Some Assembly Required

Read article : Some Assembly Required

The Open Range 3X349RLS by Highland Ridge RV takes longer to set up than most fifth-wheels, but the extra effort is worth the time

When we were kids, the best gifts underneath the Christmas tree always required some sort of assembly, be they bicycles, wagons or dollhouses. The anticipation of the finished product, patiently assembled by Mom or Dad, bordered on excruciating. And though we were always delighted when the moment of completion arrived and we could finally enjoy our special gift, there seemed to be just a tinge of disappointment when we realized that moment was now over, not to be relived again until next year, if we were lucky. Happily, the Open Range 3X349RLS by Highland Ridge RV recaptures some of that Christmas morning excitement, and the good news is, you can reassemble this toy again and again.

The living area is well laid out with a large flat-screen television, electric fireplace and audio system. Space between the dinette
and sliding door is a bit tight but manageable.

Certainly, all fifth-wheels require some setup, which most of us look forward to as a sort of ceremony leading up to a weekend, or several weeks, of relaxation with friends and family. But this particular floorplan offers an optional exterior deck that folds down from the curbside slideout, which not only adds to the entertainment space but provides a feeling of openness few RVs can match.

The idea of an outdoor deck is not a new one, but as with all RV components, the success of a feature depends on its overall execution, how well it complements the floorplan as a whole, and in general, if it is truly useful or just a gimmick. In the case of the 3X349RLS, the concept works whether you’re enjoying it in the summer or winter months. The residential-style sliding-glass door admits welcome light from the outdoors, which prevents feelings of claustrophobia on rainy or snowy days. And in the summer, the door can be opened and the screen left shut to bring the fresh breeze inside. Of course, the deck itself would be essentially worthless if it couldn’t support the weight of a few guests, so Highland Ridge built it to hold up to 1,500 pounds — more than enough capacity for a few revelers.

handsome vessel sink highlight the roomy bathroom." width="200" height="300" />A residential-size shower and handsome vessel sink highlight the roomy bathroom.

As you might expect, a trailer as unique as this one requires some consideration when planning trips. The Open Range 3X349RLS starts out with a wide, 102-inch exterior, then adds two giant opposing slides. This alone makes the 3X349RLS big enough to fill most RV park sites, but add the deck, and the width roughly equals one-and-a-half fifth-wheels. For our test, we reached out to our friends at Pechanga RV Resort and Casino in Temecula, California, who set us up with a large deluxe site bordered by a grassy area featuring a picnic table. By moving the table and folding down the deck, we had just enough space to fully deploy the slides and deck but not much more. So, make sure wherever you plan to stay has adequate space. If there isn’t enough room, you can still enjoy this floorplan, but you’ll have a windowless curbside slideout, as the deck floor will cover the glass slider.

Once we leveled the fifth-wheel with the automatic jack system and deployed the slides, the extra work began. The deck floor unlatches easily from the side and lowers without much effort, thanks to spring assist. Once down, the integrated stab jacks are lowered and adjusted; it takes some practice to guess how long the jacks need to be to provide a level deck surface, not to mention crawling under the deck a few times to make sure the jacks are properly placed. This could become messy if the ground is wet or muddy, so you may consider carrying a plastic tarp with you to crawl onto if necessary. If the ground is dry and comfortable, it’s just a matter of a few adjustments that shouldn’t be a problem for those with a good back and knees.

decorative backsplash add upscale flair." width="375" height="250" />The kitchen features a movable island with a matching solid-surface countertop. Stainless-steel appliances, a dual-bowl sink with pull-out sprayer and a decorative backsplash add upscale flair.

Once this step is completed, it’s time to put up the railing. Open Range cleverly provides an extra bin underneath the forward storage compartment in which to store the railing sections and pins. It slides out like a large utility drawer and is secured during transit with a pin. Made of black plastic, the drawer is not the prettiest thing, but it’s a far better solution than having the railings tangled with your other belongings in the main storage area. The railings are marked so you know which side they go on, but even then it takes a bit of time to organize, install and secure them. We recommend you complete this step before the sun goes down.

