Holiday Inn Express Waikiki By Ihg

This hotel offers a memorable stay, particularly noted for its complimentary breakfast and a location that provides easy access to the vibrant heart of Waikiki. Its signature feature is the comprehensive breakfast spread, which consistently receives high praise for its variety and quality, making it a significant value-add for guests. The hotel is well-suited for budget-conscious travelers and sightseers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the island rather than in their room, as well as families seeking convenient amenities. Guests frequently highlight the friendly and helpful staff, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. While the rooms are often described as compact, many offer appealing views. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for better views and be prepared for potential challenges with on-site parking, which is a common theme in guest feedback.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities designed to enhance guest stays. The pool deck on the fifth floor is a popular feature, offering a pool, a hot tub (often described as a pleasant surprise for unwinding), and various games such as table tennis, foosball, mini golf, and oversized chess, providing entertainment for all ages. While the pool is generally appreciated, some guests note its smaller size, and there have been mentions of it being closed for renovations or having slippery surrounds. A fitness center is available, though some equipment may be out of service. Free Wi-Fi is consistently praised for its reliability. The elevators are a frequent topic of discussion; while some find them fast, many guests report long wait times, especially during peak hours, and note that navigating to the pool area from higher floors requires switching elevators. Parking is a significant concern for many, often described as expensive, limited, and difficult to access, particularly for larger vehicles, leading some guests to seek off-site alternatives.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness is generally positive, with many rooms described as spotless and well-maintained, and housekeeping performing a commendable job with daily service and fresh towels. However, some guests have reported issues such as dirty carpets in hallways and rooms, sticky floors, or mold on shower heads, suggesting inconsistencies. The room size is a recurring point, with many guests finding them very small, cramped, and not ideal for extended stays or for families with significant luggage, often feeling more like a "box." Despite the size, the beds are consistently praised for being comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The air conditioning units are frequently mentioned as being noisy, old, or blowing directly onto the bed, which can disrupt sleep, though some newer units are noted to be quieter. Bathrooms are often described as tiny, lacking counter space, and sometimes experiencing issues with hot water availability or fluctuating temperatures, and some guests noted a lack of a lock on the door.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a significant highlight for most guests, often described as excellent and a great value. The breakfast variety is consistently praised, featuring options such as eggs, sausage, oatmeal, pancakes, and a selection of fruits, with some unique additions like soup of the day or gluten-free toast. The food quality is generally good, and the staff are noted for keeping items well-stocked and managing busy periods efficiently, ensuring lines move quickly. Many guests appreciate the convenience and cost savings of having breakfast included. However, some guests find the options repetitive over longer stays, describe the food as mass-produced or bland, and note a lack of fresh, sliced fruit. The breakfast area can become very crowded, leading to seating challenges, and outdoor seating may be affected by birds.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of many popular attractions and amenities in Waikiki. It is conveniently situated near the main shopping street and various dining options. Guests appreciate its proximity to Waikiki Beach, typically a 10 to 15-minute walk, making beach access straightforward. The hotel is also well-served by public transportation, with bus stops located directly outside or nearby, providing easy access to other parts of the island, including the airport and major shopping centers like Ala Moana Mall. While some guests mention the surrounding area can be busy, the hotel itself is considered a convenient base for exploring.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlight the welcoming and professional demeanor of the front desk team, who are often described as going above and beyond to assist with requests, including early check-ins and late check-outs. The check-in process is generally reported as quick and smooth. Housekeeping is frequently commended for their excellent work, ensuring rooms are clean and well-maintained daily. While most feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few guests have reported isolated instances of unhelpful or rude staff interactions, or issues with housekeeping consistency, such as not vacuuming or cleaning showers adequately.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of ongoing construction across the street, which some reviews indicate can lead to noise disturbances from alarms and jackhammers, potentially impacting sleep, and appears to be a long-term project. A resort fee is charged daily, which some guests find to be an unexpected additional cost and question its value, especially if certain amenities like the pool are closed for renovation. There have been recurring mentions of hot water issues in rooms, with some guests experiencing fluctuating temperatures or a complete lack of hot water, particularly during peak hours. While the hotel offers laundry facilities, some guests have noted that the dryers may not function effectively.