Why We Might Not Return: Hilton Garden Inn, Waikiki
My
dear polite travelers,
Imagine
waiting three years to revisit a pleasant memory. You’d probably be thrilled to be on that
journey. Right? Well, I am, and ...well, I’m lukewarm to some
aspects of it, especially our room: #1537.
But the Ocean is Right There!
In our room, #1537, we have the ocean view and the fresh breezes associated with
it. Still, due to the central, otherwise
excellent location, it’s noisy—very noisy.
Thus, those breezes remain outside all night. Darn. The
pleasant sweet-ocean-air-in-our-room-memory I dream of often eluded us on this
trip. Now, it’s just sad.
The Good & the Weird
Beyond
the noise, it is a comfortable room—especially the shower—but there’s not
enough counter space. Instead of a long
counter or desk, the hotel designer thought a long built-in seat would be a clever idea?? Hint. It’s not.
We can only use it to store our suitcases and bulky items. The only place to use my computer is a small
table like an old-fashioned TV tray. Only,
this one is heavy metal and too tall for comfort. Grrr...
How’s the Bed & Bath?
The
king bed is
especially comfortable, but the pillows are not. The two choices come straight from Goldie
Locks and the Three Bears, only there is no ‘perfect’ pillow here. One is too hard and the other feels like it
has been deflated. Interesting.
Note
that the sink is outside the bathroom, which wasn’t a problem. In fact, it works well for those readying for
the day simultaneously. And although the shower/toilet room is a bit
tight, it serves the purpose, and the shower is wonderful. It’s large, contemporary, and clean. The door is large and seals well, so there are no leaks. I love the shower head and bar
in the corner to rest my foot when shaving.
That sells the room for me.
Essentials?
The
room includes a Keurig, electric kettle, microwave, refrigerator, and large
smart television. The tea options are
limited though.
Note
If
considering this hotel, try the city-view room.
Those rooms overlook an apartment building—lousy view—are quieter and many
rooms have desks.
How About the Hotel?
Basic,
but contemporary/clean is how I would describe this Hilton Garden Inn. The lobby feels open and spacious with floor-to-ceiling
windows overlooking Kuhio Ave and includes multiple seating options in the
lobby. The Fire Grill Restaurant is
situated on one side of the lobby with the Holoholo Market on the other.
Working Up a Sweat
The
Fitness Center is separated into two rooms.
Interesting. One houses multiple
machines, while the other is all about free weights and mats. The rooms are spacious and clean.
Take a Dip
Floor
three houses the pool, spa, bar...and pool table. Interesting.
I had to giggle when I saw it. I
know. Silly. But a pool table next to a pool? Why?
Okay, not that funny.
Will We Return?
I’m
not so sure. Location was the main
reason for our second stay in this hotel, which is still tempting and enticing. After all, we are steps from most of what we
love about Waikiki. Still, I also love
sleeping with warm ocean breezes lulling me into magnificent dreams. The noise level in this Hilton is just too
much, even with earplugs.
We’ll
opt for another property next time.
More
by The Polite Traveler
Two Waikiki
Restaurants to Try & One to Skip
What to Know
Before Visiting Honolulu’s Hawaiian Airlines Airport Lounges
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