Review: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa

Hi Ben, Did you happen to notice what the platinum benefits (or lack thereof) are at this hotel? We have never been to Oahu before (except for transiting their airport on the way to another Island), but are planning to hop over for Memorial Day Weekend and are considering our options.

@ LauraPDX -- I don't know of any additional benefits for Platinum members, unfortunately. Sorry!

I think this review is totally on point and very accurate.

It's not the Four Seasons or Aulani or Royal Hawaiian. But it is a great hotel, with a great location with clean spacious rooms.

I used to travel to Hawaii for work all the time and had to stay at the Marriott...kinda similar experience. Nothing special but nice enough for work.

i'm curious how the pool deck was - any pics of that or experiences?

Morning Ben,

We recently went to HNL for vacation and stay and Trump and Hyatt Place. Since we don't have diamond status like you, we feel it's more seasonable to stay at Hyatt Place. But with your review, we will give this hotel a try! thanks Ben

PS. If you can write a review about Trump Waikiki that would be awesome!!

Can I redeem Hyatt free nights on resorts? Do I have to pay the resort fees on top?

We are Platinum and I think we got a room with better view than yours. They even gave use a gift basket with nuts, chocolates, and other snacks. Very nice staff. I would come back there again.

I was always told that Oahu is not Hawaii but more like Miami Beach. Last June I booked a 10 day vacation trip to Hawaii for my family and since the flight was going through HNL I decided to spend 3 nights there. I wish I could have spent more time. We stayed at the Trump International Waikiki and the hotel was amazing. It was by far the best customer service I ever experienced in a hotel. While I agree that Waikiki reminds me of Miami Beach you get on a car and in 30-45 minutes you are in amazing beaches such as Hanauma, Kailua or Lanikai. You can spend the day relaxing on these and other amazing beaches, eat at the many food trucks around the island and then go back to Waikiki by the end of the day and have a great dinner in one the top restaurants in the island. I would definitely consider going back to Oahu.

The lumpia on the buffet looks delicious!

Nice to see the rooms finally renovated. The rooms were TIRED, although the staff has always been great. Looking forward to returning now!

I stayed in Waikiki when I went to Oahu a few years ago. I think it's a good place to stay on Oahu. Be it for walking around, for dinner or for shopping.

That being said, one must absolutely not only stay in Waikiki! It's a must to rent a car and drive around the island. There are so many pretty beaches to discover! Waimea, Sunset Beach (for the Banzai Pipeline), Lanikai, Hanauma Bay...!

@ Kathy -- You can, but you typically have to still pay the resort fee.

People seem to love or hate Waikiki. I get an interesting perspective from my relatives who reside in Honolulu. They despise Waikiki because it is so "mainland" in their opinion, with the exception of my young adult nieces who love to party there. My husband, who grew up in Hawaii, and I love the area for some of the reasons you have identified here. For my job, I went to Honolulu annually, and it is an easy place to get work done while enjoying yourself. There are many ways to appreciate the island, but even in the tourist areas, there are ways to see and enjoy the rich traditions and history of Hawaii. One just needs to look. I'd suggest you try some of the fabulous food in Waikiki and not just nosh at the Hyatt.

Having just stayed here and as a platinum for just have the Hyatt Visa many of the same benefits that a Diamond would get were offered to me. The 15% savings on the restaurants and daily resort fee waived saved me hundreds of dollars. I just finished my stay last 4 nights and this property also exceeded my expectations. I will definitely be back.

We had a great stay here 2 years ago - and as you mention, extremely solid Diamond benefits. They genuinely made us feel welcome and special - not something you always get.

And yes, the Regency Club is best described as "Asian Standard"... and therefore very nice!

