This small, boutique, family-run hotel is very “green” (not the color, the consciousness—cleaning agents, recycling, efficient toilets, $5 tree planting fee, etc.). Rooms are well-furnished but not overly large; some have had the lanais removed to expand the interior (and those rooms tend to have less road noise).
“Equus” means “horse” in Latin, and the décor is a blend of Chinese, horses and polo, which works quite well. The owner was a professional polo player and is still often seen around the hotel. Prints of historical photos from the Bishop Museum line the hallways, showing the history of horses and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys). You’ll even get two complimentary tickets to the Polo Club during the season. This hotel is not wheelchair accessible due to stairs at the entrance, and you won’t find many kids here either.
Their weakest points are that they’re on a busy road, there’s no laundry on site, and their pool is just stuck between two buildings. There are no bathtubs, and the shower ceilings feel low. Rooms on the top two floors have soundproof windows. Though not 100% effective, it’s worth it to spring for these, or request a room toward the back of the building—or bring earplugs. Their beds are unusually comfy with pillow-tops and a variety of bed pillows to choose from. If you need a desk, upgrade to an executive room.
They’ve turned their lobby into a small café and serve a light breakfast in the mornings from 7 a.m. as well as sandwiches later in the day with a very limited menu, but they offer drinks in the afternoons and evenings. They even bring in live music some nights.
After visiting this property many times, we have to say that it has grown on us because of the lovingly decorated rooms and the warm aloha spirit of the attentive staff and owners. And they’ve kept the prices fair, too. The price and quality of the rooms keep this a Solid Gold Value for us. Rooms are 280 sq. ft. Suites are 330–660 sq. ft.
1696 Ala Moana Blvd, Waikiki