AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu

The hotel offers a distinctive urban experience, characterized by its modern design and a unique speakeasy on the lower level that guests find particularly appealing. It is highly regarded for its exceptional staff, consistent cleanliness, and generally comfortable accommodations. Strategically located in downtown Honolulu, it serves as an ideal base for business travelers and corporate guests seeking convenience to the city's commercial hub. Sightseers will also find it suitable for exploring historic attractions like Iolani Palace and the vibrant Chinatown area. Furthermore, its proximity to the airport makes it a practical choice for those on layovers. To ensure a smooth stay, guests are advised to familiarize themselves with the hotel's distinctive bathroom layouts and to be prepared for the urban environment surrounding the property. It is also recommended to confirm all associated fees upon booking to avoid surprises.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities designed to enhance the guest experience. A standout feature is the speakeasy on the lower level, which receives high praise for its inviting setup, delicious drinks, and skilled bartenders, offering a unique evening entertainment option. For those focused on wellness, the gym or fitness center is well-equipped with modern machinery, including Peloton bikes, and is consistently noted for its cleanliness. The lobby area is described as modern and stylish, providing a pleasant communal space. While the hotel does not feature a swimming pool, which some guests found disappointing, other amenities like readily available ice machines on various floors and convenient water stations are appreciated. Guests should note that the elevator system requires a room key for access, ensuring security and convenience. The absence of in-room microwaves is a recurring point of feedback, impacting convenience for some.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel for its overall cleanliness, describing rooms as neat, modern, and well-maintained. The comfortable beds and quality linens contribute to a restful stay, though some found the pillows to be firm. A frequent topic of discussion is the small rooms, which some guests found to be tiny, and the unique bathroom privacy design. This includes sliding glass doors that may not fully close or are semi-transparent, and the sink often located outside the main bathroom area, which can be inconvenient and reduce privacy, especially for those sharing a room. Noise levels from neighboring rooms, internal hotel activities, and street traffic are occasionally mentioned, suggesting varying sound insulation. While hot water is generally available, some guests reported delays in getting it to temperature. Housekeeping operates on an every-other-day policy, which some guests found less frequent than desired, and limited towel racks can be an issue.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a diverse dining experience with mixed feedback on its offerings. The breakfast buffet is noted for being delicious and filling, with some guests praising its quality, but it is also frequently described as expensive and having limited or inconsistent choices, with some reporting stale bread or poor coffee. In contrast, the main restaurant receives strong positive reviews for its food quality, with guests highlighting delicious dishes, spectacular presentation, and creative culinary twists. The bar within the restaurant and the separate speakeasy are also praised for their excellent drinks and inviting atmosphere. While the dinner service is generally well-regarded, some guests found the staff to be occasionally awkward. It is important to note that room service is not available, which can be an inconvenience for those preferring to dine in their rooms.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in downtown Honolulu is a significant advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous attractions. It is conveniently situated near the edge of Chinatown, Iolani Palace, and the cruise terminal, making it ideal for exploring the historic district. Its proximity to the airport (approximately 10-15 minutes away) is also highly valued, especially for those on layovers. However, the surrounding area receives mixed reviews, with some guests expressing concerns about its weathered appearance and the presence of homeless individuals, particularly at night, which can impact feelings of safety. Valet parking is the only option available and is consistently described as very expensive, with some guests reporting issues with vehicle cleanliness or wait times. Despite these concerns, the hotel's accessibility to public transportation and key landmarks remains a strong point.

Staff & Service
The hotel consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its friendly staff, who are frequently described as helpful, professional, and attentive. Guests highlight the exceptional service from the front desk team, praising their knowledge, welcoming demeanor, and efficiency during check-in and check-out. The valet service also garners high praise, with attendants noted for their amazing customer service, careful handling of vehicles, and promptness. While housekeeping is generally commended for maintaining clean rooms, some guests experienced inconsistencies with the every-other-day cleaning schedule or occasional missed services, requiring requests for fresh towels. Overall, the staff's commitment to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, with many guests feeling that the team goes above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Additional Information
Guests frequently mention several important details that impact their stay, particularly regarding hotel policies and amenities. A significant point of contention is the unexpected destination fee of $35 per day, along with an incidental fee, which many guests felt were not adequately disclosed during booking and perceived as a "scam." The hotel operates on an every-other-day housekeeping policy, which some guests found inconvenient, leading to requests for fresh towels or room servicing. Furthermore, the absence of room service and microwaves in the rooms is a common observation, potentially limiting dining options for guests. While the hotel is noted for its modern design and recent opening, the lack of a pool is also a recurring comment, distinguishing it from resort-style accommodations.