I only returned from exploring Suzhou, China two weeks ago and still am reeling from such an eye-opening, visually stimulating and immersive trip!
Suzhou is just what you expect traditional China to be.
Though there are high-rises and busy modern center, the old town is basically in a time warp. As you walk the cobbled street or cruise down the canals on a wooden boat helmed by a singing local, you will truly feel that you are 2500 years in the past.
I was exploring Suzhou to shoot a series on the ancient arts and traditions. My cameraman, translator, guide and other team members joined me in what would be a jam-packed 4 days of Suzhou culture. Each episode in our series included working with a local artisan or master craftsman.
These are my favorite types of stories to tell–the real stories of the local people.
Through meeting these masters, learning their skills and understanding their stories, I was able to understand what is Suzhou today by understanding its history.
You will be seeing 4 Master Class videos from this culture series: Calligraphy, Bonsai, Dumplings & Silk. These four elements are woven in the fabric of daily life yet have been important in Suzhou’s culture for centuries.
My first episode is released today (!) and it is focused on Calligraphy. We went visited the Garden of Cultivation, an ornate garden with rock formations, caves and a lovely central pond with lily pads. There was also a popular teahouse in this garden and we had a private room inside to conduct our calligraphy lesson. Our master, Fanwu Zheng, didn’t speak any English so he and I used a translator to communicate. But quickly, we were able to understand each other through laughs, gestures and brushstrokes.
Suzhou was one of the premier places for calligraphy, being home to the Wu School of professional artists and some of the country’s most skilled calligraphers. Calligraphy was considered one of the highest forms of visual art, along with poetry and painting. It is much more than just writing, it is the creation of moving pieces of artwork.
The best way to understand Suzhou, our experience and the significance of calligraphy is through our first episode. Take a look and let me know what you think!
Now the travel giveaway!
The contest is on Twitter only.
Prize:
Roundtrip airfare from the US or Canada to Suzhou, China (You fly into Shanghai then transfer)
4 Nights Accommdations in Suzhou (hotels are nice!)
All meals included (YUM!)
The 4 Cultural Opportunities that I experienced with Calligraphy, Bonsai, Dumplings & Silk!
One lucky winner will be selected from there. I cannot wait to see who wins because this trip was so special to me and I want others to share it! GOOD LUCK!
https://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/cropped-scaled.jpg12802560Kelleyhttps://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/KF-LOGO-White-Transparent-01-1030x796.pngKelley2017-09-27 22:41:062017-09-27 23:43:06Calligraphy in Suzhou & Trip Giveaway to Suzhou, China!
I was positively giddy as I caught sight of those volcanic islands erupting from the expanse of blue out my airplane window. It was only my second time to Hawaii, my first trip being to Maui a few months earlier, and now I was going to be making Honolulu my home for one week. As I was traveling solo, I did a lot of research and created a pretty packed itinerary. I wanted to see, eat, hike, swim and explore as much as I possibly could.
Working with the Oahu Tourism Board definitely gave me a leg up on awesome activities and standout restaurants. But I dove in even deeper, reading blog posts from my travel blogger friends, watching videos from travel vlogger buds (thanks Cailin!) reaching out to those that I know visit Oahu often (looking at you Captain & Clark) and profiling all the Yelp and Tripadvisor reviews that I could find.
Ready for a day of exploring!
WHAT TO DO:
Explore the North Shore
For me, renting a car and being able to explore was paramount to my whole trip. I found the driving to be relatively easy, though there is more traffic than expected and by the way, the island is big! It especially came in handy when I set off for a day of exploring the famous North Shore. A good hour drive from Honolulu, I took in some incredible mountain scenery and had the freedom to stop and take photos along the way.
North Shore Drive
Definitely head into Haleiwa to check out the cute shopping and great restaurants of this cowboy-meets-hippie surf town. I also stopped at beautiful beaches, saw the famous Banzai pipeline, hiked, swam in waterfalls and basically had one of my favorite days!
Swim under the Waterfall in Waimea Valley
For that waterfall I was talking about, head to Waimea Valley. This is not the hidden, off the beaten path waterfall that I was expecting. It actually is very much on the beaten path, but as I arrived early (around 10am) the crowds were pretty light. The valley spans 1800 acres and is a sacred site in Hawaiian culture. There is an admission to get in ($16 USD), but you also get to walk through a beautiful botanical garden and see ancient archaeological sites.
