The hype
Guests love the renovated pools and location but feel nickel-and-dimed by the fees and breakfast costs.
Marriott Waikiki
$269-450/ night
Book this if You want a massive, high-energy family resort directly across from the beach and don't mind sacrificing quiet for convenience.
Why People Love It
- The new Queensbreak amenity deck is arguably the best pool scene in Waikiki
- Kealohilani Tower rooms have stunning, unobstructed ocean views
- Location is walkable to the Zoo, Aquarium, and the quieter end of Waikiki Beach
Quick Take: A bustling corporate resort factory that charges premium prices for a loud, energetic experience, currently marred by significant balcony construction noise.
Reviewed by @ExploreFunTravel: I checked into the Marriott Waikiki and immediately ran to the balcony. The view of the turquoise water and palm trees is even better than the photos. Definitely ask for a high floor to get this panoramic perspective!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'City View' rooms in the Paoakalani Tower are basically 'Street Noise' rooms with a view of a concrete jungle and construction crews.
- You are traveling with kids who need a pool complex with a splash pad
- You are a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist burning points
- You plan to be out of the room from 9am-4pm avoiding the construction noise
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is standard, but consistency varies. Some reports of missed dust in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, but the 'noodle' layout (split sink/shower) in older rooms feels dated. No recent bed bug reports found.
- Maintenance: Balcony railings are the current pain point (rust/restoration). Elevators are aging.
- Linens & towels: Standard Marriott crisp white linens. Towels are plentiful at the pool.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like the signature Marriott 'Attune' scent (citrus/floral). Hallways can smell slightly musty due to humidity.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Construction noise (drilling/hammering) Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
- Street traffic and sirens from Kalakaua & Kuhio Avenues
- Thin connecting doors in Paoakalani Tower
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'resort fee' includes GoPro rentals and fitness classes, but you have to actively sign up to get value from it.
- Valet parking is often full; the self-parking garage is tight and costs ~$55/day.
- Balcony doors are being locked in construction zones—ask specifically if your room has a working balcony before accepting keys.
What to pack
- Noise-canceling headphones (essential for the pool deck and room during the day)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (strictly enforced in Hawaii)
- Water shoes (the beach directly in front has broken coral and rocks)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Kealohilani Tower Oceanfront (Rooms ending in xx80-xx86) for the best sunset views and less street noise
- Corner Junior Suites in Kealohilani for dual balconies (if not locked due to construction)
Rooms to avoid
- Paoakalani Tower City View rooms (often lower floors, noisy, and currently ground zero for construction)
- Rooms near the elevator banks in Paoakalani (high foot traffic noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am aware of the balcony construction project. Please assign me a room in the Kealohilani Tower, ideally high floor Oceanfront, away from the active work zone. If Paoakalani is the only option, I request a room facing away from the construction noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the construction really that bad?
Yes. From Jan to Dec 2026, it involves concrete restoration. Expect drilling noise M-F 9am-4pm and locked balconies in affected towers.
Does the hotel have its own beach?
No. It is across the street from Kuhio Beach (public). You have to cross Kalakaua Ave to get to the sand.
Is the breakfast included?
No, and it's expensive (~$48+ per person). Elite members often get a 'continental' credit that doesn't cover the full hot buffet.
Which tower is better?
Kealohilani is the clear winner. It's closer to the ocean, recently renovated, and generally quieter than the Paoakalani Tower.
Can I request a microwave?
Rooms have mini-fridges, but microwaves are generally not standard. There is a communal microwave near the ice machines in some towers.
Is it worth the price?
Only if you get a deal or use points. Paying $400+ cash for a City View room with no balcony access is a poor value.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 5 mins to Musubi Cafe Iyasume for a $3 breakfast that beats the buffet.
- ✨
The 'Adults Only' pool section on the Queensbreak deck is strictly enforced—go there for a break from the screaming kids.
- ✨
If your balcony is locked due to construction, demand a resort fee waiver at check-in (many guests have successfully negotiated this).
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Ocean View' in Paoakalani Tower is often a 'View of the Ocean across a parking garage and 4 lanes of traffic'.
💡The elevators in Paoakalani Tower are notoriously slow and often have long lines during peak hours.
💡The beach directly in front is a 'swimming pool' style enclosed area—great for toddlers, bad for actual swimming due to murkiness.
💡You can hear the nightly luau drums from your room if you face the pool deck—great if you like it, annoying if you're trying to sleep at 7pm.
💡The ABC Store on the ground level is the unofficial room service for 50% of guests.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Marriott Waikiki is located and what's nearby.