Stayed at Diamond Head Beach Hotel in 2007 NOVEMBER. Was a little worried due to the past reviews, but found the staff to be present and helpful. Front desk not only gave us directions, but also gave us detailed maps of places we wanted to go. Our room was on the third floor and it offered the best view. Parking before 6pm is only 25 cents an hour. ****My only complaint is all the "MEN" around, but that had nothing to do with the hotel.****

Although previous reviews mentioned the front desk's hours are 8:30am-6:00pm, it seems as if another management has taken over the front desk. They are now open from 6:00am-10:00pm.

The location is amazing. I was informed by the person at the front desk that they have renovated many of the rooms. If you are expecting top-notch rooms, this is not the place for you. The rooms are very nice for this sort of condo-hotel.

They do have parking available, and there is also plenty of metered parking outside which is free from 6pm-10am.

It isnt as bad as it seems.

I booked my stay at the Diamond Head Beach hotel through VRBO. I found the room to be exactly as it was pictured through the VRBO website. Most rooms at this hotel are privately owned and decorated. I called the owner to make sure I wouldn't have the experience of the "bait and switch" review. Thankfully, I was assured I wouldn't. To be sure, I called the rental company a couple of days before to get the lock box number and was told no problem. If you are looking for action, this isn't the place to stay. It is quiet and peaceful. The view from the lawn sun area is amazing. I sat and read, went for a swim in the ocean, and felt like I was a Hawaii resident. It was wonderful. You are within walking distance to the action in Waikiki. I walked it each day. Our view was of Diamond Head and Kapiolani park. Would I stay here again? Yes, for the feel of Hawaii, and the peace and quiet.

I rented a room for 5 nights, dealing directly with the condo owner through VRBO.com. His unit had recently been renovated and was nicely furnished, with room to sleep 4 (2 adults and 2 little kids on a queen bed and convertible sofabed) as I had requested. I arrived after a full day of travel and was shown a run-down room with only one bed for 2 people. I was not happy.

Though individually owned, the condo was managed by Marc Resorts, and they switched me from the unit I rented (which was specifically noted on the reservation) to the dump they showed me for some reason that they couldn't explain and couldn't remedy because someone else was already in the unit I had rented and was staying for another 2 weeks. The compromise solution was to put me in yet another unit that did sleep 4 (just barely--on two double beds with ill-fitting sheets) but was also pretty run-down. This accommodation came only after considerable pressure put to Marc Resorts and the owner of the unit I rented.

I knew that the Diamond Head Beach Hotel was a property of individually owned condos of varying quality, but thought to escape the bad experiences of some others by getting a specific unit. Apparently my mistake. I did press for some compensation for my considerable troubles and got a 20% discount/refund, which took away some of the bad feelings.

The location is ideal for families, close to the beach, park, and the bustle of Waikiki if you want it, but without the noise and general clamor. The next time I'm there, I will check out hotels in the same general vicinity (the New Otani looked nice and reasonably priced), but will definitely avoid the Diamond Head Beach Hotel.