The Waihī Waterfall
However, most people go here for the waterfall. An easy walk on a paved path takes you to a 45 foot waterfall, Waihī. With lifeguards and mandatory life jackets, this is not the rugged waterfall in the woods that I had hoped for, but jumping into the cool water and swimming under the falling water made me forget about all the other tourists, at least for a few moments.
On top of the pillbox
Hike Lanikai Pillbox Trail
Diamond Head gets all the fame but I much prefer the Lanikai Pillbox trail. The dusty trail starts steep but once get to the top of the ridge, all you have are 365 degree views. The Pacific and postcard worthy Mokulua Islands are on one side, and the lush Oahu interior on the other. And of course, you have to check the colorfully graffitied pillbox. These WWII bunkers have been given a facelift by local street artists, and I personally think that the graffiti added to their charm. You can climb inside of them, climb on top or just snap a photo, but they definitely added to the magic of this hike.
What a view!
Go to a Luau
Hawaii is known for luaus and having never done one, I was excited to start at the top. With the Royal Hawaiian being one of Oahu’s most famous, historical hotels, I was so excited to get to experience my first luau here. Oh, and did I mention this luau is oceanfront! The hotel has a special grass lawn that rolls out onto the beach for this Hawaiian feast and performance.
Aha Aina Luau at the Royal Hawaiian
I suggest paying up for the premier seating so you can have full view of the fantastic dancing and performances. This show is called “Aha Aina” and it actually tells a story of the Helumoa, the ancient playground of Hawaiian royalty on the ground where the show takes place! In addition to the talented performers, there was a lovely live band and an entertaining emcee. Not only that, nature puts on a show as well when the setting sun turns the sky a beautiful shade of pink over the ocean–not unlike the iconic pink of the Royal Hawaiian Resort itself.
Quite the plate
This certainly is a feast too. The buffet spread was impressive in size and in quality. It included fresh, Hawaiian dishes like locally caught fish, poke and kalua pork. I felt that each offering was just as delicious and well presented as a made to order restaurant and the dessert spread was the cherry on top. All the drinks were great too–I loved the mai tais but was glad to see top shelf wines and spirits available too.
I attended a Monday evening show, but they also now have Thursday night shows. I highly suggest you book early and show up early to guarantee that you’ll get the best spot!
Experience the luau with me in my video below!
WHAT BEACHES TO VISIT:
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach
You know when you look around you and literally gasp at how beautiful some place is? That place is Sunset Beach. It was hot and I had just hiked so I was in desperate need of a dip in the ocean. Using my Google maps, I pulled off on what said Sunset Beach, having no expectations. I was simply blown away by this magical slice of paradise. Crystalline, white sand, turquoise gentle waters and very few people scattered around–I couldn’t believe what I’d found! Needless to say, I stayed on this beach for hours. I didn’t have time to stay for the sunset, but I know I’ll be returning to this beach some day.
Kailua Beach
Kailua Beach
This was my go-to beach–I came here twice during my week on Oahu and found it to be just right both times. I loved that it is mostly populated with locals and travelers “in the know” as it the entrance is somewhat hidden. On the beach, I saw a high school girls outrigger team practicing, which I decided is the coolest high school sport around. The main attraction though was the clean, white sand, the crystal waters and lack of waves. It was very calm and the water is so clear you can see the fish darting by your toes. I also have to mention that the view of the two islands from the beach really adds to that remote tropical paradise feel. Parking on the residential streets near the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it entrance is free and usually pretty easy to find.
Sunset on Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach
Of course you will see Waikiki Beach and you should. The sunset there is simply stunning. However, it is a crowded beach in the water and on the sand. Hotels and restaurants line it so it can be tricky to walk the whole thing without being blocked by a hotel. However, if you need a quick dip and some refreshing sun, it does the trick. I also was told the waves there are a great for beginner surfers.
