lois1950

We're spending 3 nights in Honolulu, Jan 28-31 and then on to the Big Island for the rest of the trip. No car rental...we'll use public transportation.
New Otani sounds good, don't mind the walk and love the idea of quiet.
But, also considering the Aqua Palms, Aqua WAVE or the Equus. Considerations: comfortable beds and relative quiet, slightly off the beaten path. (I know, Honolulu IS the beaten path...)
Any thoughts mightily appreciated! Thanks!

dusty56438

My thought is to always get the least expensive room that you will accept and rent a car for the difference that you save.

You can see Oahu much better with a car. By the time you pay for airport shuttles, cabs, buses & tours that you can do on your own you won't save any $$.

Lots to do on Oahu:

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

suze

I really like the situtation of the New Otani, but it's too pricey for my budget. It definitely fits being a bit off the beaten path as it is way down at the end of Waikiki on a quiet stretch in behind the park/zoo area. Don't know the other 3 you mention.

auntiemaria

lois1950:

WAVE and Aqua Palms are deep in Waikiki...not quiet.

If you don't mind taking The Bus for island touring, I'd recommend the New Otani. Small hotel, beautiful beach, nice beachfront restaurant (Hau Tree Lanai) -- and The Bus stops right in front of the hotel.

vivi

I have stayed in a multitude of Honolulu hotels. I was at the Aqua Wave in November, right after the renovation was complete. It still looks like an old hotel, it is not elegant by any means. Paid $99 a night. My room (a corner room) was HUGE (king bed plus queen bed, tons of empty space, 2 balconies, new carpet, bathroom OK.) There is free wireless internet access, a plasma TV, the beds are triple sheeted with crisp linens (no icky flithy bedspreads.) About a 3-4 minute walk to the beach.

Downsides:
Parking is virtually non-existent (for those renting cars).
There is no fabulous lobby, it is definitely no-frills.
Kuhio Ave is semi-seedy in my opinion, pretty heavy traffic.
Absolutely no view from my room (much higher floors may have ocean peeks.)

I would stay there again IF I DID NOT HAVE A CAR.

Cracker

lois, I found a deal on the New Otani's website for a moderate room for $135. We had dinner a sunset dinner at Hau Tree Lanai a couple of years ago and everything was perfect!