Jo Y.
Yelp
Ilima Hotel? What is it? Where is it? http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ilima-hotel-honolulu-2?select=PrISMLYCa9dUdH15JIrqRA
We were given a two-night stay as a gift at the Ilima Hotel in the heart Waikiki. Now, we hardly go to Waikiki, as the parking is nonexistent, prices are high, and having to bustle against the many tourists, we couldn't miss this opportunity.
Built in 1968, the 17-story Ilima Hotel is an older condominium-style hotel wit h 98 spacious rooms of studios (530 sq ft), 1-bedroom units (650 sq ft), 2-bedroom units (770 sq ft), and a 3-bedroom penthouse suite (1,450 sq ft). In addition to the normal amenities that all hotels have (a/c, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, coffee maker, digital clock radio), all rooms have a private lanai, 32" flat screen TV; free wi-fi access; free local phone calls; free daily newspaper, and a fully equipped kitchen with microwave oven, full refrigerator/freezer, range, toaster, sink, and cooking/eating utensils (+ dishwashing liquid even). http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ilima-hotel-honolulu-2?select=SrukAL-M8RJMoHUHx-7Lmw There are also a 24-hour front desk, travel services desk in the lobby, daily housekeeping services, free parking, coin-operated laundry, heated pool, small exercise room, and a sun deck. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ilima-hotel-honolulu-2?select=vr3gigRbAzGujR0xRqhgLw
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The Ilima Hotel is by no means a big name or luxury hotel, nor does it have any on-site restaurant. Neither does it have a large pool or varied exercise equipment. While the décor may be somewhat dated, it is an affordable boutique-type hotel with rooms having full kitchens and daily housekeeping services. We had no intention of cooking our meals in the room, and the only time we were there was to sleep, as we were out and about during the day. We enjoyed our staycation there for the following reasons:
- Large spacious rooms. We had a lot of space to move around, even if it had a full kitchen and a small dining table. The room was very clean, kudos to their housekeeping staff. The lanai even had two chairs + a table and provided nice views of the Ala Wai Canal and the mountains towards Manoa. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ilima-hotel-honolulu-2?select=sd4kcdAOsoZAaSYVETGQTA http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ilima-hotel-honolulu-2?select=PfMRaaayUoPurOBriu-a6g
- Convenient location. Located on Nohonani Street between Ala Wai Blvd. and Kuhio Ave., it was just around the corner from Marukame Udon and a 5-minute walk to the International Market Place on Kalakaua Ave. It was easily within walking distance to any of the Waikiki restaurants and the Pan Pacific Festival, which we took in while we were there.
- Friendly employees. The staff is very knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating to guest needs, as they treat the hotel guests as their family. They would always be smiling and ask if they can be of any help when we walked passed them in the hotel. What was interesting was that hotel employees are trained to sing Hawaiian songs, dance the hula, and be proficient in lei making; they in turn display their skills to hotel guests at scheduled times. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ilima-hotel-honolulu-2?select=zxsSay_iR4ReK03v0dOjVg
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- Good value. Although we did not have to pay for the room, the lowest kamaaina rate for the studio room is $121 including taxes based on availability. Not bad considering the size of the room, full kitchen, daily housekeeping, coin laundry, free parking, and the location of the hotel.
The owner of the hotel is Teruya Brothers Ltd., who was the previous owner of Times Supermarket before selling the markets to its current Mainland owner.
If you're not looking for a fancy hotel room with restaurants or a large pool, the Ilima Hotel may be just right for you. It is certainly a consideration should we stay in Waikiki again.