The Equus

Hotel Description

Look, The Equus isn’t going to blow your mind with flashy amenities or over-the-top luxury, but honestly? That’s exactly what makes it work. This 4-star spot has that lived-in confidence you find in places that have figured out their groove – you know, the kind of hotel that doesn’t need to try too hard because it actually gets the basics right.

The first thing that hit me walking into the lobby was how quiet it felt, even with people checking in and chatting at the bar. There’s this sort of understated elegance going on – think rich wood tones and soft lighting that actually makes you look good in photos (trust me on this one). The staff moves around with that efficient-but-not-rushed energy, and I mean, the check-in was probably the smoothest I’ve had in months. No weird upselling, no twenty questions about breakfast packages – just here’s your key, here’s what you need to know, welcome to the hotel.

The rooms are where The Equus really shows its 7.8 rating sweet spot. Everything works like it should – shower pressure that doesn’t make you want to cry, blackout curtains that actually block light, and beds that hit that perfect middle ground between too firm and too squishy. I’m usually pretty picky about hotel pillows, but these were spot-on. The little details matter here too – decent coffee setup in the room (not those sad single-serve disasters), enough outlets near the bed for your phone charger, and bathroom lighting that doesn’t make you look like you’ve been living underground for weeks. You can tell someone actually thought about how people use hotel rooms instead of just how they photograph.

What I really appreciated was the lack of pretense. The Equus doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not – it’s a solid, well-run hotel that focuses on comfort over Instagram moments. The restaurant downstairs serves food that’s genuinely good without being fussy, and their bar actually knows how to make a proper cocktail. I ended up grabbing drinks there two nights in a row, which honestly never happens. The crowd was this nice mix of business travelers and couples, everyone just relaxed and doing their own thing.

One small heads up – if you’re the type who needs everything to be brand-spanking-new and perfectly polished, this might not be your vibe. The Equus has character, which means some of the furniture has that gentle wear that comes with actual use. But that’s part of what makes it feel genuine rather than sterile. Plus, you’re getting real value here – the kind of place where the 4-star rating actually means something instead of just being marketing speak.

Rooms

• Classic King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Classic 2 Doubles with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Bamboo Queen with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe 2 Doubles with 2 double beds for 4 adults
• Executive King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• One Bedroom Suite with Kitchenette with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults

Reviews

• Judy from New Zealand (8/10)

  Staff were very obliging
  Friendly & welcoming..

• Mark from Australia (8/10)

  From when we walked in from an overnight flight from Australia staff got us into a room early.
  Bar/ Cafe great value

• Hwee from New Zealand (7/10)

  Good location, friendly staff and room is clean.

• Ephrimvael from Netherlands (9/10)

  Modest, yet charming, with cheerful, helpful staff. The hotel is located on the edge of town, away from all the hustle and bustle, making it a great choice in Waikiki.

• Mariel from United States (9/10)

  This hotel has so much character especially in a place full of soulless mega resorts. It’s equestrian / cowboy themed and you feel like you are having a unique Hawaii experience when staying here. The rooms are well appointed and fit the theme with wooden furniture and horse-themed decor. The staff were extremely kind and accommodating. We used the beach towels, chairs and hospitality shower during our stay, which was very convenient. There was also live music one night we were there and it was perfect to accompany a drink at the bar. It’s located close to a few more local beach which was perfect, and just our speed. That being said, it’s easy to walk into Waikiki or to Ala Moana. There are a few coffee shops and an ABC store nearby too.

• Karen from United States (7/10)

  Size of room, location, amenities, welcome drink

• Howard from Canada (8/10)

  Location,balcony

• Benito from United States (9/10)

  Great location

• Helen from Australia (9/10)

  Small welcoming hotel with a friendly atmosphere,close to Ala Moana and the harbour–stayed here many times

• Tony from United States (9/10)

  Nice location, clean room, super-nice staff. I will stay here again.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities