What are the days and hours of operation for Discount Hotels Hawaii (DHH)?
Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm Hawaii Time.
Saturdays andSundays, 9 am to 5 pm.
(Sundays we are open only for same day arrivals)
Does DHH charge any fees to place a reservation?
No, DHH charges no fees to place reservation
Who is charging my credit card DHH or the Hotel?
When you make a reservation a one night deposit is charged to your account by the Hotel and upon arrival it is also the Hotel that will charge you the balance.
When is the best time to get the best deals for a hotel?
The best discounted rates always show up within 45 days of arrival. Within that time frame hotels have a better understanding of how busy they will be and those that are seeing the occupancy rates dip below their expectations tend to soften the rates. It is important that you do not lock into one property, keep your options open and our agents will be able to guide you through the decision process.
Could I obtain the same rate that DHH has if I contact the hotel directly?
No, in most cases not only that the rates that you can obtain through DHH are lower than the one you can obtain on your own, but also the hotel will not even extend the reservation more days unless DHH does it for you. Even in the event that DHH can't obtain for you a better rate that the hotel has, our agents will be able to help you make your choice of room categories, which building to choose within the hotel and even location within the building(s), after all nobody knows Waikiki better than we do ;o).
What happens if when I arrive to the hotel that you booked for me, I do not like it?
Unless you booked a pre-paid special rate, if upon arrival you realize that you are not satisfied with the hotel that DHH booked for you, there is nothing we can do for the first night but in most cases DHH can cut your stay short after that first night without penalty, call DHH before noon the day after your arrival and we can help you look for another hotel. Prepaid rates enjoy a further discount that regular discounted rates but have the restriction of not being able to be modified.
I do not have a credit or debit card, could I use cash?
You will need a credit or debit card in your name (Visa, MasterCard, Diners, Discover, AMEX, JCB) to be able to process a reservation, the hotel will place a one night deposit to your card and will collect the balance upon your arrival, you will also need to have the credit card or debit card with you upon check in as well as a government issued picture id. Please be advised that hotels also require a security deposit that is refunded at check out, this security deposit is also applied to the credit card or debit card and it varies from property to property but most hotels require $100 deposit. There are a few hotels that have a higher requirement, specially if you are using a debit card so you may want to check with your agent or the hotel direct to be sure.
I missed my flight but it was not my fault, would the hotel charge me a penalty?
As long as you cancel a reservation within penalty time (normally is 72 hs) the cancellation is subject to a cancellation penalty in most cases equated to a one night charge.
I am arriving a day later because I missed my flight, do I need to let the hotel know that I am not arriving on the day they expected me?
If you are arriving a day later it is very important that you contact DHH so we can change your arrival date, if the change is made within the cancellation time you will be charged for the first night anyway but by having DHH warn the hotel of your change of plans we make sure that your reservation is not cancelled completely and your room reassigned. Be aware however that if after you request the hotel to push back your arrival one day, if you fail to arrive for a second time, the hotel then will charge you a second night as penalty.
I do not need to be "in Waikiki" is there any other area on the island with less expensive hotels?
The huge majority of the hotels on the is land of OAHU (that is where Honolulu and Waikiki are) are found in Waikiki and there is where the lowest rates are as well, there are a few hotels scattered around the rest of the island, 3 by the airport, one in downtown Honolulu, one on the north shore and a couple on the so called Leeward Oahu but they tend to be more expensive than a hotel of the same quality in Waikiki.
How many people can stay in a hotel room or one bedroom?
As required by the Hawaii Fire Code, the maximum number of people legally allowed in a hotel room, studio or one bedroom suite is four.
It is the hotel that ultimately decides how many people will be allowed to stay in these categories as long as the number does not exceed 4, that is why some small hotel rooms only allow 2 people.
The number of variations in charges and bedding is so numerous that is better to contact one of DHH agents and explain your particular situation and based on your needs we will be able to advise your best course of action.