WHERE TO EAT:
Mahina & Suns
Located in the trendy, impeccably decorated Surfjack Hotel, Mahina & Suns is the type of place you want to go to every week. I felt like I was in a living room of a really cool, stylish friend. Located just off the pool, the restaurant was busy, mostly with locals and outside guests. The word about their food is out! I’d love to try their breakfast and lunch next, but I was blown away by their dinner. This is a casual restaurant with serious food. The menu focuses on “elevated home-cooking,” which basically means the type of stuff Hawaiian mamas make, but even better.
Incredible cocktails at Mahina & Suns
Having a hard time choosing between Kauai Shrimp & Grits, the Kuahiwi Ranch burger or the Naked Pig Pizza, I caved and ordered the Mahina family feast. This feast starts with kualoa oysters, then moves on to a whole snapper, either steamed or fried, plus a slew of local sides like delicious roasted roots. I opted for the steamed preparation, which had an Asian flair in it’s soy dressing.This snapper was a beauty to behold and even more delicious to eat. It was more than enough food for two people–I had to take some home in a doggie bag. I didn’t even get to the second best part, the dessert! The macadamia nut pavlova with fruit and cream was like eating a heavenly cloud. The only frustrating part was at this point, I was already quite full.
Mahina & Suns Family Feast
Their cocktails were the best I had on the island. Do yourself a favor and order the Unkle’s Rum Punch. If you need any more convincing, they also have live music every night!
Pioneer Salon
After my hike up Diamond Head, I was looking for a nearby restaurant that offered the signature Hawaii Plate Lunch. I wanted something fast, fresh and casual. Step in: Pioneer Salon. From the start, I loved this place. Maybe because of the quirky taxidermy and laidback, tongue-in-cheek vibe of the interior or maybe it was because half the menu is scrawled on scraps of paper and slapped on the wall. But I could see that this was a local favorite and for a Tuesday lunch, it was quite busy.
Pioneer Saloon
You order at the counter and there are an overwhelming number of options. As the menu skews Japanese, I went with a local Miso Black Cod plate, which came with rice and a side. You can pay extra for brown rice, which I’d recommend as it had delicious little beans in them. I found the fish to be fresh and flavorful and the portion was a good size. Note that since it’s all made to order, it is not the quickest lunch around but it is definitely high quality. Though it was expensive, I felt like it was worth the money.
Kono’s on Kailua Beach
Kono’s
I still think about this kalua pork on a regular basis. There are several Kono’s on Oahu but I checked out the one in Kailua. Known for their surfer atmosphere and 12 hour slow roasted kalua pork, I stopped in for a lunch to-go. Though the “Breakfast Bombers” looked tempting, I had the “Pig on Grass,” which was a mesclun salad with a pile of kalua pork on top. I brought this to the beach and enjoyed every last bite on the sand.
The Local’s natural shave ice
The Local Shave Ice
Nearby in Kailua is The Local shave ice shop. I actually entered a surf shop to find that The Local shared a space next door. Attracted by their cute logo, I walked over and I’m very glad I did. I was told by the friendly staff that The Local uses only fruits grown on the island and all their syrups are homemade and natural. I have to say, I was previously turned off by the brightly colored, artificially flavored shave ices I had tried around Hawaii and this one was a breath of fresh air. Getting to choose three flavors, I tried Kula Strawberry, Pineapple and Ginger. It was extremely refreshing and not too sweet. Thank you for changing my mind about shave ice, The Local!
Leonard’s malasadas
Leonard’s Bakery
Friends told me I had to go to Leonard’s to try their malasadas. What is a malasada? Good question. This doughy, sugar covered dessert is a Portuguese specialty and basically, a really good, large donut. I waited in line at the retro, pink and white striped bakery for a chance to taste these treats. I chose three flavors out of their many–chocolate, coconut and cinnamon. Still warm, I tried each one in my car and got sugar everywhere, but it was worth it. The cinnamon was classic and delicious but the rich chocolate filled one was my favorite. I didn’t like the coconut because it had an artificial taste to it. Overall, these were good but knowing that they weren’t very natural with their flavors definitely made me dock a point.
