I've read some of the reviews here, lots of info on the Mandarin, but not much on the New Otani. Has anyone stayed at both and could you compare and contrast? I'm guessing the rooms are smaller at New Otani, any other reason we'd prefer the Mandarin? Thanks!

New Otani's a dump compared to the Mandarin. But, after having said that, I prefer the Otani 'cause it's in a great location (right ON the beach away from the major crowd) and walking distance to almost anything. The Mandarin has it all over the Otani when it comes to food, service and the quality of its grounds....

I like both hotels a lot, and consider them to be just slightly off the beaten path. They're both nice, but different. Kahala Mandarin is much more upscale, and the rooms and restaurants are great. The staff is very friendly and helpful at both hotels.

The rooms at the New Otani vary a lot, but are older, and in some cases, shabby. The bathrooms are pretty ordinary, unlike the Kahala Mandarin, where they have great tubs and amenities. The views at the New Otani are extraordinary, however -- more dramatic than at the Kahala Mandarin. The New Otani also has a great beach for swimming, and is right at Kapiolani Park, and the Zoo. It also has a wonderful restaurant for breakfast. I think it would be a better choice with kids.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the comments! This is for my in-laws 40th anniversary, so no kids on this trip. They are considering one of the corner rooms in the New Otani with the wraparound windows. One concern is the lack of non-smoking rooms at the New Otani. Did you ever smell cigarettes in the rooms?

Any other comments or info would be greatly appreciated.

For the budget conscious, you might also consider the Diamond Head Beach Hotel. On the coast at the foot of Diamond Head, just steps from the New Otani Hotel and the beach in the quiet end of Waikiki. The upper floor rooms have windows on both sides with great views of Diamond Head and Waikiki!

There's also the W (a Starwood property), which is right next to the New Otani. Rooms will almost certainly be nicer, and they often have specials. Kahala Mandarin is the only one mentioned that has a pool, though I like swimming on the beach in front of the New Otani and W.

Topping

My husband & I stayed at the New Otani about 3 years ago. We were budget conscious and thought the ocean-view balcony was a real bonus. The room was OK - smallish, not bad. But friends have raved about the Mandarin, so I don't think they're in the same league. The concierge was outstanding - he really hooked us up.

On another trip, we ate dinner at the Hau Tree Lanai beachfront restaurant at sunset - fabulous, a highlight of that trip!

Hey NO - We will be staying at the New Otani this month (1st trip to Hawaii). Are you saying that the concierge was fabulous at the New Otani or the Mandarin? I agree that the two hotels seem like they are in different leagues. I thought it was strange to compare the two. I've heard nothing but good reviews about their restaurant.....can't wait!

The concierge at the New Otani was outstanding. So was the restaurant - enjoy!

BTW - they left fresh pineapple in the room upon check-in and provide straw mats for the beach. Our room had a fridge, so we stocked it with beer & snacks and watched the sunset from the balcony - wonderful.

NO, did you have one of those ocean view rooms with the wraparound windows and a balcony? That's what my in-laws are considering. Was the room smallish? Did the smell of cigarette smoke bother you?

The reason for comparing these two hotels is that we've heard good things about the New Otani and wondering if for the price difference you really get that much better a room (and amenities, etc.) at the Mandarin.

New Otani isn't even in the same arena as the Kahala Mandarin. We visited the Otani for dinner, ate at the Hau Tree Lani restaurant in the Hotel. The bathroom was right out of Holiday Inn, and the place is nothing spectacular, plus it is located way down the beach.

The Kahala has packages on their web-site. We paid about 270 a night which included breakfast, and a great room with a "wow" view and a huge terrace. We were just there 3 weeks ago. It is a tropical paradise, and for that price for what you get, it is a bargain.

Make up your own mind, but I think you will be deeply disappointed if you choose the Otani over the Mandarin.

Best Regards...