By Raechel Donahue
Great discount hotels can be found in downtown Honolulu.
Located on the shore of Oahu Island, Honolulu is Hawaii's largest city and a prime tourist attraction. While the most popular and expensive
resorts are located on the golden sands of Waikiki
beach, those looking for discount accommodations might consider looking downtown or nearer the edge of town. You'll probably be at the beach most of the time anyway, so what you save on hotel rates can be spent on entertainment and tours.
Regency on Beachwalk
The Regency is just 200 yards from Waikiki Beach.
Just 200 yards from Waikiki beach, the Regency on Beachwalk is what is known as a condominium hotel, with some of the rooms privately owned and the rest maintained by Outrigger Resorts. There are not a lot of resort amenities, but you will be steps away from the restaurants and shops of Waikiki Beachwalk and there is someone at the front desk 24/7 to help you arrange for anything you might need. The hotel offers a children's Island Explorer eco-info program and at check-in, each child is given an Explorer kit that includes a backpack, sunglasses, pen, binoculars and Hawaii reef guide. Every condo has a complete kitchen, with utensils and tableware. There three restaurants in the hotel: a formal Japanese restaurant, a noodle shop and an Italian cafe.
Regency on Beachwalk
255 Beachwalk St
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-3871
www.outriggerregencycondo.com
The Lotus at Diamond Head
The Lotus has views of Diamond Head.
The Lotus at Diamond Head is a bit away from the hustle and bustle of downtown and it offers some fabulous views. Ocean view rooms are priced slightly higher. Nicely furnished, silky sheets, down pillows and comforter add to the luxury feel. There are walking paths to a private cove or to the public Sans Souci surfing beach, and a game center in the lobby. Across the street is Queen Kapiolani Park, which houses the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, and public tennis courts.
The Lotus at Diamond Head
2885 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815
(808) 922-1700
www.castleresorts.com/Home/accommodations/the-lotus-at-diamond-head
Aqua Bamboo Hotel
The Bamboo's pool is surrounded by palm trees.
Originally built in 1968, the recently renovated Aqua Bamboo Hotel is right in the middle of busy downtown Honolulu, just two blocks from the beach and the International Marketplace. The small swimming pool is surrounded by palm trees and there are plenty of lounge chairs. The rate for what the hotel calls its moderate room includes continental breakfast, Internet, daily newspaper and local calls. The room has a balcony or lanai, a flat screen TV, mini-fridge and microwave. The rooms are very small but for a little more money you can get a studio. Hotel parking is expensive, so you may want to park elsewhere.
Aqua Bamboo Hotel
2425 Kuhio Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-7777
www.aquaresorts.com
About the Author:
Raechel Donahue is an author, journalist and former features editor of the "Brentwood News." Her specialties include travel, entertainment, film and music. She performs a weekend show on BossBossRadio.com, runs a travel website and has written, produced and directed several documentaries for PBS. She divides her time between Wyoming and France.
Photo Credits:
waikiki - ocean view room image by Michelle D. Parker from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
torches image by John Sfondilias from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
honolulu, waikiki beach from diamond head image by Robert Young from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
palm tree image by EasyBalance from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