Once set up, this fifth-wheel is quite a spectacle and drew more than its fair share of interested RVers at the park. The white, gray and blue exterior graphic scheme with frameless windows is handsome, and both power awnings feature LED lighting, which makes for a cool-looking party pad in the evenings. The unit seemed well-constructed and offered nice features, such as a heated and enclosed underbelly, a Trailair pin box and landing jacks featuring JT’s Strong Arm jack stabilizers for a solid, shake-free foundation. We also appreciated the small details, like TV prep on the exterior wall adjacent to the deck area, which allows you to mount a small TV once the deck is deployed.

Stepping inside, the living area feels massive and is a treat for the eyes with Stone decor (one of three available) featuring light wood cabinetry and faux wood-plank Beauflor vinyl flooring that seemed durable and was easy to clean. Providing visual contrast were the rear couch and streetside theater seating, which were finished in embossed black upholstery with white stitching. Both were very comfortable and perfectly placed for watching the flat-screen television, mounted in an entertainment hutch in the corner of the curbside slideout. The hutch also offers an electric fireplace, making for a cozy environment ideal for kicking back and relaxing during the evening.

The forward kitchen is somewhat unorthodox, in that it offers an optional island with casters that can be located wherever it’s convenient for you, although overhead pendant lighting suggests it should be placed in the center of the floor space. The island features a dark brown finish, complemented by a solid-surface countertop, and cabinets and drawers with brushed-nickel pulls. During travel, the island stows on the backside of the dinette and is secured with straps (there are anchors in the floor), and the dinette chairs reside upside down on the theater seats so they don’t interfere with slideout operation. It’s a little extra work, but once you get used to it, setup goes pretty quickly.

A 12-cubic-foot RV refrigerator with wood-panel fronts is located in the streetside slideout, and next to it is a stainless-steel three-burner stove with an oven and a residential-size microwave mounted overhead. We found that the corner-mounted stove was rather confining when cooking meals, but the reality is that cooking is only a small portion of meal prep. The bulk of your time is spent chopping and slicing, and the forward wall, with its large solid-surface countertop and dual-bowl stainless-steel sink provide plenty of space. There’s also an abundance of cabinet and drawer space, and a nice-size pantry on the curbside slideout, next to the entertainment hutch. Moreover, we found little to complain about, though everyone who walked through the Open Range had negative comments about the floor register located dead center in the living area floor. This is something Highland Ridge should consider locating in a less conspicuous area.

Next to the forward cabinets are a small coat closet and angled stairs that lead up to the bath and bedroom. The entry door has an obscured glass treatment that makes the area feel more open and is just more pleasing to look at than a solid door. The bath area is well executed with plenty of space where you need it most. There’s lots of elbowroom around the toilet, and the opposing vanity, with its glass-vessel sink, is an elegant touch. We particularly enjoyed the residential-size 48-inch x 30-inch shower with molded seat and appreciated the drawer space between the shower and bedroom entry. Above the drawers are a mirror and a pull-out counter for extra space, which allows two people to get ready for a night out at the same time.

mirrored wardrobe features large drawers beneath to store folded items." width="400" height="266" />he bedroom has plenty of walk-around space, and the mirrored wardrobe features large drawers beneath to store folded items.

The bedroom features a 72-inch x 80-inch bed, bordered by shelves that are perfectly sized for books, water glasses, etc. There is plenty of walk-around room and enough space near the headboard on either side, so making the bed in the morning is not a struggle. A mirrored wardrobe up front easily accommodated our travel essentials, and a cabinet on the curb side offered washer/dryerprep. At the foot of the bed are a chest of drawers for more folded items and space for an optional TV.

Make no mistake about it — the Open Range 3X349RLS isn’t for everyone, particularly those who just want to press a few buttons and kick back once they get to their campsite. But for those willing to do a little extra work, this fifth-wheel rewards with a lot of entertaining space and a fun factor that will make you the talk of any RV park.

Highland Ridge RV Open Range
260-768-7771 | www.openrangerv.com

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5 bedroom flat for sale, 147 Maxwell Drive, Pollokshields, Glasgow, G41 5AE

Read article : 5 bedroom flat for sale, 147 Maxwell Drive, Pollokshields, Glasgow, G41 5AE

Property Details

An incredible main door conversion offering stylish and spacious living accommodation over two levels. Finished to an exacting standard throughout and cleverly extended by the current owner to offer a truly unique home. Extending to around 1700 sq feet this property is set in an elevated position at the end of a long gravel driveway, away from the main road and nicely screened by mature trees and shrubs. Maxwell Drive is a highly sought after street within Pollokshields, close to excellent public transport links including Dumbreck railway station for easy access to Glasgow City Centre. There are also a range of shops, bars and restaurants nearby, and highly regarded local schools.

