<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by jetsetter777:
I will be spending a good deal of time on my own, (without a car) so I just request
1. closeness to the beach (close enough where I can just take my room key with me and nothing else!)
2. closeness to restaurants, shops, etc (walking distance)
3. nice hotel that doesn't look like it came out of the 70's 
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You're requirements are very similar to mine, except that we always rent a car (& waste a ton of money in the process). But don't you want a book, too?
At both the HHV & the Outrigger Waikiki the only thing you need to take is your room key. There's always a host(ess) that will take food or drink orders.
The Outrigger is centrally located. It was updated not too long ago (late 90's). Some of the rooms at the HHV are dated. Also, if you stay at the HHV, unless you're in the Rainbow or Alii Tower you will have to take a walk to the sand.
I definitely would stick to one of the central Waikiki properties. Any of the Sheraton's (except Princess Kaiulani) would be good (but expensive). The Princess Kaiulani is right across the street from the Outrigger.
Downside to the Outrigger - no points (except with United-I think).
I honestly think that if you can get passed the no points & noise from Duke's, then your best bet will be the Outrigger for location and price.
And - it sounds like we will just miss each other....
Mary