This is small boutique family-run hotel is very “green” (not the color, the consciousness—cleaning agents, recycling, efficient toilets, etc.). Rooms are well-furnished but not overly large; some have had the lanais removed to expand interior (and those rooms tend to have less road noise).
The décor is a blend of Chinese, horses and polo, and it works quite well. The owner was a professional polo player and is still often seen around the hotel. Prints of historical photos from the Bishop Museum line the hallways showing the history of horses and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys). This hotel is not wheelchair accessible due to stairs at the entrance, and you won’t find many kids here either.
Their weakest points are a busy road, no laundry on site and their pool is just stuck between two buildings. There are no bathtubs, and the shower ceilings feel low. Rooms on the top two floors have soundproof windows. Though not 100% effective, it’s worth it to spring for these, or request a room toward the back of the building or bring earplugs. Their beds are unusually comfy with pillow-tops and a variety of bed pillows to choose from. If you need a desk, upgrade to an executive room. Their pool is small and stuck between the buildings so it’s unlikely you would spend time there.
They turned their lobby into a small café and serve a light breakfast in the mornings from 7 a.m. and sandwiches later in the day with a very limited menu but have drinks in the afternoons and evenings. They even bring in live music some nights.
After we visited this property many times, it has grown on us because of the lovingly decorated rooms and the warm aloha spirit of the attentive staff and owners, and they’ve kept the prices fair, too. The price and quality of the rooms keep this a Solid Gold Value for us. Rooms are 280 sq. ft. Suites are 330–660 sq. ft.
1696 Ala Moana Blvd, Waikiki