Business travelers and shoppers, see here!
Written: Aug 24 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Close to Ala Moana Center, Hawai'i Convention Center, away from Waikiki
Cons: Away from Waikiki, poor parking, poor restaurants
The Bottom Line: It's a good hotel, close to the Ala Moana Shopping Center and Hawai'i Convention Center, but far from Waikiki. Try it if you're into cheap, nice hotels.
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| slippahs's Full Review: Ala Moana Hotel |
What's it all about?
Ala Moana Hotel, built walking distance from Ala Moana Shopping Center, the largest open mall shopping center in the nation, is a hotel close to many things. It's location is prime for such a hotel because it's a mile away from Waikiki and about three from Downtown Honolulu. Seven miles from the airport, this 36 floor hotel is themed for the business traveler and local kama'aina (Hawai'i resident).
The comfort of the rooms...
Ala Moana hotel hosts 1152 rooms. Floors 29-35 are suited for the business traveler as they have upgraded amenities and an executive business center throughout those floors. For us, our kama'aina stay rested on the 20th floor on this hotel. The rooms were comfortable, but were not extravagant. In fact, you'd probably find that this hotel is not the place to be if you're having a honeymoon or a romantic vacation. The rooms were simple, but, like I said, comfortable. There were many amenities within the room. For example, everything you'd find in a normal hotel was stocked within the hotel. Cable TV, pay movies, air conditioning, clock radio, safe, hair dryers, internet access were all standard. Unfortunately, although a refrigerator was in the room, it wasn't stocked, so we couldn't enjoy the pricey mini-fridge that other elegant hotels have. The bathrooms were clean and so were the towels, which to my relief is much better than what we have at home. Overall, this hotel, which opened in 1970, has comfortable rooms, with everything you'd find at a regular hotel... it's just a bit cheaper (I'll get to that in a second).
Dining and Drinks...
There are five places you could eat or drink at the Ala Moana Hotel.
- The Plantation Cafe wasn't that great, and many find the buffet offered to be substandard. For us, the buffet was okay, like any other, but it wasn't the best. We found that this buffet is a great place to eat when you're really hungry, because you want to take advantage of all the food as quick as possible. They offer breakfast buffets as well as weekend ones, and in addition have regular menus for all three meals. We didn't have the opportunity to choose from their set menus. However, we did have a chance to eat both a breakfast buffet and their Sunday brunch. Definitely eat their Sunday brunch as opposed to their breakfast buffet. You'll find a higher quality of food.
- Mahina Lounge had live entertainment every time we returned from shopping at night. They apparently offer nightly entertainment, which you can enjoy over cocktails. In addition, they have continental breakfast as well for the early wakers.
- Royal Garden Restaurant was an excellent place with dim sum or other assorted Chinese food. If you come here for one thing, it'd be dim sum. Unfortunately, the service was horrible, and you won't find a fortune cookie at the end of your meal, but it was worth the good tasting food. You also might have a hard time understanding some of the waiters and waitresses, but don't worry... dim sum is served on moving carts, so just stop the cart pusher and point to what you want. Be careful, however, it can get pricey if you don't watch how much you eat.
- Aaron's Restaurant offers a nice view of Waikiki and greater Honolulu. Located on the top floor of the hotel, they offer fine "Classic American Continental cuisine with a unique Mediterranean and Asian flair" and live entertainment. Recently refurbished in 1999, this hotel also offers dancing with the entertainment. It can be a bit pricey, but is a nice place to take your significant other on a date. Careful, however, the dress code is strict.
Anything to do in the hotel...?
Within the hotel, there are two main things to do.
- At the Hawaiian Hut one can experience a Polynesian show, much similar to the one at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Be ready to be amazed at girls dancing Polynesian style in coconut shells and men with spears and such. It's really one of those tourist traps, but we ended up going to see it. It's merely something to do. Be careful, however, this can be pricey. There are two different ways you can see the show. One is by purchasing a dinner ticket which costs in upwards of $50 and the other is through a cocktail show, which is about $30. Watch this show only if you do not intend on visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center.
- Rumours Nightclub is simply a nightclub for local people. Although you'll find it closed on weeknights, on the weekends, it will be packed with those wanting to party. We ended up avoiding this area because it's a non-family place, but from the likes of it, it was pretty busy that night. Inside Rumours you'll find a small dance floor, but they do have a nice sound system and the likes. It might be a great place to check out, and take your significant other as well.
What about things to do outside of the hotel?
Good idea. After you've gone through everything this hotel has to offer, it'd be a great idea to go and explore the other things on Oahu. You'll find that there are more things to do here than you'll have time for, so budget your time wisely and only choose things that you really think will be worth the time. Near to the Ala Moana Hotel is the Hawai'i Convention Center. For those who are attending a convention in the islands, this is the perfect hotel for you. A short walk, less than 5 minutes, will get you to the glass entrance of the center. In addition, Ala Moana Shopping Center is connected to the Ala Moana Hotel by a ramp. Shoppers might find this mall big, but it offers over 200 stores, including elegant stores such as Armani, DKNY, etc. However, they do have big department stores such as JC Pennys, Sears, and Macys. You'll also find mostly Japanese tourists at this mall. Ala Moana Beach Park is a close walk from the hotel, but you'll find that it's mainly a local's beach. If you want the tourist beach, then I strongly suggest Waikiki beach, read below.
What's not close to the hotel?
You won't find Waikiki Beach or the International Marketplace close to the hotel. These are a 20 minute walk from the hotel or a short drive. Unfortunately, if you choose to drive, you'll find that there is limited parking within Waikiki and you'll end up paying a lot of money to park at a hotel. If you want to experience Waikiki within walking distance, you might want to consider staying in a hotel within Waikiki. There are many to choose from.
The airport is also far, but good transportation provided by the hotel will get you there when you need to.
What if I need to exercise?
The hotel offers a fitness center and a pool. However, the fitness center is really small and doesn't offer the total body fitness workout that one might desire. In addition, the pool is quite small (as are most pools on Oahu's hotels... because of the beaches). If what you need is a full body workout on your stay, then I strongly suggest avoiding this hotel.
Customer Service
We found the customer service at this hotel to be great. The employees truly embody the "aloha spirit". When we first arrived for check-in, the check-in representative was nice and always showed a smile. Then the bell hop was friendly, explaining to us parts of the hotel. Customer Service was always top notch, and really nothing that was bad.
Price... so is the hotel worth it?
Overall, if you're looking for a cheap hotel and you want to be close to the Convention Center and Ala Moana then this hotel is great for you. Children under 18 stay free with their paying adults and extra roll away beds are $25, to my knowledge. Note that you can get a cheaper rate if you stay with someone from within the islands, so if you know of anyone give them a call. Anyone with a Hawai'i State Driver's license is eligible for kama'aina (local) discounts throughout the state.
This hotel is for...
Those who want a cheap hotel and don't feel the need to be close to Waikiki. Also for those who want quick and easy access to the Ala Moana Shopping Center and Hawai'i Convention Center.
This hotel is not for...
Visitors with families who want to visit the beach frequently and also the flavor of Waikiki outside their front door. Also, those who are on honeymoons or romantic vacations.
Website
The Ala Moana Hotel's website will provide you with more information. www.alamoanahotel.com
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
slippahs
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Location: Honolulu, Hawai'i
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 4 members
About Me:
Here in sunny Honolulu, Hawai'i, I type for the good of all :-)
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