Castle at Waikīkī Grand

This hotel offers an unparalleled location with direct beach access and a remarkable 10th-floor sundeck providing stunning ocean and Diamond Head views, making it a memorable choice for many. Its proximity to major attractions and amenities is a consistent highlight, appealing greatly to sightseers and families looking for convenience and accessibility. While the hotel's age and varying room conditions are frequently noted, the overall value and prime spot attract budget travelers and those prioritizing location over luxury. For party-goers, the on-site bar adds to the appeal. To ensure a smoother stay, guests are advised to carefully confirm all booking details and be aware of potential additional fees upon arrival, as these are recurring themes in guest feedback.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a popular 10th-floor sundeck that offers expansive ocean views and Diamond Head views, complete with tables for guests to enjoy the scenery. While a pool is available, guest opinions on its cleanliness and temperature are mixed. Many rooms are equipped with kitchenettes, though their completeness varies, ranging from full setups to basic hot plates. Free Wi-Fi is provided, and laundry facilities are accessible on-site, typically coin-operated. Parking is available for a fee, often requiring pre-reservation due to limited space, and can be challenging for larger vehicles. Some units thoughtfully include beach chairs, umbrellas, and coolers, enhancing the beach experience for guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room condition and cleanliness is highly varied, with many describing the hotel as an older property in need of updates and upgrades. While some rooms are reported as clean and well-maintained, a significant number of reviews highlight filthy conditions, including mold in showers, holes in walls, broken fixtures, sticky floors, and even instances of cockroaches or ants, which severely impact guest comfort. Room sizes often appear smaller than advertised. Bed comfort receives mixed reviews, with some finding them comfortable while others describe them as old, sagging, or hard. Noise levels are a frequent complaint, stemming from the street, the bar downstairs, early morning trash trucks, and loud AC units. The common absence of blackout curtains also contributes to disturbed sleep.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers convenient dining options on-site, including a burger joint located on the first floor, which is frequently praised by guests for its accessibility and good burgers. Additionally, there is a restaurant and bar situated on the third floor, providing decent bar food and hosting live music performances in the evenings. Guests staying in rooms on lower floors, particularly those near the bar, occasionally report noise disturbances from the music and patrons. While no breakfast service is mentioned as being directly provided by the hotel, the presence of kitchenettes in many rooms allows guests the flexibility to prepare their own meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's excellent and unbeatable location is consistently lauded as its most significant advantage. It is ideally situated half a block to one block from Waikiki Beach, offering easy access to the ocean for swimming and sunbathing. The Honolulu Zoo is conveniently located directly across the street, and the aquarium is also within close proximity, making it a prime spot for families. Guests appreciate the hotel's walkability to a wide array of restaurants, shops, and bars throughout the Waikiki area. Public bus stops are readily available nearby, providing easy access to other parts of Honolulu. On-site parking is offered for a fee, though it can be tight for larger vehicles and often requires pre-reservation.

Staff & Service
Guest feedback on staff performance is mixed but generally positive, with many reviewers commending the friendly, helpful, and attentive staff members. Several guests specifically highlight individuals for their excellent service and willingness to assist with various requests. The check-in process can be inconsistent; while some guests report a quick and smooth experience, others describe confusion, long waits, or being directed to an unconventional check-in location, such as a room on a different floor. Some guests encountered issues with unprofessional conduct from certain staff members or difficulties resolving booking discrepancies. Housekeeping service is typically not provided during stays, requiring guests to request fresh towels or dispose of their own trash.

Additional Information
A recurring point of contention for many guests is the presence of unexpected or hidden fees, including substantial cleaning fees and destination fees, which are often not clearly disclosed upfront and cause frustration upon arrival. A significant number of units are privately owned and managed by various entities, leading to inconsistencies in room condition, amenities, and service policies, notably the lack of daily room cleaning. Guests are generally responsible for taking out their own trash and must request fresh towels every few days. Some reviews mention issues with booking discrepancies and difficulties obtaining refunds for early departures or unsatisfactory rooms. The hotel is noted for its pet-friendly policy, accommodating guests traveling with animals.