The Laylow, Autograph Collection

The Laylow, Autograph Collection, Honolulu: A Mid-Century Modern Oasis in Waikiki

The Laylow, Autograph Collection, a Michelin Key Selected property in Honolulu, consistently earns high praise for its distinctive mid-century modern aesthetic, exceptional service, and prime Waikiki location. Guests frequently describe it as a "delightful surprise" and an "urban oasis," offering a stylish and relaxing retreat amidst the bustling city.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Laylow is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently giving it "very good" to "exceptional" ratings. It boasts an average rating of 8.8 out of 10 based on hundreds of verified ratings, with high scores across location (9.5), service (9.0), and cleanliness (9.0). Travelers appreciate the hotel's ability to transport them back to 1960s Hawaii, providing a unique and "Instagrammable" experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud The Laylow for several standout features:

• Design & Vibe: The hotel's mid-century modern decor, infused with Hawaiian charm, is a significant draw. From cotton candy pink and navy blue wallpaper to rattan chairs and custom monstera deliciosa leaf patterns, the design creates a "funky, hip, cool, and boutique" atmosphere.
• Location: Its central location in Waikiki is a major highlight, placing guests within easy walking distance of Kuhio Beach Park, International Market Place, high-end shopping on Kalakaua Avenue, and numerous dining and entertainment options. While not directly beachfront, its slightly set-back position offers a measure of seclusion while remaining close to the action.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives widespread acclaim for being "friendly and supportive," "exceptionally friendly," "helpful," and delivering "warm, friendly hospitality." Many guests note the proactive and attentive nature of the team.
• Amenities: The hotel offers a saltwater pool with daybeds, a 24-hour fitness center, a rooftop terrace, and unique "Hawaiian twists" like ukulele lessons and an "E Komo Mai" welcome basket. The complimentary shave ice offered daily is also a popular and "hit" feature.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at The Laylow are described as comfortable, clean, spacious, and well-appointed, adhering to the hotel's distinctive mid-century theme. Key aspects include:

• Design: Each room features a signature accent wall with bright colors and a fun leaf pattern, contributing to a "perfect, photographable, and well designed" aesthetic.
• Comfort: Mattresses are generally found to be comfortable, providing a good night's sleep. Rooms often include blackout drapes for maximum rest.
• Amenities: Standard hotel amenities are complemented by thoughtful Hawaiian touches such as flip-flops, local chocolates, and postcards in the welcome basket. High-definition televisions with complimentary HBO are also appreciated. Some rooms, particularly corner suites, offer city and partial ocean views, and can accommodate families with king beds and daybeds. Bathrooms often feature sliding barn doors for privacy and walk-in showers with nice wood accents, though some note only a single sink in rooms designed for multiple guests.

4. Dining Experience

The Laylow's primary dining venue, Hideout, receives positive feedback for its quality and atmosphere.

• Cuisine: Hideout serves contemporary Asian-Fusion cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is considered a valid option for both guests and locals. Guests have praised dishes like Wonton Poke Tacos and the Mo'Bettah burger.
• Breakfast: Options include buckwheat pancakes with macadamia nut butter and Kona coffee maple syrup, and the Laylow breakfast with eggs, baby potatoes, bacon, and yogurt with local fruit. Cooked-to-order and vegetarian options are available.
• Atmosphere: Hideout offers a lively and inviting setting with a mix of formal and casual lounge spaces, including fire pits, and often features nightly live music. It also functions as a coffee counter and provides poolside snacks and drinks.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Laylow is consistently highlighted as a strong point. Guests frequently commend the staff for being:

• Friendly and Helpful: "Exceedingly kind and helpful," "friendly and supportive," and "amazing."
• Proactive and Attentive: Concierge services are noted for thoughtful recommendations, and staff are quick to respond to requests.
• Hospitality: The hotel aims for an intimate "ohana experience" (family experience), and many guests feel comfortable and at home.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Laylow's location at 2299 Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki is considered "excellent," "phenomenal," and "outstanding."

• Neighborhood: It's situated in the heart of Waikiki, providing easy access to a vibrant array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
• Attractions: Guests are just steps from International Market Place and a short walk to Kuhio Beach Park and Waikiki Beach. Diamond Head is also easily accessible.
• Transport: The location is convenient for Uber pickups and not far from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). Easy access to transit is also noted.

7. Value & Pricing

While The Laylow is a premium property, guests generally consider it to offer good value, especially for Marriott Bonvoy members using points. Rates can start from around $222. However, a mandatory resort fee (approximately $41 with tax per night) and valet parking costs (around $65 per night) can add to the overall expense. Some guests have noted that while it's a nice place, there might be better hotels in Waikiki for the price.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring issues or criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Noise Levels: Some guests have experienced issues with noise, particularly from air conditioning, a nearby parking garage, live music from the on-site bar (Hideout), or an adjacent music venue/restaurant. Rooms on lower floors facing these areas are more susceptible, leading some to recommend booking high-floor rooms.
• Pool Area Size: The saltwater pool, while a highlight, can get overcrowded and is considered small for the number of guest rooms. Limited seating around the pool has also been mentioned.
• Elevator Wait Times: Some guests have reported long waits for elevators, particularly during busy mornings.
• Room Condition (Minor): While generally well-maintained, some reviews mention that carpeting and closets in rooms can show minor signs of wear, as the property opened in 2017 after a renovation.
• Dining Table Height at Hideout: A unique complaint noted by one reviewer was that the tables at Hideout for dinner were "very, very low," making it uncomfortable for a sit-down meal.
• Limited Amenities/Stocking: A few guests have reported issues with amenities like slow shower water pressure or a lack of cups and towels in the pool area. The fitness center equipment has also been described as a bit older.

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