The Royal Kuhio

More than 30min to check in. After hours security guard doesnt seem happy with his job. Im pregnant and im tired from the flights. I guess his guests is not his priority. Not so happy now.

This is my second time staying here. The location is fantastic! The bus stop is right outside, the parking garage is secure and easy to access. The beach and shopping is within walking distance. The hotel is a bit old so nothing fancy here. But the sleep number bed was fantastic! We had an ocean side view on the 26^th floor so the sunsets were amazing to watch, if we were even here at the right time.
On our second night here we found some ants in the kitchen and little roaches. There was a bottle of Raid under the sink so we sprayed all the corners of the room. This killed the ants, but seemed to make the roaches come out from hiding! Gross! After informing the office, the sent someone right away with traps, which seemed to help.
Overall the staff is friendly and nice, the bed is comfortable, the view is amazing and the air conditioning works!

I will be back! Higley recommend! Great location and quiet at night!

I can’t really recommend anyone renting here because of the cockroach problem. We were able to move to a different room which had a few dead roaches and a few small live ones. We seriously considered spending an extra $ 1000 to stay at a Hilton etc because we had an infant who was crawling. We ended up sticking it out and just not spending very much time in the room. They sprayed the building while we were there, but they explained that since many of the units are privately owned and are not sprayed, this is why the roaches persist. We were on the 20^th floor and never kept any food outside of the refrigerator and never cooked because of the roaches. I understand that cockroaches are common in Hawaii, but can you make it so they don’t overrun a 20^th story apartment?
If you are not comfortable sleeping with cockroaches, the amount you save staying here versus a nice brand name hotel is not worth it.

Staying here 2/​15to2/​22/​15. The only thing I like about this place is its location, as other reviewers have described. Otherwise, this place looks tired and worn, although clean. The elevators, from reading other reviews have been in state of disrepair for a while, yet during our stay only one sometimes 2 are working. Don’t know how many units this building has but it has at least 28 floors. So there’s a long wait and a long line up of guests for the elevators. While parking is free if you have timeshare, access to it is cumbersome — you have to switch elevators and lobby to get there! The unit we got faces Kuhio avenue and its windows are not sound proof so you hear the traffic. Luckily, the noise dies down at night but you don’t need an alarm clock because you wake up to the noise of construction and traffic.
I would NOT stay here again even if it’s free.

Location wise, this place deserves 5 stars because it’s near everything. From shopping, beach, and best udon in town — you name it. However, while our stay here, the elevators were broken and we were staying on the 19^th floor. There are several elevators and only one was working. There generally was a huge line pile up in the lobby so yes, we walked up and down the stairs! We are pretty fit people and It was all good until you had several drinks in you and the walk became not only dangerous, but tiring.
I think the condos need some updating. I booked 3 condos here and they were all different from one another. I guess it depends on who owns it. It’s not bad or anything, just needs to be updated. The gym here is tiny and the pool is small. You can’t use the weights unless you put down a $ 20 deposit. Basketball and tennis court needs updating. But who needs gym and pool when you can run along the beach and swim in the ocean right? (Or run up and down numerous flights of stairs.)
Updating/​remodeling can wait for now. Just
FIX THE DAMN ELEVATORS!

We had a great time in Hawaii staying at the Royal Kuhio. The timeshare is located in the best location right off the main strip Kalaukaha. Parking is free and a security guard is on site at all times. Ramona in the office was wonderful… so welcoming and very helpful. We would definitely recommend this place.

