WAIKIKI CIRCLE HOTEL BY CASTLE, Honolulu

You're right on the main strip with immediate access to the beach and a huge variety of restaurants including Morimoto Asia, The Cheesecake Factory, and Tiki's Grill & Bar, all within a five-minute walk. The Honolulu Zoo is less than 1 km away, and many shops, grocery stores, and the International Market are also within easy walking distance. Honolulu International Airport is 17 km away, a roughly 20-minute drive. Public bus stops and tram service are nearby, making it easy to explore further without a car.

Rooms have sea, partial sea, or city views. Oceanfront rooms are on floors 2-8, while deluxe oceanfront rooms are on floors 9-14. Each room includes a private bathroom with shower and hairdryer, in-room safe, and DVD rentals. Some rooms have a partial ocean view that may only be fully visible from the balcony. The building is from the 1960s, so rooms are compact and have a wedge-shaped layout; the bathrooms are especially small with low showers and no storage shelves. Air conditioning units are old and loud, and internal and external noise can travel easily. Room 1406 has known issues with cockroaches. Those who prefer modern or spacious accommodations may find the property dated and cramped, but for a centrally-located beach stay it offers good value.

Eggs 'n Things Waikiki Beach Eggspress offers a family-friendly, traditional breakfast menu with cuisines like macadamia nut pancakes. Guests receive a 10% discount. The restaurant is very popular, so expect a line by 8 am. Many other dining options are within a three-minute walk, including Morimoto Asia, Mugen, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Jong (Seoul Jung), and the Waikiki Grass Shack. Additionally, The Cheesecake Factory and Tiki's Grill & Bar are about a five-minute walk away. No microwave is provided in the rooms, but one is available in the lobby.

Beach towels are provided daily at the front desk, and the hotel offers boogie boards, pool floats, and surfboard storage lockers. Free hula shows take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. A golf course is within three kilometres. Children receive a free beach pail, shovel, and goldfish toy per room.