Lightning Round: My Hawaii Hotels | nerd's eye view

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The Ohana Beachcomber : I have to be honest and tell you that I was so absurdly busy while I stayed here that my room left little impression. It was fine, I was comfortable, the room was quiet and the folks that worked here were very friendly — I especially appreciated the valet parking guys, they were total sweethearts. While I can’t say much about the room, I can tell you that the hotel does a couple of things that I did remember and appreciate. They give you a little beach bag, nice for that wet suit and sandy towel and those trips to the ABC store — just say no to plastic bags! Your hotel key works as a trolley pass on the popular pink line so you can ride free during your stay. At the valet counter, they have xeroxed handouts with directions to the most common destinations — that was a huge help. It’s right smack in the middle of Waikiki, not beachfront, but hey, it’s just a block away, so the location is great. I loved the collection of vintage ukuleles in the Surf Museum, naturally. This place is fine, really, just fine, comfortable, not particularly distinctive, but totally fine. If you care about such things, it’s worth noting that the Ohana hotels are part of Outrigger and they’re a locally owned business. I like the idea of supporting places that are locally run, they keep more money in the local economy.

View from my balcony at the Ohana Beachcomber

Would I stay here again? Yes. Would I recommend it? Yes to that, too. It’s a fine mid-range pick.

Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club : This beautifully manicured and swanky resort property sits right on the water on a man made protected lagoon. I had luxurious room with a stunning sunset view and a huge bathroom. I had the seafood buffet for dinner and it was fine, though the tiny creme brulee? If left alone I probably could have eaten a dozen of those.The place was empty, it was uncanny and a little weird, so it was dead quiet. When I crawled into bed, I noticed how nice the sheets were and I loved sleeping with the windows open and the sound of the surf. The beaches are gorgeous and immaculate, there’s birdsong instead of traffic noise, it was beautiful. Thing is, I’d been at Waianae – a disadvantaged community in West Oahu — that morning and honestly, I was kind of freaking out . And I was annoyed that I had to pay extra for internet — this is a peeve of mine with higher end hotels, it feels like nickel and diming and many lower cost properties offer it for free.

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