What can i say about the Royal Kuhio? Well we stayed November 19 – 26 2013.
GREAT LOCATION!
When first entering there wasn’t a front desk just security desk. Because we had a timeshare we were directed to the Vacation International room, there is a second room for what I assume is for ppl that booked through a expedia site? (i could be totally wrong)
This hotel not only has timeshares but people actually reside in this building. The big plus was that there were always security on duty.
Our parking in the hotel was included in our timeshare which was a plus. but you have to take an elevator from your room down to the lobby then head to the garage elevators.
Lets get to the rooms. first off… this place is a bit older and they still use actual keys, not magnetized cards. The room we stayed in was a suite: a bed room separated by sliding separators into the kitchen and living area.
The living space included a sofa with a pull out queen bed, which is a plus. A small 16in. flat screen LCD t.v. an air-​conditioning unit.
The kitchen is fully equipped with all you essentials needed for cooking. It included it’s pots and pans all the way down to a wine bottle opener. A refrigerator and a dishwasher was a big help. There also was a blender and a glass table that seats 4.
The room had either a double bed or a full size, I just know that it was smaller than my queen at home. This room had another air conditioning unit. Nothing too fancy.
The bathroom had a sink on one side with a hairdryer and convenient shelving right behind. The toilet and shower were separated from the sink and shelving and was a bit smaller than i like.
It also has a balcony that included a small table and two chairs… but for all you smokers there is absolutely no smoking on the balconies.
There is also a gym, laundry units, and a pool (that was freezing but why swim in the pool when you could walk just minutes to Waikiki beach)
So… why the 3 stars?
Over all… We had a good time… the staff (meaning, the security gentlemen) were very polite! Every question I had was answered to the best of their knowledge.
The rooms were ok… Not the greatest. But very livable. We did see 2 cockroaches but when don’t you see bugs in Hawaii, keep that in mind.

Hi,
Been coming to Waikiki for years and staying at various hotels. I stay at the Royal Kuhio back in June of 2013. Like it enough both for location and value.
Most people don’t realized that the Royal Kuhio was never a hotel but has been a private Condo complex since it was build in the 70’s. Therefore the lack of a true lobby and no check in desk. No ‘hotel type’ amenities and services.
A couple of time share companies own many units and operate their business. Some units are permanent residences and some are purchased and rented out by owners like myself. Your experience is totally 100% dependent on the quality and services provided by the time share companies and the owners renting their units. I have seen owners w very out dated units and it is priced accordingly and I have seen some absolutely gorgeous units done well by owners. You need to choose carefully. It is not a former/​current hotel and there are no standards. You will get what you pay for. Vacation rentals by owners are up to 50% less then comparable hotel rooms. You save money but no daily maid service.
To the defense of the night and weekend security guards at the booth, (there is no hotel counter), they are there to provide security but unbeknownst to most of the condo bldg’s guest who think this is a hotel, they are asked to do all types of hotel related services and then the guest’s is disappointed and angry.
Other ‘Condo-​Hotel’, where part of the bldg is still own and operated by a hotel chain, they have separate entries. The Iliki is a Condo-​Hotel but appears more like a full Hotel. If you rent from a time share or an owner there you do not have the hotel provided services but you will save a ton of money to be at the same bldg and location.
Hope this helps clarify what to expect at the Royal Kuhio Condo complex, enjoy your stay, Mahalo,
.

Date of Stay — March 9 – 14, 2013.
Overall, not a bad experience. Could have been better but for what we paid, well worth it.
Pro’s:
Room remodeled in last 5 years or so. Overall clean and well maintained unit. Linen, towels all there and kitchen well provisioned with plates, pans utensils etc. appliances relatively new. furniture etc. was in good condition although as usual, there’s no accounting for taste,
Nice TV (30 inch Vizio LCD) with HD cable TV and DVD player.
Unit had a queen in the bedroom and a pull out sofa/​queen in the living room/​kitchen area. Tiny bathroom.
Great location, maybe a 10 minute walk to Waikiki beach.
Free parking.
Cons:
Lobby, smelled like an old folks home and the elevators/​common areas look like they haven’t been renovated since Telly Savalas was pitching the timeshare on TV in the late 70’s.
If you get on well with cockroaches, then you’ll be just fine. Saw a couple in the room, plenty more in the common areas. In fairness though, there were big signs posting the upcoming fumigation schedule so this is obviously something they address on an ongoing basis.
Nickel and dime time: Want to use the barbecue? $ 20 deposit. Want to use the rec facilities? $ 20 deposit. surprised the toilet wasn’t coin operated… Want change from the machine for the laundry? You’ll pay a 25% fee for change ($ 1 gives only 3 quarters).
No wifi in the room. They say you can «rent» a T-​Mobile wifi router for $ 5 per day but there was a waiting list of at least 10 days. There’s Wifi in the lobby so you can watch all the Kojak rerun’s on Netflix you want if you’re prepared to deal with the musty retirement home smell.
OVERALL:
You can find some great deal to stay here (we paid around $ 100 per night all inclusive). So if you want to save a few bucks and can deal with the cons, this place may be for you. If you want «high end» look elsewhere but be prepared to pay a lot more.
Hope this helps.

