Going to Oahu in early March and we have reservations at the Ilikia. I've been scanning some of the messages here and I'm starting to rethink staying at the Renaissance hotel because of all the negative comments. Because of Marriott points, the alternative for us is the Marriott Waikiki, however their web site states that they're under construction also. Opinions? There are still rooms available at the Marriott, (although city view) but I have to change our reservations soon. Thanks for any help.

I have never stayed at either but I can tell you that neither hotel is on the beach. The Ilikia from the outside (last saw it July 2001) did not impress me it looked like an old public housing building. I hope that they have given it a face lift, I expected more with the Renaissance name on it. The good news is that you can use the beach that is in front of the Hilton. There is a nice restaurant on top that was good (Italian). The Marriott downtown is about 2 blocks from the beach. I walked through the lobby looked OK....If it's the same amt of points, there is a gorgeous JW about 18 miles that have a lagoon or try the Maui or Kauai Resorts....

We stayed at the Ilikai last May. We had a partial ocean view room and it was very nice. We got to see their condo style room as well which is very spacious (not glitsy or glamourous, fyi).. it sits right on a lagoon adn literally has a ramp that takes you onto the beach... the lagoon... we don't have any complaints... the restaurant/bar downsatirs was nice, but i recommend going out for dinner - Alan Wongs was our fave as wellas Hoku's in Kahala (both pricey, beware). Overall, it was really nice - besides - i'm sure you'll be out and about on the beach and town most of the time!!!

don't know about the marriot, sorry...

Stayed at the Renaissance Ilikai (sp?) last summer and would not hesitate to stay there again. My only real reservation was how far down it is from most of the action, shopping, etc. While it is not directly on the beach, it's only a 60 second walk from the hotel. I guess what I really liked was the $90 room rate (partial ocean view) through Priceline. Enjoy!

Just stayed at the Marriott Waikiki (beginning of Feb) and the only construction going on was placing the new furniture in the lobby. We stayed in a NEW room in the Tower w/a partial ocean view and it was very nice. The hotel is across the street from the beach. Best part was that we only paid $119 a night. We did have to pay for parking which was $10 per day. Overall, I was very pleased w/the hotel and it's location.

I stayed at the Ilikai three summers in a row in mid nineties. I never had a complaint. I rented from the condo association on the second floor you can get their number usually from front desk. Loved being Marina front loved walking down there at night, also liked being on the edge of Waikiki made pops in and out easy. Also there use to be free parking at the ilikai and it was plentiful.

Did at first think I was missing something not staying closer to other parts of Waikiki but once you stay at those other parts you just realize it is a different experience with it's own pros and cons. Would not hesitate to go back if the Moana is full. I have stayed at HHV, RH, Moana and Ilikai last two are the only places I would be enthusiastic about revisiting.

ttt

Thanks, y'all. I guess we'll keep the reservation at the Ilikia. This is our first trip to Hawaii so I don't think we'll be spending too much time at the hotel anyway.

Cheers,
Dave

Dave make sure you are in the main building. I was not happy with options in the marina tower. Thought I may have confused you by saying I enjoyed walking around marina.

Ps Ilikai last I heard is four star hotel so yes Paula the outside is different than the inside

I'm glad that the inside of the hotel looks better than the outside. I always stay at the Hilton when I go to Oahu and that property is gorgeous. I know that while on vacation most of the time is spent outside, but I do love staying at properties that invest in their outside areas as well such as their pool,gardens and landscaping.
Paula

Depends on the room Paula we had a so so room in August not at all worth their rates.

pss The grounds are nice Paula but if you go at full capacity it is not so wonderful. The pool gets packed, the flamingos seem to be bit riper in odor than usual and then there are those lines, car jams in and out.We missed out on promotionals normally offered to every guest and then the hotel became more swamped with the pool show.

Dave you can just stroll over to HHV if you want to see the evening outdoor shows, listen to music inside, patronize restaurants.

I agree, there is nothing worst than staying at beautiful resort and unable to enjoy it because of the crowds...I guess I've been extremely lucky at the Hilton...stayed there a total of 8 times 3 times in July and 5 times in September...no crowds...

Dave since you will be staying at the Ilikia, there is a coffee shop on the corner of Kalia and Ala Moana Rd It's called The Wailana Coffee Shop. They have great food at a reasonable price. They have daily specials such as all you can eat salad and cheeseburger for about $4.95..Breakfast is reasonable also....And directly up the street there is a good Seafood place called Todai (sp)? go for lunch (cheaper) they have everything if you like seafood including sushi (I think over 100 different kinds. This is a popular place so you generally have to stand in line to get in.
Enjoy Hawaii...Paula

Thanks for the tips, Paula. The Ilikai has just been renovated (hopefully they're finished) so hopefully it shouldn't be as bad as some people have experienced. However we are going during the busiest season, so I'll be bracing for the crowds.

Dave I was talking about Hilton Hawaiian Village. I never had a problem with crowds at Ilikai.

Dave,
We are staying at the Ilikai also, and also because of Marriott Points. I will say, I have never had such a welcoming experience prior to arrival. We have had 3 calls in the last week from the concierge asking if there is anything they can do for us to make our stay more enjoyable. I am impressed, I hope it continues..we leave in 4 days!!

OK everyone has peaked my interest...if you can, please post your reviews of the hotel when you return...If it's favorable, I might consider staying there in Sept instead of the Hilton.
Thanks...Paula

Well, we just returned from our stay at the Ilikai. We were not disappointed, we asked for a ocean view room, we got a partial ocean view, but because of their location and building shape, this was probably their ocean view. The renovations are complete and beautiful. There is a grand Wyland sculpture that greets you at the entrance, valets are very nice and worth the $2 or 3 dollars above self parking. The rooms were clean and spacious, bathroom has a dressing area and 90% of the rooms have lanais. It is not on the beach, but neither is the Marriott and at the Marriott you have to cross a very busy main street to get to the beach. At the Ilikai, you just walk out past the bar and restaurant, down a ramp and you are on the beach. The Marina is beautiful, but we did not stay in the Marina tower, we stayed in the main building. I would try and get the breakfast option with your room, well worth the added price if you can get it with your points. Buffet breakfast is great, around $12-$15 per person. Hilton Hawaiian Village is a short walk, with tons of shops and restaurants, and the walk down to the main strip in Waikiki is a beautiful nights walk. We drove out to the JW at Ko Olina and decided it was good we did not stay there. The food in Hawaii is very expensive and we enjoyed having the option of have "choices" without driving. The JW is about 40 min from downtown Waikiki and very secluded.

Feel free to email me and I will send you pictures from our room view and the sculpture.

I just came back from Hawaii and stayed at he Waikiki Beach Marriott using Marriott points.

Hands down, I would recommend staying at the Waikiki Marriott as opposed to the Renaissance Ilikia. The Marriott is located right accross the street from the fun and exciting part of Waikiki Beach. It's near the International Marketplace and near all of the shops and nightlife.

The Renaissance is also near the beach, but is far from where all the action is. It's actually near the Ala Moana mall, which is very far from the Waikiki beach

If you stay at the Marriott, make sure you ask to stay in the Renovated tower.