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Aqua Lotus Honolulu: Traveler Reviews

3.5 of 5
2885 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815 (Formerly The Lotus at Diamond Head)
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Aqua Lotus Honolulu
Ranked #3 of 82 hotels in Honolulu
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305 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    200
    81
    18
    4
    2
See reviews for
Families
68
 
Couples
141
 
Solo
23
 
Business
15
 
Rating summary
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Sleep Quality
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4.5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Yermo, California
1 review
“All Around Great Hotel!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 10, 2013

The area of the Aqua Lotus is exactly what we wanted. It is located away from the busy side of Waikiki. It is easy to get to and from the hotel. I realize for some, the mandatory valet was not appreciated. To us it was well worth the fee. With limited parking at the hotel, it was nice driving up to the front door after a long day and having the valet take care of parking. The entire staff was extremely courteous. Although all the staff is great, Allen who is the valet and porter was extremely welcoming. He always greeted us by our name, asked us if we needed anything and just made sure he was taking care of us. The views are breathtaking as well! With the cleanliness of the hotel, magnificent employees and an A+ location, we rate this hotel Five Stars. We will definitely return.

  • Stayed January 2013, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Mae R about Aqua Lotus Honolulu
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mpickett, General Manager at Aqua Lotus Honolulu, responded to this review
January 15, 2013
Thank you for your review of the Aqua Lotus Honolulu. Your sentiments reflect what most guests comment on the most and what we consider the details that separate us from most hotels. Whether it be the excellent location, friendly and efficient staff or the number of value added amenities that are provided, this property will not let you down regardless the reason for your trip.

We are hard at work to improve our product offerings and services. In the past few weeks we have added Varisimo Espresso machines and new upgraded bed linens, added small touches to our evening turndown housekeeping service and a daily breakfast offering on our second floor. We are very near to announcing a much anticipated operator for our restaurant space that will change the culinary scene in Honolulu for years to come.

We hope to see you again very soon at our charming little hideaway on the Gold Coast.

Aloha,

Matt
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“Not number 1 in Honolulu”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed January 8, 2013 via mobile

We just stayed in Aqua Lotus and we chose it, because of its excellent reviews on Tripadvisor.
The hotel is good, no doubt. Located about 15 Minutes walking distance to the first Hotels and Shops of Waikiki Beach. But I have to take take off points for following down sides:

- no sea view. only view to park, Diamond Head or a parking lot of other buildings at the beach
- the building is a beton square, beautiful inside but not from the outside, no green area.
- the rooms were noisy (wind and fridge, etc.)
- slow wifi
- there were no shops nearby, thats ok. But to charge guest 4.50 US for a croissant at breakfast is no service!! They do have a restaurant but last week it was closed.
- it was too cold in the lobby area, freezing!
- i asked the lobby for island weather (cause it was raining in Honolulu and we wanted to escape) and he looked at his Iphone (for Honolulu!) and sayed it was just a bit of rain. That was it!
I have an I phone as well..

It was a good hotel, the people were really nice, the rooms beautiful, BUT its not the best hotel you can stay at in Honolulu for that price.

  • Stayed January 2013
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 2 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 5
Ask ayleen2010 about Aqua Lotus Honolulu
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mpickett, General Manager at Aqua Lotus Honolulu, responded to this review
January 15, 2013
Thank you for your review of the Aqua Lotus Honolulu. Your sentiments reflect what most guests comment on the most and what we consider the details that separate us from most hotels. Whether it be the excellent location, friendly and efficient staff or the number of value added amenities that are provided, this property will not let you down regardless the reason for your trip.

We are hard at work to improve our product offerings and services. In the past few weeks we have added Varisimo Espresso machines and new upgraded bed linens, added small touches to our evening turndown housekeeping service and a daily breakfast offering on our second floor. We are very near to announcing a much anticipated operator for our restaurant space that will change the culinary scene in Honolulu for years to come.

We hope to see you again very soon at our charming little hideaway on the Gold Coast.

Aloha,

Matt
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bethesda, Maryland
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
8 hotel reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
36 helpful votes 36 helpful votes
“Quiet, Beautiful Views, Boutique Feel.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 7, 2013

This hotel is off the beaten path. So if you want the crush of humanity that is Waikiki, be aware. It is tucked in between the ocean, a park and Diamondhead. Everywhere you look is a great view, and we could see all three from our tenth floor corner room (requested). And it is only a ten minute walk to all that is Waikiki, so we had goo food and nightlife within walking distance. They also provide free bicycles, free wine in the afternoon, free coffee in the morning, free beach towels. They have a funky/quirky vibe here and it is very relaxed.

No pool and no fitness room, but so what.

Room Tip: request corner room on upper floor.
See more room tips
  • Stayed January 2013, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by GeraldWW2 for Honolulu
Ask GeraldWW2 about Aqua Lotus Honolulu
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mpickett, General Manager at Aqua Lotus Honolulu, responded to this review
January 15, 2013
Thank you for your review of the Aqua Lotus Honolulu. Your sentiments reflect what most guests comment on the most and what we consider the details that separate us from most hotels. Whether it be the excellent location, friendly and efficient staff or the number of value added amenities that are provided, this property will not let you down regardless the reason for your trip.

We are hard at work to improve our product offerings and services. In the past few weeks we have added Varisimo Espresso machines and new upgraded bed linens, added small touches to our evening turndown housekeeping service and a daily breakfast offering on our second floor. We are very near to announcing a much anticipated operator for our restaurant space that will change the culinary scene in Honolulu for years to come.

We hope to see you again very soon at our charming little hideaway on the Gold Coast.