I came here for vacation and stayed at this location since my sister let us use her timeshare! One thing that we were particular with was whether or not places in Hawaii were cockroach free. Thank goodness this place is! It was extremely clean, and the staff here was helpful. Whenever we had questions, they were more than willing to answer them.
If you have a timeshare here, parking is free. They give you a parking pass, so make sure you always show it when your car is parked otherwise I believe that they give you a fine. It was very easy to find parking since they had reserved spots for those who are staying at the Royal Kuhio.
The location is nice, both close to the beach and restaurants/​shops around the area. My boyfriend and I stayed at three different places during our trip to Hawaii, and this was one of our favorites.
The only downfall is that there is no wifi. They have printers downstairs, and computers, but you have to pay to print and use them. A little bummer, but it didn’t ruin out stay :)

We stayed here as timeshare owners during Christmas holiday this year. We had 2×1 BR condos. Both were clean and modestly decorated. A bit dated but functional. No signs of any unwanted insects as noted in other reviews :-) You can rent T-​Mobile 4G hotspots for $ 5.00/day. These work but are painfully slow for whatever reason.
Neither room had an ocean view and the pool is great if it’s over 85 degrees out which it was not while we were here. The VOG was heavy as the weather was a bit unseasonal during our stay.
Proximity to Waikiki is within walking distance as is the Zoo, Aquarium as are the many upscale stores and ABC markets. Food Pantry has a better selection and if you rent a car you could go out of the tourist strip for your grocery needs.
Well worth our points and would stay here again with my nuclear family.

Date of stay: November 12^th — November 17^th (honeymoon)
PROS:
View (if you’re facing the ocean, which we were) — awesome sunsets right at your balcony although our sunset view was blocked by the other skyscrapers
No parking fee.
Secured parking and elevator access.
Security guard station in lobby.
Air conditioning
Laundry, pool on the 7^th floor
Bus stop right out front
Close to Waikiki
Kitchen equipped with stove, fridge and pots/​pans in hotel room
Friendly staff at Lifetime in Hawaii
CONS:
1) Old furniture, dated room, old carpet
2) Noise was loud. From the moment you wake up you will hear all sorts of city sounds including garbage truck, sirens from police cars, honking horns, people
3) Still used «keys» instead of hotel key cards. The main key for the garage and main entrance is a bit outdated
Overall, an OKAY experience although I would have liked to stay somewhere a little more modern. But the prices were reasonable and it was centrally located.

This might be where the local prostitutes and drug dealers live. The lobby smells like a men’s urinal cake. Units are very dated and scary. Rooms dont feel secure. I would avoid this place like the plague. Steer clear. Make sure all your shots are up to date.

This is not a hotel, its a condo. It is the perfect location, rite in the middle of waikiki and close to the beach, shops, restaurants. My friend got the condo and I stayed for one night.
Exterior is nice and clean. Again, location is a must for me and this fits it. Interior lobby is nice, elevator to parking lot sucks, its really small and only 1. Only 3 elevators for the whole building for the first 31 floors and it takes forevers for the elevator. 2 of the elevators were broken so only 1 was working at the time and people were waiting for then 20 mins. Pool is nice, but mislabeled. The pool is 5 feet, but I couldnt touch the bottom and I am 6’1. Nice laundry area. hallways are rather outdated.
The condo itself was amazing. for the price of about $ 90 A nite, free parking, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room. it was basically like an apartment. very clean, dishwasher, microwave, dishes, fridge. The condo itself and location is what made me give this place a 4 stars.

