Minimal amenities

Mike Oct 31, 2009

The negatives of the Castle Waikiki Shore are numerous. First, we booked a one-bedroom, only to find out that unless you ... book a two-bedroom, there really isn't a separate bedroom. Even the two bedroom only has one separate bedroom. Rather, there is a partially enclosed area in each condo that has a partition divider so it can be closed off from the rest of the condominium (and thus is considered a bedroom). Thus, if you want privacy, it is somewhat lacking. In some of the other condominiums we have booked over the years, such arrangements are considered studio condominiums. Second, there is no pool, and if booked through Castle, no access to a pool at any other hotel. Our room was clean, but is getting somewhat dated in appearance. Our condominium had basic kitchen items, which did not extend beyond the minimal needs (small coffee cups, no mugs, etc.). It would have been nice if the management could provide a few more small essentials, such as coffee filters. There are minimal "maid" service. Our supposed towel change consisted of them dumping off a new load of towels, without picking up any of the old. Hotel provided beach towels for swimming, but such towels weren't in the best shape. The hotel's security requires both separate card keys to get into the room and "fobs" to access entrance to the property and the elevators, with significant costs if you lose a "fob". It would be nice if the keys could be updated to a single card key so you don't need to keep track of the "fobs". On the plus side, aside from the misleading "bedroom", the condominiums are generally spacious. It has a good location, next to the new Trump hotel, Fort DeRussy, and the Outrigger Reef. views from the condominium generally look out toward Fort DeRussy and the beaches by the Hilton Hawaiian Village. It is a short walk to the main shopping area and numerous restaurants.

OK for the money , BUT.....

John Oct 30, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

We had a 1BR/1BR garden view. Huge soaking wet spot(3'X5') on carpet inside lanai door at check-in; they supplied industrial ... fan to dry it out. (air con drain bucket overflowed?) More than average "wear and tear" visible- sliding doors off-tracks, jalousy windows broke(opened easily without using crank). This was a major security concern, as you can climb easily from one balconey to the next! Kitchen was inadequately supplied to really cook..obviously they want you to eat out locally. Positives- nice view, reasonable price, easy walking to most of Waikiki shopping (except grocery shopping- you must drive), great beach closeby. Much of the riff-raff of Waikiki absent, probably due to proximity of Ft. DeRussey and military security closeby. [...] (manager) seemed exceptionally nice and personable, and personified "Aloha" spirit. Overall, a good place to stay in Waikiki on the cheap, but don't expect too much, and if you want first-class hotel experience, pay for it and stay in a hotel. We lived on Oahu for 4 years, and have visited here over the years, so a first-class hotel was less important than economics. Parking tight, but secure in the basement, especially if you rent scooters or a motorcycle as I did. They did allow me to park the bike in the same space as the car, with no additional charge (HD Sportster, just barely fit). John ScribnerBryan OH

Agreat place to stay!!

Kenny Oct 11, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

The very BEST!! ...

Castle Waikiki Shore

Patt Sep 12, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

The location, the staff, the condo unit and the entire area was great. We had beautiful views from our balcony, we relaxed ... on the balcony with an ocean view in one direction, city view in another and park view. We took many tours and the walking and resturant area near the building was great. Could not have picked a better place to stay- right on the beach and all.

This Hotel was outstanding & yes I would

tubby Jul 6, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

I will definetely stay there again. ...

Wonderful Condo

Sam May 31, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

We have stayed at the Waikiki Shore for our last 3 trips. Having lived on Oahu for 10 years, I find this Condo a GREAT place ... for all. It is beach front with super balcony ocean views from most rooms. It was quiet & very serene as I looked out over the park at Fort De Russy. This is also a good place to visit. It is a free Army museum, and a good look at the past. The condo rooms are immaculate, well maintained and are equipped with a full kitchen as well as a washer and dryer. Beds are comfortable & decorations are in the Hawaiian style. I especially liked having my own room safe to use free of charge. Security is also a plus. There are special keys that only hotel guests have to access the areas where the elevators are located, so no outsiders can get to this. When going to the beach, we chose to leave our "fob" at the desk & picked it up when returning the free towels that they provide. Service from all staff is impeccable. They were freindly and caring. It is the true spirit of "Ohana". Now mind you, it does not have all glitz & the foo foo lobbies as the high end hotels do, but why do you really need that? Many of the finest as well as family style resturants are within easy walking distance. The bus & trolley stop are also near by. As for the beach, the bottom at DeRussy is a bit rocky, but there are others that are sandy just a few steps away. It is also right next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village, where you can shop, browse, or board a ship that takes you to the Atlantis submarine for a spectacular underwater adventure. Right next door is the Outrigger Hotel which has an absolutely wondreful resturant called the Shorebird. It offers 3 buffet meals that are stupendous & very cost efficient. Coupons for 50% off the second meal are found in the small travel books located in the lobby or at stands on the street. The room rates are also very affordable, as compared to other $$$ hotels that offer balconys, but only look at another building! There is no pool but why do you need this with a wonderful ocean at your door step? Spas are available at nearby hotels if you like. Do yourself a favor & go to the Waikiki Shore, if you want quiet, great views, clean rooms & GREAT staff.

