Hotel Review: Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki

What makes the Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki worth another visit?

Dear Polite Traveler,

Set in the heart of Waikiki, Hilton Garden Inn is a no-frills, newly renovated, contemporary gem.  The center of the light-filled lobby feels open with its many windows allowing for ample sunshine to flow through the well-appointed space full of seating areas and the check-in desk.  

On one end of the lobby is a Holoholo Café & Market, which is affiliated with Foodland—a large, local grocery store chain.  One can find most anything here, including a ‘grab & go’ counter, offering sandwiches, pastries and even glasses of beer and wine during happy hour. 

The TR Fire Grill caps the other end of the lobby as the hotel’s dining room and bar.  Since we are Hilton Honors members, we received a free, full breakfast held in this comfortable restaurant.  Later in the day, the restaurant serves lunch and dinner as well.  Their happy hour runs nearly all day making it the most generous we found in Waikiki.  However, I wasn’t a fan of their house chardonnay—too acidic and thin—and their bar food left a lot to be desired.  The prime-rib slider I chose was so smoky I couldn’t eat it.  I place it in the “yuck” category.  (Read about my favorite happy-hour bar/restaurant.)

Everything Within Reach

Most everything one would want to do is either steps from this hotel or can be found by Oahu’s public transportation, Waikiki Trolley—stops in front of the hotel— rental car or tour bus.  Uber and Lift are prevalent in Oahu as well, but the buses are quick, easy, and inexpensive. 

Near to the hotel is the beach, shopping and relaxing.  Since this Hilton is across the street from the International Market Place, we spent many an hour sitting in their 2nd-floor rocking chairs overlooking a unique shared green space used by families to play and for free events.  This definitely is not your typical shopping center. 

Will we return?

Yes, the hotel is convenient for most everything we want to do.  It is, however, affected by loud, jubilant noise at night.  After all, it is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and gathering centers.  So, although the scale between positives and negatives is fairly even, I would definitely stay here again.  This Hilton is on the smaller side, so it’s not too busy.  It’s in the center of most everything we like to do.  Plus, I love the people!  All this combined outweighs a bit of nightly partying racket.    

Please share your adventures!

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