WHERE TO DRINK:
Maui Brewing Company
An upper level, huge restaurant right on the strip in Waikiki, the Maui Brewing Company was popping on a Wednesday night. I had been to their Maui location and had enjoyed the calm, dark bar scene and a flight of beers. This restaurant was a whole different animal. Huge, modern and jam-packed, I couldn’t believe this was the same chain. However, busy usually means good and in this case, it definitely did.
The watermelon martini and fish taco
The only seat I could get was at the bar, but as I was dining solo, this was perfect. As I am not a huge beer fan, I was attracted by the coral colored martinis the bartender was pouring. When I inquired, I found out that they were spicy watermelon martinis called “The Street Fighter.” Yes please! These were so good, I had to order a second one.
The food was also incredible. They have a more robust menu than the previous pub menu I experience on Maui and I was impressed with all the options. Wanting something lighter, I opted for the Fresh Mahi Tacos. I could taste how local the fish was and it was only elevated by being on homemade, soft corn tortillas, with a healthy dollop of guacamole. And they give you 4! Overall, I had a great experience with the food and would come back with friends for a rowdy, tasty night.
Duke’s Waikiki mai tai
Dukes Waikiki
It’s touristy, it’s crowded but it IS right on the beach and the mai tais are incredible. I’ve been to three Duke’s at this point: Duke’s Malibu, Duke’s Maui and now, Duke’s Waikiki. I was pleasantly surprised with the nice service and the mai tais are the best here. My fish tacos were a little lacking but did the job. The ambiance is fun and happy–people seem ready to party here!
Drinks with a view of surfers at The Point
The Point, Turtle Bay Resort
I made a point (pun intended) to check out this resort around sunset when I was on the North Shore. I have to say, the resort itself was a bit underwhelming, but the location of the outdoor bar, The Point, was spot-on. I had front row views of this perfect surf break and took in an expensive cocktail as the surfers caught wave after wave in front of me. The location alone gets this on the list.
I can’t say enough good things about the budget friendly, brand new Holiday Inn Express Waikiki. Just a few blocks back from Waikiki Beach, the location is close enough to the action for easy walking but removed enough for a less hectic feel. The open air lobby is inviting and well designed and the rooms were simple but great. I loved the clean, plush bed and the water views. The coffee maker, mini fridge and modern, all white bathroom were definite standouts.
Holiday Inn Express Waikiki rooms
Daily included breakfast was consistently solid, with fried eggs, make your own pancakes, cereals, yogurts, fruit and more. Plus, the dining area featured a lovely, lush patio.
Skydeck at the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki
Definitely the highlight of this hotel is the 5th floor skydeck. A large swimming pool, whirlpool, deck chairs and cabanas await you and make it easy to lounge here for the day. The kid in me also loved the miniature golf and shuffleboard set up. On this level, there is access to a very well-equipped, spacious fitness center as well.
Mini Golf at the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki
Overall, I think you get a lot of bang for your buck by staying here when you visit Honolulu.
Honolulu from the top of Diamond Head
This pretty much sums up my favorite things on Oahu. That was quite the week!
If you have any questions, please leave a comment and I’d be happy to give my personal opinion and more tips. Just writing this has made me start to wonder how soon I can get back to that island…
I love you Oahu!
xoxoxo
Kelley
https://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_4776.jpg10801080Kelleyhttps://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/KF-LOGO-White-Transparent-01-1030x796.pngKelley2017-07-15 01:30:172017-07-15 01:48:16Oahu, Hawaii Travel Guide
Japan has always fascinated for its mix ancient history and cutting-edge modernism. It has such a defined unique culture and sense of tradition. I was very fortunate to be able to travel to the Tōhoku region of Japan in April of 2016 for an assignment. This was my first trip to Japan and I was hired by CNN Asia to host a video that focused on some of the main highlights of this Northeast region of Japan. (Check out my CNN Video of Japan here!)
This June, I was able to relive this dream trip and share it with all the attendees at the Japan-U.S. Tourism Seminar. I flew to D.C. for this event, which was sponsored by the Embassy of Japan and the Japan National Tourism Organization.
The evening was focused on bringing awareness about the state of tourism in Japan and to share more of this dynamic country with an audience of 300 US journalists. When I first arrived, I was in awe of the tranquil yet grand residence of the Japanese Ambassador, the setting for this wonderful night of celebrating Japan.
I was asked to speak on my experience in Tōhoku; detailing where I visited, what we covered on our shoot and my impressions of the region. Since I spent 6 days, from before dawn to way after dusk, I managed to see a lot in almost all of the 6 prefectures of the region.
After our host, H.E. Kenichiro Sasae, the Ambassador of Japan to the US, welcomed us all into his home, the guests mingled and interacted with the Japanese food, drink and travel products that were on display.
My presentation came at the middle of the event, and it was such a pleasure to explain what it was like to experience Japan for the first time through the Tōhoku region. I spoke about 5 key themes that we covered throughout the visit: Landscape, Arts, Traditions and Pastimes and Cuisine. I told the stories of meeting the locals and experiencing each of these as not only an American, but as a female traveler as well as a travel blogger. I had some funny stories to relate regarding the competitive eating of Wanco-Soba or trying to paint a Kokeshi doll with a master craftswoman. I also detailed the experience on the stunning Sanriku Coast and at Ginzan-onsen, a hot spring town.
Curious? Check out my full presentation here (don’t worry, it is mostly photos and bullet points!)
We also heard from the esteemed individuals such as Mr. Ryoichi Matsuyama, the president of the Japan National Tourist Office, as well as Mr. Hiromi Tagawa, the chairman of the JATA and Mr. Keith Kirkham, the Incoming Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs at the US Embassy Japan.
Overall, I met wonderful representatives of Japan and talented journalists in the DC travel community. We later visited a party at the National Geographic headquarters, which rounded out this impactful 2 days in DC. It still is such an honor to be an “ambassador” of sorts for this incredible country and the stunning region of Tōhoku.
Have you been to Tōhoku? If so, leave me a note!
xo Kelley
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https://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/jnto-talk.jpg5091019Kelleyhttps://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/KF-LOGO-White-Transparent-01-1030x796.pngKelley2017-07-01 17:52:392017-08-10 22:59:36SPEAKER: Japan - U.S. Tourism Seminar on Tōhoku
I’ve been intrigued by Cuba ever since I could remember, mostly because my dad was always playing Cuban records around the house. And as I grew up to be a travel journalist, my fascination with this musical, vibrant island nation only increased. Finally, I was given my chance to see Cuba for myself. We based ourselves in Havana for a whirlwind 48 tour of the city.
The best part was all of our experiences were taken from recommendations from locals. Cuba Travel Services facilitated these interaction so we could meet several locals each day, ask questions and get to know Havana through their eyes.
This video should give you a little more insight than guidebooks, as we went off the beaten path. We met local children in an afterschool program, where they practice and perform circus acts. We cruised the Malécon in vintage American cars at sunset. We also danced, drank and ate throughout our days and nights in this exuberant city.
https://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/hqdefault-22.jpg240480Kelleyhttps://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/KF-LOGO-White-Transparent-01-1030x796.pngKelley2017-05-16 04:47:552017-05-16 04:47:55Local Life in Cuba
Get Lost in Germany with Kelley Ferro web series sponsored by Germany Tourism
From the highest peaks, to the rowdiest beer halls to the loveliest outdoor gardens, Kelley takes her show to Germany to discover the best sights, bites & things to do in Munich, Bavaria and Cologne.
THIS EPISODE: Kelley explores the Bavarian capital city of Munich and shows her top picks for what you must do in this historic, beer filled, cultural city! From the Eisbach surfing wave, to the Viktualienmarkt, to donning a dirndl at Lola Paltinger, or even digging in to some pretzels & beer at Hofbrauhaus–she takes you to Munich’s finest!
https://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/hqdefault-2.jpg240480Kelleyhttps://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/KF-LOGO-White-Transparent-01-1030x796.pngKelley2017-05-13 22:16:472017-05-13 22:43:16Get Lost in Munich
Six hours of flying over nothing but blue, it was almost a surprise to see the dark, jagged peaks shooting out of the Pacific Sea. These tiny islands were Hawaii and I was going to spend a week on one of them, Oahu. As we passed over the capital city of Honolulu, I got very giddy and was eager to start exploring. Luckily, the commute from the airport was fast and already I was in the bustling beachside Waikiki, pulling up to my hotel, the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki.
