dreamathers

My fiance and I are planning our September honeymoon and will be spending a few days in Oahu. We are trying to decide between a city view at the Outrigger Waikiki or partial ocean view at the Reef. I've read some mixed reviews about the Reef so that is why we are considering the city view at the Waikiki- any help is appreciated.

islandmom

City view could be noisy at night. Although at that hotel so is the ocean view because of Duke's. It's a great spot to people watch though. The "city view" I believe is just some strip stores, the marketplace and other hotels. I've stayed on the ocean side and the rooms were small.

I've been to the spa at the Reef. I would probably chose the partial ocean there. Maybe you can upgrade upon arrival.

applejaxs

That's a tough one. We love Duke's and the hotel. We don't really like the sports bar atmosphere of the Reef. I do have freinds that prefer that "scene" though. The ocean view is important though. I know the Reef does seem to have better deals than the other Outrigger. Determining factors(for me) are..Cost (could you upgrade at the Outrigger?, atmosphere (do you like the sports bar or would you prefer the hawaiian music and pop mix floating in the air?),and how important is the ocean view to you?

dreamathers

I didn't realize the Reef had a sports bar atmosphere. The hotel atmosphere and the quality of our room are the most important factors. We have an ocean front room on Maui and figure that on Oahu more time will be spent out in the bars/restaurants to get an ocean view versus relaxing in the room. However, I'd read that the rooms at the Reef are not as nice and since it is our honeymoon we do plan on spending some time there! Another option would be the Pacific Beach Hotel in an ocean view room, or the Sheraton Waikiki with city view, although that is getting more expensive......

applejaxs

didn't mean to imply the rooms had that feel. We have never stayed there, just walked by many times. the bar is the bottom beachside level. I don't know how that affects the rooms(probably only in certain rooms with a balcony). the place is called the Shorebird and some people feel it is a good deal for breakfast etc. We lean towards looking for less to eat at breakfast. I must admit the other hotel was not "romantic in decor". Kind of a tropical turquoise/white motif, but the lobby above is expansive and offers a ctivities like lei making and a dinner show ($$) while being very open and comfortable. I really love being close to the live music. It is such a part of Hawaii.

islandmom

I stayed there and it didn't feel that way.

ccrump

My family of 4 stayed at the Outrigger Reef last Christmas and we thought the room was very small and the bathroom was very old and small. We loved the atmosphere of the beach front restaurant where you cook your own steaks, etc. however.

Sly

Dreamathers, stay at the Outrigger Waikiki. The rooms were renovated this year, decorated in an "Old Hawaiian" style - very nice. The city view room should not be noisy as the traffic on Kalakaua Avenue is only one way and the city buses do not travel it. The atmosphere is nicer in my opinion and the location more "central". I wouldn't say the rooms are small, but the way the hotel is built, the rooms are sort of pie-shaped and you should be able to see the ocean from any room. Both hotels are nice, but personally, I prefer the Outrigger Waikiki.

vivi

I have stayed at both hotels multiple times.

The worst room I ever had in Waikiki was at the Reef. Do NOT reserve a standard room unless you enjoy a closet-like feel with zero view! However I have also stayed in lovely rooms at the Reef. The oceanfront room in the Voyagers Club have a spectacular view but the smallest bathroom I have ever seen. The pool has no ocean view but the pool deck is spacious. Overall I like the lobby atomsphere at the Reef over the Waikiki, especially the evening entertainment. The Shorebird has been renovated and is very cute (however the breakfast buffet is always awful-- go to Duke's for a few bucks more.)

The Outrigger Waikiki is smack in the center of all the action. The rooms I have stayed in there were all OK, can be noisy if you are on a lower oceanfront floor as Duke's can be raucous on the weekends. Pool is small but has an ocean view.

Hint: us the valet parking at either hotel, their garages are nightmare-ish. Only extra cost is a tip.

I think I would shoot for the nicest room at the best price at either hotel. These hotels are only about a 5 minute walk from each other so it's easy to pop back and forth.

