Manoa Valley Inn

The hotel is a historic 1919 mansion that offers a unique, authentic experience, standing as a charming relic of old Hawaii. Its signature feature is its ongoing restoration, aiming to bring back its former glory, which appeals to travelers seeking a distinctive, non-resort stay. This property is particularly well-suited for couples and history enthusiasts who appreciate architectural character and a quiet, residential setting away from the bustling tourist areas. Guests often highlight the attentive staff and the peaceful ambiance of the grounds, finding it a refreshing contrast to typical tourist accommodations. While the hotel is a work in progress under new ownership, it provides a homey feel. To ensure a pleasant stay, guests should manage their expectations regarding modern amenities and understand that the property operates as a bed and breakfast, not a traditional hotel, with renovations actively underway. It is advisable to inquire about the current status of specific facilities before booking.

Facilities & Amenities
Many guests appreciate the hotel's beautiful gardens and lush backyard, describing them as peaceful and magical spaces for relaxation. The property offers good Wi-Fi and TV access to streaming services in rooms, though some noted small screen sizes. A community refrigerator is available on each floor, and some rooms feature air conditioning units that guests found effective, while others experienced issues with cooling or controls. The hotel also provides community laundry facilities. However, the swimming pool is frequently mentioned as being under renovation, closed, or in disrepair, often described as shallow or unclean, which was a disappointment for many. Guests should also be aware that there is no elevator, requiring guests to use stairs, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort is mixed, with many praising the comfortable beds and spacious rooms that offer a homey feel. Some rooms provide great views and effective air conditioning. However, a significant number of guests reported concerns regarding overall cleanliness and maintenance. Issues included shabby and worn furnishings, torn wallpaper, chipped paint, and dusty surfaces. Many also noted a pervasive musty odor or pet smells in rooms and common areas. Specific problems mentioned were broken faucets, no hot water at times, inadequate shower facilities (some with only a hose or requiring sitting), and bathroom fixtures in disrepair, including a clawfoot tub with broken legs. Some guests also reported the presence of insects or pests in their rooms, and a lack of basic amenities like toiletries, fresh towels, or extra toilet paper.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience garners varied opinions from guests. Most found the breakfast to be adequate or good, with some praising the freshly prepared pancakes and made-to-order eggs. Guests enjoyed dining on the porch or in the outside setting amidst tropical greenery. However, many guests expressed significant disappointment, describing the breakfast as basic, limited, or the worst they had experienced, citing a lack of variety and consistency. Common complaints included stale bread, instant oatmeal, and a scarcity of advertised items like fresh fruit or juice. The availability of coffee and tea was also inconsistent, with some reporting machines not working or no coffee available at certain times. Overall, while some appreciated the simple offerings, many felt the food quality and organization did not meet expectations for a bed and breakfast.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location in Manoa Valley is highly valued by guests for its quiet, residential atmosphere, offering a peaceful retreat away from the busy tourist areas of Waikiki. It is conveniently situated near the University of Hawaii at Manoa and provides easy bus access to Waikiki, which is a short drive away. Guests appreciate the proximity to downtown and the freeway, making it a good base for exploring the island. The property offers free parking on site, a significant advantage, though many guests noted that the parking spaces are tight and limited, often requiring careful maneuvering or a smaller rental car. Accessibility within the hotel is a concern for some, as there is no elevator, and guests must navigate multiple flights of stairs to reach upper-floor rooms, which can be challenging with luggage.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise from guests for their friendliness, attentiveness, and helpfulness. Many describe the hosts as caring, accommodating, and welcoming, going above and beyond to assist guests with their needs, from providing ice water to helping with luggage. The check-in process was generally smooth for most, with staff being responsive and accessible. However, some guests reported issues with communication, such as late notifications about changes or difficulty reaching staff by phone. While the staff's dedication to service is evident, some reviews indicate that the hotel's ongoing renovation and management transition have led to inconsistencies in services like room cleaning and the timely replenishment of in-room amenities. Overall, the positive interactions with the staff are a recurring highlight for many visitors.

Additional Information
A key aspect of the hotel is its status as a historic property undergoing renovation under new ownership. Guests are often informed upon arrival that the pictures online may not fully reflect the current condition, as it is a work in progress and not a modern resort. The presence of numerous dogs and cats on the property is a significant and frequently mentioned detail; while some guests enjoy the animals, many report a strong and pervasive pet odor, particularly of cat urine, in common areas and sometimes in rooms. Security is another concern for some, with mentions of standard house keys for rooms, a lack of secure front door locks, and instances of staff entering rooms without explicit permission. Additionally, the hotel has a strict no-refund policy, which has caused issues for guests needing to change or cancel bookings, even due to unsatisfactory conditions.