- warrenwebb
- First Reviewer
- 4 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 5
- Reviews
Perfect for Long Stays, Business Travelers
- February 22, 2009
- Rated 4 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
I stay at the Ilima about 4-6 times a year when I travel to Honolulu on business. The staff is invariably accomodating, the rooms clean and very spacious--if a little dated--and of course the location is great, off the main drag but near enough to walk just about anywhere in Waikiki. The kitchen is nice to have if you're staying more than a couple of days, and the free parking is a real value--but limited spaces may make parking difficult after early evening. It'd be nice to see room decor updated, bigger television sets, a couple of other things, but as this is one of Hawaii's last family-owned hotels, so I understand if it takes them longer to be able to afford to make such improvements.
The property's biggest plus is its people, who almost without exception are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeble. The general manager has been with the hotel for more than 20 years and seems to have a knack for attracting motivated staff who genuinely enjoy their jobs--not an easy task given all the flashy competition and the difficult economy.
I would recommend this hotel to anyone who is looking for value over luxury, convenience over brand name, and a truly Hawiian experience over a generic resort atmosphere. Book a room facing the mountains for the best breezes and views.
Note that the hotel has only a tiny pool that gets more shade than sun, and there is no in-house restaurant. However, two large sun decks on the 10th floor get great exposure in the afternoon, and Kuhio Avenue, with its restaurants, coffee shops, and access to public transportation, is only a block away. When the limited free parking fills up, neighborhood parking may be hard to find--ask the front desk for advice.
Exceeded our expectations. Very clean facilities. Extremely friendly employees
- October 14, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
A real Gem............. Very clean and large room with refrigerator, stove, microwave. Internet connections worked very well. A real perk was FREE covered parking. The hotel is centrally located within two blocks of Waikiki Beach and one block from the International Market Place. The staff was very friendly and helpful during our visit. Quiet environment. Heated pool was most enjoyable.
Great location and price
- March 1, 2007
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
From the time I first started booking the hotel, I found the service efficient and friendly. I was able to leave my bags at the front desk on the day of my departure which was helpful. I loved the location - it was really only two blocks from the beach, but being near the canal allowed me to get out of the hustle and bustle of the main street. Less than a block away were coffee shops and reasonably priced restaurants. I was travelling solo and felt perfectly safe returning to the hotel after dark. The room was spacious, comfortable and clean. I would definately return.
Friendly Staff
- July 12, 2006
- Rated 3 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Have stayed here more than once. However the last time I was disappointed. The room was not as clean and got bit by some type of bug. Management was very accommodating and changed the room right away. Would not recommend the neighborhood for children it is a little seedy. On the plus side, this hotel is close to everything, the rooms are spacious suites with refrigerators, microwaves and dishes. Big balconies. Also free parking is a big plus.
Ilima Hotel
- March 14, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
warrenwebb from Torrance, California
In April 2004, I spent 4 nights at the Ilima Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii. I recommend this hotel because you get a lot for your money. You get a room with a kitchen, and a good view of the mountains of Honolulu. The hotel is not right next to Waikiki Beach, but is a short walk from it. In addition, the hotel has its own website, www.ilima.com, and toll-free reservation number.
From journal My Week In Waikiki