Aston Waikiki Sunset

This hotel is highly regarded for its spacious apartment-style rooms featuring full kitchens, offering a unique and comfortable stay that feels more like a home away from home. Its excellent location near the beach and major attractions, combined with its great value, makes it a popular choice. Guests frequently enjoy stunning views from their balconies, adding to the overall appeal. The hotel is particularly well-suited for families seeking ample space and self-catering options, long-term visitors who appreciate a residential feel, and budget-conscious travelers looking for affordability without sacrificing convenience. Couples also find the separate living areas appealing for a more relaxed and private getaway. To maximize your experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for the best vistas and be aware of the parking situation, as it is managed by a separate entity. Utilizing the well-equipped kitchen can significantly enhance the value of your stay by allowing for convenient in-room meals.

Facilities & Amenities
Most guests appreciate the convenience of the full kitchens or kitchenettes in their rooms, which are often well-equipped with appliances and utensils, though some note a lack of specific items like baking sheets. Laundry facilities are available on-site, adding to the convenience for longer stays, although some guests mention that dryers may not be hot enough. The pool area is generally considered nice and clean, providing a good alternative to the beach, though it can be windy and is often shaded for much of the day. A recurring point of frustration for many guests is the elevators, which are frequently described as slow, prone to long waits, and often have one or more out of service. The fitness center is available, but some guests find it small and note a deposit is required for access. Other appreciated amenities include a convenient on-site mini-mart, private balconies offering pleasant views, and accessible BBQ grills for outdoor cooking. Wi-Fi connectivity receives mixed reviews, with some finding it reliable while others experience spotty service, especially on higher floors. Beach towels are readily provided for guest use, and visible security staff contribute to a sense of safety.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests offer mixed feedback on cleanliness; while many describe rooms as clean and tidy, others report issues such as stained carpets, dust, or a musty smell, with some even mentioning pests. The overall room condition is frequently noted as outdated, with worn furniture, peeling paint, and older appliances. Despite this, the spacious rooms and apartment-like layouts are often appreciated, providing ample living area. Bed comfort varies, with some guests finding them comfortable, while others describe them as hard, and sofa beds are consistently reported as uncomfortable. Pillows are often described as thin. Noise levels are a significant concern for some, with complaints about external AC units, city traffic, roosters, and thin windows that do not fully block sound. The air conditioning itself receives mixed reviews, with some units not cooling effectively or being noisy. Bathrooms are sometimes described as clean, but issues like mold, broken fixtures, or lack of hot water are also reported.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight for most guests, placing it within easy walking distance of numerous popular attractions. It is conveniently situated very near Kuhio Beach and Waikiki Beach, typically just a few minutes' walk away. Guests appreciate its proximity to various shops, restaurants, and convenience stores, including ABC stores, making daily errands simple. Key landmarks like the Honolulu Zoo, International Marketplace, and Kapiolani Park are also easily accessible on foot. While the location is praised for being slightly removed from the busiest parts of Waikiki, offering a quieter atmosphere, it remains well-connected to public transportation, including nearby bus stops. However, parking is a consistent point of frustration; it is often described as expensive, confusing, and managed by a separate company. Guests frequently mention the low clearance in the garage, making it unsuitable for larger vehicles, and the difficulty in finding available spots.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the positive interactions with front desk personnel, who are often described as accommodating and efficient, contributing to a quick check-in process. The willingness of staff to assist with requests, such as providing extra towels or coffee, is widely appreciated. However, feedback regarding housekeeping service is mixed; while the staff themselves are friendly, the service is often infrequent, typically every three days, and some guests report minimal cleaning or missed services. Specific issues with parking attendants are frequently mentioned, with some guests reporting rude or unhelpful interactions. Additionally, some guests express dissatisfaction with management's responsiveness to significant issues like water outages or fire alarms, noting a perceived lack of transparency or direct engagement. Despite these specific concerns, the overall demeanor of the hotel staff is a strong positive.

Additional Information
A significant point of contention for many guests is the mandatory amenities fee or resort fee, typically around $35 per day, which is often perceived as a hidden charge not clearly communicated during booking. Guests frequently feel this fee covers services they do not use, leading to frustration. Several reviews highlight severe disruptions due to unexpected water outages and a lack of hot water, sometimes lasting for days, forcing guests to use public showers. Frequent and unannounced fire alarms are another major concern, leading to multiple evacuations and significant inconvenience, with guests reporting a lack of clear information or assistance from staff during these events. The property is undergoing ongoing construction and renovations, which can result in noise, power outages, and elevator issues, sometimes with short notice. Guests should also be aware that the building includes long-term rentals and privately owned condominiums, which can lead to inconsistencies in room quality and a varied guest demographic. A late check-out option is available for an additional fee.