Review Author

Kristin Conard

Contributing Writer

Half a block from the Ala Wai Canal, Romer House is far enough from busy Kalakaua Avenue to feel like an escape, yet only a 10-minute walk from Waikiki Beach.

All 179 guestrooms nod to Waikiki’s midcentury architecture, mixing warm wood, deep blues, moody teals, and private lanais in select rooms and suites.

The lobby bar serves breakfast and evening drinks, while Izakaya 855-ALOHA pairs Japanese-Hawaiian small plates with sake, whiskey, and playful cocktails. Standouts include kara-age, a poke sampler, a wagyu trio, and chocolate namelaka with tahini caramel and black sesame.

Local art fills the public spaces, including surf photography by Arto Saari, rotating exhibitions, and a mural inspired by Hawaiian fishponds near the pool.

Poolside wellness classes include yoga, sound baths, and Pilates. DJs arrive Thursday through Saturday, while the hotel’s neighborhood stewardship program connects guests with ecosystem restoration and park cleanups.

The adults-only difference is clearest at the long, heated pool, where daybeds and cabanas create a genuinely calm retreat. The pool bar serves food and tropical drinks, including the 855 Smash Burger and coconut-rum Mama Said Knock You Out cocktail.

A preserved maile lei from the hotel’s opening blessing hangs by the lobby stairs, a quiet symbol of peace and prosperity for guests.

Top Takeaways

Location: Honolulu, Hawaii, in Waikiki

Rating: Four-star

The vibe: Sultry, inviting, and locally rooted, with midcentury island style and a grown-up pool scene.

Food + Drink: Izakaya 855-ALOHA serves Japanese-Hawaiian dishes, sake, whiskey, and shareable plates.

Amenities: Outdoor pool, wellness classes, restaurant, and bars

Our favorite thing: The local connections, from the artwork and architecture to neighborhood discounts and ingredients.

What’s nearby? Waikiki Beach, International Market Place, Ala Wai Golf Course, Duke Kahanamoku Statue, and Royal Hawaiian Center

Rooms: 179, including eight connecting suites

Pricing: Rates start at $195 per night, plus a $45 resort fee

Closest Airport: Honolulu International Airport