Be Very, Very Careful...
by TripAdvisor Member StarfishCoffee
I'll start with the positives, since every place short of hell itself has positives...
* Short walking distance from Fort Debussy Beach (arguably the least crowded and widest part of Waikiki Beach)
* Right at the conjunction of two major Waikiki streets (Kalakaua & Kuhio), so access to all that Waikiki has to offer is within easy walking distance.
* Free in-room internet access (Good for surfing...not for downloading any large files...)
* If you have a higher room, you get decent views of Waikiki/Beach/Surrounding areas.
* Lost of convience stores (ABC, E-Z, etc) within 2-3 minute walking distance). There's even an ABC store next to the hotel lobby.
* Courteous valet parking ($9 a day plus tax)...tho you might have to wait for them to get back to their post.
* Good fridge (free) and electronic safe (not free)
* Decently useful business center with free internet and 10 cent print outs.
* Offers beach towels for free (altho, rather small beach towels)
* Got the room for rather cheap (in comparison to the room's own stated rates)
And now for the reasons I gave it One star...
* Be VERY, VERY CAREFUL if you use a Debit card with these people. I had three holds put onto my card that totaled more than double what I could possibly be charged for a 7 day stay.
When I pressed them about this, they admitted there was a mistake and cleared up one of the improper holds...but never got around to the second one. Would always say "I'll take care of it" or "I'll check to see where we are at with that"...but would never get back to me on that.
While all the holds did go away (in about 6 days), it severly comprimised what I wanted to do during my stay. And the staff never gave me a satisfactory reason as to what exactly happen to cause so many holds.
* Also: Be VERY, VERY CAREFUL if you need to switch credit/debit cards for your account. One of the improper holds was caused by their system not knowning how to properly work with a customer who may need to switch cards.
And for some other bad items too...
* Quite possibly the most uncomfortable beds I've ever had the displeasure of sleeping in. Didn't get a decent night sleep the entire time I was there...
* Just did not feel comfortable sleeping *beneath* the sheets for some reason...
* Room had a moldy smell to it...
* Carpet had numerous stains on it...
* Clothes drawers were old and rickety..
* Paint peeling from a few places...
* Example of cheap: Shower curtin rod isn't even connected to the wall...it's suctioned to it. Don't put any pressure on it...you'll get a surprise...
* Hallways felt kinda dark and dank...didn't see any sign of renovation...
* Probably the most lackluster continental breakfast...no OJ...no fruit...just toast, hostess donuts, coffee and pineapple juice
* Maid staff is very chinsy on bathroom replacements. Felt like I was being punished for not reusing my towels for more than 2 days...
It is true that you get what you pay for, but I didn't pay to have my concerns brushed off. The staff of the Waikiki Gateway Hotel presented themselves in a immensely unprofessional mannern during my stay. I wouldn't dream of returning.
Excellent Value
by A TripAdvisor Member
My 14 year old daughter and I visited the Waikiki Gateway in early August. 2005. It is an older hotel, but seems to be undergoing refurbishment. Our room was very clean and the maid service was good. Only complaint was that the carpeting was in need of replacement. Location (at the head of Waikiki, a short 5 minute walk to the beach thru a park) is good and the staff were all very friendly and helpful. Not for those who require luxury or top-of-the-line accommodations, but nice nonetheless and an excellent value for the cost conscious. I've given it a neutral/average rating, but it should be neutral/average plus (just can't quite pull the trigger on an above average rating, but I think many would).
Great Location and Value...Tourist (not Business) Class
by A TripAdvisor Member
I was looking for a location that was on all the major Bus routes and equidistant to the noise of Waikiki and downtown. The Gateway was the perfect location for this. I also appreciated the internet access in the business center. I wasn't able to connect to the wireless in the lobby that I'd heard about - in fact, the desk clerk (clearly a rookie) I asked about it didn't know they even advertised wireless.
I found both the rooms I had were quiet and clean. Of note:
- Nick's Fishmarket has top notch service, food and drink.
- The ABC store just off the lobby has most everything you can imagine as well as a tall coffee for 89 cents.
- The note on coffee is important because you only get coffee in your room the first night and the coffee included in the contential breakfast is undrinkable.
- While on the subject of the contential breakfast served on the lanai on the 16th floor...take a pass...rolls and donut holes, watered down juice drink, and toast served by a female version of the Soup Nazi of Seinfield fame.
