Revised
4/2021
Dear
Polite Traveler,
After a half-day of air travel that began early in the morning, we arrived at the DoubleTree in Waikiki. From the outside, the hotel didn’t impress. It looked dingy, small, and old. To be honest, it is small (ish) compared to so many in Waikiki, but somewhat cozy. Old? Yes, even though its website mentioned being recently updated. Still, it was adequate, especially when receiving a deal not easy to pass up.
Note: Follow CDC and county guidelines when visiting. Always wear your face mask when in public.
Upgraded Again!
Upon
reaching the welcome desk, we were greeted by more than a friendly
face. Rebecca automatically upgraded our “deal room” to a
suite. Gotta love that! And, besides sharing the same
name as me, she shares my love of tea. Subsequently, she made sure I
had plenty for our in-room electric tea kettle that awaited us in our upgraded
suite—yep upgraded, again, from a regular room to a suite. Within our 10-day
stay, she was always ready to ensure we were comfortable.
Did
You Say, “Free?”
Due to
our upgrade, we received a free breakfast. It wasn’t the best hotel
breakfast but included the typical boiled eggs, fruit, pastries, cereal, and
waffles. Typical. Of course, I loved the teas.
I
Think I’ll Have the Cheeseburgers in Paradise, Please.
At night,
the breakfast room converts into Trees Restaurant & Bar, located on the
Main Lobby Level. Hours are 4:30 to 10
pm. The menu was simple, but adequate including burgers,
steak, salads, and pizzas. It appeared that these entrees were cooked
downstairs in their Hiking Hawaii Café—hours 7 am – 3 pm. I
found the meals to be pedestrian and overpriced, but what can a person expect
from a hotel restaurant. Plus, the ambiance was cold and somewhat unpleasant.
We ate
most of our dinners
at the nearby Cheeseburger in Paradise: 1945 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. I
could probably live on their fries and their house wine isn’t bad
either. Good prices for good food.
Bottom
Line
For the
price and proximity to Hilton Hawaiian Village—one of my favs—I might consider
staying at this DoubleTree again. However, there are so many other
interesting hotels, I plan on trying another. The hotel wasn’t the
best and, if not at the Village, I’d rather be nearer the center of Waikiki.
Polite
Traveler Suggestion:
to enhance your trip and elevated it to excellent from mediocre, connect
with those around you, especially those who serve you. Rebecca at
the welcome desk shared stories about her family, most restaurant workers,
including those in Starbucks, became friends. Connecting with others
helps bind our communities and just may give someone in despair hope for the
future.
Please
share your experiences!
Review: Room 818 DoubleTree by Hilton
in Waikiki
Restaurant Review: M.A.C. 24/7,
Waikiki
Activity Review: Waikīkī Aquarium
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