So, you’re looking for a hotel in Waikiki that’s comfortable, classy, packed with entertainment, central to the shops, close to the best restaurants and pretty much on the beach.
Good news, the hotel you’re looking for is the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.
It’s the most conveniently located property in the neighbourhood, with most of Waikiki’s ‘must-do’ activities either literally downstairs or within walking distance, and for the things guests can’t access by foot, there’s a free shuttle that’ll take them there.
I recently discovered just how perfect the property is, not just regarding accessibility, but in service and style during a recent stay. Read on for why you should consider booking the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort for your next visit to the heart of Hawaii.
CHECKING-IN & BEYOND
First impressions do count, which is why the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort goes the extra mile to welcome its guests with genuine hospitality.
Staff greeted me with a big Aloha smile and asked sincere questions about my flight and travel plans as she worked through the check-in process, which was incredibly quick.
Before I could head on up to my room, she ran to the back and emerged with a beautiful surprise – an Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort mocktail made up of guava, mango, orange and sparkling water.
Hands down the BEST hotel welcoming I’ve ever experienced.
The delicious mocktail (was tempted to ask for a refill), was the first of many special touches the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort delivered from the moment I checked in to check out.
Once the glass was empty, my new friend handed me the ‘key’ to my room, which was a genius waterproof electronic access bracelet that made my entire stay incredibly comfortable.
First, I didn’t have to remember to take a card with me every time I left the room because it was securely wrapped around my wrist. In turn, I also didn’t have to search for a card every time I wanted to return to the room.
But the best thing about the bracelet was that I didn’t have to worry about someone stealing my room key at the beach because again, it was securely wrapped around my wrist.
Just genius!
THE ROOM
Hello space!
That was the first thought that came into my mind as I walked through my Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort suite.
I not only had a bedroom with a King Size bed, but a separate living area fitted with a pullout sofa bed, full-to-ceiling mirrors, floor-to-ceiling windows, a study table and a wide-screen TV.
The room was perfect and spacious enough for friends travelling in groups, couples or families.
Once I’d soaked in my living quarters for the next 24 hours, I noticed that the room came with two verandahs, including one with an INCREDIBLE beach-side view.
I felt truly spoiled and keen to dive into that big clear blue.
But before I could head down to the beach, I just had to check out the bathroom facilities.
The bathroom had a bath shower with all the amenities you could ever possibly need!
Organic shampoo, organic condition, organic body lotion, shower cap, crystal bath salts, coconut lime facial salt, a shaving kit, body loofah (took that one home) and TWO dental kits.
Another highlight of the room was the free and fast wi-fi, which I could access from the beach! That’s how close the property is to the shore.
Other highlights of the room, which I would enjoy later that day, included free and fast wi-fi,
THE LOCATION
As I mentioned earlier, the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is centrally located in the heart of Hawaii.
Duke’s Restaurant is literally downstairs, as is the music venue Blue Note. The International Market Place is across the road, and the divine Cheesecake Factory is less than a two-minute walk away.
Shoppers shouldn’t look at staying anywhere else, because H&M is down the road, as is Sephora and Macy’s. For those who want the full shopping experience, the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort offers free connection trolley transport for guests to go to the Ala Moana Centre – just show them your electronic access bracelet (it’s your free ticket to the city).
Waikiki Beach is literally in the property’s backyard, and everything is in the front yard.
You couldn’t find a hotel in Waikiki that’s more conveniently located than the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort – #justsaying.
VOYAGER 47 CLUB LOUNGE
One of the highlights of staying in a suite at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is having access to the Voyager 47 Club Lounge, which recently reopened after extensive renovations.
The exclusive space doubles up as a buffet breakfast room with the best morning view of Hawaii or as a cocktail lounge with the best sunset view of Hawaii.
For those like me who want to start their day in the Voyager 47 Club Lounge, there’s a free breakfast buffet made up of local fruits, eggs, homemade jam, cereals, bagels and the most colourful yet satisfying bread you’ll ever see.
Once you’ve collected your breakfast, find a seat in the outdoor seating area and enjoy the serene, oceanfront view.
What a way to start the morning.
You can also use the space to wind down from a busy day by enjoying a gorgeous Hawaiian sunset along with complimentary, locally sourced bites, premium coffee, craft beer and specialty cocktails.
Make yourself at home!
Another highlight of the Voyager 47 Club Lounge is the dedicated club concierge whose job is to help guests plan their days by recommending activities, eateries and cultural programs.
THE SPA
I’d arrived at the hotel with a sore shoulder and desperately needed a massage. So, I headed up to the Spa where I was welcomed with a smile, a hydrating beverage (water and fruit) and a menu of treatments.
As I only had an hour to spare, I opted for the 50-min Thai Massage, during which the amazing Miguel rubbed, soothed and twisted the knots out of the body.
What made the Spa experience a treat was the utilisation of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort’s location – the Spa had an outdoor section where guests could step out and enjoy the beautiful beachside view before heading in for their massage.
THE VERDICT
The only thing I regret about my stay at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort was that I didn’t have more time.
It truly was a treat to stay at the modern, spacious and well-located property; I’d highly recommend it for anyone planning a trip to Hawaii’s capital.
THE DETAILS
Rates: Prices vary but on sale can start at US$223 for an Oceanview Room.
Facilities: Spa, swimming pool, free pizza delivery from Giovanni’s, room service, complimentary boogie boards, complimentary beach towels, access to Blue Note Hawaii, Wi-Fi and daily guest activities.
For more information, click here.
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