How many people can stay in a 2 bedroom suite?
As required by the Hawaii Fire Code, the maximum number of people legally allowed in a 2 bedroom suite is 6.
Is the hotel that ultimately decides how many people will be allowed to stay in these categories as long as the number does not exceed 6.
The number of variations in charges and bedding is so numerous that is better to contact one of DHH agents and explain your particular situation and based on your needs we will be able to advise your best course of action.
We are a party of 5 (or more) but most are either small children or babies, can we still stay in a single Hotel Room or we need larger accommodations?
The fire code will not allow the hotel to place more than 4 people in either a Hotel room or a Studio regardless of their age.
Call DHH and explain your situation, our booking agents will be able to advise you base on your unique situation.
What check in and check out times should I expect from a hotel?
The majority of hotels have a 3:00 PM check-in time and a 12:00 PM checkout time. A few have a 11 am check out time and condos tend to have a 10 am check out time and 3 PM check in time.
Would hotels in Honolulu normally hold luggage for guests arriving earlier than check in time or departing later than check out time?
Each hotel property has a form of storage area for guests baggage in the event they arrive before check-in time or depart after check out time but always within the same day (no overnight storage).
What is a security deposit?
A security deposit (also known as Key deposit) started a long time ago as a way to make sure that guests returned their keys. Over time it has evolved to a hold placed on a guests credit card, upon entry to the hotel, for the same key purpose as well as to cover and incidental charges to the room. Each hotel property has a different hold amount, but the typical security hotel is between 100 to 300 USD. that is of course refundable upon check out. You should keep in mind that when a hotel credits back a security deposit to a credit card or debit card, the bank can take several days to show the money in your card balance and you will not be able to use that money until that happens.
Should I leave valuables in my hotel room?
No valuables should be kept in an unsecured location. Majority of hotels will have an in-room safe or a safe located at the front desk for little or no cost to the guest.
Transportation related questions
Do Waikiki hotels include shuttle service to and from the airport?
Waikiki hotels do not include transportation to and from the Honolulu Airport. You will either have to acquire:
a) A shuttle from various companies operating at the Honolulu International Airport
b) A taxicab
c) A ride on the public transit system
There are 3 hotels next to the airport that include a shuttle in and out but they are far from the Waikiki area.
Airport hotels are situated in a semi-industrial area and are adequate if you are here for work or if you have a long stopover but are not an option if you want to be close to a beach.
How much does a shuttle cost from the Honolulu Airport to Waikiki?
Most shuttle companies will charge between 9 to 15 USD per person for a one-way trip.
How much does a taxicab cost from the Honolulu Airport to Waikiki?
Most taxicab rides between the Honolulu Airport and Waikiki are between 25 to 35 USD for up to 5 people, luggage is a few dollars extra per piece.
How much does the public transit service cost?
TheBus service charges for a one-way transit ride U$S 2.50 per person (subject to change). For more information about the public transit system on our Island go to http://www.thebus.org
Could I take the public transit service (TheBus) with luggage?
As a rule of thumb NO luggage is allowed on the bus system other than the kind of normal everyday things that people carry when they take a bus. For a complete list of all the items that you can carry on a bus go to http://www.thebus.org/howtoride/RulesReg.asp
Car related questions
Do hotel's in Honolulu charge for parking?
Ninety nine percent of the hotels in Honolulu charge for parking anywhere from 15 - 25 USD per a 24-hour day, and either self and/or valet parking.
Would you advise to rent a car if I am staying in a Waikiki Hotel?
For most visitors, renting a car in Honolulu might NOT be a good idea.
