Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa is centrally located in Waikiki Beach. The property consists of two mid-rise towers. The south tower appears to be the only one of the two recently upgraded with new modern furnishings including heated toilet seats In several of the rooms. The premium ocean view king size bed room will sleep two adults and one child comfortably.
The Marriott resort charges an annoying resort fee of $37 per day. The one certain thing a guest receives for the resort fee is an emptier wallet.
Hotel resorts fees are becoming all to common annoyance at hotel properties that offer nothing in the way of resort like amenities or activities. The additional fee should be rebranded a hotel ‘greed’ fee to reflect its actual purpose.
To visit the alluring Waikiki Beach, hotel guests must cross the busy Kalakaua Avenue. Once across the street, white sand beach and warm Pacific Ocean surf awaits. We advise that guest arrive early to stake out a spot on the crowded beach, especially during the weekend. Also, Marriott’s bellhop has beach chairs available for guests use on a first come, first use basis, and beach towels can be checked out on the third floor pool area.
Hotel’s swimming pools and fitness center are located on the third floor of the hotel. Guests, especially kids, should exercise care jumping into the pool since the depth in the deep end is seven feet. And, the hotel’s jacuzzi is located next to the north tower.
Ride share pick up and drop off occurs from both the main lobby on and the secondary lobby. Either location can be selected on the Uber application.
Raving review and well done to Marriott’s morning concierge, Jing. Jing was engaging, funny and highly effective. She was able to book last minute Pearl Harbor semi-private shuttle transportation for our large group almost effortlessly. And, her sense of humor was delightful.
Food and beverage prices at the hotel are the typical Waikiki pricey. The restaurant and bars do offer daily deals and happy hour pricing for cost savvy travelers. The open air Moana Terrace, which overlooks the beach, offers daily and late evening happy hour. The bar offers their Mai Tai at $8 during happy hour.
Near the hotel, there are several recommended eating establishments that offer good food and with reasonably food and beverages. There is a Hamburger in Paradise restaurant within one block and an Eggs and Things approximately two-and-a-half blocks from the hotel.
A visit to the Pearl Harbor Memorial is a must for those visiting The Hawaiian Island of Oahu. Tickets are free or at low costs directly through the National Park Service website. Or, there are several commercial tour operators, which can be booked through the hotel’s concierge, who offer packages to the Pearl Harbor Memorial, including transportation, at a range of prices.
Overall, we were pleased with the hotel’s amenities, across the street from the beach location in Waikiki and guest services. For the price (except for the annoying resort fee), the hotel exceeded expectations.