Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel - Honolulu, Hawaii - Central Waikiki's Round Hotel

Overlooking Waikiki Beach, the Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel is a landmark among buildings on Kalakaua Avenue, owing to its distinctive round shape. It was originally built in 1963, but thanks to recent renovations, initiated after changing its name from the ResortQuest Waikiki Circle Hotel, it is now just as modern and fresh as its younger neighbors.

Upon arrival, guests check in at the hotel's open air lobby with its colorful seascape murals, sand-textured floor, and blue neon lights. The view of the beach from here is exceptional, and many guests choose to make the lobby their rendezvous point, where free coffee is served daily from 6:45am to 9am.

Other lobby amenities include an activities desk, a travel desk and seasonal activities for children. The latter includes the popular Keiki Kids Club, an indoor/outdoor activities program for children aged 5~12.

Indeed, with its "Kids Stay Free'' policy, the Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel is particularly child-friendly. There is no room charge for children 17 years and younger who stay with their parents when using existing bedding. Additionally, complimentary welcome amenities, such as a mini-goldfish toy, are given to all children under 12 years of age upon check-in.

The hotel's 104 guest rooms all have similar 245-square-foot configurations, featuring two double beds with rattan headboards. They are distinguished from one another by the views that they provide: City View, Partial Ocean View, Ocean View and Ocean Front. Each room features an ocean-themed dycor with a furnished lanai and can accommodate up to four persons. Rates are based on single or double occupancy.

Within all of the hotel rooms, guests enjoy access to air conditioning, a refrigerator, flat screen television with cable service, a clock radio, a coffee maker, daily maid service, a hairdryer, iron and ironing board, a microwave, safe and telephone with data port. High-speed Internet access is available for a fee. Cribs and rollaway beds can be provided upon request.

Although the Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel has no restaurants, bars, nightclubs or shops on the premises, all of these attractions are within easy walking distance, as are Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium and Kapiolani Beach Park. The International Marketplace, with its food courts, boutiques, carts, and artisan stands, is right next door. Tennis, golf, a gym, and a day spa are all nearby, too.

Perhaps the Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel's greatest benefit, however, is its proximity to the Waikiki Beach, which is immediately across the street from the hotel entrance. Surfboard racks, beach mats, rafts, snorkels and other gear are available. The Activities Desk will even provide guests with their own sand pails and shovels, perfect for building sandcastles.

Other hotel amenities include free daily newspapers, laundry and dry cleaning services, and onsite parking. A charge of $12 a day applies to the latter. The Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel is located ten miles from Honolulu International Airport at 2464 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815.