Hey guys!

I hinted at this post a little while back on my instagram and am happy to share with you guys my take on the three hotels I had the pleasure of staying at while on Oahu over the past year. 

For record, I'm going to be discussing the hotels I stayed at while during the school year, not the ones I stayed at before. I will also not be including the hotel I stayed at in Maui simply because I want this post to focus more on Oahu hotels!

Hotel One: VIVE Hotel

Located on more of the outer edge of the Waikiki strip, VIVE Hotel is a great option for those looking to not pay those Waikiki prices but still want to enjoy parts of the area. Out of all the hotels this is the one closest to the zoo, no more than a 10 minute walk, closest to the pier, and treats their guests to a continental breakfast. Like all places, this hotel has their fair share of pros and cons.

1. Very cost efficient 
2. Not a very noisy area
3. Free breakfast included in stay (along with supplies for the ocean such as umbrellas)

Overall I would recommend the VIVE hotel for those who are looking to experience a modestly priced Waikiki. If you don't mind walking a bit to get to the beach or the strip then this hotel might just be one you consider staying at! Be warned, some people have complained that the views of the hotel are not that great. While the view in my room wasn't spectacular I think it's nice to keep in mind that you're really going to be in your room only to sleep, so the view shouldn't make or break your stay. 



Hotel Two: Hyatt Centric Waikiki

The Hyatt Regency is conveniently located only one block away from the main strip and is equally as close to the International Marketplace. The hotel itself is huge, and the rooms mirror that exactly. Our room in particular had a lot of natural light which made the room appear so much brighter than other rooms I've stayed at. The pool is a cute splashed and one of the perks in this hotel is free printing! For those interested This hotel is much more different than the VIVE, so let's compare the pro's and the con's:

Pros:

1. Large rooms with an equally as spacious bathroom.
2. Thicker walls than VIVE, but you can still hear the music from the room next door.
3. No valet-- you park yourself!

Cons:

1. Much more expensive, but you're paying for the upgrade.
2. Loud location due to where the hotel is in Waikiki.
3. No breakfast included.

As you can probably tell, the cons are much more objective than the previous hotel. In the Hyatt Regency you will most definitely feel relaxed and at home, but if you're not comfortable paying the price that comes with staying so close to Waikiki than I would reconsider staying in this hotel. 





Hotel Three: The Surfjack

First things first, The Surfjack is a boutique hotel. This means that if you're looking for an aesthetically pleasing hotel that has an attached coffee shop and tailors to some of the more wealthier tourists then you should consider staying at The Surfjack. Right next door to the hotel, connected to it, actually, is the Olive & Oliver coffee shop. Inside you can purchase coffee and cute accessories for yourself or others. The pool is also stunning, but definitely not the size of other hotel pools. Don't let that stop you though, because the inside of the rooms are bright with color, but not so much natural light. 

Pros:

1. Boutique hotels equal lots of cute and unique photo opportunities. They also mean you're competing with others to get that perfect shot (a potential con).
2. Centrally located just a few blocks from the beach and next to plenty of other cute shops.
3. Extremely quite location at night.

Cons:

1. A bit pricey and, for better or for worse, you could find yourself in a different suite than what you wanted because of a "surprise upgrade".
2. For a boutique hotel you are bound to be surprised by the amount of kids at this hotel. This could be a deal breaker for those of you wanting to relax by the pool during the day.
3. Towel (pool & beach) access is limited. You are allowed to check only one out at a time and are given a special card to check out the towel. I've never been to a hotel that has done this before.

For those aiming for a nice, comfy stay with a cute pool and coffee literally next door, I would recommend this hotel. If you're trying for something just as cute but a little more open, keep reading!




Hotel Four: The Laylow 

The Laylow is a low-key hotel hidden in-between the International Marketplace and the Hyatt Centric Waikiki. This hotel is chic and has plenty of natural sunlight. The pool is interesting because it is spacious yet seating is limited. The hotel has 16 floors, and while I'm sure the top floor has a good view, you're unlikely to see the skyline because of your options: a carpark or the pool. Lucky for me I had the view of the carpark. 

Pros: 

1. Perfect location that is close to the strip and the marketplace.
2. Coffee shop & restaurant are all located in the lobby. Breakfast is not included but it sure is delicious!
3. Quiet floors and (I'm assuming) thick walls.

I loved my time at the Laylow, although if I had to bet I would say this was the most expensive hotel trip I was on. For those of you considering staying on Oahu I would really try and take advantage of the deals and discounts. Each of these hotels was expensive, and things like "resort fees" and "valet parking" will bring the cost up more than you would expect. If you live, serve, or study in Hawaii I would recommend purchasing under the Kama'aina rate, although some hotels don't accept this. Military is also worth trying for! 



I hope this post either inspired you or encouraged you to visit the island of Oahu. Any other information you would like to know? Leave a comment and I would love to answer those questions for you!

Until next time,

Aislinn