A High-End Honolulu Hotel For a Great Price: Alohilani Resort
If you’re traveling to Honolulu, Hawaii — I’ve got the place for you to stay!
There’s a high-end hotel for a fair price along Waikiki Beach called Alohilani Resort. Yes, you can definitely find cheaper, but you can also find the same quality for much more expensive as well. It’s genuinely great quality for the price you’re paying.
I was in Hawaii for a wedding, but there was no hotel block (based on the range of budgets that people were dealing with) so we were all left to our own devices. After a decent amount of reseach, I discovered the Alohilani Resort and was immediately impressed. When you glance at their gallery, it’s definitely giving some luxurious and relaxing vibes.
First impressions were as nice as expected and the stay was very enjoyable. I would definitely stay here again if I ever find myself back in Honolulu. The views alone are incredible.
Location = 4.5
It’s truly hard to beat this location. The only reason it isn’t a 5 is because it isn’t directly on the beach. However, it is essentially across the street with direct access to a beach.
It is off of Kalakaua Ave, which — if you don’t know — is the main strip along Waikiki Beach with all of the shopping, eating, nightlight and most hotels. You have easy access to everything on the island and is a quick 15-20 min drive from the airport, similar to anything along Waikiki Beach.
Service = 5
The service was great. The staff was very friendly and they let me check in early (after a brief wait in their coffee bar area while they finalized my room). I personally like when they tend to leave you alone, but are still available if needed. I didn’t spend a lot of time in the hotel so I was pretty low maintenance. But again, a very positive experience overall.
Rooms = 4
The rooms are simple but nice. It definitely has an upscale beach vibe to it. Nothing over the top special, but still elevated. I stayed in a high-level, Diamond Head ocean view room and the extra cost was worth it to wake up and see the iconic Volcano as well as the ocean. I definitely recommend selecting the Diamond Head view as opposed to “partial ocean” or just simply “ocean view.” You will see both the sun rise and sunset from how that room faces. The one “negative” is that the bathroom was a little on the smaller side, but not a huge problem as a solo traveler.
Food = 3*
I did not eat much food at the hotel so hard for me to rate this. However, I do like the variety that they offer and I did enjoy the couple items that I tried at the Swell pool deck so I’m rating it fairly high. Additionally, there is:
La Bettola, a classic Italian spot
Morimoto Asia, an Asian spot from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto
Momosan, a casual ramen spot
Luna’s, a tequila bar channeling the flavors of Mexico
Makana Lani, a buffet available for breakfast and dinner
Piccola Onda, a casual Italian spot
Kai Coffee, on-site coffee bar with locally grown coffee
Longboard Club (see below in amenities)
Two ice cream spots, one local and a Haagen-Dazs
Amenities = 4
Pool - There is a rooftop infinity pool and it is has a gorgeous view of the ocean. So 10/10 on presentation. The one big negative is that there isn’t a lot of chairs and space around it. If the hotel is at capacity, I imagine it is pretty difficult to find a spot. Even as a solo guest, I struggled some.
Beach Access - Mentioned above. Not directly on the beach but certainly only steps away.
Fit Waikiki - A health and fitness club that is complimentary to hotel guests. It features “state-of-the-art equipment and services”.
Spa U’ilani -This is located inside Fit Waikiki. I did not use it due to a busy schedule but at least it is available to guests!
Beach Candy Credits - Surfboards, paddle boards and more rentals that are available. The resort fee provides credits that can be redeemed for tehse rentals.
Longboard Club - For an additional fee, you can have access to the Longboard Club during your stay! I did not partake since, again, I had a busy itinerary and was solo. But I would definitely upgrade to have access if I were there for a purely leisure visit. It feature a “private setting at a Waikiki club level” with complimentary breakfast and evening wines, plus a dining program.
Have you stayed at Alohilani or would you give it a chance if you’re traveling to Honolulu? It’ll definitely give you the high-end hotel feel without some of the other Hawaii high-end hotel prices, so I recommend checking it out!
Signed,
