We were at the hotel from Jan 31-Feb 9 2012. We found it a very pleasant hotel ,reasonably priced situated 3 blocks from Waikiki beach, on a main public bus line. It was close to shops, restaurants and beach. Rooms are newly redecorated and have either a kitchen or a microwave,toaster and small frig. We could see the beach from our 11th floor room. Pool /hot tub area were a private oasis after a long day being a tourist. (Although the pool and ocean were both cold) Some of the outside balconies were being refinished but workers were only there 830-4pm daily and we were out all day so they did not bother us at all. Workers were not there on weekends. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Would definately stay there again. Apples, coffee,tea,lemonade and newspapers always available in the lobby. Managers welcome party was well attended. Air conditioners were noisy but we just used the fan and that was cool enough and quieter. Lots of sirens at night but not the hotels fault.

This property is in an excellent location. The hotel is just 3 short blocks from central Waikiki Beach and has very nice rooms for a very reasonable price. I like the convenience of the small kitchenette, the staff were very friendly and professional. The two drawbacks are the pool and the street noise. The pool is small and it is COLD!!!! and the rooms have only single glazed windows so you get street noise if your room faces Kuhio Street. I hope they get to double glazing the windows to save energy and reduce the noise and pool is a little better heated so that the next time I go to Hawaii; I can give the Aqua Bamboo 5 out of 5.

I stayed here for 2 weeks during Christmas & New Years. What can I say - I like going to the beach on Christmas Day (it sure beats the cold weather on the mainland). I usually go to Waikiki every two to three years and from the reviews I read online beforehand, I decided to try the Bamboo for this recent trip. Of all the hotels I've stayed at in Waikiki over the years, this has so far been the best. I did pay a bit more this time for the room than I usually do, but it was worth it. The hotel is 2 short blocks to the beach, walking distance to everything, and the rooms are updated, compared to a number of other hotels in Waikiki. I was given a room on the 9th floor (and in Waikiki, the higher the floor, the better, due to the noise at street level). The room had an ocean view, which I wasn't expecting, due to it being behind the Hyatt. I originally figured the Hyatt would have blocked the ocean view, but I had a good ocean view on either side of the Hyatt's eastern tower. The staff were excellent on all work shifts. On Thursdays, at 4:30 PM, the hotel holds an informal gathering for interested guests, which included a couple of drinks and a magic show at poolside. For those days when you are trying to avoid the sun for a few hours, the TV channel selection is superior compared to the Ohana Hotel's limited channel selection. I had no complaints with this hotel, but only one suggestion to the owners of the hotel: please trim or remove one or two of the palm trees by the pool to allow in a bit more sunshine. There was a couple of times I didn't feel like walking to the beach, so I reclined at poolside (along with a large rum & coke, LOL). Due to the shade from the palms (and from the east tower of the Hyatt), you don't get alot of direct sunlight for extended hours at poolside. For first-timers going to Waikiki, I'd recommend this hotel, and if you are trying to save a few dollars, then consider staying at the Aqua Bamboo's neighboring hotel a block away (but definitely at this end of Waikiki due to the close proximity to the beach and amenities) and to avoid north east Waikiki due to it's distance to everything, unless you like walking. The rooms are cheaper in north west Waikiki, but I personally won't walk blocks to go to the beach anymore.

We stayed here 3 nights. The location is great, only a couple of blocks from the ocean and all the activity of Waikiki, without the high prices. Our room was clean & in good shape except for the AC units. We had a suite (a free upgrade they gave us) with a master bedroom & twin beds in the main area. The AC unit in the master bedroom made a loud squeeking noise, so we slept in the main room, where its unit was just loud. Our room was on the street, so you heard a lot of traffic all the time. Ask for a poolside room. We also have a full kitchen which meant we could make meals if we wanted.

If you can live with the noise (remember you are in a city), I would recommend the hotel. The pool area is very lovely. They have beach chairs and mats availabe for guest use. Free coffee & tea in the lobby. The staff was very helpful.

If you are on a budget & want to stay near the beach in Waikiki, this is a good option.