The Outrigger experience in Oahu, Hawaii: 5 reasons to stay at the Waikiki Beachcomber
Editor’s note: Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger provided a complimentary stay to TPG to check out the property. The opinions expressed below are entirely from the author and weren’t subject to review by Outrigger or any external entity.
There's big news to report from the hotel scene in Honolulu. Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort has partially reopened after a major remodel as it completes phase one of an $80 million overhaul.
The hotel is currently in a soft opening period and offering some decent deals if you want to check it out. Be sure to take a selfie in front of the dramatic A-frame lobby entrance built in a traditional Hawaiian style.
I got to stay recently for one night at one of its sister properties — Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger — on a visit to Hawaii in March. I was really impressed with this small hotel even though I was just there for a day. I really liked the rooms and the chill vibe of the place, despite being located in the middle of an otherwise hectic city center. The rooms are really nice, and while you won't get the amenities of the nearby mega-resorts, I think you're better off at a smaller hotel like this one — especially now. I had a disastrous stay at the nearby Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki, so a night at the Beachcomber was especially welcome.
Here's why I think it's a good option for visitors who want to be in the heart of the city.
Great location in the heart of Waikiki
While the Beachcomber is not on the beach, there is easy access to the best of Honolulu and you are just a five-minute walk to the famous Waikiki beach. You are across the street from the Moana Surfrider hotel and within a few minutes of some of the best shopping in the city. The Royal Hawaiian Center Shopping Mall, International Market Place and Waikiki Shopping Plaza are just a few blocks down the street.
Related: Fair warning: Hawaii is crowded again
Spacious, modern rooms
Related: Hawaii making it easier to visit
The hotel bills itself as "Hawaii's first and only craft hotel curated by local artists and influencers." I found the rooms to be modern and clean. There were plenty of outlets, and I loved the eclectic variety of fixtures and furniture. The bedding was comfortable, the bathrooms were large (especially for Hawaii) and there was even a small kitchenette (well, at least a fridge) in my one-bedroom room.
Related: A stay a the Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii
There is Hawaiian and ocean-inspired modern art throughout the hotel, including the individual rooms.
Chill atmosphere
Unlike the nearby Hilton, there were no crowds at the Beachcomber. There weren't long check-in lines, and there was social distancing being enforced at the pool and in the dining areas.
In fact, there was a reservation system for the pool. They only wanted eight people around the pool at any one time (though this wasn't strictly enforced in my experience).
I really loved the pool. It was a relaxing space, and there were a lot of seating or sunning options. The hot tub was small but perfectly functional.
Related: A review of the Hilton Waikiki
It is very crowded once you leave the hotel property, but it was calm and relaxing inside the hotel. There was live music coming from the lobby cafe, and the staff was warm and friendly.
The lobby restaurants
The hotel calls Hawaiian Aroma Caffe "Waikiki's most Instagrammed coffee shop." I could understand why — there were a ton of little seating areas that made for some great pictures.
Related: I spent 3 days quarantining in Kauai’s resort bubble
One of the highlights of my stay was picking up a bite to eat at the cafe and getting to listen to live music in the late afternoon. It added a local element to the hotel's ambiance.
Also attached to the hotel is the popular Maui Brewing Company with multiple floors and open-air seating for those who are nervous about COVID-19 (and crowds). There's a separate entrance inside the lobby of the hotel for guests. The menu features 36 craft and specialty beers on tap, including locally-produced Maui Brewing Co. beer. There's also live entertainment Friday to Sunday.
Related: 10 reasons to visit Timbers Kauai
Decently priced
I received a comped stay so that TPG could check out the hotel, but the Beachcomber is modestly priced for Hawaii. Rates at Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger start at $179 a night. If you book seven nights, room rates drop to as low as $129 a night. There is a $30 per night resort charge on top of that, so keep that in mind when booking.
Related: Fabulous property but dated rooms at Sonesta Kauai
Edwin Torres, General Manager at Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger told TPG, "I’d argue there’s never been a better time to visit. For an even more enriching vacation, we encourage our guests to explore the Malama Hawaii Experience and book an eco-adventure with our partner, Kualoa Ranch, that encourages responsible tourism and is sure to leave a lasting impression. Not to mention, guests will get every third night free at Waikiki Beachcomber when booking this experience – it’s a win-win."
In the meantime, if you want to stay at the classic Outrigger, the second phase of the remodel is expected to be completed sometime this fall. Phase two includes an overhaul of the Diamond Head Tower, Waiola Wellness Wing, Coral Kids Club and the ‘Ōlelo Cultural Center.
The hotel is offering a special deal right now — the "welcome back to Waikiki" sale with 33% off regular prices. I found rooms starting around $300 a night in June (plus that pesky resort fee).
The rooms look really nice (plus, check out that view).
Conclusion
After a couple of rough stays at Hawaii Hiltons during this trip, the Outrigger was an oasis despite being in crowded Waikiki. The service was kind and attentive, the rooms were modern and clean and the location gives easy access to the beach, shopping and the heart of Waikiki.
If I was to go back to Waikiki, I would definitely avoid the mega-resorts in favor of the Beachcomber.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.