Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa - Honolulu, HI Review

I headed out to Oahu with my parents and sister and we stayed at the Marriott Waikiki hotel which is located in the busy section of Waikiki.  One has to cross a busy road to access the beach.

Our check-in was efficient, but the  two staff persons we encountered were not very friendly.  I'm chalking it up to her having a bad day, as we've encountered other staff who were more helpful during the week.

The rooms are very clean and the beds are quite comfortable.  I slept great all week here so that's a good indicator for me that the hotel is meeting my needs.  We took a room with two-double beds which were covered by a down duvet.  The shampoo, conditor, shower gell and lotion are in generous container sizes.  The soap is made with oatmeal flakes in it and very nice.

The room contains a desk  with a chair and two comfortable chairs nearby. A large, flat panel tv was perched above a granite-topped dresser.  Drawers on one side of it, and a fridge tucked into the other side.  The fridge was a must, as we ate most of our breakfasts in the room.  Twice, we ate at the hotel for breakfast and for $26 per person, it was well worth it.  The fruit was fresh and delicious, the omelettes made to order and a wide-variety of breakfast dishes to choose from.

Even more surprising was the all-you-can-eat buffet that is served every night.  We were quite tired one night and decided to grab the buffet.  It included prime rib and the entire buffet was extraordinary.  Curried seafood on rice, tofu with mixed greens, roasted turkey, pork loin, the list goes on and on.  Everything was cooked with a delicious taste to it and obviously quite fresh.  The desserts rocked--especially the creme brulee.  I would travel back to this hotel specifically for the buffet again.

The pools are a disappointment for a hotel this size.  There is one ordinary square pool for each of the towers.  I somehow expected more, but I'm guessing that they figure the guests will head out to the beach instead.  The whirlpool is nice though-- and located away from the tower so one can see the stars at night.

As far as location, the hotel is located near the International Market and there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.  An ocean view room will cost you $80 more-- skip it. Go sit on the beach nearby when you want the ocean view or take a trip up to the top of each tower.  Use the money on the food, instead.

A very nice place to stay on Oahu, as long as you don't mind the feeling of being in downtown "Chicago" while you stay here.