Early fall is one of the best times to go to Hawaii if you seek a slightly less crowded time to explore Oahu in particular. But where to stay can be a challenging proposition, to say the least, with such a myriad of choices in Honolulu.
Joie de Vivre’s Shoreline Hotel Waikiki might not be the best known hotel in Honolulu, but it certainly is one of the most inspired choices for the price, and the location is hard to beat as well. Located in the heart of Waikiki steps from the beach and area hotspots, Shoreline Hotel Waikiki offers a truly boutique hotel experience with distinct ambiances and elements of playful sophistication. Surrounded by light and water in the midst of the world-famous Waikiki beach, Shoreline offers its guests a bit or urban flair with close proximity to both picturesque beachfront and area hotspots.
But, what sets Shoreline apart from other area hotels might be the daring design, all tastefully done by Anthony Laurino of Anthony Laurino Design. Bright colors pop in every room with bold ‘70s shapes and the natural forms of local flora and fauna throughout the property.
Inspired by 1970s architecture and modernism, Shoreline offers an alluring look and feel, as envisioned by Laurino. From a collection of first-rate custom furnishing by Eric Brand to evocative nature photography in every room by local artist Michele McCarthy, designs, textures, finishes and fabrics nurture a rapport between Hawaiian culture and modernity that feels fresh and different from your father’s (or grandfather’s) idea of what a Honolulu hotel should look like.
Every room at the Shoreline features free Wi-Fi, mini fridges, microwaves and private balconies designed to optimize island breezes and allow guests to soak in the cityscape. Or, if you want to splurge, the hotel’s top floors include four suites with sweeping views of sea and city, something to consider as the sunsets here can be striking.
Rooms aren’t huge here, but just big enough to accommodate a couple nicely. And besides, you won’t be spending too much time in your room anyway, there’s too many amazing restaurants and shops in the area just right outside the hotel’s front door (be sure to check out Honolulu’s new-ish udon paradise, Marukame…there is a line out the door here daily at the Sanuki-style noodle shop centrally located on Kuhio Avenue (one of two Honolulu locations), and once you eat here you’ll see why – the noodles are made fresh in front of your eyes as you grab a bowl, cafeteria-style).
Or, even closer to your room here (as in adjacent to the lobby in the same building) is breakfast paradise Heavenly, where Japanophiles seeking a taste of real Japan on Oahu inspire with healthy Hawaii-meets-Nippon breakfast fare. A visit here in the morning is just what you’ll need to start your day right (try the kahuku shrimp).
The rooftop pool here is modest, but rarely crowded, which is nice if you want an urban pool experience before you hit the ocean. They also have a fitness center on site.
Details:
Shoreline Hotel Waikiki
342 Seaside Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
808.931.2444
All photo credits: JDV Hotels.
Note: I received a special media rate for my stay but all opinions expressed are my own.
Charlie Amter works in music publishing and is based in Los Angeles. Previously, Amter was a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times and has written for England’s Guardian newspaper and others.He blogs for fun at Europopped.com, excerpts of which run on We Blog The World via a syndication feed.
