Honolulu has a new gem in its midst – Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador, a neighborhood hotel that seamlessly combines the vibrant spirit of modern Honolulu with a touch of retro charm. This stylish establishment, which made its debut Fall 2023, offers an immersive experience for visitors eager to explore the island like true locals.
Pros
Unique Pool Experience: The Waikiki Swim & Social Club offers a distinctive pool experience with its retro-modern design, vibrant cabanas, and exclusive marbling brand print umbrellas, providing guests with a lively and Instagram-worthy setting.
Thoughtful Amenities: The attentive pool attendants and their offerings, such as hourly face mists, sunglasses cleanings, and cold towel cooldowns, enhance the overall guest experience, ensuring a memorable and comfortable stay.
Delicious Dining Options: TableOne, the poolside bar, serves up a delicious menu of fresh bites, local favorites, and a variety of ready-to-drink beverages, providing convenient and tasty dining options for guests.
Community Connection: The hotel's strong connection to the local community, embodied by the "Mayor of the Block," offers guests valuable insights beyond typical tourist recommendations, fostering a sense of community and authenticity.
Custom Experiences: Romer's partnerships with local businesses create a personalized experience for guests, unlocking freebies, discounts, and unique opportunities with the room key, encouraging exploration beyond the hotel.
Cons
Limited Room Options: With 368 rooms, the hotel may have limited availability during peak seasons, making it challenging for guests to secure their preferred room type or dates, particularly if booking is not done well in advance.
Dependency on Local Partnerships: The success of the custom experiences and perks tied to local partnerships may be contingent on the availability and quality of offerings from these businesses, which could vary over time.
Potential Noise from Entertainment: While the live music and performances contribute to the vibrant atmosphere, guests seeking a quieter stay may find the noise levels during these events to be a drawback.
Waikiki Swim & Social Club: Where Vibes Meet Views
At the heart of Romer Waikiki is the newly launched Waikiki Swim & Social Club, a pool deck that goes beyond the ordinary. With a retro-modern design featuring vibrant cabanas, exclusive marbling brand print umbrellas, and colorful bean bags, this isn't your typical hotel pool. The lively mix of colors, shapes, and textures mirrors the dynamic neighborhood of Waikiki.
The club experience is elevated by a dedicated team of pool attendants committed to making every visit memorable. From hourly face mists to sunglasses cleanings, cold towel cooldowns, and sunscreen reminders, guests are treated to a range of thoughtful amenities. Weekly programming adds to the excitement, offering fitness pop-ups, poolside readings with an in-house astrologer, live music, and unique performances. TableOne, the poolside bar, serves up a delectable menu of fresh bites, local favorites, and a variety of ready-to-drink beverages.
Artful Guestrooms: A Journey into Comfort and Style
Romer ensures that every guest journey begins with a touch of artistry. The 368 well-appointed rooms boast a variety of layouts, each complemented by a muted pastel color palette inspired by Oahu's scenery. Private lanais, lounge space, and distinctive touches, including all-gender uniforms by local designer Matt Bruening, create a welcoming atmosphere.
Community Connection: More Than Just a Stay
Romer takes pride in being the "Mayor of the Block," deeply connected to the community. Guests can access local insights beyond standard Google searches, enjoy chakra balancing meditations, and explore a lobby filled with board games and a beach reads book library. The hotel has collaborated with local businesses to offer guests a custom experience – room key unlocks freebies, discounts, personalized experiences, and more. From off-the-beaten-path bike excursions to the "Aloha Line" providing advice from across the island, Romer ensures guests leave with more than just a great suntan.
Thoughtful Design: Capturing Modern Waikiki
Romer's design elements thoughtfully capture the essence of modern Waikiki while paying homage to its 1960s roots. A custom-fit lava rock wall in the lobby nods to Hawaii's volcanic landscape, and guests can embark on a QR code-guided art tour featuring works by local artists such as J.D. Nālamakūikapō Ahsing, Kamran Samimi, Brennan Alexa, and Kris Goto.
The beach of Waikiki. Photo by Dalton Johnson
In Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador, hospitality meets creativity, comfort meets community, and every guest becomes a part of the vibrant tapestry of Honolulu. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, Romer offers an unparalleled experience that goes beyond the expected. Welcome to your new home in the heart of paradise.
