Pros

  • Higher floors have views of downtown and mountains
  • Bar serving pizza
  • Charming Cream Pot cafe with garden seating
  • Two Japanese restaurants
  • Pool surrounded by large sundeck
  • Close to convention centers and shopping
  • Clean rooms with microwaves and mini-fridges
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Cons

  • Removed from central Waikiki and beach
  • Dated interiors in need of renovation
  • No balconies
  • Fee for Wi-Fi
  • Fee for room safe and (after first day) in-room coffee
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Bottom Line

Outside the heart of Waikiki, this dated budget hotel is still close to dining and shopping. It’s about as far from beach as you can get and still be in Waikiki, but still within walking distance (under 20 minutes). Those just looking for a cheap place with a pool, or business travelers who value its proximity to the convention centers, can find a deal here. Others might consider checking the Ohana Waikiki West or the Aqua Waikiki Pearl for more central locations and amenities.

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Amenities

  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Pool

Oyster Hotel Review

Waikiki Monarch Hotel

Scene

Budget high-rise hotel meets strip mall

The uninspired decor here is in need of some updating and the lobby includes unsightly areas being used for storage. A bar that serves pizza is a welcome addition and the Cream Pot cafe has a small outdoor garden seating area, but the rest of place has the atmosphere of a strip mall. Outside, the hotel is flanked by old apartments and parking lots that make the immediate area somewhat undesirable at night.

See More Scene

Location

Close to convention centers and shopping on the Ala Wai canal

On an urban block at the far north end of Waikiki, the Waikiki Monarch Hotel is in close proximity to popular conference destinations at the the Hawaii Convention Center and Hilton Hawaiian Village, among others. Also within walking distance is Honolulu’s enormous Ala Moana shopping center. The equally touristy Kalakaua Avenue -- a busy stretch of shops, restaurants, and high-rise hotels-- is a 10-minute stroll. Diamond Head, Ala Wai golf course, and the Honolulu Zoo are all short drives (15 minutes or less), and Honolulu International Airport just a 20- to 25-minute cab ride away.

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Rooms

Outdated, but functional with microwaves and mini-fridges

The furnishings and carpets have seen better days here. Expect to find the TV, microwave, and coffeemaker all crowded onto the same piece of aging furniture. The small bathrooms are in need of more thorough tile cleaning, but otherwise are in good order. Housekeeping provides daily toiletries, but coffee is only supplied on the first day, and after that there’s a charge. The window air conditioners are noisy, but other than city noise on lower floors, the hotel itself is relatively quiet. Rooms on higher floors have good views of the city and mountains, but none have balconies.

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Features

Large sundeck, on-site massages, and multiple restaurants

Car, scooter and motorcycle rentals are located right in the lobby, but some of the rental staff barely speak English. There is a convenient guest laundry room (coin operated), massage services, and a beauty salon. The pool is surrounded by a large sundeck with grills for guest use and ample lounging space. The on-site restaurants provide some dining diversity -- Kings Pub & Pizza Parlor has a casual ambiance and pool table, while Japanese fare is available at Aloha Sushi and Choco House Japanese Restaurant. The charming Cream Pot cafe is a local favorite for breakfast.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Waikiki Monarch Hotel

Scene

Budget high-rise hotel meets strip mall

The uninspired decor here is in need of some updating and the lobby includes unsightly areas being used for storage. A bar that serves pizza is a welcome addition and the Cream Pot cafe has a small outdoor garden seating area, but the rest of place has the atmosphere of a strip mall. Outside, the hotel is flanked by old apartments and parking lots that make the immediate area somewhat undesirable at night.

See More Scene

Location

Close to convention centers and shopping on the Ala Wai canal

On an urban block at the far north end of Waikiki, the Waikiki Monarch Hotel is in close proximity to popular conference destinations at the the Hawaii Convention Center and Hilton Hawaiian Village, among others. Also within walking distance is Honolulu’s enormous Ala Moana shopping center. The equally touristy Kalakaua Avenue -- a busy stretch of shops, restaurants, and high-rise hotels-- is a 10-minute stroll. Diamond Head, Ala Wai golf course, and the Honolulu Zoo are all short drives (15 minutes or less), and Honolulu International Airport just a 20- to 25-minute cab ride away.

See More Location

Rooms

Outdated, but functional with microwaves and mini-fridges

The furnishings and carpets have seen better days here. Expect to find the TV, microwave, and coffeemaker all crowded onto the same piece of aging furniture. The small bathrooms are in need of more thorough tile cleaning, but otherwise are in good order. Housekeeping provides daily toiletries, but coffee is only supplied on the first day, and after that there’s a charge. The window air conditioners are noisy, but other than city noise on lower floors, the hotel itself is relatively quiet. Rooms on higher floors have good views of the city and mountains, but none have balconies.

See More Rooms

Features

Large sundeck, on-site massages, and multiple restaurants

Car, scooter and motorcycle rentals are located right in the lobby, but some of the rental staff barely speak English. There is a convenient guest laundry room (coin operated), massage services, and a beauty salon. The pool is surrounded by a large sundeck with grills for guest use and ample lounging space. The on-site restaurants provide some dining diversity -- Kings Pub & Pizza Parlor has a casual ambiance and pool table, while Japanese fare is available at Aloha Sushi and Choco House Japanese Restaurant. The charming Cream Pot cafe is a local favorite for breakfast.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.