Laying Low on Mother's Day Weekend at the Laylow Waikiki, Autograph Collection

Need an escape?  The hidden Laylow is the perfect choice.

This Mother’s Day weekend my main goal was to relax with my kids.  I didn’t want to make any plans and just play the weekend by ear.  In hindsight, I now realize I just wanted to lay low.  How perfect I chose to do this at the Laylow Waikiki, Oahu’s first Autograph Collection Hotels - part of Marriott International. 

We arrived right about 3pm and check-in was a breeze.  I noticed right away how great the service is at this boutique hotel.  The hotel offers special rates for kama’aina (residents of Hawaii) and the daily destination fee includes a number of amenities including an E Komo Mai Basket, wi-fi access, ukulele lessons on specific days, nightly live entertainment, poolside drinks, shave ice, cruiser bicycles, and more.  

While I was admiring the room décor and checking out the view from our lanai, the kids excitedly spotted the welcome basket filled to the brim with water, chocolates, candies, taro chips, and those iconic Laylow slippers.  My daughter, Lauren, noticed an ukulele and to our delight, played us a tune.  We were officially in vacay mode.  

While Waikiki Beach is only a hop, skip, and a jump away, my two kids prefer the swimming pool and were elated with the Laylow’s pool.  They didn’t even notice that there was no slide because they were totally distracted by the sleek white lounge chairs inside the pool.  While they played, I relaxed on the super comfy oversized cushioned lounges complete with sunshade.  Just thinking about it makes me happy.  

When our tummies began to rumble, we took the cue and headed to our room to shower and get ready for dinner.  The most convenient thing about the Laylow is its location.  It is right smack dab in the middle of Waikiki and fronts the revitalized Kuhio Ave.  For foodies, this means you have Marukame and Matcha Stand Maiko across from you; the amazing donuts from Duke’s Lane to your left; the numerous can’t-go-wrong eateries on your right at the International Market Place; and last but not least, you have access to the Hideout inside the hotel.  

The next morning was Mother’s Day and I thought it would be most relaxing to have breakfast at the Hideout.  It was a busy morning at the restaurant, but the hostess took the time to take a family picture for us and didn’t rush at all.  We took advantage of a late check-out to squeeze in some more swimming pool fun.  When we did check out, we were just in time for the daily complimentary shave ice which was very delicious!  

The kids and I had a super chill time at the Laylow Waikiki and I look forward to relaxing at this boutique hotel again soon.  It was just the worry-free play I needed to recharge and reconnect with my kids.  Best of all, the stay made for a very memorable Mother’s Day!

Up the escalator to fun!

Greeted by a lush seating area.

My kids loved these whimsical swinging seats.

As you exit the elevator, you'll be greeted by this cool directional map.

We loved our room!  Two king sized beds kept us all comfy through the night. 

The welcome basket with our favorites:  Hawaiian Chip Company, Manoa chocolate, and Hi-Chew candies!

The large mirror and bright lighting made getting ready a piece of cake.

The Laylow's toiletries are made exclusively for the hotel by Maak Lab, a Portland based company that limits its ingredients to natural origins from local farms and sustainable sources. 

All the rooms and suites are decorated with the stunning monstera leaf wallpaper that has become instantly recognizable in photos.

Pool time!  Who wouldn't want to lounge on these chairs?

These two cabanas are available on a first come, first serve basis.

The gorgeous pool is open from 7am to 10pm.

The 24 hour fitness center has treadmills, weight machine, free weights, and exercise balls.  I was also impressed that they provided guests with newspaper, fruit, ear buds, and antibacterial wipes. 

The Hideout is the Laylow's signature restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Gorgeous sand pit area overlooking busy Kuhio Avenue.

The Hideout has both indoor and outdoor seating.  The outdoor seating is perfect for those warm and breezy
Hawaiian nights.

One thing I did miss was an in-room coffee maker, but the Hideout Coffee serves Stumptown coffee which made the trip downstairs for caffeine totally worth it.

Set your alarm for 1pm when staying at the Laylow! 
They serve guests the most excellent shave ice - complete with snow cap!

All smiles!

Thank you to the Laylow Waikiki for the media room rate for our stay.  All other charges were paid on my own and all opinions are entirely my own.