Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach

This 1973 property was formerly the Ohana Waikiki West. Like so many other recent Waikiki hotel transformations, the $110 million spent on Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach was well worth it. Everything was gutted and replaced, even the elevators and the pool. From the moment you walk in, Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach has a fresh, modern feel with a lot of warmth. Each of the Garden Inns around Hawai‘i is unique, and we like that about this brand. It’s not overly pretentious or too pricey.

The pool deck isn’t very large for a resort of this size, but it works with a full-service bar (although, if you want food you’ll have to order a takeaway from the restaurant located in the lobby), a billiard table, plenty of seating and a view overlooking the new International Market Place. There are two fitness rooms, one with cardio machines and one with free weights and floor space for yoga.

Not all rooms have a lanai. One stack of rooms has no lanais, and one stack has standing-room-only balconies. So if that’s important to you, note it when booking. The rooms themselves are modern without feeling over the top. There are large sinks/vanities in the standard rooms, and most rooms have showers only with handheld shower heads. Some bathrooms have Washlet toilets, which are similar to a bidet, and full bathtubs. Electric tea kettles, microwaves and Keurig coffee makers are in every room. Some rooms have sofa beds, some have couches, so be sure to ask about the amenities when booking. Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach has family rooms on the pool deck level with huge lanais. Basically, there’s a room type for every need. Hilton Garden Inn has changed all the windows to double-pane glass, which really helps keep the street noise down when the sliding doors are shut.

Overall, a more than acceptable choice. It’s fairly centrally located—two blocks from the beach. Rooms (280–350 sq. ft.) are $189–$299, Suites (435–610 sq. ft.) are $479–$779.