Aloha,

Matt
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Boston, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
157 reviews 157 reviews
152 hotel reviews
Reviews in 103 cities Reviews in 103 cities
565 helpful votes 565 helpful votes
“On the quiet, charming part of Waikiki”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 7, 2013

I can wholeheartedly recommend this hotel IF you don't mind walking about fifteen minutes to the heart of the action in Waikiki. The hotel is across from Kapiolani park, which is populated by locals, morning joggers, and yoga and tai chi devotees. If you walk about ten minutes in the other direction, away from the center of Waikiki, you're in a cute neighborhood of 1930s bungalows. Kaimana Beach is a minute's walk away, and although it's public (as are all the beaches in Hawaii), it feels almost private. Next door in the New Otani hotel, the Hau Tree restaurant is a real delight for breakfast and lunch. If all of this appeals to you, don't hesitate to book this hotel.

In addition to the location, the Aqua Lotus has a lot of other things going for it. It used to be the W, so it's bright and modern (except for the lobby!), with wooden floors, super comfy bed, and a small but good bathroom. Alas, no bathtub. The view of the ocean is blocked, but depending on your room, you can still see it. And you can most certainly request a room with a dramatic and VERY close-up view of Diamond Head. (Our corner room on the eleventh floor had both aspects.)

The housekeeping is excellent. It's impossible in Waikiki not to bring a lot of sand back into your hotel room, no matter how careful you are. Housekeeping somehow managed to vacuum it all up every day, even the sand on the lanai (balcony). Our room was kept spotless.

The front desk is friendly and helpful. Small gripe -- our flight was delayed so we didn't arrive at the hotel until 4 a.m., and we had to wait a few minutes until someone showed up at the desk. But . . . it was 4 a.m., after all. You can get beach towels and other beach gear from the front desk.

There are other pluses, which other reviewers have mentioned. We love the location, so we'll definitely use this hotel again.

One final thought. This side of Waikiki has some vagrants. But they don't panhandle, and they don't really bother anyone.

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by SkyeTraveler for Honolulu
Ask SkyeTraveler about Aqua Lotus Honolulu
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mpickett, General Manager at Aqua Lotus Honolulu, responded to this review
January 15, 2013
Thank you for your review of the Aqua Lotus Honolulu. Your sentiments reflect what most guests comment on the most and what we consider the details that separate us from most hotels. Whether it be the excellent location, friendly and efficient staff or the number of value added amenities that are provided, this property will not let you down regardless the reason for your trip.

We are hard at work to improve our product offerings and services. In the past few weeks we have added Varisimo Espresso machines and new upgraded bed linens, added small touches to our evening turndown housekeeping service and a daily breakfast offering on our second floor. We are very near to announcing a much anticipated operator for our restaurant space that will change the culinary scene in Honolulu for years to come.

We hope to see you again very soon at our charming little hideaway on the Gold Coast.

Aloha,

Matt
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Richboro, PA
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
16 hotel reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
“Quiet stay in paradise”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 5, 2013

The Aqua Lotus is a peaceful place near a quiet beach. Morning coffee and afternoon wine is served complimentary. The staff is friendly and very efficient. Valet parking is mandatory and $20 per day. The staff knows you by name from the first day and gets you car as soon as they see you. The only food available is a limited continental breakfast on the second floor. There is a beachfront cafe about a 10-15 minute walk away, otherwise you have to drive somewhere to eat. It's only a 10Min drive to Waikiki.

Room Tip: If you reserve a "Diamond Head View" room, make sure it's at least the 7th or 8th floo...
See more room tips
  • Stayed December 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by mrsail for Honolulu
Ask mrsail about Aqua Lotus Honolulu
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mpickett, General Manager at Aqua Lotus Honolulu, responded to this review
January 15, 2013
Thank you for your review of the Aqua Lotus Honolulu. Your sentiments reflect what most guests comment on the most and what we consider the details that separate us from most hotels. Whether it be the excellent location, friendly and efficient staff or the number of value added amenities that are provided, this property will not let you down regardless the reason for your trip.

We are hard at work to improve our product offerings and services. In the past few weeks we have added Varisimo Espresso machines and new upgraded bed linens, added small touches to our evening turndown housekeeping service and a daily breakfast offering on our second floor. We are very near to announcing a much anticipated operator for our restaurant space that will change the culinary scene in Honolulu for years to come.

We hope to see you again very soon at our charming little hideaway on the Gold Coast.

Aloha,

Matt
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about Aqua Lotus Honolulu

Also Known As:
Aqua Lotus Honolulu Hotel
Aqua Lotus Honolulu Hotel Honolulu
Lotus At Diamond Head Honolulu
Lotus At Diamond Head Hotel
Aqua Lotus Honolulu Hawaii
Address: 2885 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815 (Formerly The Lotus at Diamond Head)
Phone Number:
Region: United States > Hawaii > Oahu > Honolulu
Amenities:
Beach Business Center Free High-Speed Internet Pets Allowed Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#2 Family Hotels in Honolulu
#2 On the Beach Hotels in Honolulu
#12 Business Hotels in Honolulu
Price Range: $$$
Hotel Class:3.5 star (3.5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
A sophisticated enclave located on the famed Gold Coast of Waikiki, the Aqua Lotus Honolulu, formerly W Honolulu, is a fusion of Asian inspired décor and warm Hawaiian hospitality. Nestled between Kapiolani Park and a spectacular white sand beach shared with Outrigger Canoe Club, this hotel offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki with remarkable views of majestic Diamond Head and the ocean. Amenities include in-room Internet & WiFi Internet access, safe, complimentary coffee and tea service in the lobby, daily wine service in lobby, valet and concierge services, banquet/meeting facilities, beach butler service, complimentary bicycles and complimentary use of beach items such as chairs, umbrellas and mats for the beach just steps away. ... more   less 
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