Where to Stay in Chinatown, Honolulu, Oahu
Known for their trading skills, it's no surprise that Chinese immigrants in Hawaii would soon establish their own community and put up their own businesses. Chinatown in Honolulu is where they sell their wares and share their beliefs and traditions even for healing. In this part of Honolulu, you'll surely find a store for Chinese medicine that sell dried plants, barks, and other products that are used for treating different kinds of ailment.
If you're looking for a place to dine, then you must take time to visit Honolulu's Chinatown. This is the best place for dim sum and some Chinese noodles. The food choices here not only taste good but are also suited for travelers on a budget. Even with just a few bundle of cash, you don't have to give up your discriminating taste, as you can enjoy a sumptuous meal even on the street.
With all these, it would probably be best for your to find accommodations near Honolulu's Chinatown. This will give you a chance to explore the community more intimately. You may also enjoy the rest of your vacation shopping for bargains and island souvenirs. If you don't really mind the hustle-bustle in this neighborhood, then you can easily get lost in the crowd and enjoy its cultural diversity.
To stay close to this colorful community, here are some accommodations you'll find in Honolulu:
Hawaiian Sun Holidays (Waikiki Banyan Towers) - This resort has a pool, recreation deck, and tennis courts to keep guests fit and entertained. Even your kids would have a great deal of fun in the children's play area. All of the prominent attractions are accessible to this resort: Chinatown, Honolulu Zoo, Sealife Park, Punch bowl, Pearl Harbor, and Diamond Head. If you are excited to go to Waikiki Beach, this is one good place, for it is just a block away.
Imperial Hawaii Vacation Club (Waikiki) - This resort is close to shopping venues, a lot of clubs, and restaurants. You and your loved ones would not get bored staying in this place, for it has convenience stores, a 24/7 restaurant, and even a pool at the rooftop. Each and every unit has the following amenities: refrigerator, microwave oven, coffeemaker, and DVD player. You could totally relax in the sauna after a good exercise in its fitness facilities.
Possible choices for accommodation
Nothing should stop you from having the best during your stay in Honolulu. So if you saved enough money for more than just the standard accommodation, then splurge as much as you can. Just make sure that you'll get the top-of-the-line service you deserve. Get a suite or hotel room that gives you a view of the breathtaking landscapes of Honolulu right from your window. If you want the whole place to yourself and are more than willing to pay for privacy, vacation rentals are among your best options. Regardless of your choice, you should stay as close as possible to sites you've been dying to explore such as Honolulu's Chinatown. Here's a short list of hotels and resorts in this part of Oahu:
Aston at The Executive Centre Hotel - Nightly rates start from $125 to $320. Amenities include a business center, coffee shop, concierge, 24-hour desk, express checkout, health club, Internet access, Jacuzzi, guest laundromat, and maid service. There are also meeting facilities, no smoking rooms, sauna, safety deposit boxes, shops, and valet service that are reserved specially for guests.
Pagoda Hotel - Nightly rates are from $100 to $200. Found at the center of Honolulu, it is somewhat near the Ala Moana Shopping center and just minutes away from the Waikiki Beach and Hawaii Convention Center. Its main tower, which is 12-storey high, holds close to 200 rooms, with a five-storey terrace. It has studio-type rooms as well as one- and two-room units with kitchenettes. This is perfect for a family aiming for a long holiday.
The renowned Pagoda Floating Restaurant has exclusive tea houses and a koi and ulua fishpond. Its Japanese garden ambience along with its waterfall is responsible for making it a sought-after place for those who want a unique dining experience. It has also served as a wedding venue.
The hotel also has a sufficient parking area and offers meeting facilities for businessmen. Among others, the amenities offered by this hotel are high-speed Internet, swimming pools, both smoking and no-smoking rooms. It also has a drugstore, driving range, a health club, jogging track, lounge, and provides maid services, in-room movies, news stand, indoor parking, safety deposit boxes, strict security, smoke detectors, and a spa.
JetLiving Hotels in Ala Moana - Nightly rates go from $114 to around $130. Two towers constitute one of the most grandiose hotels in the Waikiki territory. All the 200 restaurants and shops are accessible from this hotel. They have a check-in fee of $30 plus tax. Among its many amenities are the business center, concierge, city center, express checkout, meeting facilities, pool, parking, and restaurant.
Aqua Palms and Spa - Nightly rates go from $89 to $95. This one is a modern boutique hotel. This hotel's good location allows for fast access to local attractions such as the Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Shopping, and other venues. It is consistently rated in TripAdvisor's top 10 in Waikiki, and that in itself says a lot. Complimentary amenities are continental breakfast, hi-speed Internet in the suite, newspapers, local and toll-free calls, microwave, a safe, barbeque grill, etc.
Ohana Islander Waikiki - Nightly costs are from $149 to $249. Strategically placed in the heart of Waikiki, guests would be able to go to the Royal Hawaiian Center in just a few minutes. Planet Hollywood is close by as well. The hotel amenities include adjoining rooms, babysitting services, brailled elevators, car rental, concierge, fire alarm with light, a gift shop, exercise gym, guest laundromat, maid service, no smoking rooms, parking, outdoor pool, safe deposit boxes, 24-hour security, smoke detectors, spa, in-room sprinklers, and a TDD phone machine.
High-end accommodations
The Kahala - Secluded in the rich residential area of Kahala, this oceanfront hotel actually serves as temporary home to many presidents and royalty. As a guest, you'll get access to fitness and fun activities. For yoga, you can go to the Chi Fitness Center. If you want fine dining, then Hokus will be glad to serve you. If your kids love reefs, then you would be happy to know that they are quite near the shore. Guests can sign up for the "dolphin interactions" as well. Rooms have mahogany furniture, bathrooms holding two vanities, and other conveniences. There is just one downside to staying here. If you love to see Waikiki, it is not within walking distance. However, if you can afford to stay in this place, then common sense dictates you can easily rent a car.
Halekulani - This is a favorite of those who wish to be alone for whatever reason--a writer doing a novel or a rich businessman about to do a life-changing decision. It is also a popular choice among honeymooners from any place on the globe. Complimentary tickets for the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Contemporary Art Museum, and Honolulu Symphony may be given to selected guests. Big guest rooms allow for beautiful ocean views. The establishment's spa would give you incredible amount of pampering. This establishment has more than 400 rooms and about 40 suites.
Of course, your choices don't end here. There are other lodging facilities that surround Honolulu's Chinatown. By staying as close as possible to this bustling neighborhood, you'll have a good time shopping for fruits and other merchandise. Your love for Chinese cooking will also urge you to find an accommodation that will give you easy access to Chinatown.
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