Sizing up the Embassy Suites Honolulu - Waikiki Beach Walk
Only a decade ago, Beachwalk and neighboring Lewers streets had become somewhat downtrodden and even a bit seedy. Two serviceable but nondescript Outrigger hotels stood along Kalia Road between Beachwalk and Lewers, close to the beach but offering little in the way of panache. Over the past few years, however, the entire block formed by Kalia, Beachwalk, Lewers, and Kalakaua have been dramatically and happily transformed, and the aforementioned Outrigger properties have been beautiful reconfigured into the splendid Embassy Suites Honolulu - Waikiki Beach Walk.
This twin-towered, all-suites hotel is among the snazziest in the Embassy Suites brand, but though decidedly upscale, rates are quite competitive given the proximity to the beach, room size, and hotel amenities. Service is exceptional friendly and efficient. The hotel is also a great choice for Waikiki's gay travelers, even offering romance packages aimed squarely at courting GLBT travelers.
Adjacent to the Embassy Suites, the neighborhood's sleek Waikiki Beach Walk contains a mix of mid-priced to upscale shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants - including an outpost of the popular contemporary Hawaiian restaurant, Roy's, and such popular hangouts as the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Mondo Gelato, and Ruth's Chris Steak House.
Pros:
- Although only a fraction of the rooms have direct or even partial ocean views, the Embassy Suites is just a block from Waikiki Beach.
- There's a beautiful pool area and lanai (pictured on this page) on the fourth floor connecting the hotel's two towers.
- Rooms are attractively priced by Waikiki standards, especially considering the quality of furnishings and amenities, and the size of these one- and two-bedroom suites.
- A good selection of shops and restaurants are attached to the hotel in the Waikiki Beach Walk, and just a block north on Kalakaua Avenue you'll find a slew of high-end boutiques and cafes.
- Families or friends traveling together can find plenty of value in the two-bedroom suites.
Cons:
- Relatively few rooms have direct or even partial ocean views.
- It's at the opposite end of Waikiki Beach from Queen's Surf gay section and Hula's gay bar, but Angles and Fusion gay bars are relatively close.
- Although it's a great property for families and groups, couples seeking an adult-oriented, chill atmosphere may be better off elsewhere.
The Details:
Address, phone, and web: 201 Beachwalk St., Honolulu, HI, 800-EMBASSY; book online at the hotel's web reservations page. To secure the hotel's GLBT-friendly special package rate, enter the promotional code LUV on the reservation form (or mention it when booking over the phone).
Rates: Rates begin around $299 per night during quieter times, but generally you can expect average rates of about $399 and up during the busier times. As is standard with Embassy Suites properties, rates include full cooked-to-order breakfast each morning, and a nightly manager's reception that features appetizers and cocktails.
Rooms and notable in-amenities: The two towers, which rise to 21 stories, contain 369 one- and two-bedroom suites. All units have separate living rooms with sofa beds, dining tables and chairs, refrigerators, wet bars, microwaves, coffeemakers, free high-speed Internet and calls within U.S. and Canada, flat-panel TVs, and dual-line phones with voice-mail. Bedrooms have similar phones and TVs plus CD/alarm-clock radios, and private balconies off both the bedrooms and living rooms are available on request. Furnishings are contemporary and unobtrusive, and bathrooms are standard-size and comfortably outfitted with combined shower/tubs. Overall, the rooms are well-designed, immaculate, cheerfully furnished, and practical, if not excessively fancy.
Noteworthy hotel amenities: The fourth-floor pool and lanai is quite expansive and attractive (it includes a pool bar, whirlpool tub, and separate adult and kids' pools); there's also a small but well-outfitted fitness center and a business center with free Internet (both of these are open 24/7). There's dry-cleaning, coin laundry, valet parking (at a charge), and luggage storage on-site, and restaurants literally within a few steps of the open-air lobby.
