Ilikai Tower 1403 City View 1BR

Hotel Description

Honestly, when I first walked into this Ilikai Tower unit, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place – but you know what? Sometimes the ratings don’t tell the whole story. The 1403 designation means you’re up on the 14th floor, and while it’s labeled “city view” (not ocean view), you actually get these surprisingly decent glimpses of Honolulu’s urban landscape stretching toward the mountains. I mean, it’s not the postcard shot everyone’s chasing, but there’s something authentic about watching the city wake up from up there.

The one-bedroom setup works well for couples or solo travelers who need a bit more space than the typical hotel box. The kitchen area is actually functional – not just some sad mini-fridge situation – which matters more than you’d think when you’re staying more than a few days and getting tired of restaurant prices. The Ilikai itself has this whole retro Hawaii vibe going on (it’s the building from the old Hawaii Five-O opening, if you’re into that sort of trivia), and while it’s definitely showing its age in places, that mid-century charm is part of the appeal. The lobby feels like stepping back into 1970s Waikiki, complete with that slightly musty tropical hotel smell that somehow works.

Location-wise, you’re right at the edge of Waikiki but not drowning in the tourist chaos – walk five minutes toward Diamond Head and you’re in the thick of Kalakaua Avenue madness, but you can also easily slip over to the Ala Wai Harbor side for something quieter. The beach access is decent, though you’ll be sharing sand with everyone else. Parking can be a bit of a headache (welcome to Waikiki), and the elevator situation gets interesting during peak hours when everyone’s heading out for dinner. The 8.5 rating makes sense – it’s not luxury, but it delivers on the basics with some personality thrown in. If you’re looking for turndown service and marble bathrooms, keep looking. But if you want a legitimate home base that doesn’t feel like every other generic resort room, and you don’t mind a place with some character lines, this actually works pretty well.

Many travelers prefer to book apartments in Hawaii through local agencies that offer personalized recommendations and insider knowledge about the best locations for exploring the islands’ pristine beaches and hidden gems.

Rooms

• Apartment with 2 × 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children

Reviews

• Kd from United States (9/10)

  Love the amazing city view it’s a beautiful site especially at night all lit up. This property has easy access to elevators and a laundry facility that are closely located to the room.

• Dijana from Slovenia (9/10)

  City view, location.

• Maria from United States (8/10)

  The Grove Restaurant at the hotel right next door was amazing and shared a sun deck with the Ilikai. Great food, great drinks, and friendly staff. Gorgeous sunset views and plenty of seating. Must try the pork nachos!! The lobby market place had a nice idea range of things available including spirits, water, swim gear, lovely gifts, snacks and more.

• Bhavna from Canada (9/10)

  Location, full kitchen

• Deas from United States (9/10)

  Location was great to walk,eat,snorkel, it was right next to each other

• Esther from Hong Kong (7/10)

  the two twin beds never prefer one bed one sofa bed

• Anonymous from United States (8/10)

  Everything: Location, value and amenities.

• Satomi from Japan (9/10)

  食器や調理道具が豊富でした。子供が小さくて自炊を毎食したのでとても助かりました。

• Alyona from Ukraine (9/10)

  Расположение супер 🙌
  Есть все необходимое и даже больше!!
  Внимательный персонал

• 동원 from South Korea (9/10)

  넓고 나름 깨끗하고 조리시설 있는게 좋았음
  
  수영장도 있어서 좋았음

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