The internal accommodation comprises; main door entrance that opens into a magnificent open plan kitchen/ living room with solid oak flooring and bi-folding doors that open onto the private rear gardens. The kitchen is fitted with modern high gloss wall and floor units, integrated appliances, wooden worktops and a breakfast bar for casual dining. The open plan living room offers space for formal dining and a casual sitting area. The living space on the ground floor is also fitted with a high tech Opus system adding to the “lifestyle” this property offers. There is a double bedroom on the ground floor with a stunning en-suite shower room with Velux window. Completing the ground floor is useful utility cupboard.

Stairs lead to a half landing where there is a large family bathroom with white four-piece suite including double shower cubicle.

The upper landing gives access to the remaining apartments and has two large windows that floor this space with natural light throughout the day. There is a grand formal lounge with feature fireplace and bay window to front, master bedroom that also offers a fireplace and bay window, two further double bedrooms (one of which offers an en-suite shower room) and a single bedroom/ study. All of the rooms are beautifully finished and cleverly mix traditional features with contemporary living. There is a large loft space that is partially floored, offering a great space for extra storage.

The specification includes gas central heating and double glazing (excluding one window).

There is a long private driveway to the front allowing for off-street parking for several cars. To the rear of the property is a beautiful landscaped garden with a wooden decked area- ideal for dining and entertaining outside in fine weather. An exceptional home not to be missed. 

This house description is based upon information supplied by the owner, or on behalf of the owner. These property particulars are produced in good faith and do not constitute or form part of any contract. s1homes do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained in this document.

Sorry, but no streetview image could be found.

Sold price history for G41 5AE in past 5 years

Sold price history for G41 in past 5 years

If a property value displays '0', don't worry it just means no properties have been sold in that area during that time.

Sold house price data is supplied to us by the Registers of Scotland, a government department responsible for compiling and maintaining property registers, every month. There can be a delay of up to 3 months from when a property is sold to being recorded with Registers of Scotland. We provide house price data for your information only, we do not accept any liability for any errors. If you have noticed any incorrect information, please contact Registers of Scotland.

5 bedroom villa for sale in Strathaven Road, East Kilbride, Glasgow, G75, G75

Read article : 5 bedroom villa for sale in Strathaven Road, East Kilbride, Glasgow, G75, G75

Full description

For Information on Incentives available on remaining plots please speak to our Sales Advisors
0845 345 2154

Calderglen Meadow

In the latter half of the 20th century East Kilbride grew from a rural Lanarkshire village to become Scotland’s sixth largest town. Today, East Kilbride is a vibrant and active community. Fresh air and countryside combine with shopping centres and sports and recreation facilities, so it is hardly surprising that it is widely considered to be Scotland’s most successful new town.

Situated off Strathaven Road, Calderglen Meadow is beautifully placed between the magnificent Crutherland House Hotel and Torrance House Golf Course in a highly sought-after area of East Kilbride. Crutherland House dates back to 1700 and is situated in 37 acres of peaceful gardens and woodland, while Torrance House Golf Course is said to be one of Scotland’s best parkland courses.

Part of Calderglen Country Park, with its historic buildings, nature trails and children’s zoo, the course is just one of the ways you can enjoy a relaxing day out in the best of the East Kilbride countryside. For your everyday conveniences, local amenities include a choice of excellent restaurants, medical centres, dentists, churches and libraries. Calderglen Meadow is within the catchment area of the best schools within the new town.

At Calderglen Meadow you’re free to enjoy a relaxed style of country living. Indeed, it’s the ideal place to raise a family or simply enjoy a little more space for yourself.

With large gardens, a communal play area and no through road, you’ll find yourself living in a safe, quiet pocket, tucked away from the worries of the world.

With their innovative layouts, this exclusive selection of properties has been cleverly designed to maximise space, giving them a light and open feel. Here, the practical is balanced sympathetically with the aesthetic, offering homes that are both comfortable and elegant while the large gardens provide the luxury of additional space and the freedom to fully enjoy your country surrounds. Should you need to travel further afield, an excellent network of roads means Glasgow is just 10 miles away, while Edinburgh is approximately 50 miles away.

Glasgow, the 1999 City of Architecture and Design and the 1990 European City of Culture, has a rich heritage of art and culture. There are theatres, art galleries, The Royal Concert Hall, the world-famous Burrell Collection, museums, restaurants and bars. The shopping is arguably the best in Britain outside of London’s West End, with the biggest retailers, famous designers and small boutiques housed in some of the most spectacular shopping centres in the UK.

Calderglen Meadow is an exciting new development from CALA Homes where the best of city life meets the best of country living.

Specification

CALA use only carefully selected, high quality materials. The specification at Calderglen Meadow includes attractive reconstituted stone features and co-ordinating roughcast to the external walls. Maintenance-friendly windows and doors in white uPVC provide high security and peace of mind. Due to the variety of external elevation treatments at Calderglen Meadow, please consult our Sales Advisor for specific details relating to each individual property.

General

Each housetype has its own features. The specification of the home you choose will be from the Gold, Diamond or Platinum ranges. Our Sales Advisor will be pleased to discuss the details of a particular housetype with you.

Kitchens

Each kitchen has been individually designed to maximise workspace and storage. Siemens integrated appliances are fitted throughout the development as detailed.

Platinum Specification

The Naismith, Peploe and Scott housetypes will feature:

Chimney-style cooker hood (size to suit design)
Stainless steel single multi-function oven
Stainless steel combination microwave oven
Stainless steel 5-burner gas hob
Stainless steel American-style fridge/freezer
Integrated dishwasher

Bathrooms and En Suites

Sanitaryware will be provided from the Ideal Standard range in white and complemented by Ideal Standard taps and fittings with quality fitted bathroom furniture. Shower enclosures and shower trays will be by Matki, and Grohe showers will be fitted. Wall tiling from Porcelanosa will be fitted to dado height in bathrooms and en suites and to full height in shower enclosures.

Garages

Garages have sectional-style roller doors which are easy to operate whilst stylish and secure. Power and light are provided.

Decoration

Walls will be finished in magnolia emulsion with internal pass doors, half-glazed doors, skirtings and facings in white gloss finish.

Diamond and Platinum Specification

Decorative cornice will be provided to Lauriston range homes, in the lower hall, drawing room and dining room. Coving is fitted in the upper hall and all ground floor and upper floor habitable rooms not fitted with cornicing. The floor to ceiling height on the ground floor is approximately 2.7 metres in this level of specification.

Electrical

Ample power, lighting, telephone and TV points are incorporated throughout. Please consult your Sales Advisor for specific details on each housetype.

Switchable welcome sensor light
Downlighters to bathroom and en suites
Downlighters to kitchens
Downlighters to halls (not in Gold specification)
Multi-grid switching of kitchen appliances (minimising switchplates at worktop level)
Shaver sockets to bathroom and en suites
Door bell and chimes
Security alarm system
Mains-wired smoke detectors will be fitted

Plumbing and Heating

The central heating and hot water are supplied via a Megaflow designed, unvented system which allows balanced mains water pressure to hot and cold taps including fresh drinking water. The boiler will be gas-fired and individual thermostatic controls will be fitted to all radiators except one which is usually located in the hall.

External

Front gardens will be landscaped in accordance with our approved landscape design. A 1.8 metre high palisade fence will be erected between the rear gardens of each property. A rotary clothes drier will also be provided. Rear gardens will be graded, rough raked and rotovated. Your Sales Advisor will be able to assist you with information on plot-specific boundary fences, service strips, walls and factoring. A factoring company will be appointed to maintain all the common areas within the overall development, i.e. landscaped areas, open areas and car parking areas etc. An annual fee will be payable by all residents at Calderglen Meadow. In order to satisfy building regulations, barrier-free access will be provided to either front or rear entrance.

Note

Whilst these particulars are prepared with all due care for the convenience of intending purchasers, the information is intended as a preliminary guide only. As with the photographs/illustrations in this brochure, the display material in our Customer Reception area is provided purely as a guide, indicating the typical style of a property. The photographs/illustrations do not necessarily represent the actual finishings/elevational treatments, furnishings and fittings at this development. Room measurements are approximate only. Floor plans and dimensions are correct at time of going to print, however, due to the nature of the building these may vary. The illustrated location map is a general guide only. For specific details, please speak to the Sales Advisor for the most up to date information. Nothing contained in this brochure shall constitute or form part of any contract.

Boutique hotels | The Honolulu Advertiser

Read article : Boutique hotels | The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Sunday, March 21, 2004

Boutique hotels

By Chris Oliver
Advertiser Staff Writer

In Paul Theroux's novel "Hotel Honolulu," the narrator becomes the manager of the last small old hotel in Waikiki ... "a kind of 'bowteek hotel,' " the owner, Buddy Hamstra, calls it. The fictional 80-room property with its Paradise Lost bar and assortment of eccentric residents lives in the shadow of becoming a "tear-down," replaced by one of the huge chain establishments.

Theroux's hotel may be fiction, but the concept of a "boutique-style" property — small, intimate and comfortable, with staff who remember your name from one year to the next — is very much alive in Waikiki.

"New York hotelier Ian Schrager gets credit for beginning the trend for smaller and more intimate lodgings," said Tia Gordon of the American Hotels & Lodging Association in Washington D.C. "He wanted to get away from the traditional desk-bed-bath hotel room and put more color and style into smaller and hipper properties."

Islanders are often asked by prospective visitors where they should stay, and we sometimes like to make a little getaway to Waikiki ourselves, playing tourist. Where to go? The Advertiser surveyed a number of smaller hotels offering a variety of price ranges and specialties in Waikiki.

Waikiki Parc

Waikiki Parc Hotel:For some, like Bob Good of Mesa, Ariz., a stay at the Waikiki Parc is "like coming home." He says the level of service is excellent. Photos by Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

Hotel employees who remember your name is one reason Bob Good, from Mesa, Ariz., returns to the Waikiki Parc several times a year and says it's "like coming home." He gets a level of service he says is hard to find at hotels on the Mainland. "You can get a room anywhere, but not the quality of service I find here," said Good, 60. "I once left a suitcase behind, and a hotel employee going off their shift personally delivered it to me at the airport. They have the best staff of anywhere I've been."

Smaller and quieter than nearby sister hotel Halekulani, at the end of a cul-de-sac on Helumoa Street, the 297-room, recently renovated Waikiki Parc prides itself on delivering Halekulani-style service at a lower price.

"We have fewer public places in the hotel, so it tends to be quieter. Staff know who you are, and we tend not to have groups, so there is not so much movement," said Patricia Tam, vice president of Halekulani Corp.

Waikiki Parc also pays attention to changing visitor profiles, Tam said. "There's no longer a sharp division between business and leisure travelers. We cater to guests who are frequently doing both. This means an efficient business center and Internet service, workout room, and irons and boards in every room for the increasing number of female business travelers."

Tam said 20 percent of guests are return visitors. "For that to happen, guests must feel a personal tie-in. We are sincere about our services."

Waikiki Parc Hotel, 2233 Helumoa St., 921-7272, www.waikikiparc.com. Kama'aina rates from $125 a night.

W Honolulu

"Boutique" hotels became mainstream when Starwood Hotels & Resorts created its W line, including the W Honolulu, its fifth property, which opened near Diamond Head in 1999. One employee says W stands for "warm, witty, welcoming." Entering the low-ceilinged lobby, the W mood also is cool, chic and sophisticated, definitely mirroring hotelier Schrager's ideal of being a little "on the edge."

"At Diamond Head we're removed from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki," said Teri Orton, W's director of operations. "which promotes the feeling of tranquility. Our staff don't wear name tags, and we personally greet guests with fresh fruit juice and chilled oshibori towels to freshen up while their bags are brought in."

Guests are checked in upstairs in their rooms by "welcome ambassadors." The W has 44 rooms and four suites, including a 2-bedroom penthouse.

Decor and furnishings are Balinese, lighting intimate and subdued. Instead of a hotel lobby, W's entrance mimics a living room, with comfortable sofas that encourage guests to meet and linger.

