby has gift shop, ATM and car rental desk
- Shared microwave available on the second floor – handy for heating up snacks or leftovers
- Towel borrowing available in the basement, just sign them in and out. It’s great for trips to the pool or the beach, though the basement location can be a bit inconvenient.
- Laundry facilities available (though I didn’t use them myself)
- Free daily activities like yoga and lei-making, with a schedule posted inside the elevator
🚗 Parking, Transport & Location Convenience
We didn’t avail of the hotel parking since we didn’t rent a car. Honestly, that was part of the reason we chose this hotel. The location is walkable and close to trolley stops and public buses, which made exploring super easy. Its location is ideal for travellers relying on public transport.
If you’re bringing a car, the hotel has overnight self‑parking for $45/day plus tax. You can choose between an outdoor lot and an underground option, both located off Koa Avenue, with spaces offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis
☕️ Breakfast
Breakfast at the Waikiki Resort Hotel is served daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM. It’s a continental-style breakfast, and here’s what was available during our stay:
- Bread/toast
- Oatmeal
- Cereal
- Cheese and deli meat
- Salad
- Yogurt
- Boiled eggs (I would’ve loved to see scrambled or sunny-side options)
- 2–3 fruit choices like grapes and pineapple
- Muffins and pastries
- Beverages: coffee or tea only (no hot chocolate)
While it’s a nice perk to have breakfast included, it’s very basic and doesn’t change much from day to day. In fact, we skipped it on our last day because we’d had enough
The breakfast area can also get quite busy so if you’re hoping for a quieter experience, it’s best to arrive early.
With all that said, I found the breakfast staff friendly. They were absolutely wonderful and greeted everyone cheerfully.
One of them offered us an extra plate and even encouraged me to grab more muffins “to bring with you or for later at the beach.” I found that really thoughtful, and yes, I ended up packing a couple of muffins to snack on after snorkeling at Hanauma Bay! It’s those little moments that really make a difference!
If you’re looking for an alternate breakfast option, the hotel also has Ilima Cafe located right on-site, where you can order a more varied menu.
🧳 Luggage Storage
⚠️ Heads up: Luggage storage after checkout comes with a $5 per bag fee. This can quickly add up if you’re traveling with a group or have multiple bags. Considering that a resort fee is already charged, I felt this was an area where the hotel could be more accommodating and offer it as a complimentary service as many hotels do.
We had a late flight, and hauling our bags around town wasn’t an option, so we ended up paying for storage. It worked out, but it’s worth knowing in advance when planning your departure day.
Staff and Service: 4 / 5
Most of the staff were lovely. Warm smiles and friendly greetings that made us feel welcome throughout our stay. The woman I spoke with over the phone before our trip really stood out. She was genuinely kind, offered helpful travel tips, and went out of her way to make sure we felt taken care of.
🌺 First Impressions
The hotel itself has an open-concept design, no doors!This gives it a very welcoming vibe. At night, the entrance looks charming with tiki torches and a beautiful fountain adds to the Hawaiian atmosphere. The lobby is big and spacious, which helps even during busy check-in times.
Check‑it was smooth overall. We arrived around 11 PM, exhausted after a long flight. A group of four was checking in ahead of us and had some issues with their reservation.
The front desk agent kindly informed the group that he would help them resolve their booking issue but would quickly check us in first since it would only take a minute. The group didn’t mind, and we really appreciated that consideration after such a tiring day. That small act made a big difference.
⚠️ A Mixed Experience
The staff were generally wonderful but there’s one interaction that felt a bit off. Before our trip, I had called the hotel to ask if they could hold a small package I was having delivered. It was an envelope with some postcards. The lady I spoke with said it wouldn’t be a problem, which gave me peace of mind.
But when I called closer to the arrival date, another staff member told me they wouldn’t accept the delivery because “they didn’t know what was in it.” Totally fair, I understand every hotel has different policies, and as someone who works in the hotel industry myself, I get it.
