Hotwire Hotel: Waikiki Hotels

[sibley]

This is our first trip to Hawaii, and planning it has been exhausting. I need to get the hotel nailed down and I have read so many contradictory reviews on so many sites that I have no clue where to begin. I was hoping for less the "Manhattan with sand" look that Waikiki is famous for, but we're staying there the full week, so we just have to make the most of it.

Gotta have 3*, would really prefer 4*. On the beach would be fab! I can live with close to the beach too. I want to be in walking distance of well, everything, because we refuse to rent a car. Does nothing good to the holiday mojo.

Where should I be starting 3* and 4* bids? How do I avoid getting resorts?We've only got a month, and I feel I need to get this squared away.

[thereuare]

I just returned from Waikiki (see my TRIP REPORT)

I will be more available to help in the next few days, but my first advice would be to rent a car... the best of Oahu (in my opinion) is outside of Waikiki Beach. Our rental cost $140/week and parking was another $12/day at our hotel.

In my trip report above you'll see we ate one our last meal at Roy's, we spoke with another guest who ate there earlier in the week and took a taxi... nearly $100/roundtrip! :)

[sibley]

Slim pickins...only three properties listed. Can anyone ID these? I'm concerned about resort fees at the 4*.

4-star hotel in Waikiki Beachfront

Resort

Resorts offer a complete destination experience. Facilities generally include a spa or fitness center, one or more swimming pools, and superior dining options. Depending on location, recreational activities may include water sports, golf, tennis or skiing. Coastal resorts usually boast ocean views or beachfront access. Note: A resort fee may be charged. Beachfront

Property is located on the beach. Restaurant(s)

Property offers at least one restaurant on the premises; hours and days of operation may vary.Pool(s)

Property offers at least one pool area; hours and dates of operation may be seasonal. Fitness Center

Guests have access to exercise equipment; an additional charge may apply.Spa Services

Guests have access to a spa facility or spa services; an extra charge typically applies. Children's Activity Program

Property offers supervised programs, events or activities for younger guests; an additional charge may apply.Golf Nearby

Property is located within walking distance or a short drive of at least one golf course; an extra charge typically applies. Tennis Nearby

Property is located within walking distance or a short drive of at least one tennis court; an extra charge typically applies.Business Center

Guests have access to business equipment and services; an additional charge may apply.

3-star hotel in Waikiki Central Near Beach

Property is located within easy walking distance of a beach.Pool(s)

Property offers at least one pool area; hours and dates of operation may be seasonal. Laundry Facilities

<amenity names only please... not descriptions>

3-star hotel in Waikiki Central Near Beach

Property is located within easy walking distance of a beach.Restaurant(s)

Property offers at least one restaurant on the premises; hours and days of operation may vary. Pool(s)

Property offers at least one pool area; hours and dates of operation may be seasonal.Tennis Nearby

Property is located within walking distance or a short drive of at least one tennis court; an extra charge typically applies.

[sibley]

Gah! This has been the toughest trip to plan. It's a vacation (for a change), and I've read reviews at TripAdvisor until I can't see straight.

We'd really like 4* beachfront, but I want to keep it at $150/night, so I'm not sure that's realistic. I'm open to bidding advice, property suggestions...whatever y'all can offer.