Aqua Aloha, Bamboo, RQ Circle - or none of the above?

Hello Hawaii pros,

Having a terrible time trying to decide on a hotel for our upcoming October trip! Currently considering the three hotels above because of their good price points (esp. Aloha), what seem like good locations, and reasonably good reviews (though I%26#39;m skeptical due to the recent Aqua conversations...). I%26#39;m going cross-eyed over all the reviews. Hubby and I will be renting a car and staying 7 nights.

We%26#39;re fine without a super-fancy hotel, but want something CLEAN, comfy, and preferably renovated this century. :) The equivalent of a Courtyard, Hampton Inn, La Quinta, etc. would be fine. Will we find that in this price range, or do we need to bump up the budget?

Are these each in a decent location (proximity to the beach, safety, lots o%26#39; activities around)? Thoughts/comparisons/suggestions?

Thanks for helping this Hawaiian newbie!!

Aqua Aloha, Bamboo, RQ Circle - or none of the above?

I have not stayed at any of these places, but I too was looking for something renovated this century; and I booked the Wyland Waikiki. We%26#39;re going in October for 3 nights so I will report on how it turns out. From the many pics I%26#39;ve seen though, it looks completely renovated and Orbitz or Bookit.com often has sales for $115 or $120 per night. I%26#39;m excited because it has high reviews on this site. If those deals are no longer there, then I know their website has rooms for $129/night. Check it out and see what you think.

Aqua Aloha, Bamboo, RQ Circle - or none of the above?

In my opinion, a nice mid range property is the Miramar at Waikiki. Perhaps even check the Ohana Waikiki West.

I have not stayed at the RQ Waikiki Circle, but know friends who have and enjoyed their stay. Less amenities than many hotels, but can%26#39;t beat the location - across the street from the beach.

Of your choices, I would get RQ Waikiki Circle. Though it may be a lot more $$ %26amp; not worth the difference to you in price. It is right across the street from the beach.

Any place in Waikiki is safe except after 1am.

Waikiki is a strip about 2 miles long by 3-4 blocks wide. The beach runs almost the entire length of Waikiki. There are shops %26amp; restaurants located throughout Waikiki so you won%26#39;t be far from anything.

Also figure about $20 per day for parking at most Waikiki hotels. Some are less. Some are more.

RQ Waikiki Sunset (1,2 bdrm, parking $12) %26amp; RQ Waikiki Banyan (1 bdrm, parking $10) are two decent condos about 1 block from the beach.

Lots of info:

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g29222-i37-k647862…

We stayed at the RQ Circle in May for $120 a night, parking included I think, through the Entertainment Book coupons and deals. You just call RQ main number and give them your card number. Our room faced out on Waikiki Beach right where the breakwater is and every morning we went on the balcony and watched dozens of surfers ride the waves. Absolutely gorgeous view.

The rooms are small, but clean, they have beach chairs and boards at no cost and you are steps from the beach. They offer coffee and buns in the morning or you can walk to any number of coffee shops.

If you want a luxurious lobby or elegant shops...you will have to go elsewhere, but we just visited other hotels and got them for free! We loved our time there and would stay there again.

Never stayed at either, but been in the rooms at the Waikiki Circle and they are great for the price and the location is unbeatable for the price.

The waikiki circle has the some of the best oceanfront views in all of waikiki. If you stay there be sure to pay the extra for Ocean Front. Not many of the rooms in waikiki actually face the water, most are a side view, and the other ones that do cost a bunch.

And GoGoSooners there are also those who pimp for the Aquas.... take their remarks in stride as well.

The Wyland IS nicer than the Waikiki Circle, but I think the Circle%26#39;s great location makes it one of the better places to stay in the low end price range.