Although some other TripAdvisor reviews considered it a negative that the Hawaii Prince is away from the central Waikiki beach area, I had my eye on the Hawaii Prince Waikiki specifically *because* of its more secluded location. We didn't want the hassle of loud partiers, 3am drunks and traffic that other reviewers note at so many of the Waikiki Beach hotels.
But I agonized over whether it would be worth the $195/night rate, (the lowest I could find anywhere) because other reviewers noted that the Hawaii Prince is a little worn and dated.
My Priceline bid of $132/night was accepted, making it the highest level hotel available for the money. We were very pleased with our three-night stay there.
The hotel lobby was spacious and welcoming, with plenty of seating. The front desk staff was friendly, attentive and efficient at processing our check-in, accommodating our request for a king size bed. It was a lovely touch to be greeted with warm towels to freshen up as we checked in. Our room on the 19th floor was spacious and tidy, and although some of the furniture was, indeed, dated and worn, there was certainly nothing offensive. (That might have bugged me if we'd paid $195/night.) It had a small fridge in which we kept bottled water and breakfast items.
The bed was softer than we like, but that's just a personal preference. They provided Neutrogena products and ample fluffy towels and bathmats, as well as terry robes and slippers to use. Bathroom was huge -- the shower stall was separate from the tub, and the toilet was enclosed by a door.
Unlike other reviewers who felt that the hotel caters mostly to Japanese tourists, and may treat non-Japanese with less attention, we found the staff to be exceedingly courteous, friendly, knowledgable and helpful -- from the front desk, to the housekeepers to the shuttle driver who brings guests to the main Waikiki Beach area. The concierge (Naomi) was exceptionally helpful and friendly giving us daily directions for using TheBus to get to various attractions. A few times we interrupted her as she had other projects spread on her desk, yet she welcomed us with an easy smile and personal attention.
As we passed him in the lobby, the night manager greeted us warmly with a smile and handshake, asking "How are you enjoying your stay?"
The shuttle driver, noticing only an hour had passed between his dropping us off and picking us up, suggested other interesting places to visit. (Chinatown, Iolani Palace, The Capitol Building). He was quite engaging, articulate and well-informed about the area. The Business Office manager was accommodating in printing out our boarding passes, and engaged in pleasant chitchat.
The pool and pool area are spacious, well maintained and comfortable, and there's a nice warm whirlpool, too. There was no towel service, although we used the pool very early morning only.
Yes, it's obvious this isn't a brand new hotel. But it is well maintained and in good repair. No, the staff isn't obsequious, but they are professional, friendly and eager to help all their guests have a pleasant stay.
We didn't feel the Hawaii Prince Waikiki was too far away from the "action" at the beach. It was an easy walk and we used the free shuttle, too. There was a Starbucks across the street, as well as a couple of excellent Thai restaurants within two blocks. And we liked being near Ala Moana Beach Park, a lovely but less crowded beach, and a great place for my morning jog.
We'd stay here again, and if you can get a great Priceline deal, as we did, we'd recommend you GO FOR IT!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.