Jul 25, 2010

Where to stay in Waikiki ~ Island Colony Hotel

 Where to stay in Waikiki ~ Island Colony Hotel   

Island Colony Hotel General description:  

• The Island Colony Hotel is both a condo and a Hotel.
  A little over 100 units are run as a hotel, while the rest of the building and the majority of the units are either used by owner-occupants, or are rented out on a long term basis or as vacation rentals.
• The Island Colony Hotel is a very impressive 44 floor tall tower built on the corner of Seaside Avenue and the Ala Wai Boulevard.

Like all hotels in the red area of our Waikiki map, the location is very central and only a few minutes walk separate this building from the beach and the International Market Place consider by many as the center of Waikiki.

What we like about the Island Colony Hotel:

• The balconies in the Island Colony Hotel are the widest in Waikiki, and almost every unit has a view of at least the mountains, and the Ala Wai canal.
• The pool area is inviting and since the sun-deck wraps around the entire Island Colony Hotel, you can sunbathe throughout the entire day. The pool is not huge, but as far as Waikiki pools go, this pool is bigger than most of the ones in the area, and the jacuzzi is a great addition.
• Unlike most hotels in Waikiki, in order to access the common areas where the elevators are, you need to have an access card or go through security, this adds an extra layer of safety that is not foolproof by any means but is definitely better than nothing.

What you may not like about the Island Colony Hotel:

• The Island Colony Hotel has not seen a major renovation for some time. The private units that rent as vacation rentals are a different story though, because the condition really depends of how well the units have been taken care of by the owners.
• If you decide on an “ocean view” room, remember that you will be 3 blocks away from the beach, and that you will be able to see the ocean, but unfortunately, from a really far distance.

 The Island Colony Hotel features ample common areas including a large lobby and front desk and right above the parking area a large sun-deck with a swimming pool and jacuzzi.