The Equus Hotel, Honolulu, Hawaii

The Aqua Hotel chain is fairly large throughout Hawaii. The Equus Boutique in Honolulu is one of the Aqua hotels. Aqua Hotels and Resorts were started in 2001. Since then it has grown to be considered the 8th fastest growing Hawaiian Company.

The Equus Hotel started out at the Hawaii Polo Inn. The original hotel had Ralph Lauren inspired decor and complimentary tickets during the polo season. The hotel has seen some changes now that it is part of the Aqua chain. Inside the suites is an elegant country decor allowing guests to be comfortable and feel invited. The exterior of the hotel is a lot like many high rise hotels. The walls are white, with plenty of windows and balconies for guests to enjoy.

At the Equus are 68 hotel rooms. The rooms still have a Ralph Lauren decor though it has been updated and changed a bit. Soothing colors mixed with darks woods await guests. Since the rooms are suites a refrigerator, coffee maker, and other kitchen amenities are in the rooms. The guest rooms do offer high speed internet access, in room safe, telephone, 28'' or 32'' flat screen TV, air conditioning, toiletries, and either a single or double bed. Rooms have either two double beds, a king bed, or queen bed. The deluxe suites have a separate sitting room with couch to make guests more comfortable. Irons and ironing boards are available in the rooms as well.

Outside of the guest rooms are other amenities for guests to enjoy. There is a complimentary coffee and tea service in the lobby, continental breakfast, local newspaper, free polo tickets during the season, and 24 hour front desk. Guests can also enjoy a barbeque grilling area, beachfront trail rides, laundry, snack machines, and swimming pool. The swimming pool is located outside in a garden like atmosphere. There are tables and chairs set up by the pool to make guests more comfortable.

The Equus Hotel is located on Ala Moana Boulevard which is just minutes from shopping, the beach, and other attractions. Waikiki Beach is one block from the hotel. Ala Moana shopping center is also one block. The Hawaiian Convention Center, Luxury Row, Waikiki Beachwalk, Royal Hawaiian Center, International Marketplace, Chinatown, and Aloha Tower Marketplace are a bit further away from the hotel. The International Airport is seven miles from the hotel.

The Equus Hotel has a few options for business travelers. It is possible to host conferences at the hotel with the amenities and business areas provided. Aqua hotels offer wedding packages to guests. Individuals can get married on the beach, near gardens, or have a reception at the hotel.

The Equus Hotel is considered a lite hotel. This means it does not have all of the amenities you might find at the Aqua resorts. It is a boutique though, so spa services and relaxation are part of the Aqua Equus Hotel experience. The Waikiki Beach Restaurant is a few steps from the hotel offering various cuisines.