What caught me off guard was how it was communicated. The man I spoke with said, rather bluntly, “Well, I’ve worked here for 30 years and we don’t do that.” When I explained someone else had already said yes, he dismissed it with, “Maybe she’s new.” 😬
Eventually, he agreed to note it on my reservation, but the whole exchange was a bit off-putting especially as someone who also works in the hospitality industry. But hey, we all have off days. Policies vary from hotel to hotel, and I understand that. But how it’s communicated matters, and the tone felt unnecessarily dismissive. Kindness go a long way.
On a positive note, the same lovely lady I spoke with earlier also gave me some helpful local advice. When I asked about airport transportation, she said, “Just take an Uber, it’s faster and cheaper.” She was right! A shuttle would’ve cost $25 per person and made several stops. Our Uber was around the same price and got us to the hotel directly.
Value for Money: 3.5 /5
For a mid‑range hotel in Waikiki, the Waikiki Resort Hotel delivers solid value especially to travellers who plan to be out and about most of the day.
Here’s what you can expect:
- $5 per bag for luggage storage after checkout
- A resort fee due at check‑in (check your booking details!)
- A prime location, just a block from the beach
- Clean, comfortable rooms although not the most modern
- Thoughtful touches like water refill stations and free cultural activities
I booked through Expedia for an exclusive member discount. One tip I always recommend is checking prices both on the hotel website and Expedia, if Expedia offers a lower rate, I book through them to save money and earn points for future trips.
💵 Waikiki Resort Hotel Resort Fee
Resort fee: USD 53.08 per accommodation, per night. We paid the resort fee separately at check‑in. The hotel has “resort” in its name but it doesn’t really deliver the full resort experience. There’s no poolside bar, spa or beach loungers. In my opinion, the resort fee feels unnecessary. It would make more sense if it included perks like free luggage storage, a drink voucher or beach equipment rental.
Pros & Cons Summary
Pros:
✔️ Excellent location—1 block from the beach
✔️ Open-air lobby with tropical vibes
✔️ Friendly and helpful staff (shoutout to the lady on the phone!)
✔️ Daily housekeeping
✔️ Water refill stations + free cultural activities
Cons:
❌ Breakfast lacks variety
❌ Bathrooms and rooms need updating
❌ Some inconsistencies in service tone
❌ Luggage storage after checkout is $5 per bag
Who Should Stay Here?
✅ Great for: Solo travelers, couples, and families looking for an affordable and convenient spot near the beach.
❌ Not ideal for: Guests seeking modern rooms, upscale amenities, or a full resort-style experience.
Other Nearby Stays to Consider
If Waikiki Resort Hotel is fully booked or not quite your style, check out:
- Queen Kapiolani Hotel — Chic and modern with great ocean and Diamond Head views
- The Laylow — Stylish, upscale rooms with a trendy vibe and great pool area
- Park Shore Waikiki — Simple, ocean-view rooms right across from the beach
FAQ’s
1. Can I check in early or request a late checkout?
Early check-in and late checkout aren’t guaranteed but can be requested based on availability and subject to a fee. It’s best to ask the hotel directly on the day of arrival or departure. They’ll do their best to accommodate if space and staffing allow.
2. What are the front desk hours?
The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day, so you can check in late or seek help anytime during your stay.
3. Is the hotel close to public transportation?
Absolutely! The hotel is just steps from bus and trolley stops, making it a convenient option if you’re relying on public transportation to explore Oahu.
Final Thoughts: Would I Stay Again?
Maybe. I booked this hotel because of the location and the price point, which were great for Waikiki. But if other nearby hotels offer a similar rate, I’d be curious to try something new.
Overall, it’s a good choice for short stays if you’re prioritizing beach access, convenience, and value over luxury.
Disclaimer: This review is based on our personal experience during a stay we paid for ourselves. Every guest’s experience can be different, and prices and policies often change due to seasonality or availability. Always double‑check the hotel’s website or contact them directly for the most current information. If I’ve missed anything or you have questions, feel free to ask!
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Until the next adventure,
