Waikiki Gets a New Place: The Hyatt Place

Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach will be the first property of the Hyatt Place brand to be introduced to the Hawaii market. It’s located at the quieter end of Waikiki, closer to Diamond Head, and only two blocks from the ocean. This is the neighborhood I lived in when I first moved here. I did not mind being away from the beach (nor paying for it) because of the amazing view I had from my room, which will be the same view guests will have here. In fact, the remodel included additional cutout windows in the rooms facing the ocean, so visitors can always check the surf. Diamond Head and City views are also available.

The Hyatt Place doesn’t fool around when it comes to spacious living areas.

As of now, only one tower has been completed in the remodeling (located at the same place as the defunct Ocean Resort). The second, larger tower, is scheduled to open this spring.

I took a tour of the facility and found that it completely fit the Hyatt’s theme of contemporary, high-tech and family-friendly. The open-air lobby and décor that is traditionally Hawaiian also added to the theme. The hotel’s public spaces include lots of comfy sitting areas, a large casual dining area, an office space complete with wired computers for complimentary guest use and lots of large screen TVs on the wall to watch.

Right around the corner from the attractive check-in counter is the hotel’s own coffee bar, where Starbucks brand is served at all hours. And for guest convenience, the Hyatt Place offers a Grab and Go’ counter for carry-out snacks and sandwiches. The hotel does not have a restaurant but has a kitchen that prepares this food as well as the free complimentary breakfast on the pool (small but warm) deck, or a for-fee morning meal ordered in advance. Want something later? No problem. The kitchen is available for orders 24/7.

The Ocean Resort gets a facelift to what it is today – the Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach.

I love the rooms in this tower! They are so spacious, as big or bigger than the high-price hotels. The décor is sleek and modern and contains the famously comfortable Hyatt beds. After a day in the sun, you’ll sleep well, for sure. The bathrooms are a tad small but very functional and feature a bidet. That’s a spoiler. And in this tower, there are only 11 rooms per floor. I like that because it reduces the traffic by your room and the number of doors that can swing shut in the night. Actually, the doors already seemed quiet. I did not see the second tower, which has more rooms and is designed with greater density.

The hotel’s manager, Bonnie Kiyabu, has a long history with Hyatt in Hawaii, so she knows all about island-life and can guarantee a true Hyatt experience. While I talked with her in a nook of the lobby, I feIt as though I was sitting in her personal living room, and she was my hostess. This feeling of home’ is key to what the hotel has successfully accomplished. And I was taken with the fact that the staff of the original property was retained. They were involved with the rebranding and have worked hard to advance the great service and attention that you can expect during your stay.

VIDEO: Hyatt Place rooms explained, with Tahitian fire dancing to end the night.

Posted by: Bruce Fisher on Dec 27, 2011