We have stayed at the Island Colony several times since 1982 but it has been about 9 years since our last visit to Hawaii and we didn't know what to expect from some of the reviews with bugs, etc. We decided to try it anyway.

We were assigned 4221 which is a one bedroom. The livingroom window gives a fabulous ocean view and the view from the lanai is of diamond head and the pool. The view alone was worth twice the price of the room. The bathroom has a nice small vanity, and there was a cabinet above the toilet so there was loads of room for everyone. The tub was an oval corner tub with a nice shower. There is a huge closet, and a 6 drawer dresser in the bedroom and a 3 drawer combination TV cabinet and dresser. in the living room. A queen size bed in the bedroom, and two single size beds/day beds in the living room. Full size fridge, microwave, and a glass 4 burner stove top. There were utensils and dishes for 6 people, Toaster, small slow cooker, pots and pans. The only thing I would have liked was a larger frying pan and a 4 slice toaster as it would make cooking breakfast go faster. We often had breakfast and even light lunches at the hotel.

The pool deck is the best in Waikiki as it has sun from early morning to about 5:00pm. It is centrally located with The Bus only a short block away, Dukes lane one block away, International market 1.5 blocks, Food Pantry about 2.5 blocks and it takes about 5 minutes to walk to the beach (if you don't stop to browse in Dukes Lane).

The building has security cameras all over and have security on site which is very reassuring to the traveller. We had a noisy neighbor and security was there within minutes and he turned down his music right away.

I have to advise that our only negative experience was with the on-going refurbishment. Neither our travel agent or the tour company advised us of the construction. When we contacted the hotel directly, they advised that the construction would be complete by the end of March, which it was for the location of our room, however we could only use the pool from 7 - 8:00 am (Monday - Friday) and then from 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm. The workers did not start making their noise until 9:00 or 9:30 and it was very loud throughout the building. We just went to the beach more than we had intended.

The Island Colony has gone through a number of different owners/management companies since Resort Quest sold it sometime since 1999 and I think it was left to run down. Aqua is the new ower and is working hard to upgrade and repair the exterior of the building and it is scheduled to be complete by September 2008. I also understand that they are also planning renovations to many of the rooms as well. The pool deck is in need of a power washing, the pools has a number of tiles missing and is pretty dirty as all the dust blows into the pool. The daily cleaning just can't quite keep up to the dust being generated. On the weekends the pool was pristine as the construction stopped on the weekend (and anytime there was a little bit of rain as well).

Cleanliness of our Room - Very clean. No cockroaches were seen and they have a regular pest control company come to ensure that there are no bugs (they actually came while we were there). Bathroom floor could have used a darn good scrubbing though.

Also many of the units are privately owned and some are rented out by absentee owners who do not all provide daily cleaning services through the hotel and that may be why some units had reports of cockroaches.

Hotel lobby is immaculate as are all the public areas, including the laundry room, and sauna. The convenience shop is currently for sale and it doesn't carry a lot but there is liquor and basics and the ever present ABC stores (all blocks covered).

The hot tub is very hot and they have signs posted that children under 14 are not allowed (even with a parent) but anyone with a hot tub knows that high temperatures are very dangerous to small children. Security actually have cameras on the pool deck and had some parent remove their children from the hot tub, for their own health and safety.

Some of the lounges on the pool deck are in need of repair as some of the strapping is missing however I think they may be replaced/repaired when the pool deck is cleaned and pool tiles repaired as part of the renovation.

There is no restaurant in the hotel but there are plenty close by, such as Denny's, IHOP, and our favorite was The Cheesecake Factory in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Centre and the Wailana Coffe House (take the bus it is worth it).

They do have an Enterprize car rental agency and if you find the right tourist information book which are on every corner, you can save 15%. Parking for guests is $14.00 per 24 hour period which is really cheap for Waikiki. On street parking is non existent at night and during the day you have to feed the meters and it is only for a max of 2 hours.

Overall our experiences was above average with the exception of the construction.

If you are considering the Island Colony you should contact them directly to get an update of their renovations schedule before making your decision.

We are looking forward to seeing what other renovations will take place before we return there again.

P.S. Most of the photos you see on the internet and in brochures are the original photos from when it opened in 1978-79. So look at the more recent photos that people have posted.

We loved the layout of the one bedroom. We did have a few problems which we advised the hotel of upon our return. We should have told them while we were there because they really made the effort to look after our concerns. Overall the rooms were very nice but the housekeeping could use some improvement and the views were amazing.

I have stayed her a few times and I will continue to stay here every time I come. I read the reveiws with the bugs and I must say I have not experienced bugs at all while I was there. I have stayed elsewhere in waikiki in hotels that where decent but small, tiny lanais and no view what so ever. At Island Colony I paid the same price for a awsome view, a very convenient kitchenette and a wonderful lanai. I have suggested this hotel to several people and I am taking a few family members on their 1st trip to hawaii and we are all staying there. My only complaint is I wish the elevators were faster but that was no biggie to me. Its super close to the international market place and several fast food places. We went to Germains luau (the best!) and the free bus picks you up just one block away at the waikiki trade center. Its not the hilton but if you are going to hawaii on a budget or want to get a place to just sleep and and kick back then this is the place.

The hotel was okay and we didn't expect luxury for what we paid. The room was a decent size, but quite shabby and not particularly clean. Having a fridge and microwave was a definite bonus. The bathroom was tiny and smelly. The walls are very thin, so it can be noisy. The little shop on the 6th floor was very useful and the pool and spa were clean and well kept. There was construction going on at the time of our stay, but we were still able to access the pool.
The front desk staff were quite helpful if advice was needed about anything.
The hotel is in a decent location - not too far from the beach - 10 minute walk. The area did seem a bit dodgy at night, though and the streets further back from the beach front are not very well lit.