Isn’t it great when a longtime hotel finally gets a ton of money thrown at it for a new look? That’s exactly what $115 million did for these two towers (formerly the Pacific Beach Hotel).
The hotel sits directly across the street from Kuhio Beach Park. The views from their oceanfront rooms are stunning. The new rooms have a pale sand-colored modern theme, which sets off the ocean color really well. They have Keurig coffee makers with free pods daily and mini fridges in every room. The new baths have either showers only or tub/shower combos, all with rainshower heads. Some bathrooms have Washlet toilets. We didn’t care for the hallway carpets and thought they looked like unfinished cement instead of the “sand washed by water” theme they were going for. Oh, well. The lobby was very dated before the renos with low copper mirrored ceilings and a mismatch of furnishings. All that is gone now and replaced by a two-story open floor plan backed by their trademark 280,000-gallon aquarium.
We’re sorry they dropped the birthday wishes and other signs divers would hold up in their old Oceanarium Restaurant. Maybe if you pay them enough, they will hold up a sign for you in the lobby tanks, but it won’t really feel the same. We are told part of their activities will include ocean education talks, and they will still have divers feeding the fish.
Gone is the old pool area, and in its place is a saltwater infinity pool with tons of comfy chairs, fire pits and poolside private cabanas perched on top of a narrow pool of water. There is also a keiki pool and hot tub. Their restaurants and pool bar are located on this level, too, making the pool area feel like more of a destination. They have tons of shops off the lobby level. They’ve added a health spa and 24-hour fitness room (which is part of the resort fee). Some cultural activities take place on site as well as whiskey and wine tastings. Historical information is scattered about because this site is part of the Queen Lili‘uokalani Land Trust.
Truly, this is a resort reborn and easy to recommend. Connecting rooms available. Rooms (175–355 sq. ft.) are $199–$369, suites (370–615 sq. ft.) are $499–$799.
2490 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki