Pros: Like most Hyatt properties, this hotel is extremely clean and well maintained. Service is strong. Rooms comfortable. The pool deck is a great place to hang out and watch the waves but avoid the hoi polloi on Kuhio Beach. Views from the upper rooms are phenomenal on the ocean side of the hotel. The location on Kalakaua Avenue is quite central, making all of Waikiki easily walkable. The spa on property is relatively new and extremely large for Waikiki. The view from the spa is quite excellent -- you may not want to leave this one, as opposed to other fairly cramped spas in Waikiki that are more like afterthoughts than actual palaces of relaxation.

Cons: Roughly half the rooms in the hotel have mediocre views, a function of the genius in constructing these twin towers as hexagons. In fact, a good portion of the parking garage, across the street, has far better ocean views than hotel rooms, so one option is to get the cheapest possible room, rent a van and sleep in your car for a better view (kidding, sort of). To get to the beach, you do have to cross an extremely busy street so staggering over to the sand with arms full of stuff can be a bit of an annoyance. This hotel is quite large, nearly 1,200 rooms so you won' get intimacy.As this is a Hyatt, the decor is stolid.

Bottom Line: A boxy but safe option among five-star joints in Hawaii. I have no qualms about reccomending this hotel to anyone for a comfortable, mellow stay.

Trip Advisor Rating: 18 of 103 Honolul Hotels / Avg Room $340 )
Map/Reviews (Image via: Travelocity)

—Alex, 10/17/06