Ilikai Tower 1421 City View 1BR

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in my fair share of Waikiki condos, and the Ilikai Tower is honestly one of those places that just gets it right. Room 1421 sits high enough that you’re looking out over the city instead of staring into someone else’s lanai – which, trust me, makes all the difference when you’re having your morning coffee. The building itself has this retro Hawaii charm that somehow manages to feel authentic rather than touristy, probably because it’s been around since the ’60s and locals actually live here year-round.

What I really appreciate about this particular unit is that it feels like an actual apartment, not some sterile hotel room. The kitchen is fully functional (I mean, you can actually cook real meals here, not just reheat leftovers), and there’s enough space to spread out your stuff without feeling like you’re living out of a suitcase. The one-bedroom layout works well whether you’re a couple wanting some separation or traveling solo and need a proper workspace – the living area gets decent natural light during the day. You’re also right at the edge of Waikiki, which honestly is the sweet spot. You can walk to the beach and all the action in about five minutes, but you’re not dealing with the constant noise and crowds right outside your window.

The building has its quirks – the elevators are a bit slow, and you’ll definitely hear some street noise from Ala Moana Boulevard, especially if you keep the windows open at night. But that’s just Honolulu for you. The trade-off is that you’re incredibly close to Ala Moana Center (seriously, it’s like a three-minute walk), which is clutch for groceries, decent restaurants, and everything else you might need. Plus, the Ilikai has that famous revolving restaurant on top – I mean, it’s touristy as hell, but the views are legitimately spectacular if you want to treat yourself one night. The marina right next door is actually pretty peaceful to walk around, and there’s usually some interesting boats to check out. Parking can be a bit of a pain during peak season, but the building has its own garage, so you’re not circling the block looking for street spots like you would closer to the main strip.

Rooms

• Apartment with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities