Fodor's Expert Review Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel

Built to resemble a Chinese lantern, this circular, 14-story hotel is a Waikiki landmark, where a charming interior design brings the Pacific inside, beginning at check-in with breezes that flow through an open-air lobby. Honeymooners, snowbirds, and old-timers love this little hotel, where the front-desk staff takes the time to get to know you. Although rooms are small, with tiny bathrooms that have only (tiny) showers, they're done in bright, aqua-and-yellow color schemes, they utilize every bit of space well, and they all have a lanai with a view that guests return for again and again. Not that you'll be in your room much: Waikiki Beach (and the famed Duke statue) is right down the front stairs and across the street. The popular and casual Eggs 'n Things eatery is in the lobby, and an ABC Store is steps away.