The Surfjack Hotel was the second mid-century modern hotel to open in Waikiki, following The Laylow. Given how much we enjoyed The Laylow and the cool aesthetic of the Surfjack, I've long wanted to give them a try. Too bad many inconveniences hold back the hotel. … [Read more...] about The Surfjack Hotel Waikiki is Stymied by Inconveniences
Hotels
Hilton Hawaiian Reached a Tentative Agreement
Good news! The first hotel workers' contract negotiation process went smoothly as Hilton Hawaiian reached a tentative agreement with Unite Here Local 5. The new contract still needs to be ratified, so we're not out of the woods yet, but this is a good sign. … [Read more...] about Hilton Hawaiian Reached a Tentative Agreement
Fast Track to Marriott Gold Status with Chase
While some cards give you status with their brand, that typically isn't the case with Chase. Well, I guess you can consider Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite a status? Every Chase Marriott card comes with that. But, now, you can fast track to Marriott Gold Status with Chase, though you need one of two non-Marriott cards. … [Read more...] about Fast Track to Marriott Gold Status with Chase
Contract Bargaining Begins at 19 Hawaii Hotels
Do you remember the great Marriott/Kyo-ya hotel worker strike of 2018? If so, the word that contract bargaining begins at 19 Hawaii hotels likely gives you some pause. I know it does for me. … [Read more...] about Contract Bargaining Begins at 19 Hawaii Hotels
Waikiki Beach Marriott Ocean Front Junior Suite Review
The last time I stayed in a junior suite at the Waikiki Beach Marriott was way back in the before times of 2019. This was before the pandemic and before the property completed its renovations. So I was curious to see how the refreshed Waikiki Beach Marriott Ocean Front Junior Suite is. … [Read more...] about Waikiki Beach Marriott Ocean Front Junior Suite Review
The Laylow Waikiki Junior Suite
Though we made it back to Hawaii, this Las Vegas + Irvine Trip Report isn't over yet! That's because, upon our return, we had to quarantine away from our families for five days. Thankfully, we enjoyed a nice Laylow Waikiki junior suite during our self-imposed exile. … [Read more...] about The Laylow Waikiki Junior Suite
Hilton Hawaiian Village Fireworks Return!
One of my favorite Honolulu attractions is making a comeback as the Hilton Hawaiian Village fireworks return after a long, pandemic-induced hiatus. … [Read more...] about Hilton Hawaiian Village Fireworks Return!
Hilton Doesn’t Offer 24/7 Phone Support
Here's a shocking tidbit of info I just learned - Hilton doesn't offer 24/7 phone support - not even for Diamond Members. As a result, you can't call in new reservations or modify existing ones any time of day. And that's a problem when you have to call to use your Free Weekend Stay Certificate. … [Read more...] about Hilton Doesn’t Offer 24/7 Phone Support
Review: Los Angeles Airport Marriott
Given that we were flying out of LAX, I wanted to stay a night closer to the airport. No way were we driving up from Costa Mesa the day of! And for this stay, I chose the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. … [Read more...] about Review: Los Angeles Airport Marriott
The Grand Wailea – A Waldorf Astoria Resort
My family would occasionally stay at the Grand Wailea for quick weekend getaways in my younger years. I loved the place, thanks to the amazing pools! Knowing that Mrs. Island Miler had never been, however, I made it my goal last year to get her there. And it was (mostly) great! … [Read more...] about The Grand Wailea – A Waldorf Astoria Resort