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HOTEL RENEW
When I was first invited to stay at Hotel Renew when they opened in 2008, I declined because it wasn't on the beach. I know, what a hotel snob. Fortunately, I'm getting more and more low maintenance as I get older, which is the complete opposite of most of my friends, as they are going in the other direction. Last month I stayed off Waikiki Beach for the first time, at the Marriott Waikiki, and I enjoyed my stay there almost as much as I have at Waikiki Beach–front hotels. So I decided to give Hotel Renew a shot. Besides, how bad could it be? First of all, it's parallel to the Marriott Waikiki (it's so close you can pick up their Wi-Fi).

WHAT YOU GET
The best part of the nine-story 72-room boutique hotel, besides its price (rates begin at just $115 a night), is the decor (modern Japanese-influenced), friendliness of the staff (it's like a W but without the pretentiousness), and the overall value. If paying $115 a night in Waikiki isn't reason enough to stay there, then when you find out that these guys give guests free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, beach towels, mats, chairs, and boogie boards for no extra charge, that should do the trick. I've stayed at hotels that cost triple the price and they don't give any of those extras.

ROOMS
The rooms have well-designed interiors. They are comfortable and come with a flat-screen TV, Japanese-style sliding wood screens (rather than blackout curtains), and a working desk (the chair is too low for my liking but I got used to it). They have light switches next to the bed and entrance with three simple buttons: "Bright” (all lights on), "Night” (all lights off), and "Just Right” (a couple lights on)-it sounds simple but it's brilliant, and I wish all hotels copied that. The bathroom is basic with a tub and shower (they aren't separate), and the toiletries are designer from Face of Stockholm.

OCEAN VIEW IS ALWAYS BETTER
I stayed in two different rooms. My first night I was on the back side, with no view of Waikiki, and my second night was on the good side. Both rooms were great, but I liked the one with a view of the beach for obvious reasons and the fact that it came with a balcony and was a little quieter. Yes, the walls and windows are on the thin side, and I did hear the garbage man at 5 a.m. the first night. But I had the same experience at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider years ago when I was on the street side (the Surfrider is now run by Westin, but I bet you hear the same noise). TIP: No matter where you stay, always bring a pair of earplugs if you are a light sleeper. FYI: I didn't use them any of my nights at Hotel Renew and I slept well.

OVERALL
Even though Hotel Renew doesn't have a pool, gym, or restaurant (besides breakfast), I didn't care. Waikiki Beach is 100 yards away, and there are nearby workout facilities and hundreds of places to eat within walking distance. If you have a car, valet costs just $22 a day, and there's a mini-fridge in the room so you can store leftovers. The only thing the hotel needs to change is the price for bottled water: $4 a pop is too much, and who's going to take the bait when there's an ABC store 20 steps away that sells water for $1 a liter, and all kinds of goodies and supplies for cheaper than they are back home. I honestly don't think you will find a better value on Waikiki than Hotel Renew. I'm a huge fan! Hotel Renew, 129 Paoakalani Ave., Honolulu, HI; Tel.: 808-687-7700.

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