The Wyland Waikiki hotel
by Colin Devroe on November 6th, 2008
During our stay on Oahu for the Social Media Club Workshop, Podcamp and Wordcamp Hawai’i, and a little leisure time – Eliza and I stayed at the Wyland Waikiki hotel.
This modern hotel showcases some of Wyland’s (whose name is Robert Wyland, by the way) artwork on nearly every surface available. Wall-sized paintings, sculptures, surf boards, and even tile works on the bottom one of the hotel’s pools all show off the creativity of Wyland.
The rooms are a decent size with all of the amenities that you’d come to expect nowadays. Beautiful flat-panel televisions, high beds, and nice bathrooms. Eliza and I had a room with a fridge and a sink (no range to cook on). We both really enjoyed our stay here.
Not that you spend a lot of time in your hotel when you are in Hawai’i, but I still think it is important to find one that suits your lifestyle. The Xbox-filled gaming room suits my lifestyle, though I admit I didn’t end up using it. The bar in the lobby with some of the better tenders I’ve come across, suits my lifestyle. The free wifi throughout the property, does as well. Though, I must say that only having wired access in the rooms was a bit disappointing. But Eliza and I quickly took care of that with Mac OS X’s internet connection sharing which is drop dead simple to set up.
Why am I writing about this hotel? Because they were extremely accommodating. They helped out the Podcamp attendees and speakers and also were always on hand when we wanted to chat about the hotel. Something I have never, ever heard of with any other hotel.
And, in the very near future, if you head down to one of the lobby’s two iMacs – you may see Viddler sitting on the desktop ready for you to record your video testimonial for this excellent hotel.
Excellent review, Colin. Even though I live here on the island, I’m looking forward to spending a weekend holiday at the Wyland, swimming in the warm salt water pool, and having a few drinks out by the beautiful pool. It’s an oasis in the middle of busy and bustling Waikiki.
Excellent news about Viddler for testimonials at the hotel. What an awesome idea for cross-promoting the hotel and the video service.
My wife and I honeymooned in Hawaii in 2001 and I’ve been dying to get back ever since.
Colin, it was a pleasure meeting you at Podcamp Hawaii and your talk about Viddler, blogging, podcasting, etc. has inspired me to do more video with my blog, client work, etc. I’m glad you enjoyed your stay at The Wyland Waikiki. I’m actually meeting with Robin Graf (@robingraf) today to put together a game plan for Vidder testimonials in hotel lobby. Thanks for sharing the knowledge and I look forward to seeing you in Hawaii again soon. A hui hou (until we meet again).
Nathan (@NathanKam)
[...] Devroe, technology evangelist for Viddler, recently stayed at my hotel during Podcamp Hawaii. Read his post about his experience at the Wyland [...]
Colin, thanks for the great review. It was great to meet you while you were here and I look forward to you returning some day. Nathan and I met and we are looking at getting Viddler up very soon, possibly by next week! Take care and tweet, blog, etc with you later. RG