Stayed 2/13/14-2/17/14
This was our first time to HI and loved it with a large part of that being due to our hotel. Since we went in February, and that being the wettest month, we didn't see much sunshine during our trip and if not for the staff and amenities at the Modern it would have been a drab first visit. We went as a couple and both work in the service industry, so we pay
Staff: Awesome. From the moment you arrive you are greeted with scented hand towels and a refreshing drink while you wait to check in. Everyone is friendly, with the exception of one pool attendant who was not overly attentive when you walk in although I'm sure that is due to his position not being tip related. We went as a couple and both work in the service industry, so we pay close attention to service details like answering the phone with "Hello Mr....or Mrs...." and quick room service at any hour. I will state that we do always tip everyone, but nothing extravagant $2 dollars here and $3 there, but it always goes a long way and no one EVER expected tips.
Side note: CONCIERGE was amazing! We came the day before V day with out a restaurant booked for the next day, she called 20+ hotels for us and got us exactly what we wanted. The next day they booked our rental car after calling around for the best prices, called around for paralleling and always had great tips for what to do and on what days to do it.
Rooms: Very modern, which we like, everything is all white and crisp. I personally loved that there is two complimentary waters when you walk in, and they are replaced every evening with the turn down service as well as small card with tomorrows forecast. Everything was clean, room service came every morning and replaced towels etc. We requested a coffee machine which was a nice surprise when we were given keurig, plenty of K cups including Hot coco. Beds are good not great, but the pillows were great, they give you plenty of blankets and even a throw. The AC works perfect and our room was always comfortable with no complaints.
Pool: They offer two pools which they titled Sunrise and Sunset, Sunrise being the larger of the two. There is plenty of seating and extremely friendly waitresses. The drinks are a bit pricey but what isn't in Waikiki? The drinks are tasty and the food was good, not fabulous but very good. Another plus, hardly any children, since we were on a couples vacay this was a huge plus for us. There is also a walking bridge that takes you over to the beginning of the Waikiki Beach.
Location: Yes its not located directly in the heart of the Waikiki beach, but the walk is maybe 5-10 mins on the beach. We found it much nicer to be able to walk the 10 mins then be in the center of the tourist area, which is very commercialized and crowded, and to be able to come back to a quite portion of the beach and hotel. BIG BONUS is also that across the street is where the Friday 7:45 fireworks are set off, talk about perfect view.
Side Note: There is a very trendy lounge located in the lobby called "The Study" which is located behind a rotating bookcase. During the week it was nice to have a drink and listen to some live music, the two women that sing on thursday are amazing and fun. But it does get very busy on Friday and Saturday as a pregame area for club goers and no live music. There is also "Addiction" the nightclub open next door if you want to experience some local nightlife...we didn't so we have nothing to review on that.
TIPS: Great for couples but not a family location, there is a busy lounge downstairs and a nightclub next door. Also, be aware of what your ordering in The Study and check if gratuity is included.
CONS:
$28 dollars a night for parking, but is expected for the area.
If you are on a lower floor, which we were not, but I can understand how it could be loud with the night club and busy city.