Pagoda Hotel

UNSAFE! DO NOT STAY HERE! I would have given ZERO or NEGATIVE star If I could. On May 18, 2025, one of our large suitcases was stolen from *right outside our hotel room* at the Pagoda Hotel, a place where we expected to feel safe. We had just checked in. My aunt and cousin helped my mom and me bring up two large suitcases, two carry-ons, and two big bags. About 20 minutes later, I realized that one of the large black Samsonite suitcases was missing. It wasn’t left in the car or the elevator, we were sure it had been left just outside the room as we were moving things in. I informed hotel staff immediately. They said we had to call the police in order to access security footage. When the police arrived and reviewed the CCTV, it showed a man who was **not a hotel guest** entering the elevator just one minute after us, reaching our floor, and riding away on a bicycle with our suitcase. The **keycard security system had been disabled** in one of the elevators due to maintenance meaning *anyone* could access guest floors. This is a serious security issue. What if we had still been in the hallway or our door had been open? The police later found the suitcase abandoned near a playground, but nearly everything (valued around $2,000) was gone. Only five used clothing items remained. What made things worse was how the hotel handled the situation. The security manager was dismissive and rude. When we asked (while clearly panicking) if there was any chance the thief could be connected to someone on staff, he snapped back that staff had worked there for over 40 years and would “never do such a thing.” Even after I apologized, he scolded us for leaving the suitcase outside and said he could’ve been enjoying his day off instead completely ignoring the much bigger issue of disabled security. The hotel manager initially refunded our hotel charges, and I asked for $1,000 in compensation (just half the value of our loss). She said compensation wasn’t possible because the reservation was under my aunt’s name even though my name was also listed and included in the police report. A few days later, the general manager sent us an email offering 30% off our next stay which felt completely inappropriate and honestly, absurd. After such a traumatic experience, who would ever want to return? This was not just about lost property it was about the hotel’s failure to maintain basic security and the way they treated us afterward. We couldn’t sleep that night. I’m writing this review to warn other travelers. The Pagoda Hotel has serious security flaws, poor communication, and little accountability. What happened to us should not happen to anyone else.

Good value, reasonable prices for Honolulu. Hotel staff was courteous and helpful. Room was clean and nicely arranged. Breakfast staff was especially hospitable and helpful. Good value and reasonable prices especially the breakfasts. Only complaint was the shower. It alternated between hot and cold by itself which made for an uncomfortable showering experience. Otherwise it was a pleasant stay. Would stay again.

The room smell like pungent pee. When we open the room door, the smell of pungent pee welcome us in. I sprayed perfume hoping to make it smell better, but the pee smell is so strong. The hallway carpet and walkway is so dark and spooky. The hotel is so rundown. The elevator card doesn’t even work. Anyone can just go up and down. I didn’t feel safe. I won’t ever go back.

Pagoda April May 2025 An old place, close to Ala Moana Shopping center and Walmart. Also close to some local bars that are not touristy and not overpriced. Short Uber to Waikiki, walkable if you are keen, worthwhile to save alot of $$. Restaurant only does breakfast.

A great location New carpets were plush and nice. Beds well made. Location is great. 4 blocks from Ala Moana Mall, 1 block from Don Quixote, 2 blocks from Wall Mart. Adequate parking most times but parking lot handles about 15 cars, then they have expanded parking about half block away. This place is over 50 years old, and is surrounded by newer places that are 2 to 3 times higher. It's a great place to stay for its location within walking distances from many interesting places to go. A Catholic church is half a block away.