JD H.
Yelp
I found it kind of exciting that the Hilton portfolio opened a newly branded Tapestry hotel on the Fort Derussy end of Waikiki. I had an unexpected overnight in Honolulu because of a delayed flight and missed connection so in my scramble to find a room, I came across. The Ambassador Hotel.
I have not stayed at a Tapestry branded Hilton before, but was happy to try this out. Reading their branding information indicates that this line of hotels meets certain standards, but allows for a very local, cultural experience. In this case, I found that this repurposed, previous hotel of another brand got a refresh, but seems dated. It is also in an area that feels more like a high-rise residential spot and not a heavily trafficked tourist area.
It has the basics, including valet, parking, a bar and simple restaurant, housekeeping every other day, and rooms that were clean and freshly updated. I was told that the property opened as the new Tapestry brand only three months prior.
For a very simple overnight experience, it was reasonable, but I probably would not elect to stay here again. No amount of paint or artwork could cover up the interior hallway construction of visible cinderblock and open windows that made it feel a little bit like a tropical college dormitory military BOQ, or low security prison cell block. And while the rooms had all of the basics and were clean and comfortable, some of the functionality was not well thought out. An example would be limited electrical outlets, an inward, opening bathroom door that completely blocks the usable sink area, and an available plug-in water kettle with no useable outlet found near it to easily plug into. Additionally, the hallways smelled strongly of marijuana, which I am not a fan of, and the entire experience seemed like an upscale college dorm. I might just be too old or too well traveled to appreciate these aspects of it.
While it didn't stand out as an exceptional hotel experience one way or the other, it did deliver a reasonably comfortable place to short stay the area while waiting for a flight at dawn's early light. It was affordable for the area and i got a spot to get some sleep for the night. But unless you are looking for a quickie sleep spot or a budget offering while on vacation away from central Waikiki, I would probably steer towards a more full-service hotel option.