The Outrigger Reef on the Beach has undergone a lot of renovations in the past year. True, it's still a box on the beach and hardly an architectural marvel. But the Outrigger chain has done a nice job of renovating and repositioning its many Waikiki properties -- not to mention the increasingly popular and highly polished Waikiki Beach Walk eating and shopping development. Outrigger chalks up another smart move by offering sweet suite combinations at the Reef on the Beach, including a limited number of four bedroom suites. Those are perfect for families and much better than mere adjoining rooms. Clearly, the Outrigger clan took note of rising demand for condotels and relatively sluggish demand for hotels. Think of the convenience of a large condo with all the services (restaurants, spa, laundry) of a full-fledged hotel.

The rising number of wealthy families -- witness the bidding wars for three and four bedroom pads in NYC -- has certainly helped their case. The suites look pretty nice, with modest furnishings and, in many cases, stellar views. The Reef on the Beach is a nice location, a quick walk to Beach Walk and beaucoup shopping. Several stellar surf spots are quick paddle away. And some of Waikiki's widest beach, in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, if a five minute walk westward. Don't know prices yet but imagine they are stiff -- of course, considering that you can sleep 12 in the four bedroom versions, per person the price is probably right.

—Alex, 09/24/07