The hotel has a Japanese tradition and is ruled by this very weird Japanese and American mixed style. On one side they are generous on the room size, etc, on the other side it has a lot of Japanese features like better service and even better service to VIP, better lounge, etc. They also, as you have complained about their lounge rule, sticks a lot by the book in a manner that you can't say either good or bad. They are genuinely enthusiastic about you yet they stick to the book and no room to budge -- a Japanese influence.
The rate is probably because of the renovation going on. The Westin/LC/Sheraton in the vicinity charges ~$350/day. The Hyatt, being almost nothing less -- SPG properties don't waive resort fees -- charges only half. Some times even lower than the HP Waikiki. I believe their "normal" price would be around ~300/day before tax. So good bargain for those of us enjoyed this property right now...

Personally I think this property is not as great as the rave reviews it seems to get on FT. For a start how can they justify the resort fee when in reality if you look at what they offer it is a total joke. What time did you check in as I am curious as I have never encountered a no wait. Usually it's 6 deep and then you will be told that your room is not ready take a buzzer blah blah and we will call you at 4 o'clock or whenever we feel like it. Usually the elevators are so slow you want to leave early if you have an appt somewhere. Staff tend to be of the can"t give a toss variety. I think there are a lot better options in Waikiki than the Hyatt. Try the club at the Sheraton Waikiki with it's view and see if you still feel the same about this place.

I've stayed here a couple of times, but the last being for 5 nights over Thanksgiving with the family. As a Platinum, we had many of the same benefits that are given to Diamonds, just with a smaller discount. I was offered an upgrade to a club room for at a discounted rate for being Platinum as well. I don't think I had to pay the resort fee either.

As Lucky said, I was very happy with the resort. The rooms (upgraded "new" rooms) were great. The pool is small, but has good views. I didn't end up trying any of the restaurants on site, but the hotel is in a great location to get to the many places in the area. The Regency Club is the best one that I've been to in the US. I loved my salad and miso for breakfast. The service was excellent and the sunsets are awesome while having a drink relaxing on the patio.

Next time I go back, I'll probably stay here again.

Lucky,

What is your obsession with Japanese toilets? I have a Japanese toilet in my house. Buy a house then for a couple thousand bucks you can get a Toto toilet installed with all the extras. Mine has a warranty from the plumber that he will fix anything that breaks free.

the baba ghanoush looks more like humus.

Ben, I encourage you and your readers to research KO'OLINA. On the west side of Oahu and a very solid experience for sure at the new Four Seasons which will open later this year and the Beach Villas at Ko'Olina. Real peaceful area with lots to do or not do.

Not too long ago my airline used to layover at this hotel (prior to the renovation).
It was always VERY popular with crews for its location, room size, amenities and an incredibly nice staff (something airline crews don't always enjoy).
It's a great place to stay if you only have a few days or even a few hours. Lots to explore before heading out to see the island.
I love the improvements made to the rooms.
The staff began to recognize us "regulars" after a few trips and ask about family at home or other family members who flew as well. For Flight Attendants that touch of familiarity really helped us feel at home.
Some day I hope to return to catch up with all of my friends.
Thank for showing us that thing have only gotten BETTER over time.
Cheers to the Hyatt!!

FYI,

I just returned from Maui and I stayed at the Hyatt Regency. As a recently new credit card holding Platinum member, I used my 2 free Hyatt nights there, and another 2 free nights provided by my wifes new Hyatt credit card. That is also a very nice property. They waived the resort fees for being a Platinum member and actually upgraded us to club level ocean view at no charge! According to the nice man, (Jeff, if I remember correctly) said that the upgrade was a little out of the norm though for a Platinum member but since we were trying to check in early it worked out in our favor. The club was excellent there also. We loved the free breakfast in the morning and my kids loved the free soda all day long, (hey we were on vacation, anything goes). The staff was so friendly and really went out of their way to make you feel appreciated! This was my first stay at any Hyatt property. The bar has been set.

Lucky,

Thanks for the fantastic review! We'll be staying there next month and now considering whether to go for the Regency Club room or not. Your review should swing things in my favor with the wife. Thanks for all the great photos and information!

@ Al -- Thanks and enjoy your stay!

FYI - they have begun charging Diamonds the resort fee here. I love paying $30 to use the landline to make local calls, don't you? :/