Some of the reasons behind this advise are:
a- If you are a hotel guest you have to pay for parking for all Waikiki hotels about $20 per day, if you are not a guest, that can easily be the charge for a single hour of parking.
b- Hawaii has the dubious record of consistently being the US State that endures the highest cost of gas.
c- Most first time visitors spend half of the time getting lost and the other half looking for the way to get back to the hotel.
d- If this is you first time visiting the island and your and your objective is getting to know as much of it as you can, take a tour, there are tons of companies that you can hire even on the same day of the tour and that not only will be able to show you 10 times more that you can find for yourself but also that you will understand better what you are seeing, then if you still want to revisit some of those places at your pace, rent a car for a day, return to the places that you liked best spend as much time as you want in them and upon returning to Waikiki, return the car.
If you decide to rent a car, under no circumstance leave any valuables in it (even hidden under the seat or in the trunk) including luggage, this island's crime rate is very low but a thief can spot a car rental from a mile and they just need a few seconds while you park your car in a crowded look out to take your purse from the car.
How easy is to find street parking in Honolulu?
Waikiki is not devoid of free street parking but it is certainly scarce. To find the few areas with free street parking go to http://discounthotelshawaii.com/wkkparking.html be very careful and read the street signs even in these areas because some become tow away zones a few hours a week to allow for street cleaning.
Are there other parking options in Waikiki less expensive than the hotel?
There are a few Waikiki buildings that house Public parking facilities and for a daily, weekly and/or monthly fee. Please view our Waikiki map parking page for more details.
Is it safe to leave my luggage and or belongings in a car?
No valuables, luggage and or personal items should be kept in any location of your rental vehicle (including "hidden" under the seat or in the trunk).
Whether you arrive to your hotel earlier than check in time or leave a lot later than regular check out time the great majority of hotels will hold your luggage.
Safety related questions:
How safe is Honolulu?
Honolulu is a fairly big city but the State of Hawaii has ranked low in regards to crime per population in comparison to U.S. Mainland cities.
Cities and beaches are pretty harmless, the local population is in general very nice and helpful. If you have a "misunderstanding" with anybody here do not try to resolve it yourself, either walk away or call 911.
It is not a good idea to camp here, please refer to this section.
Is it safe to leave valuables in a car?
No valuables, luggage and or personal items should be kept in any location of your rental vehicle. Please store all luggage and/or belongings with the Bell Captain. Keep valuable or personal items in your in-room safe or the hotel's safe located at the front desk.
Should I leave valuables in my hotel room?
No valuables should be kept in an unsecured location. Majority of hotels will have an in-room safe or a safe located at the front desk for little or no cost to the guest.
Tours and attractions related questions
Do I need to book tours and attraction in advance?
Tours and attractions can be purchased at any time, there is definitely no need to book them in advance, the previous day if it is a day activity or the same day if it is an evening show it is normally more than enough. Most hotels will offer a tour/travel desk for guests who seek more adventure on the islands.
Miscellaneous questions
Would camping be an option for inexpensive travel?
Camping is not a good or even a viable idea even though it is available here on Oahu, you will see tents and camping areas in many of the beaches around the island, but you must acquire a permit with no more than two-Fridays prior to your selected camping date. Your permit can only be used per the camp ground you selected, and not all campsites are available year-round. For more information contact the Parks Permit Section at (808) 768-3440.
Many locals love to camp and there is not nearly enough camping spots to accommodate even the local population. Camping spots are so sought after here that when the City and County offices open on fridays, there is already a line waiting and it takes sometimes less than 20 minutes to give out all available numbers.
If you succeed in securing a permit do not expect much in the way of installations public campsites have very basic bathroom and shower facilities.
There is a "passable" camping place belonging to the State of Hawaii called Malaekahana next to Laie, it better than the City operated ones but do not expect too much, the biggest draw back for Malaekahana is that it is over an hour away from Honolulu and Waikiki.
Are the beaches in Hawaii private?
All Hawaii beaches are public. If there is something that you do not want to mess around with in this corner of the country is access to the beach.
All private property on the ocean front must allow a free public corridor every few hundred feet for beach access, even the military grants access to the beach for the general public in most military operated areas in one way or another.
Private property does start at some point so be sure not to wander into someone's backyard because that is consider trespassing here too.
