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Travel Report
Wonderful New Waikiki Beach Stay Hilton Garden Inn Hits Oahu ©Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach
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Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach
ays after the grand opening of Hilton’s first Garden Inn in Hawaii on Kauai, we flew over to Oahu to celebrate yet another historic opening. The new Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach is the result of a 115 million dollar overhaul of a former hotel, and it’s definitely a departure from their typical establishments. A towering modern complex at 18 floors and 659 rooms, it has become their largest Garden Inn to date. (There are 700 Hilton Garden Inns around the globe.) We were excited to attend the gala opening the morning after we had the privilege of being the very first guests to stay in the new rooms. Accommodations are a mix of studios and suites – all fresh and inviting modern affairs with state-of-the-art amenities and open-air balconies. All rooms include mini-fridges, microwaves, free Wi-Fi – and no resort fee. I particularly enjoyed the urban oasis rooftop pool with a waterfall and a trendy tapas and cocktail bar. There are also two large modern fitness rooms and laundry facilities on the same floor. We also attended the opening of their new
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Holoholo Café and Market right off the lobby – their largest market ever, with a coffee bar, an extensive selection of wine and beer, all kinds of on-the-go foods, plus a dine-on-site section. Also on site for dining is the TR Fire Grill restaurant serving locally sourced, seasonal dishes and hand-crafted cocktails. Though not directly oceanfront, the hotel is two-minute walk to Waikiki’s famous beach scene, full of activities for the entire family including surfing lessons and child-friendly swimming due to manmade breakwaters. Its downtown location is ideal for exploring all that Oahu has to offer, and the recently revitalized International Marketplace is full of superb shopping like the new Saks Fifth Avenue right across the street. It’s also an ideal base for exploring the rest of the island, including historic Pearl Harbor nearby or hiking famous Diamond Head volcano. This new Hilton Garden Inn tower is a welcome addition to Waikiki Beach’s exciting metropolis and aloha spirit style of seaside enjoyment. Visit: www.hgiwaikikibeach.com SUSAN CAMPBELL @suectravel