My sister and I are planning a Norwegian Cruise Lines-Hawaii cruise in August. We are planning to arrive two days early and are deciding between two hotels - Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk and Hilton Hawaiian Village. We'd like to be on the water. Can anyone provide some info to help us make an informed decision? Any info on NCL's Pride of America would also be welcome.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village is on the water, whereas the Embassy Suites is set back. However, the Embassy Suites is new. Honestly, though, you'll be "on the water" the entire cruise, so you might as well choose a hotel based on amenities and price.

The Pride of America is the newer of the two NCL ships that will be sailing the islands at that time. If you can, make reservations for the specialty restaurants then (early as you can) because those are much better than the generic ones. Of course, you pay a little fee for the special restaurants, but...man, the NCL food is often like airline food! Not always. But often.

You will be boarding at Pier 2, which is a bit of a dustbowl. An 8 minute stroll (we timed it) will take you to Aloha Tower Marketplace, where you can get cute clothes, souvenirs, coffee, mac nuts, internet access, and (if you need it) sports bars. You can download discount coupons here:
www.alohatower.com/promotions.html
or get a fresh one at the Guest Services Kiosk.

Since you will be boarding the ship on a Saturday, you might as well drop your bags on the ship as early as you can, then head toward Aloha Tower Marketplace, then walk UP toward Chinatown to explore a little. On your way BACK, take some free ukulele lessons at the Marketplace from Shane from 2:30 to 3:00. That leaves you time to shop or whatever till it's time for "all aboard."

Embassy Suites is right behind Outrigger Reef on the Beach. It is about as close to the beach as you can get without being right on the beach. There are new shops & restaurants in Waikiki Beach Walk right behind Embassy Suites. Trump Tower is going up right across the street from Embassy Suites, so there will be construction in the area.

Hilton Hawaiian Village is right on the beach. However the complex is so spread out that you can actually be farther from the beach than the Embassy Suites is.

Map of Waikiki hotels:

http://www.spotlighthawaii.com/Spotl...kiki-2007a.pdf

Lots of info:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564

Hilton Hawaiian Village is a huuuuuuge "destination resort" -- no need to leave the complex, as they offer multiple dining and shopping opportunities (with high price tags), swimming pools, beach, and entertainment. It's on the fringe of Waikiki -- long walk, or short taxi or bus ride. Expect lots of fellow hotel guests, and lots of families with small children (due to "kids stay free", probably).

Embassy Suites is less than one year old, and is an "all-suite" facility. Suites are spacious, with separate bedroom(s), bath(s), and sitting room -- each with its own A/C controls, plus wetbar/mini-kitchen in every suite. Sitting room and bedroom(s) each have a flat screen TV. The rooms are so soundproof, I've never even heard noise from the adjoining Trump construction site.

It's part of the recently-renovated "Lewers/Beachwalk" area of Waikiki -- filled with shops and dining opportunities, smack dab in the middle of Waikiki.

And heed the advice from MelissaH with regard to "being on the water" -- as you will indeed have that experience for your 7-day cruise!

The Hilton Hawaiian Village is a great choice for being close to the water and is truly a wonderful experience. However, I also like the Embassy Suites with its great breakfasts, exceptional service and large rooms. Either choice would be a wonderful stay on Oahu.

We stayed at the Hilton in the Ali'i Tower in an oceanfront room and the view of the beach and the water was pretty damn nice. It is the oldest building in the complex, but it is the "coincerage" building that has some extra perks like a private pool and free continental breakfast and afternoon pupus. The room was very nice and extremely comfortable. When you are there you feel a little insulated from the rest of the resort which is a good thing. As others have mentioned it is huge, full of large tour groups and is not exactly calm and serene. If you stay here spring for an oceanfront room in either the Rainbow Tower or the Ali'i Tower. If you can't do that stay at the Embassy.

tidbits~ What do you have against the Royal Hawaiian? Do you work for one of the other hotels? Every post you make says the same thing... it's beginning to sound like advertising.

GJB - exact question that I was just trying to figure out since I need to spend one night in Oahu and have Hilton points. Thanks Fodorites for the timely, detailed answers!