Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa

Question

Looking at the hotel Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa (next to Ala Moana mall). It looks nice, has a hourly shuttle to Waikiki, has some good offers atm for Aussies visiting. However I’m worried that we will miss out by being in Ala Moana rather than in Waikiki e.g. miss out on the convenience, walking distance to more choices of restaurants, beach obviously, being in the heart of the tourist area etc. However for the same price, we would get a lower standard of hotel.

I think location is more important as you hardly stay in your room, but my family think it’s better we stay in a nicer hotel as an overall experience, since we’re coming from so far away.

Answer

The Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa is indeed a great choice, especially with its proximity to Ala Moana Mall and the shuttle to Waikiki. However, as you correctly mentioned, the location could be a factor in how convenient your trip will feel. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of staying in the Ala Moana area versus Waikiki, to help you make the best decision for your family.

Location: Ala Moana vs Waikiki

The Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa is located in the Ala Moana area, which is just a short distance from Waikiki but not quite in the heart of it. Here are some things to consider:

Proximity to Ala Moana Mall: One of the biggest perks of staying at the Renaissance is its close proximity to Ala Moana Center, one of the largest open-air shopping malls in the world. You’ll have access to a variety of shops, dining, and entertainment without needing to travel far. If you enjoy shopping or want a less crowded mall experience, this is a great benefit.
Shuttle to Waikiki: The hotel offers an hourly shuttle service to Waikiki, which makes it easy to get to the beach and the main tourist area. While this is convenient, it’s worth considering that you may spend some time waiting for the shuttle or relying on it for trips back to the hotel. This might make spontaneous beach visits or last-minute dinner outings feel less convenient than if you were staying right in Waikiki.
Distance to Waikiki Beach: Waikiki Beach is about a 10-15 minute walk from the hotel, which isn’t far but may feel like a bit of a trek in the heat. If you prefer to be right on the beach or just steps away from it, you might miss the convenience of being in the heart of Waikiki.

Advantages of Staying in Waikiki

Central location: Waikiki is the tourist hub of Honolulu. Staying in Waikiki puts you within walking distance to the beach, a vast range of restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural attractions. If you want to be in the middle of the action, with easy access to everything, this is the place to be.
More dining options: Waikiki offers a wide variety of restaurants ranging from casual eateries to upscale dining. If food variety and convenience are important to your family, you’ll have more options right outside your door in Waikiki.
Vibrant nightlife: If you’re interested in experiencing Honolulu’s nightlife, staying in Waikiki puts you close to the action. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues in this area.

Advantages of Staying at the Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa

Higher hotel standard: If the Renaissance offers a higher quality of accommodation for the same price, you’ll likely enjoy a more comfortable and luxurious stay. This could include more spacious rooms, better amenities, and a more relaxing atmosphere, which could contribute to a more enjoyable overall experience.
More peaceful atmosphere: The Ala Moana area is generally quieter and less crowded than Waikiki, which could provide a more relaxed environment, especially at night. If you value peace and quiet after a day of sightseeing, this could be a big plus.
Access to Ala Moana Park and beach: While not as famous as Waikiki Beach, the Ala Moana Beach Park is within walking distance and offers a quieter, more local experience. You can enjoy a nice beach day without the crowds of Waikiki.

What’s the best choice for you?

If you prefer a central location with easy access to restaurants, the beach, and tourist attractions: Waikiki would be a better choice. While you might end up with a slightly lower standard of hotel, the convenience and excitement of being in the heart of it all may outweigh the luxury of the Renaissance.
If you prioritize hotel quality, peace and quiet, and proximity to a large shopping mall: The Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa would be ideal. It’s also a great option if you’re okay with taking a short shuttle ride to get to the main tourist areas and don’t mind a bit more distance from Waikiki Beach.

Conclusion: Since this is your family’s special trip, if a better hotel experience is important to you and you’re okay with the short shuttle rides or a little walking, then the Renaissance might be a great choice. However, if you want to be right in the middle of the tourist action with easy beach access, Waikiki would be a more convenient option. Ultimately, it depends on whether the location or the quality of the hotel is more important for your family’s experience.

Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa

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