I have been staying at this hotel for five years, typically every three or four times a year for a week at a time (It is a former W Hotel). I come to Honolulu for business and appreciate that it is quiet and off the beaten path, but accessible to Waikiki. Just fifty rooms, five rooms per floor and easy in/out access valet parking. They are not on the beach but have towels, chairs and bikes for guest use. The beach is 100 yards away and is small and swimable. They also have complimentary coffee service in the AM, complimentary wine in the PM and free internet.
Staff is very friendly and accomodating.
What prevents an excellent rating is lack of on site food service. I understand that this is coming in summer 2012.

Wonderful feutre ambiance, great decor in pure Lotus style of well being, luxurious yet tasteful. Rooms offer great amenities and style. Beds are superb! The best I have slept in --to die for comfort. Kings and Queens! Better than Westin and Four Seasons! Bathroom tops too. Wonderful selection of tea's in the morning as well as fresh coffee complimentary--pau hana offering of white and red wine delightful after the beach.
Location is tops - just in the shadow of Diamond Head, the park, zoo, aquarium are a stone's throw. Complimentary bikes for riding around Diamond Head or down the Ala Wai!
Great beach towels and chairs.

Met my mom here for a 2 and a half week stay.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a smiling Bill, who took our bags up.

The first thing I noticed when i got to the lobby, was the wonderful smell. It was calm and welcoming.
Vanilla ?

There are 12 floors, each floor has 5 units on it, making it quiet and personable.

The room was wonderful ! Not like a hotel, more cozy. Very clean and bright. 2 balconies, one with ocean view, one with a partial ocean view with a full view of Dimond Head.

Big room. 2 queen sized beds,super comfy with big fluffy duvets.

The only complaints about the room, was that the TV was old, as was the fridge. ( however the entire hotel will be renovated, with flat screens ect by next year)
Not too much to complain about considering.

Housekeeping always did a great job, both during the day as well as turn down service. They always were smiling and accommodated any of our requests.

Happy Hour is 4 - 6 . The hotel serves complimentary wine. White and Red. ( soooooo good! ) a very nice perk.

The beach is steps away. It is somewhat private and shared with the Outrigger Canoe Club. The Lotus provides beach chairs, towels, matts no charge.

The only thing missing was a pool.
And the restraunt was closed. ( it did look nice ! ) I think it will be opened in the future.

The location was great, if you want to be close to Waikiki, but not right in the middle of the loud tourist infested action. It's located between the Outrigger Canoe Club and the Aquarium. It's about a 7 m walk to the main part if Waikiki. Or you can take a bus and be dropped off right close.

There is a conveience store steps away. It sells lots of things, however it is a bit more pricy then ABC.

We felt safe here, actually we felt like family. The people here are amazing ! Bill Carissa Dante Josh - just to name a few.

If you want a safe, clean, quiet, personable service, boutique hotel. Do not hesitate to stay here !

We have enjoyed many wonderful vacations in Honolulu over the years, this time we discovered The Lotus, a gem that we were in two minds about sharing☺ Crispy clean sheets on beds from heaven, great balconies with wonderful ocean, Diamond Head and park views, rooms that have a clean Pacific/Balinese vibe that are spacious, including the bathroom. Ipod docks/wifi. We love the feel of a boutique hotel where the staff are extremely personable; nothing was ever a problem. No roads to cross to the beach, convenient parking, quieter end of town yet still within easy walking reach of buzzy Waikiki, so you don't feel excluded. The Lotus ticked every box for our family, which included our teenage sons. Nice touches such as newspapers, wine and coffee in the lobby add to the warmth of this fabulous place. Especially enjoyed using the hotel bicycles to cruise around on. We have no hesitation recommending the comfort and service of the Aqua Lotus - We would definitely stay here again. Shepherd Family January 2012. Sydney