Vacation Rental Studios at Royal Garden Waikiki

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be straight with you about the Vacation Rental Studios at Royal Garden Waikiki – it’s one of those places that surprises you in a good way, even though it doesn’t look like much from the outside. When I first walked into the lobby, I honestly wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star spot, but there’s something refreshingly unpretentious about this place that actually works in its favor. The studios are exactly what they sound like – no frills, but they’ve got everything you actually need without trying to impress you with stuff you don’t.

What I really appreciated was how quiet it stays, even being right in the heart of Waikiki. You know how some of these budget-friendly places can turn into party central? Well, this one attracts more of the low-key crowd – families, couples who just want a clean place to crash after spending their days on the beach. The kitchenettes are surprisingly well-equipped (I mean, you’re not going to be hosting dinner parties, but you can definitely make your morning coffee and store those poke bowls you’ll inevitably bring back). The air conditioning actually works – which, trust me, matters more than you think when you’re dealing with that humid Hawaiian air. I stayed during peak season in February, and while the place was full, it never felt chaotic or overcrowded like some of the bigger resort complexes down the street.

Here’s the thing about the location that the photos don’t really capture – you’re close enough to walk to basically everything that matters in Waikiki, but far enough from Kalakaua Avenue that you’re not dealing with tour buses rumbling by at 6 AM. The beach is maybe a seven-minute walk, and there’s this little ABC Store practically next door where you can grab snacks without paying resort prices. Parking costs extra (because of course it does – this is Waikiki), but honestly, once you’re settled in, you probably won’t need your car much anyway. The front desk staff seemed to actually live here rather than just work here, if you know what I mean – they had real recommendations for local spots, not just the typical tourist traps. Sure, it’s not going to win any design awards, and the hallways smell faintly like that generic hotel carpet cleaner, but sometimes you just want a place that does the basics really well without charging you an arm and a leg for the privilege of staying in paradise.

Rooms

• Queen Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• King Studio with Sofa Bed with 2 single beds and 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults
• Queen Studio with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 4 adults
• Queen Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults

Reviews

• Peter from Australia (8/10)

  Very comfortable, and a great location.
  Staff were friendly and very helpful.

• Lori from United States (8/10)

  Pretty close to lots of shops & restaurants

• Tina from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Great location. Great room. The pool and grassy outside area was lovely and all the other guests were friendly when sat around the pool. It was never too busy for us to get a spot and there’s lot of shade for the sun.

• Colin from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Nice pool and sauna, free laundry, location fairly convenient for most places, lovely staff.

• Susan from United States (8/10)

  The staff was very friendly and helpful.

• Anita from United States (8/10)

  Location, view

• Yoji from United States (8/10)

  Just right.

• Halie from United States (8/10)

  Convenient, quiet and safe.

• Rose from United States (8/10)

  Location

• Glenn from Australia (7/10)

  Great location, easy walk to waikiki

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities