Historical Traveler Reviews of Aqua Aloha Surf Hotel Honolulu
Very friendly
from A TripAdvisor Member
Customer service was great. the people were very friendly and helpful.
Close to alot of shops and concience stores. The room was extremely small. No counter space in the bathroom very noisy in the morning. You got coffee for your first day after that you had to pay for it?? Do not bring a rental car. Parking is expensive. Overall for a cheap room it wasn't too bad
Would not stay there again
from A TripAdvisor Member
I just returned from a week at this hotel with my family of 4. I was surprised at how small the rooms are here. We had 1 double bed, 1 twin, and a pull out couch. Had barely enough room to move around and no room left even for the suitcases. Beds were not very comfortable and pullout was so we hard got a backache from sleeping on it. Also I would not advise anyone with a car rental to stay here. When we checked in on Saturday I was told there were no spaces available in their lot till Monday even with $8 a day parking fee. I was told I could have the first available parking space on Monday. Had to get up at 6 A.M. Monday and drive around for an hour and a half till one was available to avoid paying twice at the lot next door as they charge a day fee and a night fee. Unfortunately I would not stay there again for those reasons.
Roll with the flow
from A TripAdvisor Member
This hotel is a terrific value despite the bad press found here. I stayed there 5 nights in early August '03, and was very pleased. The rooms and common areas were clean. I booked a $65/night, and got a free upgrade to an 11th floor corner. There was noise, but c'mon -- you're in a hotel. (Travel with earplugs and it won't be a problem.) The staff was courteous and helpful: They made phone calls and reservations for me, stowed my bags and gave me in-and-out privileges from 6:30 AM until I finally for the airport at 8 PM. I wouldn't book my honeymoon there, but when the object is hanging out in Waikiki, you can't beat it.
Everybody else in my group stayed at the Radisson Prince Kuhio, their rooms weren't any nicer. and they paid $80 a nite more -- I spent the savings on food and liquor and was real happy.
Needs a lot of work !!!
from A TripAdvisor Member
We knew this was an economical hotel, but it needs a lot of work. It was below our expectations. The front staff (Helena) was very courteous and helpful, but the rooms and amenities left a lot to be desired. Our room had moth eaten curtains, that the sun shined through all day, windows that wouldn't shut all the way, with no handles to shut them. Our bathroom had an old hanging bowl sink with a big crack running through it, with no counter space at all, and a shower that only trickled water. The pool was only slightly larger than my hot tub, with warn, shredded and missing carpeting all around it, with chipped concrete and paint. That is, when it was even open. If I owned the hotel, I would have been embarrassed.
The parking lot spaces were so close that I had to let everyone either
in or out before I slide it into the space. I could barely get my door
open to get in or out. There was only one elevator, so we wasted a lot
of time waiting for it everyday. All in all, we wished we would have
known all this is advance. We would have spent the extra money to stay
at a better place. We really didn't think that travel agents booked
places like this, if they actually seen them or stayed there
themselves. For now on in our minds, Aston hotels will be place we
remember to avoid.
First impressions are lasting ones
from A TripAdvisor Member
My girlfriend and I arrived at the Aloha Surf on July 3rd when the kind gentlemen at the check-in told us they had overbooked--probably due to the busy 4th of July weekend--and were going to transfer us to the Ohana East at no extra charge. (Ohana East's cheapest rooms usually start around $92/night.)
They apoligized relentlessly, gave us a free box of chocolate covered nuts, and arranged for a cab--fully paid for and tipped by them of course--to take us to our new location which was a block closer to the beach.
It was a great deal since I had booked for a Studio Deluxe via Expedia, for an average of $64.50/night, and had received a similiar room at the Ohana East which had a great view of the city and hills. Unfortunately, their customer service wasn't as good as the Aloha Surf. (Read my Ohana East review for more info.)
Though I didn't stay a single night at the Aloha Surf I would book with the them again in a heartbeat based on their great customer service.
Their lobby also has a very laid back, un-hotelish feel to it and since the Ohana East didn't offer free continental breakfast they offered us the option to come back anytime during our stay to eat theirs. I also love their location since its slightly off one of the main streets (though still close to the beach) which will reduce the noise of traffic and pedestrians at night and in the early morning while trying to get some sleep. All in all it was a great first impression and I'm looking forward to staying with them the next time I visit Waikiki.
If you are on a budget, and only if!
from A TripAdvisor Member
Rooms were small, but friendly staff, next door is the food pantry (grocery store) which was a plus, only about 2 1/2 blocks away from the beach......Nice lobby........:)
Pleasant surprise
from A TripAdvisor Member
What a pleasant surprise. Stayed May 5-13th 2003. Room was clean, although a little on the small side. Just great for two. Staff was helpful and friendly. View of mountians was great. Had ocean view as well, however obstructed. The breeze from the lanai was refreshing. Wasn't expecting a fridge or coffee pot. The continental breakfast was very good. We would definately go back. Great value!
GREAT SURPRISE
from A TripAdvisor Member
Was wonderful! Very surprised at the quality for the budget-minded traveler. Also the location was great. For sure you have a repeat guest!
Great value
from A TripAdvisor Member
Stayed at Aston Aloha Surf for the Bama/Hawaii football game over Thanksgiving holiday 2002. Great value hotel. I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a clean, convenient, mid-range hotel. We had a Jr. Suite on the top floor. Beautiful view of the sunrise over the mountain every morning. Short walk to the beach and very convenient to shopping, resturants, anything you need [especially the ABC Stores!] Friendly staff too!
Excellent Hotel for Budget Minded
from A TripAdvisor Member
Hotel Room - Top Floor Clean and Spaceous, good view of mountains, golf course and canal.
Staff helpful and warm.
Excellent Price.
5-8 minutes from beach.
Did not see Continental Breakfast though.
I highly recommend.