Walking distance to shops, nightlife, and Waikiki beach
Right on Kalakaua Avenue (a con for some)
Unobstructed views of Ainahau Triangle and Fort DeRussy parks
Some rooms have balconies
Outdoor (albeit small) pool with a water feature and city views
Business center with a handful of desks and two computers for guest use
Competitive rates
Small rooms in need of updates
Traffic from Kalakaua can be noisy
Daily service fee (for Wi-Fi, coffee, business center access)
Fee for valet parking
No restaurant, bar, or fitness center
The Waikiki Gateway Hotel sits on a busy thoroughfare in an urban area, making it less than an ideal location for a relaxing tropical vacation. However, for those who want to be near Hawaiian nightlife and shopping options, this hotel isn't a bad choice -- especially given its affordable rates. Many of the shops, restaurants, and bars of Waikiki are within close walking distance. It's not a bad pick for budget business travelers who want to be located on Kalakaua Avenue either, particularly those who want easy access to the Waikiki Convention Center (which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel). Though the low rates are a perk, rooms are on the small side and many are in need of a serious refresh, with dated decor and ancient TVs.
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Scene
A selectively updated, aging high-rise that draws budget-conscious travelers
Given the modern entryway's hardwood floors and overall clean sheen, guests might expect to see some impressive rooms and interiors past the front desk. However, the rest of the hotel is fairly underwhelming compared to the chic feel of the lobby, which features sleek wood furnishings, sculptural details, and colored accent lighting behind the glass concierge desk. Its convenient location and affordable rates are the big draw, as the hotel attracts budget-conscious leisure and business travelers.
Location
On busy Kalakaua Avenue and about a five-minute walk from the heart of Waikiki
Though the Waikiki Gateway rises from the busiest street in central Waikiki, the Ainahau Triangle park is essentially its backyard, with the Fort DeRussy park beyond that. Such close proximity to these parks means it is a pleasant walk through a lot of green space to get to the beach from the hotel. In addition to the ocean, dining and nightlife options (as well as the convention center) are also within walking distance. Touristy Kalakaua Avenue is a busy stretch of shops, restaurants, and high-rise hotels that cuts across Waikiki. Diamond Head, Ala Wai golf course, and the Honolulu Zoo are all short drives (15 minutes or less) from the hotel. The Honolulu International Airport is a 20- to 25-minute cab ride away.
Rooms
Small and dated, with inconsistent updates from room to room
Most of the rooms are small, and so cramped that it's not easy opening the combination dresser/TV stand due to its close proximity to the bed. Some of the TVs are ancient tube-style models, while some rooms have flat-screens. You'll also find aging carpets in some, while others have new wood floors. Many have powder blue accent walls, complete with matching bedding accents. The bathrooms are dated, with worn-out cabinetry and old fixtures. A small desk, coffeemaker, and black-out drapes come standard. Most rooms have unobstructed views of the park, with the ocean beyond. Though the balconies are small, there's enough space to fit a couple of chairs. Larger rooms with kitchenettes are available for extended stays.
Features
Some business-friendly amenities and a small, outdoor pool with a water feature, but little else
The daily service fee covers most of the common necessities including Wi-Fi, access to the business center, and coffee and bottled water for the room each day. The business center has some semi-private desks and two computers for guest use. There is a small meeting space with a conference table, sound system, and a wall screen that can accommodate up to 20 people at maximum. The hotel's small, outdoor pool is on an upper level of the hotel and offers expansive city views. It has a small water feature that pours down into the middle of the pool, adding a bit of fun into what is otherwise an uninspired place to take a dip.
