I was gifted a free nights at The Laylow Hotel, all opinions are my own.
I’m excited to share The Laylow Waikiki review, along with a few pandemic tips! This summer we got to visit Oahu for a month and it was totally worth the 14 day quarantine! In our time there we wanted to spend some time in Honolulu once we were out of quarantine. I was looking for a hotel that would feel inviting, modern and photogenic! 🙂 We also needed to be family-friendly! Nick and I found The Laylow Hotel and immediately fell in love with the vibe.
Laylow Waikiki Vibe
You can get a sense for the magical atmosphere that Laylow Waikiki has created. When you first come up to the lobby on the escalator, you’re greeted by lush greens, airy swings and a welcoming staff. At your left is the pool and “laylow” sunning beds, and to the right the rooftop deck, The Hideout. More on that later!
No detail is spared with Palm-print wallpaper throughout, and island earthy wood tones. My kids especially loved the ukuleles along the walls and in our room. Right from the start, you get a sense that you’re gonna do some serious relaxing at Laylow Waikiki!
The Hideout
The Hideout is the in house restaurant, and it’s EVERYTHING! After months of not eating out, it was incredible to sit on the most stunning rooftop overlooking gorgeous downtown Honolulu. There is a fire pit, cozy seating along the perimeter and live music! Not only live music, like really really good musicians. Along with this, a great wine menu and crowd-pleasing menu options. We ate there 3 times! I also have to point out how great it was that they used paper straws. It’s all about the little things there!
Laylow Waikiki Review- POOL
You can’t not be a pool person at this stunning pool. The temperature was just right and inviting nooks all around. I love a good pool bed, and this was exactly what we needed to relax in the sun. A favorite feature was the lounge structures in the pool that offered refreshment. Not to mention that cute swinging chairs all over the property, that my kids loved a bit too much!
The Rooms
This is one of the rooms that has direct access to the pool. It has two swinging chairs right outside. The rooms were spacious, beautifully detailed and equipped with lux bath products. There are options for every budget including studios with pull-out couches, suites and more! See here for room pictures.
COVID-19 Safety and Tips
You’ll note that I’m wearing a mask in most of these pictures! That’s because all guests are required to wear a mask in public places that aren’t the pool or dining! It’s state mandated, so it’s nice to take the decision out of it and require everyone to do it. Here are some other things that Laylow Waikiki is doing for safety precautions during COVID-19 pandemic.
Laylow Waikiki Review: Safety measures in place
- Enforcing a 14 day quarantine if traveling from the mainland. Please note: inter-island quarantines may also be enforced.
- Space markers on the floor so you know where to wait.
- Scanning menus on your phone for The Hideout dining deck. No touch is always better
- No more than 2 people in elevator unless it’s a family unit
- Hand sanitizer everywhere you turn
- Regular escalator and common area wipe-downs
Traveling during the pandemic had some nerve-wrecking moments and these procedures in place make a big difference. I appreciated that The Laylow, Autograph Collection had all these measures in place. Upon arrival, I was asked to show my flight itinerary to prove how long I’d been in Oahu. I can imagine all of these procedures can’t be easy for the staff but nevertheless, all were cheerful and extremely accomodating.
I hope that the next time you travel to Hawaii, you make Laylow Waikiki your #1 pick for a spot that’s safer, chic and modern! It’s 5 minutes from Waikiki Beach, close to other amazing dining spots and next to the International Marketplace, with amazing shopping. It’s a no-brainer, hope you enjoyed Laylow Waikiki Review! For how we got our kids to wear masks on the plane see here, and for other travel posts check this out. Love, Z
NOTE: My family traveled to Hawaii for a month and we quarantined in a rental on the North Shore for 14 days. We did not quarantine at any hotel and would advise against it.