Honolulu: Hotel Renew


I was on Oahu for the 2012 Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival as guest of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, I thank them for the invitation and hospitality.  

I knew this would be food-filled four days of go-go-go and go...  Arrangements were made for  me at the Hotel Renew in Waikiki.  When I visit Honolulu, I usually stay on the Ala Moana side of Waikiki, so I had no idea where to find Hotel Renew.  It's actually located on the Diamond Head side of the Marriott Waikiki and not far from the beach... 

Photo by Hotel Renew

You're probably thinking the same thing I did... Well, Hotel Renew is Honolulu's first boutique hotel, designed by acclaimed designer Jiun Ho.  Since I'm a food guy, hopefully my descriptions make sense.

First off, it's not a mega resort, only 72 rooms.  It's a modern hotel with a tranquil feed, away from the Waikiki noise and the tons of people.  It didn't have a chain feel to it, so I had a feeling that I'd like this place...


Photo by Hotel Renew
Front Desk
At check-in, guests receive a wet towel and glass of juice,
which was nice after coming directly from the airport.

City View with a King 
on the 8th floor

Very plush bed and comforter (which I really liked)


Complimentary wireless access throughout the hotel,
flat screen HDTV, iPod docking capabilities,
dimmable lighting, and light controls all over the room.

For someone like me who travels with some tech stuff,
this room had more than enough outlets.


One of the amenities that I really loved...

A BIG LED CLOCK!

You can see it from all over the room

Two Trash Cans

I'll explain later...


Contemporary sink and fixture
in the bathroom.

Not much counter space, but it worked.

Photo by Hotel Renew
View from the lobby into Lounge Renew

In the mornings, complementary coffee/tea and a 
selection of pastries is available for guests.

Photo by Hotel Renew
Speaking of Lounge Renew,
specialty cocktails available in the evenings
and a place to watch the game.

I wish I had more time to spend at the hotel,
but the Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival
had me pretty busy...

Getting back to the two trash cans.

When I checked in, the bellhop pointed out the
green striped trash can is for recycled materials
and the other is for regular trash. 

I don't think I've stayed at a hotel that has a recycle bin...

You're probably wondering why this food guy is writing about a 
hotel room, especially since I don't write about hotels.

A couple of important themes from the Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival
is sustaining Hawai'i future and taking care of the 'aina (land).
As I mentioned above, I don't think I've stayed at a hotel
that has a recycle bin in the room.  It's one thing to talk
about recycling and taking care of the land, but it's another
to actually do something about it.

I applaud Hotel Renew for putting a plan in action and
personally educating their guests about recycling.

Unfortunately, the hotel doesn't have a restaurant or room service.
On a regular trip, I work late into the evening and often need food. 
But being here for the Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival,
 I knew I'd have my food fill for the next 4 days...
Besides, there is an ABC Store right next door.

It was a very nice stay and the staff was great,
no complaints from this guy on the 8th floor...


129 Paokalani Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 687-7700


Mahalo!
Nancy Uber



NOTE:  I was a guest of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau,
Oahu Visitors Bureau, and their partners.
I thank them for their invitation and hospitality.
All comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.




Photos by Jay Terauchi
unless otherwise noted

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