Waikiki is loud. It's expensive. Honestly, it’s a place where you can easily drop $500 a night just to have a view of a concrete parking garage if you aren't careful. That’s why the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki is such a weird, polarizing little spot. People either love it because they saved enough money to go skydiving on the North Shore, or they hate it because it’s not the Moana Surfrider.
You’ve probably seen it while scrolling through Expedia or Booking.com. It sits on Ala Moana Boulevard, tucked away from the beachfront chaos but close enough that you can still smell the salt air if the wind kicks up right. It doesn't have a private beach. It doesn't have a celebrity chef. What it does have is a location that bridges the gap between the tourist trap of central Waikiki and the local-ish vibes of the Ala Moana district.
Location: The "Almost-Waikiki" Reality
Let's be real about where you’re actually staying. If you look at a map, the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki is at the "gateway" to the neighborhood. This is a double-edged sword. You aren't in the middle of the Kalakaua Avenue shopping madness, which is a blessing if you value your sanity and your wallet.
You're about a ten-minute walk from the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. That's the closest "real" beach access. If you want the classic Waikiki beach experience with the umbrellas and the crowds, you're walking twenty minutes or hopping on a bus. But here’s the kicker: you’re also right next to Ala Moana Center. If you need a Target run for sunscreen or a cheap meal at the food court, you’re golden.
The bus system in Honolulu, known as TheBus, is surprisingly efficient. There’s a stop right nearby. You can get to Diamond Head or Hanuama Bay without dealing with the nightmare that is parking a rental car in a $50-a-day hotel garage. Speaking of cars, the Ramada charges for parking, but it's often a few bucks cheaper than the big resorts. Not free, just less painful.
What’s Actually Inside the Rooms?
Don't expect minimalist Scandinavian design here. It's classic Hawaii hotel vibes. Think tropical patterns, heavy curtains, and furniture that has clearly survived a few decades of salty air. It’s clean, though. That’s the thing people miss. For a budget-friendly Wyndham property, the housekeeping staff usually works their tails off.
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Most rooms come with a mini-fridge and a microwave. This is huge. In a city where a mediocre breakfast can cost you $30, being able to keep some milk and cereal or leftover poke in your room is a game-changer. Some rooms have lanais (balconies), but don't expect a sweeping ocean view. You’re mostly looking at the city skyline or the Ala Wai Canal. It's actually kind of cool at night when the city lights up, but if you're dreaming of waking up to crashing waves, you're in the wrong zip code.
The beds are... fine. They aren't the heavenly clouds of a Westin, but they aren't plywood either. It’s a place to crash after a day of hiking Lanikai Pillbox or snorkeling. If you’re spending more than eight hours a day in your room while on Oahu, you might be doing Hawaii wrong anyway.
The No-Resort-Fee Myth (and Reality)
One of the biggest selling points for the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki used to be the lack of a resort fee. For years, they were the holdout. However, the hospitality industry is a greedy beast. Always check your booking fine print. While they historically avoided the $40-a-day "convenience" tax that other hotels tack on for "free" Wi-Fi and pool towels, many third-party sites now show a nominal service fee. It’s still significantly lower than the big names, but it’s not always zero anymore.
Amenities: The Pool and the Perks
There is a pool. It’s on a sun deck. It’s fine for a quick dip to cool off, but it’s not a "pool scene." No swim-up bars. No DJs. Just water and some lounge chairs. If you have kids, they’ll like it because kids like any water that isn't a bathtub. If you're a couple looking for a romantic poolside cabana, you'll be disappointed.
There's a fitness center, too. It’s small. If you're a gym rat, you might find it lacking, but for a quick 20-minute treadmill run to burn off that Malasada from Leonard’s Bakery, it does the job.
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The hotel also houses some retail and dining options nearby. You're within spitting distance of an ABC Store (obviously, they're everywhere) and a few local eateries. The Red Lobster across the street is a landmark, though why you'd fly to Hawaii to eat at Red Lobster is a mystery for the ages. Walk a few blocks further and find the local ramen shops or the food trucks—your taste buds will thank you.
Why People Get Mad at This Hotel
Expectation management is a lost art. People book the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki because it’s the cheapest option within a mile of the beach, and then they get upset that it doesn't feel like the Four Seasons.
- Noise: It's on a busy corner. Buses hiss, sirens wail, and tourists shout. If you're a light sleeper, ask for a higher floor or bring earplugs.
- Elevators: They can be slow. During peak check-out times, you might be waiting a while. Just take the extra five minutes to breathe and remember you're in Hawaii.
- Aesthetics: It’s dated. If you need "Instagrammable" lobby shots, go have a drink at the Royal Hawaiian instead.
The Logistics of Staying Here
If you're flying into HNL, getting here is straightforward. A rideshare will run you about $30-$45 depending on the surge. Shuttles are available, but for two or more people, Uber or Lyft is usually cheaper and faster.
Check-in is typically at 3:00 PM. If you arrive early, they’ll hold your bags. Take that time to walk down to the Ala Wai boat harbor and watch the surfers. It’s one of the most underrated views in the city and it's free.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you've decided to pull the trigger on a booking, do these three things to make the experience better.
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First, join the Wyndham Rewards program before you book. Even if you don't care about points, members often get slightly better Wi-Fi speeds or late checkout options. It costs nothing.
Second, don't eat breakfast at the hotel. Walk five minutes to any of the nearby cafes or hit the 7-Eleven. Hawaii's 7-Elevens are legendary—grab a Spam Musubi and a coffee for five bucks and eat it by the water.
Third, use the money you saved on the room to rent a car for just one or two days to see the rest of the island. The Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki is a great "base camp," but the best parts of Oahu—the North Shore, the East Coast beaches, the mountain ridges—require wheels. Don't spend your whole vacation in the three blocks surrounding the hotel.
Is It Worth It?
Ultimately, this property is for the traveler who views a hotel as a locker with a bed. If you want to spend your money on experiences, food, and tours rather than thread counts and marble bathrooms, it’s a solid choice. It's safe, it's clean enough, and it puts you in a position to explore Honolulu without the high-end price tag. Just know what you're signing up for: a functional, mid-range stay in one of the most expensive cities on earth.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the official Wyndham site vs. a discount aggregator; often, the "Member Rate" on the official site beats the third-party price when you factor in the cancellation policy.
- Map out the walking path to the Ala Moana Center so you know exactly where to go for cheap supplies on your first night.
- Download the "Holo" card app if you plan on using the bus; it makes navigating the island's public transit infinitely easier than fumbling with cash.