- I had two rooms because the first night they put me in a room that was not what I had reserved. After producing documentation proving I had reserved and paid for a premium ocean view, they sorted it out and moved me. I had to curtail snorkling at Hanauma Bay to accomodate the move, however, the desk folks were extremely pleasant throughout.
- While the Gateway is in need of renovation, the beds are very comfortable, shower water pressure was great, hot water plentiful, and the refrigerator and AC worked fine.
- When I requested and extra pillow, housekeeping brought it immediately.
- The expedia travel desk personnel are very knowledable and accomodating.
I'd stay here again because of the location, staff, service, and value. Just be aware that the Gateway is tourist class accomodations.
Good Location and Service, Accomodations, just OK.
by TripAdvisor Member rockchick
I agree with the other recent reviews.
On the plus side....location is excellent unless you want to be closer to the beach, staff/service was friendly excellent, each request was met promptly. Upon check in, I was able to check in 5 hours early. Was given detailed info about the hotel by the helpful clerk. She gave full disclosure of the construction going on, and that the pool is closed, but can use the one across the street at the Ambassador. Price is decent, tho you can get a better prices at other hotels if you know how to use priceline. Priceline wasn't coming up with anything, and the Gateway was one of the few affordable hotels left as I needed a room promptly. I got it for $71. Room has fridge and free broadband internet in the room. ABC downstairs is convenient. Bus stop just outside. Good A/C. Rooms have lanais. Room size is fairly large.
Negatives, desperately needs update, renovation. Hopefully construction is addressing that. So, some noise from construction. Everything is a bit worn and musty. Lower floors can be noisy due to street traffic. They said I made a reservation for single bed. Just because I booked for one person doesn't mean I want to sleep in a twin bed. But, I accepted the 3 twin bed room because I was able to check in early. I pushed two beds together. Room/hotel is not the cleanest. I found hairs (eww) too. A bit musty. Also, room had a funny food odor, probably from the previous tenants, but opening the lanai door for a while fixed that. One of my bed sheets had a small tear.
So, choose this hotel if you need it for the price/location/staff. Otherwise, other budget hotels will probably be a better experience.
Great Place
by TripAdvisor Member Don'thaveaname
I went to Oahu to visit my son (a Marine) and stayed at Waikiki Gate from Aug. 12th to Aug 16th. We thought the facilities were great. All we needed was a place to sleep and shower so we didn't spend must time in our room, so for the price, we thought we got a great deal! There was construction going on, but we didn't notice it much. I really enjoyed the free internet on the third floor---it came in handy when I needed to mapquest a destination. It's close to the beach and the staff is wonderful!
Forum Posts
where to stay
by sydoz
Hi,
Just wondering if anyone has any advice on where to stay in Honolulu. I'll be there for 5 nights and looking for a 2-3 star place ( I wont be in the room that much but would like somewhere that is clean and close to Waikiki beach). Thanks
RE: where to stay
by tracys2cents
hawaiianahotelatwaikiki.com, a short walk to the beach
RE: RE: where to stay
by Hopkid
Or right next door to the Hawaiiana (and closer to the beach), the Breakers:
www.breakers-hawaii.com
RE: RE: where to stay
by Jamesr3939
Waikiki Parc includes full breakfast and step to the beach.
Some hotels >>>
by nygaston
Depending of the period, you can negotiate very well in April-Sept...
$100
Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel
$79
Ohana Waikiki Surf Hotel Hawaii
$55
Queen Kapiolani Hotel
$59
Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki
$64
Waikiki Gateway Hotel
$77
Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel Hawaii
$77
Waikiki Gateway Hotel Hawaii
$72 to $100
EWA Hotel Waikiki
$55
Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki
$67
Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel
ASTON WAIKIKI BEACHSIDE HOTEL
$67
Aqua Marina Hotel
$56
Hawaii Polo Inn and Tower
$56
Ohana Waikiki Surf
RE: where to stay
by trappedinmichigan
I'd stay away from Lewers and the Beachwalk area. They are doing some major renovations there-which I'm sure will be nice in the long run. But for now alot of the businesses,restaurants,and shops have closed down or moved.(Not supposed to be completed until 2006.) I was not aware of this and just switched hotels at the last minute because I didn't want to be in the construction.Good luck! I ended up choicing the Waikiki Beachcomber because of the good reviews it got and was resonably priced.
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