I am a hotel snob. I also produce and host a show by the same name, (check out an episode here: Hotel Snob). I’ve been able to stay, experience and review some of the world’s most famous and luxurious properties. Needless to say, it takes a lot for a hotel to impress me. This will be the first Holiday Inn Express stay ever and I have to say, I sure hope it is not the last. I was blown away by my overall experience. I know that when I return to Oahu, I’d stay at the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki in a heartbeat.
From the get-go everything was just easy. First of all, as I’m a IHG Rewards Club member, I booked this stay all on points, with 35,000 points a night. No money spent! There is another property that I could have stayed at all on points, the Holiday Inn Resort Waikiki Beachcomber. However, I found that my points went further at the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki and as it is a brand new hotel, I figured I’d enjoy the brand new rooms and facilities.
Parking was right in the hotel, I had a quick check-in with the cheerful front desk attendant, and many friendly alohas as I walked through the modern lobby. A lightning quick elevator ride to the 42nd floor took me to my room in no time. It was tasteful, spotless and sizable. I even had a welcome basket waiting for me in my room with local Hawaiian treats like li-hing mango and taro sticks!
As is my ritual, I went straight to the window and drew the curtains to check out the view. I could see curve of Waikiki Beach, glittering cityscape and the iconic shape of Diamond Head framing this perfect snapshot of Honolulu. As your room is basically your temporary apartment, it is so important that you feel comfortable. I knew after seeing my new Hawaiian homebase that it was going to be a good week.
THE ROOM
I had two queen beds, and both gave a great night’s sleep—yes, I rotated each night! The mattress was not too soft or hard, and there were even labeled soft (see details here) and firm pillows, giving me a choice out of the 4 pillows on each bed. No tacky or dirty bedspreads here, just crisp white sheets and duvet covers. Thoughtful reading light fixtures framed the bed, which came in handy at night when I was plotting the next day’s itinerary. A large flat screen faced opposite the bed with a surprisingly wide variety of channels. A funky oversized lamp hung over the stylish indigo armchair, which served as my catch-all of the day’s adventures. And the full size mirror was so useful before I scooted out each day. I even featured it in my Instagram stories with each days’ outfits!
A second area housed the cutest little closet I’ve ever seen. It fit all my hanging items with ample hangars. In the same unit was a mini fridge, microwave and coffee maker. I was impressed with how it was all very compact yet it lacked nothing.
The bathroom had an illuminated mirror which was a nice touch, along with Bath & Body Works products. I always had enough towels and they were promptly replaced each day. The shower was pleasant and a good size. I especially appreciated the built-in clothesline which was perfect for drying my bathing suits at the end of each day.
BREAKFAST
Coffee and banana in the morning and I’m good to go. However I was impressed to see that this free breakfast spread went well beyond that. Cinnamon rolls, DIY pancakes, bagels, yogurt, cereal, sausage, eggs—this was a full on breakfast! I try to eat pretty healthy on the road so I was happy to see nonfat Greek yogurt, apples, bananas, whole wheat toast and even egg whites available. I won’t lie though, I did try the cinnamon roll one day and it was delicious!
I especially enjoyed the seating area. This was not a typical cafeteria setting with bad lighting. There was a nice mix of high top and low tables, some larger and some for one or two. Inside, you could sit among palm decor or next to street front windows. However, I chose to sit outside each morning in the exact same spot. It was under a patio umbrella, next to the lush landscaping and with a view of the street. Since I had fast wifi, I could check email, eat breakfast and still be outside in the Hawaiian warmth to start the day. By the way, to-go coffee cups are available if you are like me and want to take a cup on the road. All you have to do is ask the courteous staff and they are more than happy to hook you up.
WIFI
As an IHG Rewards Club, all wifi is free (as it should be). Whether I was in the room, the lobby or the breakfast area (indoor and out), it was also very speedy. I could even upload videos! Too often hotels have poor wifi which can be really frustrating when you have limited time to be online.
PARKING
As I mentioned, parking was a big asset as this area of town can be challenging to find parking spots. The same elevator takes you to the parking lot and off you go to explore. It fills up at the end of the day but I always managed to find a spot–even on the day that I returned later from the North Shore and hunted out the very last space available.