I was here for 4 nights, august 15 – 19, and thought it was alright.
They definitely won’t let you check in early, which pretty much sucks. So just show up exactly, or a little after, your check in time. They’ll give you two sets of keys, which are a metal oval key, to get in the garage, elevator, and room. The one thing that I wasn’t so fond of was that Royal Kuhio guests can only park on the 6^th floor that says «Royal Kuhio Suite.» The elevator basically takes you back to the lobby, which you would have to walk to your side of the room and get back on another elevator.
The room was fairly nice. It had the essentials you would need, like plates, cups, towels, pillows, etc. They also have a list of things, which is located in the kitchen, that you have there. I was skeptical to read about cockroaches being there and was on the look out. 20 minutes of being there, my dad killed one. In all the days of being there, I’d say we killed about 2 or 3 of them. We cleaned up after ourselves, washed the dishes, and left the AC on all day and night. This made a less appearance of the little buggers.
Overall, our experience here was alright. The only no-no’s were having to use the elevator several times a day to get to a destination and just seeing the cockroaches. I would definitely stay at another timeshare if I had the chance to.

Date of stay: 12÷17−12÷24 (as part of our timeshare exchange with RCI)
PROS:
Early check-​in
View (if you’re facing the ocean, which we were) — awesome sunsets right at your balcony
No daily resort fee. All we were charged was $ 10 for the week (I believe)
No parking fee.
Secured parking and elevator access.
Security guard station in lobby.
DVD player
Plenty of machines for laundry
Free beach chairs/​mats (if available)
Bus stop right out front
CONS:
Accommodations were a tad small for our family of 4.
Old furniture/​dirty dishwasher
Tempurpedic bed — it was broke. One side might as well have been a hammock. It sagged THAT much! Waking up with backpain = no bueno.
1 TV and it wasn’t a flat screen (but you’re in Hawaii, who watches TV? well, we do.)
Change machine in laundry room gives you $ 0.75 for every $ 1. Meh!
Night noise — you’re surrounded by clubs and bars so it can get rowdy late nights. We didn’t use the AC but kept the windows open and woke up at 330am to watch the show on the streets below.
As part of the timeshare, housekeeping «cleans» on Monday and Wednesdays — all they did was replenish the towels. We empty our own trash via the trash chute by the elevators and when we ran out of doo doo paper and dish soap, we had to go to the «office» and get it ourselves.

My husband and I stayed here through our timeshare company from July 7 — 14 of this year. Our room was clean and comfortable. While our room was supposed to accomodate up to 4 people, that would have been pushing it to say the least.
If you are looming for a large, posh hotel then this is certainly not the place you want to be. This hotel will provide you with very modest accomodations in a prime location: just a few blocks away from Waikiki beach. Our unit also included a full kitchen and dining area, which saved us some time and moolah for breakfast and snacks. Let’s face it, plane tickets to Hawaii alone can easily break the bank. So, hubby and I had a blast on our vacation and I would stay here again if budgeting is an issue (that is unless I hit the lotto anytime soon).

My boyfriend and I stayed here for a week using my mom’s timeshare. Its a great location– walking distance to shopping, the beach, and restaurants. And for those without a car theres a bus stop right in front. For those who love clubbing, Zanzabar is right across the street, so awesome! The unit itself wasn’t bad. The building is older so it wasn’t glizty and shiny. The staff were friendly and informative. They gave us a ton of extra towels and pillows, so that was really nice.
The ONLY reason I give the RK 3 stars is because the first night we saw a couple roaches in our kitchen. Yuck yuck yuck disgusting.

Ah yes, The Royal Kuhio. I recommend this place due to the convenient location. I lived in a unit up on the 24^th floor. Loved the incredible ocean/​city views and sipping drinks out on the Lanai. But even better than the views would be… the location.
Everything is within walking distance. It’s near the rear of the International Marketplace, close to the beach, and surrounded by restaurants and shopping.
I guess if you are a rower/​sculler you’ll appreciate that the canal is just a couple of blocks away as well.
If you want to eat in, there is a market close by. If you can’t get to your destination on foot, no big deal, because the bus stops next to the RK.
The building has great security, a rec center, a pool, and a laundry room. Some units are Time Share, some units are rental/​leases/​sub lets, and a few are owner occupied. All in all it’s a good mix of people.