Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head — Hotel in Honolulu

I stayed at Lotus for about a week. I booked through AAA. This was my first visit to Hawaii.

Overall, I highly recommend the Lotus for anyone who wants peace and quiet but still wants to be in walking distance of Waikiki and all of the associated restaurants and activities.

Check-in: Quick and efficient, but welcoming and warm. I immediately got the feeling that they actually wanted me to enjoy myself, it did not feel fake or forced.

My room: I was on the 8th floor. The room was very cute, and the bed was large and comfortable. The only complaint I could make would be that the bed basically just had sheets, without a comforter, and in the early mornings an extra blanket or light comforter would have been welcome. It didn't bother me enough to bother the staff to get one though.

The lanai: The lanai had a decent view that contained a bit of ocean and a lot of Diamond Head. The view of the ocean was partially obscured by another hotel/condo building, but the view of Diamond Head was completely clear. The lanai itself was cute, and the handrail felt secure. I was able to dry swimsuits and towels very quickly by just laying them out flat on the lanai, I did not have to hang them up (which I believe is against the rules for fire reasons). There was a regular breeze, and watching the cloud interact with Diamond Head was neat. Birds also liked to visit occasionally, and I was able to watch them on the trees below.

The internet: Reasonably fast, and stable. I was on a working vacation so this was really important to me, and I had no issues.

The staff: Friendly and professional. I can't stand very long which can sometimes cause problems when I do things like valet parking, but they were so quick and efficient that I never had to ask to sit. They remembered me which made all interactions smooth and efficient.

The free DVD/PS3 rentals: I didn't expect to use this service but I ended up trying a few games during my stay. It would have been a little more convenient if I could have just download games from the PS3 itself, rather than having to go get the discs, but it wasn't a big deal. A quick call to the front desk and a staff member brought me an extra PS3 controller for my guest, took like 10 minutes.

Check-out: Again, friendly, quick, and efficient. No complaints.

Beaches: The Lotus is on the far end of Waikiki beach, which means it is much quieter than the main area. The closest part of Waikiki beach is a little bit rocky, but the waves were more gentle than most of the other ones I went to.

Food: Plenty of great local food nearby. The on-site restaurant was okay, but I only had breakfast there. The waiter was nice, and we encountered no difficulties on the mornings we just wanted a light breakfast to take to our room. The hotel did not appear to have room service for food.

I am a very difficult person to make completely happy, and I spent the second half of my trip at the (more expensive) Turtle Bay Resort. I thought I would like Turtle Bay more, but the staff at Lotus were so friendly and genuine, and the room cuter in general (though smaller, technically), that I kind of wish that I had stayed my entire two weeks at the Lotus. I certainly...

There’s so much I can say about this amazing hotel, it is absolutely perfect in every way and the place I call home away from home. I stay at this location at least four times a year for business and brought my family along with me on this most recent trip. I knew it would be special for my family to meet my lotus Ohana. The very best attribute is the staff they are absolutely amazing and accommodating, just the kindest people you’ll ever meet it’s hard not to want to sit and talk story with them when I know they have so much important work to do. Sarah was extremely accommodating when booking the room. Christieann is ohana, after so many visits she still treats me with the most respect and love and she finally got to meet my kids and my husband, each time I come, I can not wait to see her. My keiki call her “the nice lady”, because she is “so nice and always calls out our names” but next time they’ll be calling her auntie. A shout out to Lynelle and all the front desk staff who were always very kind to my family, and always had a smile on their faces. The rooms and entire facility is clean, well maintained and luxurious. I feel the love from every maintenance and housekeeper that I’ve encountered. If that is not enough, the location is prime. Across from the largest most beautiful park in town and close to Waikiki Shell for shows. Just a few feet from the best beach location, kaimana, which is clean, quiet and absent, all of the hotel cabana, umbrellas, and chairs that Waikiki beach is littered with. The water is calm enough for my Keiki to play in but there are enough waves to surf with the locals a few hundred yards out at this end of Waikiki. Just last week, a young monk seal pup was born right in front of our hotel. This was an unexpected miracle and my kids went bananas. Nature is all around and it is no surprise. It is quiet, peaceful, clean and we feel safe and welcome so the animals just too. There is free parking at the hotel, which can cost up to $200 $300 elsewhere, this is a huge benefit to me because I drive for work. The restaurant on site “TBD…” has unique dishes and amazing flavor, not to mention two complementary glasses of wine during Pau Hana. Russel’s convenience store steps away has everything a normal grocer would, reasonably priced and is open long hours. The view from every room is breathtaking and I can honestly say that because I’ve stayed in so many of them from the second floor to the ninth floor you’re surrounded by palm trees, beautiful birds, ocean breeze, diamond head and the ocean. I was Kama’āina and lived on Oahu for 8 years, from the north shore, to Waikiki, to diamond head. I stayed in countless hotels and resorts across the island and this is by far my favorite location. Convenient and serene. I am a forever customer of the Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head. Mahalo Nui Loa to all the staff and management of this perfect hotel. See you again next...

My husband and I shared our first experience in Hawai'i at the Lotus at Diamond Head, and it was spectacular.

The staff is friendly, helpful, and responsive to residents' needs. There were a couple instances where my husband's card was charged, but the front desk took care of it immediately as soon as they were notified. They greeted us every time we walked in and out of the hotel with a warm smile and an "Aloha!" And the room service was great at ensuring our room stayed fully stocked, cleaned, as they were, too, punctual and kind. True hospitality at its best.

The hotel room was the perfect size for the two of us, with a king-sized bed, delicious ILY coffee every morning, and a GORGEOUS view of Diamond Head Mountain and the Pacific Ocean. We were able to spot a few whale spouts and watch the surfers ride the waves from our balcony. It added to the experience with providing a beautiful and peaceful start each morning.

Arden, the hotel's restaurant, was truly extraordinary! The menu has the chefs' unique takes of versatility in different types of cooking methods and ingredients. This was our favorite restaurant after leaving our vacation of five days - and we've eaten at quite a bit of restaurants. HIGHLY recommended - may need to make reservations.

The hotel itself offers a complimentary yoga session on Saturdays at 8AM with a beautiful instructor, Salina, who loves her job, and her class radiated that. It was a gorgeous way to start the vacation - yoga beneath a tree that resembled a green shield against the clear blue sky on the wide-open field just steps away from the hotel. Embrace the moment, take a few deep breaths, and it will only enhance your vacation moving forward. (Try not to be late)!

They also offer in-room massages! My husband surprised me with one, one morning. The front desk called me to let me know the masseuse was running a few minutes behind because there was traffic due to a marathon that was taking place that day. But only 5 minutes behind didn't hurt the experience one bit - Nicole, a contractor, is spectacular in her line of work! Highly recommend treating yourself while on vacation, because why not?!

And lastly, the location of the hotel was PERFECT. You're surrounded by tropical trees, parks, beaches, stores and restaurants. Walking around will only enhance your experience there and allows you to take in the tropical weather, the soft sand, the sounds of the birds, and the delicious taste of coconut drinks just about a half a mile down from the hotel.

While there are plenty of hotels located in Waikiki Beach, we are so glad we chose to stay at Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head for our first time being in Hawai'i. Highly...