Oahu Revealed - Aqua Bamboo & Spa

Aqua Bamboo & Spa
(866) 406-2782 or (808) 922-7777
2425 Kuhio Ave.

Gem

92 rooms, pool, spa, sauna, free Wi-Fi in lobby and pool areas, free hi-speed Internet access in rooms, free room safes, free continental breakfast, coffee makers with free coffee daily, small day spa, 24-hour business center, free local calls, bbq. A 12-floor 1965 building that's been turned into a boutique hotel. This hotel started out as real gem, then lost its rating in a previous edition. We're happy to report that $3 million worth of upgrades in 2008 to the common areas and rooms have brought back its original shine. The atmosphere is very tranquil despite being in middle of Waikiki. A nice pool, fresh bamboo, apples at the front desk and Buddhas sprinkled about help add to its appeal, which has sort of a contempory Asian feel. Their saltwater pool is nice with the sound of a waterfall to drown the city noise. Because of the relatively small size, nothing feels too distant. Service is personalized and warm. Some rooms are pretty small but laid out well, so it's less of an issue. (The building gets smaller as it goes up.) The rooms are bright and modern with hints of bamboo sprinkled about. There's a docking station for your iPod, a place to secure your surfboard, and free fresh ground-to-order coffee and tea in the lobby 24 hours a day. Hotel-type rooms have a microwave, fridge and coffee maker--add a burner for the kitchenettes. If you're staying on a lower floor, opt for a room facing the courtyard pool. 2-minute walk to the beach. Self-parking is $22. Overall, we like the place a lot. Rooms (170-215 sq. ft.) are $235-$265, studios with kitchenettes (214-362 sq. ft.) are $280-$310. Suites (371-1,078 sq. ft.) are $325-$850.

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