A relaxing weekend stay at The Laylow Waikiki has been on my list for quite some time. I have seen comments on multiple platforms sharing positive and upbeat comments like, funky, hip, cool, and boutique. I definitely got that vibe during my stay. Below is my review from a weekend visit that included some great meals at the Hideout along with some fresh shaved ice!
Looking to do more while on your visit to Oahu? Check out my list of the best things to do on Oahu.
Additionally, the Laylow Waikiki made my list of the best boutique hotels on Oahu
Unique Features
The Laylow Waikiki is not a large hotel by any means and space is at a premium when you are tucked in the middle of Waikiki. The ability to make a unique space that feels removed and yet in the middle of it all is well executed here.
The simple offer of free shave ice everyday at 1pm really did fit the bill and was clearly a hit. A wide selection of tropical flavors and the ice was shaved, perfectly. Shave ice is a local favorite throughout Hawaii and I recommend you try it several times.
Booking
I booked my room for the Laylow Waikiki directly on the Marriott website, making sure I got my Bonvoy points and Elite Night credits. The Marriott Bonvoy program has some unique benefits for elite members and I actively pursue them.
I usually check in via the mobile app but for some reason, it wasn’t available. Turns out the hotel’s system was down and they were doing things manually at the check-in desk. Fortunately, the check-in area was empty at the time and I was able to begin the manual process fairly quickly.
On a side note, it would have been great if the app had the ability to communicate that the hotel system is down. I messaged several times requesting early check-in and asking about adding my wife’s name to the room, no response. Guests arriving frustrated because of zero response is not ideal.
The manual process of checking in was a pain (first-world problems I know), getting my credit card number, membership number, and other details that had all been submitted online. The customer service rep. moved quickly and commiserated with me about the process, misery does love company.
The fact that she paused, looked up with a smile, and said “thank you” while acknowledging my elite status made everything seem trivial
The little things…Thanks, Annie!
If you want to stay at the Laylow, you need to book your room now.
Click Here For Recent Trip Advisor Reviews Of The Laylow Waikiki
The Laylow Waikiki Parking
I live on Oahu so I was able to have someone drop me off, I wanted to avoid the valet only (no self-parking), $49 per day charge. This is on par with the rest of Waikiki but if you have the option…
If you are not familiar with Waikiki and Kuhio Avenue be sure to follow your GPS/Map app closely as you near the property. The turn-in is right after an intersection light and crosses a busy sidewalk. Once across there is an umbrella stand with valet attendants ready to assist.
Room
The room was uniquely decorated and had an assortment of unique design elements that really added to the experience at the hotel. Golden pineapples and local history books provided a grounded flair for the room.
Above the TV was an in tune ukelele (yes I played it, although not well) and a local history book that was nice but not high on my to do list.
The room came with 2 king sized beds which was really nice, the extra space from a queen to a king is very noticeable. The bedding was firm and comfortable with extra fluffy pillows. How about that famous Laylow Waikiki wallpaper 🙂
I did use the in room wifi and was impressed with the speed when streaming the internet. I also used the QR code on the TV to connect my phone for remote operation, I was impressed at how easy it was to setup and the responsiveness of the controls.
My expectations for the room I booked and what I received were spot on and I would gladly stay here in the future.
Bathroom
The shower had a nice wood grained ceramic tile that was warm and stylish along with unique pivot head that I enjoyed. Amenities were on par for this level of hotel within the Marriott system. Clean, well laid out, and optimal use of space made it a good fit for us.
Amenities and Loyalty Gift
This is probably one of the most unique gift baskets I have received in all my years of traveling.
I mean, if you can give me slippers (flip flops if you must) and have me enthused about it, then you hit the mark. 2 pairs of Slippers, postcards, water bottles, Manoa Sea Salt chocolate, and of course – sanitizing wipes.
It wasn’t clear if the gift basket was given because of my elite status or just something that came with the room. Either way it was an excellent touch and the chocolates disappeared before the end of the day.
Food & Drink
The Hideout is located on the hotel property and while the menu was not extensive they options were unique and tasty. Head down early and get your coffee here, not from a big chain.
For breakfast we enjoyed Buckwheat pancakes with macadamia nut butter and Kona coffee maple syrup, the Laylow breakfast with 2 eggs, baby potatoes, bacon, and yogurt with local fruit (mango, granola, kiwi, blueberries, strawberries, pineapple, and raspberries). Portions were generous and the flavor as expected.
For dinner I made reservations several weeks out because I knew the Hideout was a popular spot on the weekends. I recommend you do the same as there were limited time slots available.
We had some unique dishes like Wonton Poke Tacos and a Mo’Bettah burger made with wagyu beef but there was one major flaw with the whole setup. The tables we very, very low, so low in fact that my knees were blocking my plate, not ideal. After our meal we even had to stretch our back a bit.
This is a great place for cocktails, snacking and hanging out, book elsewhere if you are looking for a sit down dinner.
Checkout
I was a bit nervous about checkout since everything was done manually at check in so I went to the desk to verify the charges and rates. Everything was spot on and I had the same delightful front desk person from check-in.
Summary – The Laylow Waikiki
If you are looking for a cool, hip, boutique hotel in the heart of Waikiki, I definitely recommend the Laylow Waikiki, Autograph Collection. I great home base for shopping, nightlife, and jumping off to the rest of Oahu. Keep in mind its a block from the beach but the price reflects as such. If you need something a bit closer to the beach and priced reasonably check out The Princess Kaiulani Hotel just down the road.
Watch my walk through video to get an even better idea of what this hotel is about, Enjoy!
