Hotel options

Question

Hello my family is going to Hawaii from December 14-21 for my husbands conference at the Hawaii conference center. I have a 2.5 year old toddler and grandparents who like convenience and shopping. I have looked into hotels and my last picks are Laylow autograph (I have a good Costco deal with free parking and no resort fee), Ala Moana hotel, or Hilton Hawaiian village (like the small no wave beach). What is your preference and why?

Answer

Choosing the right hotel in Honolulu for a family with a toddler, grandparents, and attending a conference involves balancing convenience, amenities, and overall experience. Each of your options has distinct advantages depending on what’s most important for your group.

Here’s a breakdown of the hotels you’re considering:

Laylow, Autograph Collection: A modern, boutique-style hotel located near Waikiki but with a quieter vibe than some larger resorts. Pros include your Costco deal with free parking and no resort fee, which is a big money saver. The hotel has a fun pool area that toddlers may enjoy, and it’s a short walk to shops and restaurants. Downsides: smaller rooms compared to larger resorts and limited on-site amenities for extended family relaxation.
Ala Moana Hotel: Connected directly to the Ala Moana Shopping Center, which is extremely convenient for grandparents who enjoy shopping. It’s also relatively close to the Hawaii Convention Center, which makes commuting for the conference very easy. The hotel has a pool and offers ocean views in some rooms. Downsides: The pool area is smaller than larger resorts, and the hotel is more business-focused, which may mean less of a “resort feel.”
Hilton Hawaiian Village: A large resort with multiple pools, including calm “no-wave” lagoon-style pools that are toddler-friendly. This resort offers extensive amenities for families, cultural activities, and a wide range of dining options. It also has direct beach access and a variety of room types. Downsides: Being a large resort, it can feel crowded and may require more walking to reach certain areas, which could be a consideration for grandparents.

Considerations based on your family’s needs:

Toddler-Friendly: Hilton Hawaiian Village offers multiple pools and kid-focused activities, making it ideal for little ones. Laylow has a nice pool but is smaller in scale.
Convenience for Grandparents: Ala Moana Hotel’s direct connection to the shopping center is unbeatable for convenience and short walks. Hilton also offers shopping and restaurants on-site, but Ala Moana is easier to navigate for shorter outings.
Conference Proximity: Both Ala Moana Hotel and Laylow are closer to the Hawaii Convention Center compared to Hilton, reducing commute time for your husband.
Cost Considerations: Laylow’s free parking and no resort fee is a significant advantage if budgeting for a week-long stay, while Hilton may have additional resort fees and higher parking costs.

In summary, your choice depends on priorities:

If maximizing family-friendly activities for your toddler is key, Hilton Hawaiian Village is likely the best option.
If convenience for grandparents and easy conference access are the main concerns, Ala Moana Hotel may be the top pick.
If balancing cost, location, and boutique experience is most important, and you’re okay with a smaller hotel environment, Laylow, Autograph Collection is a strong choice.

Overall, for a mix of family activities, convenience, and cost savings, many families find Laylow or Ala Moana to be ideal for shorter stays, while Hilton Hawaiian Village is better suited for families prioritizing resort amenities and kid-friendly experiences.

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