Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about the Waikiki Beach Marriott? It’s not trying to be the flashiest resort on the strip – and honestly, that’s exactly why it works so well. I mean, you’ve got these massive tower hotels looming over Kalakaua Avenue, but this place sits back just enough that you actually feel like you’re in Hawaii, not some generic beach resort that could be anywhere.

The location is pretty brilliant when you think about it. You’re literally across from Kuhio Beach Park, which most tourists skip for the main Waikiki Beach stretch, but here’s the thing – that’s where locals actually hang out. The snorkeling is better there too, especially near the jetty where you’ll see more fish than people taking selfies. The resort’s pool deck faces that direction, so you get this perfect view of Diamond Head without the chaos of the main beach scene. I actually spent more time people-watching from the pool than I did in the ocean, which is saying something. The trade winds hit just right in the afternoon, and you can hear the waves even from the higher floors – that constant, rhythmic sound that makes you forget you have emails waiting back home.

What really sets this place apart is the details they get right. The elevators are fast (crucial when you’re on floor 20-something with sandy feet), the ice machines are always stocked, and – this might sound weird – but the hallway carpets don’t smell like that musty hotel smell you get in older Waikiki properties. The spa is actually worth the splurge, especially if you book the lomi lomi massage for late afternoon when the light hits the treatment rooms just right. Parking is valet only, which runs about $45 a day, but honestly, you won’t need your car much anyway. Everything’s walkable, from the ABC stores (there’s one literally every block) to that excellent poke spot on Seaside Avenue that the concierge will pretend not to know about because it’s not fancy enough.

The rooms are solid Marriott standard – clean, comfortable, nothing revolutionary but everything works. Ask for an ocean view on a higher floor if your budget allows it, because watching the sunrise over Diamond Head while drinking terrible hotel room coffee is somehow still magical. The 8.3 rating feels about right – it’s not going to blow your mind, but it won’t disappoint either. This is the kind of place where families feel comfortable, couples can find quiet moments, and solo travelers don’t feel out of place at the pool bar. During sunset, grab a mai tai from the lobby bar and find a spot on the beach across the street. The resort guests get the view, but you’ll get the experience – and really, isn’t that why you came to Hawaii in the first place?

Rooms

• Ocean Front with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults
• Waikiki City View with 2 double beds, or and 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults
• Diamond Head Ocean View with 2 double beds, or and 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults
• Ocean View with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults
• Premium Ocean View with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults
• Junior Suite – Oceanfront with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults
• Junior Suite with Ocean View with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults
• Ocean View, Guest room, 2 Double, Paoakalani Tower, Balcony with 2 double beds for 4 adults
• Diamond Head Ocean View, Guest room, 2 Double, Balcony with 2 double beds for 4 adults
• Premium Ocean View, Guest room, 2 Double, Kealohilani Twr with 2 double beds for 4 adults
• Ocean Front View, Guest room, 2 Double, Kealohilani Twr with 2 double beds for 4 adults
• Waikiki City View, Guest room, 2 Double, City view, Balcony with 2 double beds for 4 adults
• Waikiki City View, Guest room, 1 Queen, City view with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Junior Corner Suite with Two Double Beds – Oceanfront with 2 × 2 double beds for 4 adults
• King Room with Sofa Bed and City View – Hearing Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults
• Family King or Double Junior Suite with 1 extra-large double bed, or and 2 double beds for 4 adults
• Corner Junior Double Suite with Ocean View for 2 adults
• Junior King Suite with Sofa Bed and Balcony for 2 adults

Reviews

• Melina from United Arab Emirates (9/10)

  Effect location next to the beach , park , shops ,hot jacuzzi and great activities!!

• Vishnu from United States (9/10)

  Location

• Marlene from United States (8/10)

  Location. Close to the beach, shops and restaurants.

• Songbyrd from United States (8/10)

  How close it was to the beach.

• Paul from New Zealand (8/10)

  Room was good. Not exactly Ocean front as requested and stated on our booking confirmation, the next room around the side of the building. Location was good.
  Big surprise when we went to settle the account. We thought we had fully prepaid the room costs in advance through Booking.com. However, we were hit with a "Resort Fee of USD$50 per night plus a range of taxes. This was a shock and a rort really. Would be much happier paying for what we actually used!

• Brenita from United States (9/10)

  I loved the location of the hotel, it took no time to get everywhere. The staff were very friendly and helpful. It was nice to have the beach so close and several shops and restaurants in walking distance.

• Greg from United States (9/10)

  Cleanliness and modern looks of the place.

• Ronald from United States (9/10)

  Location. room and beach

• Marie from Australia (9/10)

  Large room and very comfortable bed

• Bruce from United States (8/10)

  Location was great and the rooms were very comfortable.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities