The hype
Travelers obsess over the retro decor and coffee shop, but almost everyone mentions hearing their neighbors.
The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
$180-300/ night
Book this if You want a Wes Anderson-style 1960s retro vibe, daily pool parties, and don't mind trading quiet for a social scene.
Why People Love It
- The iconic 'Wish You Were Here' pool is the most Instagrammable spot in Waikiki
- Mahina & Sun’s restaurant serves genuinely excellent organic local food
- No resort fees when you book directly (a rarity in Honolulu)
Quick Take: The vibes are immaculate and the design is perfect, but the walls are paper-thin and the pool noise is real.
Reviewed by @charrielanette: I fell in love with the retro vibes here! My suite was huge and felt like a stylish apartment. Lounging by the 'Wish You Were Here' pool with a cocktail was the highlight of my Waikiki trip. It’s not on the beach, but the atmosphere is 100% worth it.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You aren't booking a hotel; you're booking a social club that happens to have beds.
- You prioritize aesthetics and social vibes over silence
- You are traveling with a dog (Jack the hotel dog welcomes all pets)
- You want to stay in Waikiki without the generic mega-resort feel
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is generally good, though some guests report missed spots under beds.
- Bathroom hygiene: Grout and tiles are usually clean, but older plumbing means occasional musty smells.
- Maintenance: The 'vintage' look sometimes crosses into 'worn'—expect some scuffs on furniture and peeling paint on lanais.
- Linens & towels: Towels are decent quality; pool towels are distinct and plentiful.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like fresh coffee; rooms can smell slightly humid/musty due to the climate and age of the building.
Sleepability™
5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Live music/DJs from the pool deck (echoes up to rooms)
- Street noise from Lewers Street
- Voices and movement from neighboring rooms due to thin walls
Before you book
Good to know
- Book DIRECTLY on their website to waive the amenity fee (saves ~$30/night)
- The pool is open to the public for events, so it gets busy
- There is no room service, but you can order takeout from Mahina & Sun's
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs or a white noise machine
- Reef-safe sunscreen (they are big on sustainability)
- A reusable water bottle (fill stations available)
Room Genie
Best picks
- One Bedroom Suite (480 sq ft) for actual breathing room
- Penthouse Suite for the best lanai views and slightly more privacy
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Bungalows if you have more than one suitcase
- Lower floor rooms facing the pool (direct blast zone for music)
- Rooms near the elevator (high foot traffic noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would love a room on a high floor, facing away from the pool/live music if possible. A corner suite would be ideal.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there really no resort fee?
Yes, BUT only if you book directly through the Surfjack website. OTAs (Expedia, etc.) may still charge it.
Is the pool heated?
No, and it can feel a bit brisk in the morning, but it's refreshing in the midday sun.
How far is the beach?
It's about a 10-15 minute walk to Waikiki Beach. You are not oceanfront.
Do they have parking?
Not on-site. You self-park at the Hyatt Centric garage down the street for ~$40/day (validation required).
Is it pet friendly?
Extremely. No pet fees and no weight limits. Jack the hotel dog is a local celebrity.
Is there a gym?
No. There is no fitness center on property. You'll need to run outside or use a nearby gym pass.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Olive & Oliver' coffee shop in the lobby opens at 6 AM and serves some of the best coffee in Waikiki.
- ✨
Grab a complimentary bike to cruise to the beach instead of walking.
- ✨
Check the elevator chalkboard for the daily event schedule—there's almost always something happening.
5 things to know before you go
💡The bathroom lighting is moody/dim—great for vibes, terrible for applying makeup.
💡The 'lanai' in standard rooms is often just a small standing balcony with limited privacy.
💡The hallways are open-air and can get windy/damp during rain.
💡You get a tote bag and towels to use during your stay (don't steal them, they charge you).
💡The water pressure in the showers is decent, but the temperature can fluctuate in older pipes.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club is located and what's nearby.