Embassy Suites By Hilton - Waikiki Beach Walk

This large-scale, family-friendly hotel is housed in a high-rise building that's typical of most chain hotels in the area. Surrounded by tropical palm trees and lush landscaping, it has a relaxed vibe that's popular with both business travelers and tourists. However, interiors have seen better days. The decor in the semi-open lobby is plain and dated, with drab patterned carpets and mismatched wooden furniture. Hawaiian art and island accents add a more tropical feel, while the bright restaurant provides a pleasant space to eat breakfast, though lines are likely during peak hours. The poolside area is usually busy during the day, with kids splashing in the pool and adults grabbing a drink at the bar. Most guests are families with young children and Japanese tourists, so couples seeking a romantic atmosphere may want to stay elsewhere.

This Embassy Suites is located right on the border between Fort DeRussy Beach and Waikiki Beach. It has prime location for tourists, sitting atop of Waikiki Beach Walk, a bustling complex filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Kalakaua Avenue -- the main strip in this part of town -- is a block away, with high-end luxury shops and cafes. Food trucks can be found right across the street for local flavor. The beach is a two-minute walk down the road, though nearby Kahanamoku Beach is a better option for those wanting to beat the crowds. There are plenty of attractions within walking distance, including Fort DeRussy U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii and the Honolulu Zoo. Diamond Head Crater is a 20-minute drive away, while the Ala Wai Golf Course is 10 minutes away by car. Foster Botanical Garden and the Honolulu Museum of Art are both about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. It’s 25 minutes by car to Honolulu International Airport and 30 minutes to historic Pearl Harbor, which is home to the USS Arizona Memorial. 

Like the rest of the hotel, all 369 suites are plainly decorated and could benefit from an update. They come in one or two bedroom configurations, and all are done up in muted color schemes, patterned carpets, and simple light wood furniture. Aloha lamps and Hawaiian art add a slightly more tropical feel, while some suites add sliding glass doors that open out onto narrow furnished lanais with ocean or city views. Spacious living areas and efficiency kitchenettes with microwaves and refrigerators come standard, while other in-room amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, laptop-compatible safes, phones, and free Wi-Fi. En-suite bathrooms are simple, but clean, and all include marble-effect countertops, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and free toiletries. Most guests report a good night's sleep, but light sleepers might prefer quieter upper-floor suites.

The Embassy Suites Hotel is a decent option for both business travelers and families. There's a 24-hour business center with a computer station and modern meeting rooms, plus a vast open-air lanai with a heated pool and sundeck with chaise lounges and shady umbrellas. The pool are also has a hot tub and separate kids' pool, as well as a tropical poolside bar serving cold beers and cocktails. The whole pool area can get busy during the day, and there's often live music in the evenings. One of the more popular extras here is the free evening reception that takes place by the pool, where free drinks, snacks, and beverages are provided (including kid-friendly options). The all-day restaurant serves American and Asian cuisines in a casual setting, plus a free breakfast buffet with sausage, bacon, made-to-order omelettes, pancakes, fresh melon, yogurt, juice, tea, and coffee. Room service is available, but hours are limited. Hotel services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, coin-operated laundry, tour assistance, and luggage storage. The lack of resort fees are a big perk, and there's free Wi-Fi throughout the property. On-site valet parking is available, but this costs extra.