Ala Moana Hotel Expert Review | Fodor’s Travel

A decent value in a pricey hotel market, this well-located and nicely appointed hotel is connected to Oahu’s largest mall, the Ala Moana Center, by a pedestrian ramp, and is a 10-minute walk to Waikiki. Business travelers can walk one block in the opposite direction to the Hawaii Convention Center. Swimmers, surfers, runners, and beachgoers can make the two-minute jaunt to Ala Moana Beach Park across the street. Rooms are like small, comfortable apartments, with cherrywood furnishings, microwave ovens, mini-refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, and balconies with outdoor seating. The recreation deck features a pool with cabanas and a bar, outdoor yoga and Pilates studios, and a fitness center. Signature Prime Steak & Seafood on the hotel’s 36th floor offers perfectly aged prime steak, fresh seafood, and some of the best views of Honolulu in the city. Check the website for greatly reduced rates.

There are a variety of discounts and packages on their website, some of which includes free breakfast buffet, so be sure to check those before booking on third-party sites.

room

Rooms are fairly small, but include bright, fun furnishings, linens, and features. Rooms range in size and views (including city, mountain, ocean, and partial ocean), and include a few suites with kitchenettes. All rooms have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, microwaves, and mini fridges.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Descriptions of the aren’t always as honest as they should be. If a nice view (whether ocean, mountain, or city) is important for you, call the hotel to make sure they put you in the best room.

bathroom

Bathrooms are bright and chic, with contemporary fixtures and marble countertops. Some have tub/shower combos, while others have standing showers.

lobby

There is plenty of seating area, including the open Starbucks, throughout the lobby, accompanied by a straightforward marble reception desk.

The price difference for self parking ($20) and valet parking ($25) is minimal, so you might as well treat yourself, especially if you’re not planning to do any driving that day.

pool

The medium-sized pool is surrounded by a lot of concrete, from the sundeck to the pillars surrounding it. There are a some loungers and tables with chairs, but none of them look particularly inviting. In all, there’s a pool that does the job, but it’s not really a place to lounge around.

gym

The fitness room, complete with steam and sauna rooms and a variety of cardio and weight machines, is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

dining

The Signature Prime Steak and Seafood is where you’ll want to dine if you’re in the mood for a classic steakhouse dinner with the added bonus of incredible views of the Honolulu cityscape. For early morning meals guests can enjoy a buffet at Plantation Cafe or grab coffee and a pastry at Starbucks. For snacks, drinks, sundries, and souvenirs guests can visit Accents store on the ground floor of the hotel.

drinking

The bar at The Signature is pretty standard, with beer, wine, a full liquor menu, and some limited classic cocktail options. There is a nightly happy hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. where guests can find the best savings on appetizers and wines by the glass and a few beers. Starbucks also serves beer and wine if you’re looking for a quick drink.