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Hotel Review: DoubleTree by Hilton Alana Waikiki

View from our room at night at the DoubleTree by Hilton Alana Waikiki

Old, Odd but Friendly

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! 

Please Read

Review: Room 818 DoubleTree by Hilton in Waikiki

Restaurant Review: M.A.C. 24/7, Waikiki

Activity Review: Waikīkī Aquarium

 

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