This condominium’s units are all privately owned, but about 300 are in the rental pool and are identically furnished. We went into this property thinking of the Trump properties in New York, but this one is owned by his children and has an understated elegance that is more suited to Hawai‘i. Rich warm browns, pale whites and earth tones abound here. With so much light-colored carpet and white suede seats, the cleaning people have their work cut out for them, and we are happy to say that since they have opened, things are looking just as pristine as on day one. The rooms are very modern, yet felt a tad bit stark to us. The kitchens are well-stocked with high-end appliances, wine chillers and dishwashers, but you’ll never have to wash a dish because the twice-a-day housekeeping takes care of that. The baths have separate showers and deep soaking tubs (except standard studios, which have tub/shower combos) and are more than spacious. The bed sheets are Frette, of course. The customer’s needs come first at this property, and there are many extra personal services available through their “Trump Attaché,” such as, but not limited to, personal grocery shopping, free videos, free Wii game consoles, free baby items (and baby-proofing) in rooms, some free anniversary amenities, personal trainers (who will also work with you on the beach) and private chefs. You can even order lunch and have it brought over to the beach (where they have all your beach goodies available at the desk there). But beach bags with fruit, water and towels for the beach are free. Their pool feels very odd to us. It’s a long, narrow, infinity-edge lap pool, which seems small for a property of this size. Most of the pool deck is in the shade—great if you don’t want a tan. If you do, you’ll have to go to another level off to the side to catch some rays. The other ding is their location—it’s about a block to the beach, but the rates don’t reflect this. The lobby, pool and lounge, which are located on the sixth floor, are above the tree crowns and a great place to watch the fireworks show Friday nights over the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Guests’ room keys only work the elevators for common areas or their floors for added security. Studios with kitchenette but no washer/dryer (355–562 sq. ft.) are $509–$839, 1/1s or 1/2s (770–1,125 sq. ft.) are $859–$1,909, 2/2 or 2/3s (1,139–1,635 sq. ft.) are $1,599–$2,849, and 3/4s (2,040–2,050 sq. ft.) are $2,699–$4,229. Packages can take some of the sting off those rates.
223 Saratoga Rd, Waikiki