We stayed this hotel for a week in Apr 2008. We didn't like some staff there. On check in our flight was so early and asked in case if there was the room ready. The oldish receptionist said that the check in was 3pm---fair enough, we knew, just needed try but this receptionist always made us feel stupid whenever ask as his attitude was looking down on us. Breakfast lady too, quite unpleasant and nearly did make complaint against them. We consider upgrading to penthouse but didn't---what's the point if outside the room is unpleasant?
But there was good point to make us through to remain this hotel. The room was enough for just sleeping and always clean, spotless! Bathtub didn't work and fixed following day so that was no problems. Balcony wasn't clean and even didn't try to stand up there without sandals. The ABC store is on ground floor, easy access to centre of waikiki, beach is just across the park, also hotel supply beach towel every day( at reception). The internet access is free in the air-conditioning room, you can drink water and coffee(not hot...) while browsing.
We are frequent traveller and this hotel didn't impress us at all, yes it's budget hotel and we won't go back there and never recommend to our friends. However the experience of Hawaii was fascinating and made so many good memory outside of hotel. If you consider to stay for budget and location make sure you speak to younger receptionist---they are actually quite efficient and pleasant.

We stayed at the Gateway for one week Mar/Apr 2008. While the property is older and could use renovation, it has our two required, and one preferred quality. It is clean, safe, and very affordable. We averaged $80 per night. As mentioned, it is not glitzy or glamorous, but it is clean, and housekeeping did a fine job on a daily basis. There were no odors, as I have read about elsewhere, so have no fears about any issues relative to cleanliness and the Gateway.

As far as affordability goes, you cannot beat the price for the location. The Gateway is centrally located to the beach, shopping, the convention center (if you have business there), and other Waikiki activities. Having an ABC store downstairs is helpful when in need of a quick soft drink or snack, or for that necessity you forgot at home before heading to the beach. The valet parking is awesome, and getting it at half-price if you book through the hotel is a steal, considing what you pay elsewhere in Waikiki for parking. $7.50 per day compared to $20+ per day is a no-brainer!

The staff at the Gateway are top-notch. They were friendly and helpful throughout our stay. The Gateway offers a nice business center that allows you to check e-mail and for a very small price print what you need to print, and though we did not use the pool, it is small but looked nice and offered a nice view as well. The continental breakfast was very limited, but was maybe the only thing I think I might consider I would improve. But, quite frankly, eating a lot is not high on my list in Hawaii.

Though they may not promote, or be able to promote, their rooms as ocean view, from our lanai, we had an awesome view of the ocean and park across the street.

If you are looking for some luxury resort with mints on pillows, multiple buildings, fancy restaurants (though I hear Nicks at the Gateway is great), multiple shops, large pools, etc, then maybe look elsewhere, but if you want a solid. clean, secure, affordable hotel, that is near everything, then the Gateway is a great choice. We will most definately be back!

The lobby is cool and the location is great, but that's about it.....even at $80 per night, we felt ripped off. We stayed here one night and left the next morning. The rooms are dark and damp, and very old. There has been some remodeling, but it appears to be purely cosmetic. The beds are honestly by far the worst I have ever experienced. Even my 6 and 8 year old kids said they could not sleep, and they can sleep anwhere. The "complimentary breakfast" consists of canned pineapple, some type of orange colored beverage, individually wrapped muffins from a vending machine, terrible coffee, and an employee who seems to hate her job. Overall, you are much, much better off paying a little more and finding another hotel. We stayed at the Doubletree for about the same price and loved it.

We overnighted on our way to the Big Island. We were on the 8th floor in a corner room. There were sliding doors to small balconies on two sides of the room - great way to enjoy warm Hawaiian air. Noises of big city were a bit annoying but the room was comfortable, clean. Staff was great. Basic continental breakfast offered on 14th floor -good view! Pool area small but very nice. We checked out at 11am, left our luggage with front desk and explored Waikiki Beach - easy walk from Hotel. The hotel gave us complimentary access to a "travelers" room; a room with only a living room and bathroom which made for easy cleanup and a nice wait until it was time to go to the airport.
I would stay there again.