Weekly guest events include "Revive Wednesdays," a wine and martini party beginning at 6 p.m., and "Wonderlounge" on Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 6 p.m. Diamond Head Grill is open for dinner nightly at 6.

W Honolulu, Diamond Head, 2885 Kalakaua Ave. 922-1700, www.whotels.com. Kama'aina rates from $174 a night for a Diamond Head room.

Outrigger Luana Waikiki

Outrigger Luana: Paige Showe and Derek Rogers relax on a 16th-floor lanai that offers a spectacular view of Waikiki. And keep in mind ... New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel, 2863 Kalakaua Ave., 923-1555, www.kaimana.com. At the quiet end of Waikiki, the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel has long been a favorite place for kama'aina to put out-of-town guests and also to get away themselves. The hotel's beachside Hau Tree Lanai is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Kama'aina rate is $116 per room, per night. Aston Waikiki Joy Hotel, 320 Lewers St. 923-2300, www.aston-hotels.com. The Waikiki Joy has 93 rooms with in-room jacuzzi baths and Bose stereo systems. Guests are greeted with a guava-lava smoothie on arrival and get one free hour with a keepsake video in one of the property's 12 karaoke studios. The hotel is intimate, popular with honeymooners and gay-friendly. Kama'aina rates start at $89 per room, per night and include continental breakfast. Aston Coconut Plaza Hotel, 450 Lewers St., 923-8828, www.aston-hotels.com. The 84-room Coconut Plaza has a bed-and-breakfast flavor. A cobblestone driveway leads to a gazebo garden area. Kama'aina rates start at $59 for a studio, per night, and includes continental breakfast. Aston Waikiki Beachside, 2452 Kalakaua Ave., 931-2100, www.aston-hotels.com. The hotel overlooks Waikiki beach and serves a three-course English tea on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Kama'aina rates start at $95 per room, per night. Royal Garden at Waikiki, 440 Olohana St., 943-0202. Small, quiet, Royal Garden at Waikiki has 202 rooms, two swimming pools, two jacuzzis and two saunas as well as Cascada, a French restaurant and Shizu, a Japanese eatery. Kama'aina rates start at $95 per room, per night. 'Ilima Hotel, 445 Nohonani St., 923-1877, www.ilima.com. 'Ilima has 99 rooms, a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom suites and a three-bedroom penthouse. Ilima describes itself as family-oriented rather than a boutique hotel, with large rooms and a new conference center (for groups up to 50); 75 percent of hotel guests are returnees. Kama'aina rates start at $95. —Chris Oliver

Steve Winter, general manager of Outrigger Luana Waikiki, says the concept of the boutique hotels resides in the relationship between employee and guest. "The attitude is a desire to do something, not an obligation. It's knowing names, attentive service and ensuring the guest wants to return," Winter said.

Outrigger is converting the former 242-room Waikiki Terrace hotel into a 217-room condotel with an $11 million renovation. The units include studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments. The hotel program is managed by Outrigger to generate income for absentee landlords.

Part of the Outrigger Luana's boutique attraction is its location on Kalakaua Avenue at the Ala Moana end of Waikiki, almost surrounded by Fort DeRussy's 66-acre green belt. "Ocean on one side, city views on the other. There's not a lot of concrete around us, and it's spectacular at night," Winter said.

Luana's units are compact with cleverly built-in appliances; one- and two-bedroom apartments have a kitchen. There is a sundeck and pool, fitness room, coin-operated laundry and an activity desk. There is no restaurant in the building, but there are 15 eateries within a block or two. Ourigger Luana Waikiki, 2045 Kalakaua Ave., 955-6000, www.outrigger.com. Kama'aina rates begin at $126 a night for a studio, $195 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Aqua Bamboo

"Small, comfortable. hip and affordable" is how Lisa Maria Priester describes the Aqua Bamboo on Kuhio Avenue. Priester, 36, an interior designer with Architects Hawaii, stayed there over Valentine's Day weekend after reading about the newly renovated hotel in a travel magazine. "It's not a fancy resort, but they've done a good job," Priester said, viewing the hotel's neutral decor through a designer's eye. She said it has appeal for the contemporary budget traveler.

