Fodor's Expert Review Holiday Inn Express Waikiki

Thanks to wallet-friendly rates and unexpected perks, this 44-story chain hotel—with compact but stylish and smartly equipped and configured rooms—bustles, so its speedy elevators are often full. The property is a few minutes’ walk to the beach, but its spacious, fifth-floor sky deck has a pool, cabanas, a miniature golf course, shuffle board areas, and a giant chess board. The free breakfast buffet has a multitude of options, including pancakes and scrambled eggs. There's also a 24-hour fitness center and on-site laundry facilities.