PS I am a big fan of "city views" if thats what the budget requires. Chance are you won't be in the room a lot during the day; the nighttime city lights views of Waikiki/Honolulu are really beautiful.

pjmystic

My wife and I stayed at the Reef September 2000 for our honeymoon. We thought it was great! Make sure you let them know it's your honeymoon. They gave us a free upgrade to an ocean view room. Was huge, had 2 separate balconies. Also, we got free champagne and some freebies each day in our room as honeymooners. Also, they listed our name in their newsletter as honeymooners. The restaurants were all very nice, beachside. We were treated very well and would stay there again. However, would also like to stay at the Outrigger Waikiki, right in the middle of the action and a better beach then in front of the Reef. We usually walked down there each day to hang out. About a 2 minute walk. Can't go wrong with either though imho.

SEW

Stayed at the Reef and had a Partial Ocean view w/ a king bed, but very small bathroom. We were on the 18th floor and had a good view. Not great, just good. We were out towards the ocean almost to the end.

My Mom was staying there as well and had two queen beds, a huge bathroom. She overlooked the pool and it was okay, and if I remember correctly the pool closed early 6ish. But it was in full shade by then so not many people around it by then anyway and you should go to the beach anyway.

Didn't have any complaints. We booked as part of a package and the location was close to everything. The OW is definately a better location, but might be too in the midst of it for you.

dreamathers

Thanks to all for your replies! I am leaning toward the city view at the Waikiki and requesting a higher floor. We like a lot of action and the beach is where we will spend most of our time during the day. We are moving on to Wailea for the second part of our honeymoon and that is where we'll do the relaxing!

stellaluna

stayed at Outrigger Waikiki on the beach New Year's week on the 12th floor. had a great "partial" ocean view of the ocean and the sunsets were amazing. we walked over to the Reef for the Serenity Spa and were glad we weren't staying there: it was a madhouse!! the Spa was great, but we were ambushed in the lobby by a timeshare salesman and had a hard time getting away from him (i think we ran away with our hands over our ears finally!) i recommend the Outrigger on the Beach.

beachkomer

The Outrigger Waikiki will begin renovations the second week of September, and running into December. You might call the hotel directly and inquire about this. I read on one website that the lobbies were being renovated and the mezzanine. I don't know if this would interfere with a nice stay or not, but the rates are lower due to renovation. Some booking websites Post "Reno Rate". Our next trip we want to stay here, as we liked the location and Dukes.

simpsonc510

My husband and I and another couple spent a week at Outrigger Reef during the Dec/Jan holiday season a few years ago and really liked it. I wouldn't hesitate staying there again.

clarkgriswold

Aren't the Outriggers all called "Ohanas" now??? They have some special rates on Expedia.com, 5th night free I think.

vivi

The Outrigger properties that were budget-priced are now called Ohana. There are still 3 Outriggers on Oahu- The Outrigger Waikiki, Outrigger Reef, Outrigger Waikiki Shore (condos.

The Ohanas can be good values but they are also kinda of shabby at some locations. I have stayed in them all, sometimes for as low as $49 a night (for Hawaii residents.)

lcuy

This just on the evening news: Univ of Hawaii has rented 70 rooms at the outrigger Reef to use as dorm rooms. Apparently they are using complete floors, but still may affect the hotel atmosphere. Lucky students though!

Cindyrella

We stayed at the Outrigger Reef in April of 2001. Very satisfied with the hotel. Our room overlooked the pool but you could partially see the ocean too. I did NOT find a "Sports Bar" atmosphere at all. Every night there is a Hawaiian band that plays by the pool. My daughter and I took hula lessons one morning and made fresh flower leis another. Our room had two queen beds, a small sofa, fridge, table and chairs, big bathroom. We did a package deal and it worked out to about $130/nt--not bad for on the beach in Waikiki. We thought about staying a few extra days, but the rate we were quoted at the front desk was $225/nt! The Outrigger does have a little nicer beach but smaller pool and it was WAY more crowded. We liked the Shorebird restaurant right on the beach too. As far as being in the middle of the action, it's Waikiki--it all action!

vivi

UH has rented 7 floors as dorm space at the Ohana Reef Towers, not the Outrigger Reef. Lewers Street is so jammed and crazy anyway that it is probable nobody will even know here are students living in the hotel. UH also has several floors at the Kuhio Village Resort on Kuhio Av, Chaminade Universtiy has leased 2 floors at the Ohana West (also on Kuhio.)

My daughter lives in a dorm at UH and has several friends in the hotel dorms who did not get into on-campus housing. They don't like it in Waikiki because parking and transportation are such a hassle and there is no residence hall dining nearby. While it sounds exotic it is really inconvenient!