Update: this review was originally published December, 2008 when the resort was called Wyland Waikiki. In June, 2009, Marriott took ownership of this Waikiki hotel. Here is the hotel’s new Web site.
On my recent visit to Oahu, I was excited to plan a stay at the Wyland Waikiki. I had heard so many great things about the hotel for example, I blogged about the Wyland winning an Orbitz award for being the best Hawaii hotel for business. Another reason I wanted to check out the Wyland is that I have enjoyed following the General Manager’s blog. (I’m super impressed with his blog.)
This hotel is pretty unique and definitely has a fun, artsy, and hip personality. What gives this hotel a personality? Here are a few reasons:
- The hotel features many sculptures, painting and prints from the world renowned marine artist Wyland. I’m not exaggerating when I say “many” because the art was everywhere from the entry lawn, to the lobby, to the elevators, to the rooms.
- Guests can help themselves to pixy stix in the lobby and otter pops at the poolside freezer.
- The hotel has a Chill Room furnished with massage chairs a 65″ plasma TV, Xbox controls and games.
The Location
The hotel is located on 400 Royal Hawaiian Avenue at the intersection of Kuhio Avenue. (See Google Map.) As I recall, it took us less than 10 minutes to walk to the beach and less than that to the lively shops and restaurants along Kalakaua Avenue and the Waikiki Beachwalk.
Their view is of city buildings. You can catch glimpses of Diamond Head here and there, but you can’t see the beach from here.
The Rooms
The rooms are very comfortable and tastefully decorated. The pillow top bed felt divine, especially after a 13 hour journey to Hawaii. The bed linens were very comfortable as well.
I appreciate the free high-speed Internet access that allowed me to post to the blog while I was there. If you don’t bring your own laptop there’s free Internet access near the lobby.
We had two flat screen televisions, one in the bedroom and one in the sitting area. We had a room with a small kitchenette with stainless steel appliances like a small refrigerator, coffee maker, and microwave. Note that all rooms have a coffee maker and small refrigerator. There was an ABC Store across the street where you could pick up a few things that you could make in your room, which definitely helps stretch the vacation food budget.
I liked that the Wyland incorporated Hawaiian made coffee and toiletries. We really liked the coconut and lime body wash and shampoos. In fact, we snuck one home. Shhh!
TIP: Do request a quiet room. Our first room was close to the street level and the air conditioner was noisy which didn’t create the most restful environment. The folks at the front desk were very helpful and moved us to a room that was higher up and had a air conditioning unit that was much quieter.
The On-Site Facilities
The hotel has two pools. The one by the lobby is quite nice with a relaxing cascading waterfall that makes you forget you’re in a city. For food and drink, there’s a coffee shop, a WyBar Lounge, and Spada Bar and Restaurant. For pampering, there’s Spa Pure that has a signature “Ocean Massage” that I was hoping to find the time to try, but unfortunately I didn’t. Parking is all valet and costs $18 per day, which is not so bad per Waikiki standards.
Overall Thoughts
We enjoyed our brief stay here. This hotel offers quite a good value with rates starting at $129 per night. (Check around for deals. Here’s one that I found recently that’s a real bargain that includes a lot of freebies and is only $115 per night for a three-night minimum stay.) I think you get a lot for your money here.
In my opinion, I think the Wyland Waikiki is particularly well suited for couples, singles, and those on business. I’ve seen this hotel rated as a 3-star and as a 4-star. I’m not an official hotel rater, but I have stayed in hotels practically around the world. I think it’s a solid 3-star that certainly boasts some 4-star amenities. For additional reviews, see what people are saying on TripAdvisor.
You can see our collection of photos from this hotel.
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Have you stayed at the Wyland Waikiki? What did you think?
Sheila Beal
7 comments
I have been in lobby but not in rooms. Thanks for the overview.
Aloha,
Keahi
Thank you for the in-depth hotel review. It certainly sounds like a great deal.
What really caught my attention is the beautiful artwork hanging above the bed. You wouldn’t happen to know who the artist is? I checked the larger image on your flickr account, but was unable to read the signature. I’d love to see more of his/her work online if its available.
@ Keahi – What did you think of the lobby area? I thought it was pretty chic.
@ Ami – It does offer good value for money. If I remember correctly, the artist is Wyland. If I’m not mistaken I think that all the art work is by Wyland. You can read more about him here: http://www.wyland.com/
Sheila…how ironic that this post appears and I was at the hotel today for a meeting. Glad to hear you enjoyed your stay and next time you come back, you’ll have to check out the new Diamond Head Suite on the top floor. Nicely appointed and full professional kitchen too if you want to do a little cooking on your vacation…or bring along your personal chef. 😉 Have a great weekend and see you on Twitter.
Hi Nathan – the Diamond Head Suite sounds very swank…wonder if any celebrities book that room?
Wyland Waikiki has rebranded as Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach.
Hey Dusty – thanks for the reminder. I’d reported that the change was coming a couple of months ago and had made a mental note to edit this post, but I just kept forgetting. Doh!