Great location and great staff!

Kathie Oct 7, 2008

Would recommend to a friend!

The location was convenient and the option of a lanai was attractive. The staff at Castle Waikiki Shore are friendly and so ... very helpful. The room itself was great, partly because of it having a coffee maker, stove, refrigerator, washer/dryer - but primarily because of the view from the lanai (balcony) and the proximity to the beach (downstairs and a few steps away!) All of the amenities of the area - shopping, restaurants, parks - are within walking distance, but the hotel is also on the bus route (a definite plus in a city where parking can be scarce). I had to attend business meetings several miles away, and could have stayed at the host hotel. I am soooo glad I opted for Castle Waikiki Shore instead. It made the trip very relaxing, very productive, and very memorable. Mahalo!

Great for families

Maria Aug 26, 2008

Would recommend to a friend!

I have 2 children (ages 19, 8) who are VERY picky eaters. It was great to have a kitchen available. The Wal-mart is a short ... 5 minute drive and you can stock up on just about anything you need for a quick snack, light breakfast, etc. Although the hotel states each room comes with a sofa bed, my room had a futon. It wasn't really comfortable but functional.

Family friendly on the ocean!

RAE Mar 27, 2008

Would recommend to a friend!

The Castle Waikiki Shore was a great way for our family of 4 to stay right on Waikiki beach. We chose the ocean view/1 ... bedroom suite. The apartment was spacious with closets and cupboards for storage. It included a full kitchen, 1 bath, a dining area with table and chairs, a large living room with a queen foldout, and a huge lanaui the length of the apartment. The west facing lanaui overlooked the Fort DeRussey green, thus we had an unobstructed view of the sunsets and moonrises over the ocean, the city, and the mountains behind us. We were within a few blocks of the main Waikiki strip, with quick access to restaurants, shopping, and convenience stores. The bedroom was not divided from the living area with a wall, but by a pull out room divider that you could retract during the day. If someone wanted total privacy, they would be uncomfortable with this arrangement. There was no pool, but who needs that when you have the beach! Nice staff, clean and nicely decorated rooms! If we came back, we would stay here again. For us, it was much better than being crammed into a small hotel room just to be on the beach, and forced to eat all meals out. We had breakfast every morning, and cocktails at sunset on our lanaui!

just like home

Jakki Dec 10, 2007

Would recommend to a friend!

The Castle Waikiki shores is just like staying in your own apartment-If your apartment overlooked the Pacific Ocean and ... downtown Honolulu. The rooms are large, the balcones are large and the bathrooms are large. The furinshings are simple and comfortable and there are plenty of extra pillows and blankets in the closets. The kitchens are big too and whatever you might need to cook with. You can walk to anyplace in the Waikiki area and yet it is very quiet in the room at night.

Great location

Patricia Sep 16, 2007

Would recommend to a friend!

Waikiki Shores is a wonderful place for beach/sun lovers. There is no pool but you are right on the beach. Our view was ... terrific! The Fort DeRussy Park area in front and Waikiki Beach on the left. Good dining options in the area within walking distance. Not only did we have a fridge, stove and microwave but a washer and dryer! In a studio. We will definetly go back.

Location,location, location

Frederick Aug 13, 2007

Would recommend to a friend!

The facility is actually a condo building with 1 & 2 bedroom units located at the west end of Waikiki. All units have glass ... sliding doors and balcony overlooking Fort DeRussy Park looking toward downtown Honolulu and the sunset. The views are unobstructed and beautiful. Access to Waikiki beach is from the back gate of the building. Fine restaurants and shops in the neighboring hotels are only a block away. The Shore Bird Restaurant in the adjacent hotel is a personal favorite. The condo building has few amenities of it's own, but beach rentals for surfboards, kayaks, snorkling, outrigger canoes, and sunset boat rides are right on the beach behind the hotel. Our room was spacious with a kitchenette and large bathroom. The decor was pleasant. The best feature was the balcony overlooking the beach and the park where we spent our mornings and evenings with the neighboring birds. We thought it was a good value and great location and we will return and recommend it to others.

Accomodating with Gorgeous View

Gail Jul 16, 2007

Would recommend to a friend!

The Castle at Wakaiki Shore was very accomodating for our family of six (we had 2 rooms). The views from our rooms were ... gorgeous with land of green palms trees and grass,white sand beach,and turquoise and marine blue ocean during the day as well as twinkling lights at night. Our disappointment of lack of pool was ameliorated by the closeness of the beautiful water at the beach.

No Amenities!!!

Scott Apr 29, 2007

And I mean NONE!!! I guess it's my own fault, but. . . for the money, this place didn't even have so much as an ice ... machine. I spent two nights in Waikiki and had to go to an ABC store to get ice. The room had a small kitchen and a nice view, but. . .way too much money for what you get. Trust me, we live in Hawaii and there are much better places to stay in Waikiki that have a pool, internet, beach access, dining, kitchens and yes. . .ICE. And it won't cost you an arm and a leg to do it. We just like trying new hotels. This is one we would not recommend or revisit. They were fantastic.