After our 3 week trip in Hawaii Ben asked what my favorite bits were and right up there with surfing and helicopter rides I said our two nights at The Modern Hotel Honolulu. It really is that good that a hotel on its own can MAKE your trip. Look no further for where to stay in Honolulu.
- Related: little guide to Honolulu
This place is great for couples, honeymooners, or friends on a weekend getaway. Clearly, The Modern is a “modern” hotel and also newly built. The design was so simple but homey with little touches like a throw blanket on the bed and big white fluffy couches. It’s no wonder it’s voted best boutique hotel in Hawaii by CN Traveler, Forbes, and #2 on Tripadvisor. You can see on the signed surf boards in the lobby famous surfers who have stayed (artwork by Herbie Fletcher called Wrecktangles, which are boards actually broken on North Shore’s big waves).
The hotel is on Waikiki beach, but on the edge which was a little quieter. Personally, I liked being a little bit away and it was still walkable. If you stay here and aren’t planning on leaving Waikiki, I don’t really see why you should rent a car.
The Modern Rooms Review
We stayed in the Ocean Front one bedroom suite. I was a guest of the hotel in order to review this so was given an upgrade- this room was just one step below the suite and Ben and I were feeling very thankful for this blog and you readers! They emailed a little list of things to “check” that you want in your room (at not charge). There were a bunch of option and I checked yoga mat and a Keurig. Of course, I didn’t even touch the yoga mat… but I thought about it.
If you want something a little less expensive there are more types of rooms one that has one big bed, and one that’s smaller with twin beds. You can get a room for under $300 which is damn good for Wakiki, and actually shocking for a place this nice.
Then, there is the suite which is stunning and has very cool surfer artwork and photos of Kelly Slater when he drinks a beer at the end of a huge wave.
Why to stay at The Modern Hotel
Okay, first of all – the views and those sunsets!
There are not one, but two pools. One was more crowded and kind of cool place to be, while the other was more of a hide out and the one I preferred. No one was ever around and I usually had it all to myself. The party pool plays music even under water! The hotel is a who’s who place to be with pool parties sponsored by liquor companies and a nightclub, Addiction, in the hotel that’s ranked the best in Honolulu and hosts celebrity DJ’s.
Then, there’s the “Study” which is something very unique. During the day, non-existent and during the night, the lobby’s bookcase swings open to live music in a chilled out bar called the Study with cocktails named after famous books and authors.
There’s also a spa, a gym, goflow yoga (the type with neon lights) and unlike most big hotels in Hawaii- no resort fees. This isn’t somewhere I could afford to stay often, but if you’re saving for a big trip to Hawaii, this is where you want to stay.
Breakfast isn’t included in the price (tea and coffee is) and there are also two restaraunts on site. I didn’t get to try the famous Iron Chef Morimoto’s as, I mean, I DO have a budget lol, but I did get to try lunch poolside when I met with the marketing director. My choice was the steak tacos and they kicked ass! MMM.
Okay last weird reason that I don’t even know what I find so special… but the smell of plumeria (Hawaiian flower) in the lobby. I had never smelled that before and loved it so much I used that oil in a massage later on in the trip.
The Modern Hotel Contact & Info
- The Modern Honolulu , 1775 Ala Moana Boulevard , Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
- 15 minutes from airport
- No resort fees, breakfast not included *if you book online they do offer specials for breakfast and drinks*, free WiFi
- Use the valet parking even though it’s $5 more than the lot across the street because you can come and go as many times as you like and at the other lots you have to pay each time.
- Book The Modern
I was a guest of The Modern, but opinions are always my own.
The beds looked like shin busters! Excellent review.
I don’t know what a shin buster is loL!
The photos alone make it feel like home! Stayed for 3 days in Honolulu and loved it! :)
This place looks amazing!
What a great start for Summer. Damn, it would be so great if I was with you there right now. But I’m stuck at home listening to Drake and playing video games. Anyways, great post and I’ll put in mind to add this on my check list. Cheers!