The Hyatt Place Waikiki is slightly further along Waikiki than the Hyatt Regency which I reviewed here. In fact it nearly next door to Honolulu Zoo and very close to Diamond Head. Although it is set back from the beach – it is only a five minute walk to the ocean.
The Reception Area is in an indoors/outdoors setting with nothing between the driveway and the Reception desk but a seating area. It does make it feel a lot more open.
Check-In
The agent at check-in acknowledged me by name, noted my Diamond Status and thanked me for staying with Hyatt so often. She then explained where all the facilities were on site and took me on a short walk to the lifts, via the two shops, internet area (with printer) and the Conierge Desk. As it was a Friday there was a live performer in the lounge area, adjacent to the bar. It did create a very island feel.
Although the public areas did have a Hyatt Place feel it was clear it was a conversion from another property, rather than a bespoke Hyatt Place build.
Property
The property has two towers and I was located in the one nearer Diamond Head, at the end of a corridor away from the lifts on the 12th Floor.
The Room
The hotel had allocated me a super room – right on the end of the corridor with a wrap around balcony giving views of the ocean. There was a little room off the main bedroom with a sofa bed and a further flatscreen TV. The bed was a very comfortable Hyatt bed. There was a desk, and flatscreen TV in the room. The WiFi worked well and was quick and reliable.
Views from the Room
Although the room faced North, it had a decent view of the hills, a good view of Diamond Head to the East and of the Ocean to the South. The views were not as spectcular as those from the Hyatt Regency but centainly nice to sit out on the balcony and enjoy the view.
Breakfast
I had been warned that Breakfast (free) could be a bit of a bun fight (!) and indeed, in the room there was a note suggesting that it is sometimes easier to use a tray and bring food back to the room. I did this and enjoyed sitting on the balcony with my breakfast items. The usual Hyatt choice was there including hot items, cereal, juices, coffee, etc. The opening times at 0630-0930 Mon-Fri and until 1000 on Saturdays and Sundays. When I arrived at 0630 and the Pantry had not opened there must have been 50 people waiting. I found enough to keep me happy and wizzed back up to the room. The outdoor area has 20-25 tables and some are around the pool.
Local Amenities
If you are on a budget trip then the bus stop for the 19 or 20 to the airport is right next to the north entrance to the hotel. In addition on the corner near the ocean are a number of eating options including a Wolfgag Puck Express and a Subway. The view from the end of the road was pretty spectacular. There is an ABC Store between the hotel and the Ocean as well as a scooter rental office in the next street.
I would say that I saw more homeless people at this end of the Waikiki than I had seen before and that the hotel seems to attract a young crowd who are used to later evenings than I, although there was really very little noise in the hotel.
No taxis wait outside the hotel, so if you need one the Front Desk will call one. Mine was $28 (fixed price) plus tip to airport, which was good value as I paid $40 to get to the hotel.
Overview
For the price paid ($139 plus tax), including Breakfast and WiFi it’s great value for Honolulu. The hotel is well maintained, with helpful staff and whilst breakfast can require sharp elbows, everyone was really pleasant and there was plenty of food to go around.
51 people up at 0630? Wow.
How did you find $139 per night?
I’m looking to stay at either of the Waikiki Hyatt hotels. What category and number of points are they?
We stayed here in July, all I can say is it was one of the best hotels we stayed at and definitly one of the best hyatt point values.
My guess would be the time change. 0630 is 0930 pacific time
@Don T – It came up on the web site about a week before I arrived. I always check rates in the week before I arrive in case they have gone down.
@Grant – Regency Waikiki starts from 18k (cat 5) and Place is 12k (cat 3) per night