Situated on Honolulu’s prestigious prime time street, Kalakaua and minutes away from Waikiki Beach is a boutique and modern hotel called Waikiki Gateway Hotel.
The hotel welcomes an inviting presence – the staff at Waikiki Gateway Hotel are warm and attentive.
This hotel was definitely nothing like the first hotel I stayed in – and though my room wasn’t as big as I’d liked it to be, the view on my balcony had me excited to be situated in Honolulu’s prime time area.
FEATURES
Waikiki Gateway Hotel offers guests with a wide array of amenities such as a fitness center, business center, and a pool. The hotel also offers guests with bike and beach rentals per a first come first basis.
Waikiki Gateway Hotel also just recently renovated all of their hotel rooms to a newer and modern touch.
MY EXPERIENCE
I arrived to the hotel hours before their check-in, hoping to get in early. The hotel staff assisted me right away, and told me my room wasn’t ready but will contact me as soon as it is.
Luckily, the hotel’s business area was on the same floor as the lobby and decided to use the time to do some work while waiting.
I’ll be honest, the front area isn’t anything special, but as you walk back to the business area, it was less busy and a more peaceful and pleasing environment. While admiring the area, before I knew it, my room was finally ready.
Room: Okay, from the first hotel to this hotel – I’d say I downgraded, MAJORLY. If I’m honest, my room was just as small as hotel rooms in New York City – maybe even smaller. When I walked in, my heart sunk – as I was at least thrilled I had traveled alone than with someone, otherwise, it’d be a problem. (I’d say this room would be great for a solo traveler, one that is okay with a small space.)
I stayed in their Standard Room and the room at least had a TV, refrigerator, and coffee maker.
One of the things I can say positively about the room is the view was my favorite part. My view was of Honolulu’s bustling city and though I really missed the spectacular ocean views in hotel one, this city view took me back to when I use to live in the city of Chicago. It definitely brought some joy and happiness back and that’s when I knew – I am sincerely a city girl at heart.
Hotel Dining: Waikiki Gateway Hotel offers guests a breakfast buffet for a price of $20. While there is no other dining available, this hotel is located minutes away from endless restaurants and conveniently located next to the hotel is a convenience store where you can easily buy all your necessities without leaving the hotel.
Nearby Hotel: As you walk out of the hotel, steps away is shopping heaven. From designer stores to various shopping centers, and popular restaurants. It reminded me so much like Beverly Hills in LA – I loved it. You can also find a beautiful park across from the hotel, and within a 10-15 walk is Waikiki Beach.
Overall, I say you can’t beat the pricing and location. Though the room was quite not what I preferred, it really pushed me to go outside and explore more of Honolulu! Most importantly, the staff were nice and friendly.
I’d definitely recommend this hotel if you are looking to stay at an affordable hotel within walking distance to pretty much everything.
