Jul 25, 2010

Where to stay in Waikiki ~ Waikiki Pearl

Where to stay in Waikiki ~ Waikiki Pearl

 (Formerly Honolulu Prince Hotel and Aqua Tides)

Waikiki Pearl General description:

• The Aqua Waikiki Pearl (formerly known as Honolulu Prince Hotel and Waikiki Tides) was built over 40 years ago in 1960, has 10 floors and over 100 apartments that range from the very small Hotel room to 1 and 2 bedroom units. Judging by the general design, this building was never intended to be hotel, has no amenities and the common areas are small and more typical of and apartment building than a “resort”. Lack of resort type infrastructure has not been a problem so far because it has always been oriented towards the low end of the market. Parking is available for a fee but is very limited.
  This hotel has been recently sold and is currently under renovations.
  The Aqua Waikiki Pearls hotel is a gay friendly facility that welcomes gay men, lesbian, bisexual, trans gender and straight.
   

What we like about the Waikiki Pearl:

• The general location is very central, like all of the hotels located within the red or blue areas of our map.
• Most units have a balcony.

What you may not like about the Waikiki Pearl:

• The biggest problem with low end, low quality budget hotels is that due to the downturn of the economy, for a few dollars more, depending on the season, you can get a 2 or 3 star hotel and the difference in quality, service and hygiene between a budget and a 2 or 3 star hotel is HUGE.
• Units are small, especially the hotel rooms, but that is a common occurrence in low end properties, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom units are better choices.
• Parking can really be a problem because not only that it is very expensive but also it’s very limited.
• You may want to rethink that car rental. There is no unrestricted street parking in the area.