POOL
To me, a rooftop pool is major sign of luxury. I was absolutely amazed when I stepped out on the Skydeck. I was greeted by a large, deep pool with adjacent rectangular hot jet spa. The jet spa could fit a number of people without being cramped and was nice if you were in the shade and needed to warm up.
Cute turquoise lounge chairs bookended either side of the pools, giving you many options of where to relax. There were a number of chairs so I could find my own quiet area and never felt stressed about getting a chair. You could also opt for one of the intimate cabanas for more shade and privacy. Decorated with bougainvillea and palms, I felt the pool area was classy, simple and chic. The pool attendant was more than helpful, providing extra towels and making sure the pool area was cleaned and orderly.
MINIATURE GOLF
I absolutely love miniature golf and I have played in quite a few places. One of those places may even feature the Uneekor launch monitor. You could say, I’m a bit of mini golf snob as well. I was very pleasantly surprised that the 9 hole course on the roof was not tacky or worn out, which they often can be. Rock features, palm trees and a giant faux pineapple gave the tropical ambiance and each hole was actually a fun challenge. It didn’t feel childish in any way, actually I only saw adults playing! The attendant just hands you a club and your bright ball and off you go.
GAMES
Next to the mini golf, the outdoor giant chess and shuffleboard add to the Skydeck amusements.
On the other side of the roof there’s also foosball and ping pong tables, which I plan to utilize on my next visit when I bring a partner.
Inside, there’s also a game room but not the kind with old board games but instead, with the latest ones such as 벳엔드 가입코드. Personal leather couch seats faced large flat screens each with WII consoles. With 4 seats, there could be a group challenge or Mariokart race in here. Holiday Inn Express seems to know what the kids today really want.
GYM
Dark, stuffy, old— hotel gyms are often disappointing. The Holiday Inn Express’ gym was the opposite. Light, airy and brand new, the many types of equipment were housed in a large L shaped room, lined with floor to ceiling windows. The equipment seemed to be top of the line with ellipticals, treadmills, bikes and an erg machine—all within viewing distance of one of the multiple flat screens throughout the gym.
A separate weight area was perfect for abs and strength training, with a number of matts, benches, weights and medicine balls. I also liked that the gym had a pretty view of the pool! It is open 24 hours so I was happy to sneak in some early morning workouts before I set out for the day’s adventures.
SERVICE
The housekeepers were some of the sweetest and chattiest I’ve ever encountered. They always were pleasant in the elevators and my room was always cleaned promptly, giving me extra toiletries, coffee refills and towels. The breakfast staff was more than helpful and the food & beverage manager himself gave me some great personal tips for exploring the North Shore. All the staff were so friendly but it didn’t feel forced. Everyone genuinely seemed filled with the Aloha spirit.
LOCATION
What a perfect spot! Not only could I easily walk to the shops and restaurants of Waikiki, there was a trolley stop outside the door. I also liked that there was a small food market and coffee shop right next to the hotel. I think the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki actually benefits from being a block or two away from the crowds, cars and noise of the Waikiki strip. It was a nice oasis to come home to each night, without fighting herds of people. I also took a morning run, and with the ideal location, I could run along the nearby canal and the beach.
SAFETY
As a female solo traveler, I found the area to also be very safe. There were always people around, bright lights, a trolley stop nearby and UBERS/LYFTS were always available.
Even when I was getting in the car to go somewhere, the highways were very close by. Though the lobby is open air, it was always monitored by security guards and plenty of staff members.
EXTRAS
The little things really added to my experience. A filtered water dispenser so you can refill water bottles. An orchid garden and bubbling pond at the entrance. A lobby mini market with useful toiletries, beverages, snacks and even make in your room meals. There were even a bunch of fresh waters in my mini fridge when I checked in. The Holiday Inn Express has you covered before you even realize what you needed.
The IHG Rewards Club also applies to other hotel brands, like Intercontinental and Kimpton. There are 5000 hotels in almost 100 countries actually. Though I usually keep all my points for hotel stays, I was excited to see that I could also redeem for flights or even donate to a charity. There’s also number ways to earn points like signing up for cards, using UBER, shopping or dining. Seems like there’s a reason it is the largest loyalty program.
