2947 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | (888) 635-3814
Property right on the ocean (though no beach)
Condo-type rooms, most with kitchenettes
Some rooms have balconies and gorgeous views
Area attractions within walking distance
Free Wi-Fi in public spaces
Tropical area overlooking the water with loungers/patio furniture
Coin-operated laundry available on-site
Separate cleaning fees and no daily maid service
No pool, spa, gym, or business center
No on-site restaurants (but convenience store nearby)
No staff perenially on hand to address issues
Though its name says hotel, this mid-range
property is actually 60 privately owned condo-type suites which guests must
book individually with owners or a management company. The positive is that guests are guaranteed to be in a quiet area of Waikiki -- Hawaii's Gold Coast --
overlooking the ocean; the negative is you don't always know what you're going
to get in terms of room amenities, so do the research. Most units have kitchenettes
with refrigerators, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. Shared features are
few, but the venue does provide free Wi-Fi in public spaces, coin-operated
laundry, and on-site parking.
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.
Scene
A place for those comfortable taking care of themselves
This property is best for those who don't
mind being on their own during their vacation. There's a front desk with
limited hours to check guests in, but after that, there really isn't anyone
around to help you if you have issues with the condo. Self-sufficiency is a
must here. The overall vibe, however, is still relaxed and vacation oriented.
(Business travelers would probably be better suited to a full-service venue.) The hotel itself is a 14-story high-rise right on the Pacific Ocean;
unsurprisingly, the higher the condo, the better the view. The surrounding
neighborhood is a major selling point for many: The property is removed
from the hubbub of downtown Waikiki, so the only noises guests usually hear are
surf and tropical breeze rustling the palm trees.
Location
In a quiet spot overlooking the ocean near the Diamond Head end of Oahu
Located at the southern tip of Oahu,
Diamond Head Beach Hotel is about a 15-minute walk to downtown Waikiki. The immediate
area doesn’t have many shops or restaurants and the property itself is adjacent
to Kapiolani Park Beach, a spot very popular with locals and tourists alike
and considered by many to be the best park in Oahu. There’s no beach --
even though the hotel is right on the ocean -- but a five-minute walk
north puts you at Kaimana Beach, ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Sans Souci
Beach is also nearby, as are Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. Diamond Head is
a short drive southeast.
Rooms
Unique suites in a condo-style building, most with modern amenities
Since
the 60 suites here are all privately owned, there’s significant variation with the
decor and amenities found in each unit. Most suites are well-maintained and
modern with kitchenettes. The Kahaki Penthouse has a full granite-top kitchen
with refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and utensils. Units are large enough
to have separate bedroom and living areas, and many have lovely balconies
overlooking the ocean. Flat-screen TVs with cable channels are the norm, but incredible views of the water and the surrounding Diamond Head area are far
more appealing to watch. Daily maid service is not a part of the package so don't
expect nightly clean sheets, and there’s usually an additional
cleaning fee assessed after your stay. Be aware of what’s in your contract
before you sign.
Features
Free Wi-Fi in public places, laundry, and parking
Individual
condos may or may not have free Wi-Fi, but it is available -- albeit spottily
-- in public spaces. Many people resort to heading to a Starbucks in Waikiki
for their Internet needs. If you're staying for a while, you'll appreciate the
multiple coin-operated laundry machines on the premises. Parking isn’t free,
but guests can reserve a spot in the building. There’s usually ample street
parking nearby. (Keep in mind that while it's free overnight, you'll have
to pay for meters during the day.) While there's no pool or beach
here, the property does provide lounge chairs and patio furniture in a grassy
area with splendid views of the ocean.
