A Simple, Well-Kept Secret

by  Raef Harrison | Feb 25, 2010
Hotel Renew
Hotel Renew / Photo courtesy of the property

There seems to be a pattern to the luxury resort scene on the islands of Hawaii. Large, opulently designed facilities perched on expansive, manicured grounds; Lavish patios with large pools and sun bathing acutremants; fancy celebrity chef-run restaurants and lounges; and in-house activities to keep you constantly entertained. 

By our standards, and undoubtedly anyone's, these are amazing features. But sometimes to truly relax, you have to steer clear of the over-developed path, give up a few of the packaged, big ticket amenities, and embrace simplicity. 

Luckily at Hotel Renew, Honolulu's first designer boutique hotel, simplicity does not cancel out luxury.

About a 10-minute walk down the road from the larger hotel compounds, Hotel Renew sits at the eastern end of Waikiki away from the buzz of restaurants, shops and clubs, in what used to be the Ocean Tower Hotel. The hotel doesn't have a pool, or a spa, or a restaurant. It does, however, offer an amenity that is pretty spectacular: the Pacific Ocean. And to help you enjoy this amazing amenity the hotel boasts out-the-back-door public beach access and offers free beach towels, mats, and boogie boards for guests use and enjoyment. 

The simple designs and decor of the 72, surprisingly spacious rooms offer views of the ocean, some with private balconies. The zen-like lobby offers a free breakfast buffet of fruits, yogurts, pastries and coffee and happy hour every evening. The free shuttle service from the hotel means that all the dining, shopping or nightlife options are easily accessible, should you feel the need for it, and the spa services of Spa Olakino are available to you right across the street.

 

Rooms at Hotel Renew range from $155 a night for a king bed, city view and $180 a night for a king bed, ocean view. Book at www.hotelrenew.com or call 808/687-7700

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