Traveling can be tiring and as I do it for a living, a quality, safe, comfortable and convenient stay becomes more and more important. I feel the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki set me up very well for such a memorable trip to Oahu. Mahalo!
Have you been to Oahu? Have you stayed here? Let me know about your experiences in Waikiki, Oahu and more below!
Note: I’ll be sharing a video of the stay soon! Check back for the link here.
**This post was sponsored by IHG.
https://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_9699-scaled.jpg17072560Kelleyhttps://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/KF-LOGO-White-Transparent-01-1030x796.pngKelley2017-05-11 00:39:522023-08-24 14:07:54Oahu Hotel Review: My Stay at the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki
Maui has so much amazing food, it is hard to narrow down my favorite bites! We spent 10 days on this tropical island paradise and we ate & drank our way around Wailea, Kaanapali, Napili, Paia, Lahaina and Hana. Here I am sharing my favorite restaurants, snacks, dishes, cocktails–from breakfast to lunch to dinner.
https://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/maxresdefault-3.jpg6401280Kelleyhttps://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/KF-LOGO-White-Transparent-01-1030x796.pngKelley2017-04-15 21:42:532017-04-26 21:52:19Maui Dining Guide: My Favorite Eats
Maui has no shortage of hotels, resorts, and B&Bs, but if you want a truly unique, natural, boutique resort that has as much history as it does coastline, Napili Kai might be the right fit.
I stayed here in February for 3 nights and I couldn’t get over the location! The Polynesian resort occupies a beautiful oceanside cliff and sandy bay–with postcard-worthy palm-tree studded beach. Plenty to do, there’s an 18 hole putting course, massage, a number of pools, and the delicious indoor/outdoor Sea House Grill, which serves up local catch & creative takes on Hawaiian dishes.
I really loved our oceanfront studio room, which had its own kitchen and a balcony that gave us front row seats to the sunset each night.
The resort is intimate enough that you can make it your own and walk through lush grounds felt like a step in the jungle. I’d definitely recommend this resort to couples, families, and groups of friends. When there, I noticed that many guests return year after year, and I can understand why.
https://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/maxresdefault-4.jpg6401280Kelleyhttps://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/KF-LOGO-White-Transparent-01-1030x796.pngKelley2017-03-30 21:52:402017-04-27 01:36:03Napili Kai Beach Resort: Tropical Boutique in Maui
This beach resort is an oasis. It is truly Hawaiian, yet has amazing pools, fabulous rooms, a pristine sandy beach, a spa and incredible restaurants. Beautiful to walk through yet delicious, luxurious, attentive and intimate–Four Seasons Maui knows how to make you feel like you are the only people in this tropical paradise.
Don’t miss Ferraro’s for exquisite outdoor dining, the Spa for their outdoor Hale treatments and a cabana at the Serenity pool. If you are adventurous, I LOVED the Outrigger Canoe experience in the early morning.
https://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/maxresdefault-5-1.jpg6401280Kelleyhttps://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/KF-LOGO-White-Transparent-01-1030x796.pngKelley2017-03-22 01:36:392017-04-27 01:41:11Must Stay in Maui: Four Seasons Maui
Art. Culture. History. Food. Luxury. The Rhine River. Basel has a lot going on and I had limited time to see it so I took in the highlights as fast as I could. My homebase was the Hotel Nomad, a trendy boutique with easy access to top sites like the Altstadt, or old city, the Marktplatz which has a farmer’s market, Johann Wanner Christmas shop, the Kunstmuseum Basel, Fondation Beyeler and the Rhine River. We took river ferries to cross to Klein Basel, a funky neighborhood with a lot of great shops, cafes and of course, the notable Ueli Brewery.
Check out this travel guide for how to see some of Basel’s hotspots, in just 24 hours!
https://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/basel-travel-guide.jpg7201280Kelleyhttps://www.kelleyferro.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/KF-LOGO-White-Transparent-01-1030x796.pngKelley2017-03-07 02:00:332017-03-07 02:00:3324 Hours in Basel, Switzerland