Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa – Hotel Review

Honolulu knows how to do grand, sprawling beachfront hotels and Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is a great example. This 1031-room property towers over the picturesque curl of Hawaii’s most famous shoreline. Read on for the full review.

The sizable stay, stationed at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki, offers a stop-and-drop brand of luxury. From a steakhouse to a spa and a perpetually packed activity schedule, there’s little that any Hawaiian holidaymaker can’t find on the premises.

Where is Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa?

Tucked into the Diamond Head side of Waikiki Beach, the hotel is in the centre of beachfront Honolulu. It’s about 20 minutes from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport by car.

What’s near Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa?

The shoreline, Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium are all within walking distance. Diamond Head Visitor Center, the beginning of the crater-skimming hike, is about a 10-minute drive away.

Room types

Finessed to evoke the feeling of a relaxed Hawaiian house, rooms here have a casual, clean elegance. Like most hotels in Honolulu, orientation matters: an ocean view room makes all the difference. But no matter the position, all rooms come standard with pillowtop mattresses, coffee makers and comfy lounging areas.

Restaurants and bars

The rooftop Queensbreak Restaurant is a vibey little spot, especially in the evenings when live music drifts through the palm-fringed tables. The all-day menu features international crowd pleasers, from turkey BLTs and Wagyu burgers to dishes with a local flavour (papaya salad with island greens or Kalua pork tacos with Lomi Lomi tomato relish are winners).

Don’t stop into d.k Steak House, a classic surf ‘n’ turf spot where you’ll find the island’s only dry-aged beef, with anything less than an empty stomach. The plates are simple but generous, with chunky steaks as well as other hearty proteins such as lobster tail and prawns, hot from the grill.

Travel for work

Every room type includes a workstation and chair, as well as free wi-fi access. Elsewhere, the property is fully equipped for conferences, with 19 event rooms available for hire, including smaller breakout rooms for more focused work.

Spa, gym and pool

Royal Kaila Spa, sprawling across level two of the hotel, harnesses fragrant Aveda products and Ayurvedic principles to soothe guests into submission. There are also two on-site pools (plus a whirlpool) that could do the job - especially the adults-only offering near Queensbreak Bar. The family pool is located on the other end of the rooftop space and there’s also a spacious on-site fitness centre overlooking a garden of low-rise palms.

Sustainability

Waikiki Beach Marriott has a long-term commitment to sustainability and since it opened has focused on the “reduce, reuse and recycle” philosophy. These days, there are additional measures such as donation of food waste to local charities, installation of eco-friendly fridges and energy-efficient lighting.

What you need to know

The on-site activity schedule is extensive, with something happening almost every day. From shave ice service to lei making classes, there’s plenty to keep kids (and kids-at-heart) busy.

SEE ALSO: The Best Beach Resorts in Waikiki