"Our studio apartment had two double beds and a plasma-screen TV. The lobby is beautifully furnished Indonesian-style and the rates, especially for kama'aina, are great," she said. Priester also liked the little journal in each room in which travelers can record their stories.

"There aren't too many true boutique hotels in Waikiki," said Bamboo manager Joseph Yamaoka, "but we do our best to provide a 'home away from home' experience for our guests." He describes it as B&B intimacy with hotel amenities.

One of three Aqua properties in Waikiki, Bamboo offers guest rooms with at least one private lanai (many have more than one), color television, in-room safe and shower with full tub and kitchen, all renovated in 2001. Amenities include ice and soda vending machines, concierge services, parking (for a fee), swimming pool, jet spa/sauna (at nearby Hyatt Regency for a fee), coin-operated laundromat, sundeck, barbeque grill, garden with pavilion.

Aqua Bamboo, 2425 Kuhio Ave., 922 7777, www.aquaresorts.com. Kama'aina rates start at $89 for a studio.

Pikake Suites

Take any back road in Waikiki, and between high-rise concrete towers are plenty of alternative lodgings. One block back from Kalakaua Ave., behind a big wooden gate, the Pikake Suites, a seven-suite, two-story building, opens this month after renovations, aimed at gay and honeymoon travelers. (It was formerly Ha'eheo Guest House and Magnolia Hotel.)

"We see our property as a comfortable sanctuary," said general manager Michael Lunde. The two-bedroom suites with lounge and small kitchen are elegantly furnished in Balinese style. There is a library/reading area, and a small fountain courtyard and jacuzzi. "Our guests are international as well as from the Mainland. Most will stay around a week," Lunde said. What's special about the place? "Hmmm, it's got to be the staff attitude. We're here to greet guests and ensure they enjoy their stay from the get-go," Lunde said.

Pikake Suites, 2566 Cartwright Road, 778-2283. No kama'aina rates; the two-bedroom suites are $179 a night.

Ohana Reef Lanai

Ohana Reef hotel manager Lester Shim says the 110-room property on Saratoga Avenue offers small-scale, more personal service. "I've worked in larger hotels where there is a "time poverty" problem, Shim said. "There are only so many minutes, with many people demanding your attention. Here at the Ohana Reef Lanai, it's less hectic and we can offer the same services without the hustle and bustle."

The Reef Lanai became the first smoke-free hotel property on O'ahu in November. "We took a risk, especially with business clients — no smoking anywhere — but we thought it was the right thing to do," Shim said. Prohibiting smoking guarantees guests a no-smoking room, something other hotels cannot absolutely promise, he said.

During the early morning in the small lobby looking out on Saratoga across from Fort DeRussy Park, guests can be seen coming and going, ducking into Buzz's restaurant in the hotel for breakfast (the restaurant is smoke-free, too).

The hotel offers a choice of standard, studio and large one-bedroom suites that can sleep families of six, and recently won an editor's choice award from Travel Holiday magazine for best hotel in its price range.

Ohana Reef Lanai, 225 Saratoga Ave. 923-3881, www.ohanahotels.com. Kama'aina rates from $85 per room, per night. A $79-a-night kama'aina special, which includes a free continental breakfast, is available, depending on hotel occupancy.

The Breakers

Mid-morning rain doesn't bother guests at The Breakers, an old Hawai'i-style resort on Beachwalk. In the central courtyard around the swimming pool, general manager Ethel Nada is on hand to chat with guests and suggest indoor activities, but many are content to read on their lanais and wait out the shower.

"Home, friends, family" are words Nada uses to describe the resort's ambience. Nada started out with The Breakers as booking clerk when it opened and has never left. The hotel is celebrating 50 years in business now. She knows her guests personally, 75 percent of whom are return visitors. Many of her staff have been with her for 20 years, she said.

"We consider ourselves an oasis among high-rises," Nada said of the Japanese-style budget resort. "Friends return here each year to meet up."

The Breakers does not market itself as "cool and hip," rather as "gracious Island living." Architecturally, the resort matches the Urasenke Tea House, with which it shares the property.

The Breakers, 250 Beachwalk, 923-3181, www.breakers-hawaii.com. No kama'aina rates; room rates begin at $91 a day, single; $94 a day, double.