Laie Inn

Description:

• This two-story, plantation-style hotel, within walking distance of the Polynesian Cultural Center, Brigham Young University Hawaii, and the Mormon Temple, has been scheduled (for several years now) to be torn down and replaced with four separate three-story buildings on the 8-acre site. As we went to press, the "latest" discussion called for the old inn to be torn down "sometime" in 2008. Of course we've heard this all before. If you would like a place to stay where you can enjoy the nearby Polynesian Cultural Center or get away from urban Waikiki, you will either love or hate this tiny motel. The very old Laie Inn is badly in need of renovation: bedding and towels are old and worn, carpet is dirty, pillows are either lumpy or flat as pancakes, paint is peeling, some bathrooms are moldy and musty, some of the air conditioners sound like they are on their last legs. However, people who love this place all point to the extremely caring staff (as friendly as you will find anywhere in Hawaii), who know that the old place is not up to par, and they make up for it with cheerfulness and helpfulness. The other plus: it is unbelievably cheap! Rates include a small continental breakfast (if you are still hungry, there's a McDonald's nearby). The beach is just across the street.

• © Frommer's 2013