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Our Staycation at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beachwalk (and Luke’s State Championship)

Some of my favorite memories of childhood were family vacations. Everything from our first trips to Hawaii, to the most simple camping trips stand out in my mind as the most fun and memorable family times. I want that for my kids, too. But Hawaii is a long ways from the rest of the world, so most of the time a “staycation” is the best we can do…

Dave, Luke and Levi Pool Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk

We used to love to take the whole family downtown for Waikiki staycations.  We would pack into a hotel room and everyone would share beds and maybe one kid would be on a mat (that we schlepped along) and the kids would get so excited.  By morning Dave and I were pretty miserable, but the kids were still so happy.

And then our kids started growing up.  They got bigger.  They valued things like personal space, and well… personal space.  And now, the mention of, “Let’s get a hotel in Waikiki” gets all of one kid (Levi, 5) excited.  The other boys are like, “No! I can’t sleep well packed into a hotel room!”  “I’m not sharing a bed with my brother!”  “No thanks, I’m staying home!” and so on.  (Pause for a moment of sad reflection for the good old days.)  Plus, hotel stays = eating out all of your meals which just gets ridiculously expensive for a family of six.  Even in the old days we would choose the cheapest hotels possible, and then get there to find a creepy room, and the worst pool ever, you know the plain, cold ones on some remote deck…in the shade.  I’m not even kidding! The worst were the trips where we got to the pool to find it taped off and “under construction.” (Insert toddlers crying and mom and dad crying and everyone crying.)

So a few years ago we all but quit doing Waikiki Staycations.  Sad, but true.

UNTIL NOW.  Embassy Suites offered to host us during Luke’s State Championship contest in Waikiki last month.  And now I’m afraid I am officially ruined from ever staying in normal “hotels” again.

Have you ever stayed in an Embassy Suites by HiltonTM?  If so, you know what I’m talking about.  If not, then let me tell you a little bit about it…

The Embassy Suites by HiltonTM is an entirely different picture.  They have it all figured out.  They offer two-room suites with a separate living area.  We had two bathrooms (hello, personal space!)  and three televisions.  Embassy Suites had a very welcoming, friendly environment all the way around.  We loved being greeted with a fluted glass of Hawaiian passion-guava nectar at the check-in desk.  I told the boys it was because I was important and they believed me for a half a second until they saw every other guest checking in with the same reception, haha.

But wait, there’s more:  (And yes this is a sponsored post, but I mean this with all of my heart — just ask all of my friends that I gushed to about this.)  Embassy Suites always includes a free made-to-order breakfast with cooked-to-order eggs and other specialties, a Greek yogurt and toppings bar, and local favorites too.

kids breakfast Embassy Suites

For the record, that ^^ was NOT my plate…(lest you judge)

And catch this:  (no one believed me when I told them this part) the Embassy Suites by HiltonTM offers a TWO HOUR happy hour every evening with snacks and drinks by the pool.

(I wouldn’t lie about this stuff.)  

I think we call that a win-win.

Pool fun Embassy Suites Waikiki

We were especially excited about the location of our staycation, because the Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk is right on the end of town closest to Ala Moana Bowls where Luke had his State Championship surf contest.  We absolutely LOVE the beach walk in Waikiki. It’s been redone in the recent years, and there are great shops (well, we’re partial to Quiksilver, but there are many others), restaurants, and a fun beach walk with fountains and a great ambiance with torches and white lights.  If you’re on that end of town, I also highly recommend trying out Buho Cantina, a trendy little rooftop Mexican restaurant (that has plenty of space for large groups like we tend to have during surf contests. :)).

Surf groms at Buho

If you’ve ever been to Waikiki before, then you already know that the ABC store is a required visit.  (Don’t ask what Levi is proudly biting into, because surely a good mom would not buy her son a candy bar at the ABC store.  And if she did, Dad certainly shouldn’t find out about it.)

Luke and Levi Waikiki

Levi fun waikiki beach walkLevi fountain play at Waikiki Beach walkYou literally step out of the hotel and you’re smack in the middle of fun!Levi and Luke at Embassy Suites
This hotel is not on the ocean, but it’s a short walk down the street (one long block) to miles of beach. Easy!  We spent the majority of our two days at the surf contest, but looked forward to returning to the hotel and beach walk for the afternoon and evenings.

Dave and LukeIMG_8064Luke pool ES WaikikiMonica and Levi Poolside Embassy Suites Waikiki

Embassy Suites by HiltonTM is clearly committed to providing family with a great experience, and they definitely won me over.  There are a lot of ways they are working to support and refresh parents, like their “travel hacks program,” to help parents learn about ways to make family travel easier with all kinds of great travel tips. If you’re considering a hotel stay in Waikiki, I recommend trying out the Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk.

SURF CONTEST RESULTS:  To put the icing on the cake for our staycation, Luke surfed through 6 heats to make it to the final four in Hawaii at his state contest.  He took 2nd place overall!  (A mere .2 (point two!) separated him and his buddy Diego, who won the contest.)  We are so proud of our boy, and are now looking ahead to two National contests in California in June.

Thanks for traveling along with us, friends.  And, thank you again Embassy Suites by HiltonTM for a fabulous getaway!

XO, Monica

Click here for special offers from Embassy Suites by HiltonTM.

 

Now:  Tell us why you’d love a mini-getaway and you could win a $100 Visa gift card!

Entry Instructions:

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You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected. 

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 05/25/15 – 06/25/15

Be sure to visit the Embassy Suites by Hilton home page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

 

With Aloha, Monica

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81 Comments

  1. Lisa Brown says:

    tweeted-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/749206390070140928
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

    Reply
  2. Lisa Brown says:

    I would love a mini getaway to get a break from the daily hustle and bustle, change of scenery.

    Reply
  4. Stephanie Phelps says:

    I would love a mini getaway because we have not had a vacation in 5 years and I need to get away from all the crazy things we have going on with the DIY renovations we are doing!

    Reply
  6. Bert Ruiz says:

    I would like to go on a mini getaway with my family before my daughter goes back to college

    Reply
  8. Whitney Bellows says:

    I would love a mini-getaway because I haven’t taken a day off of work this year!!!

    Reply

  9. I’ve felt unbelievably stressed lately. It would feel good to get away and relax for awhile.

    Reply

  12. Long hours at work everyday… I really need one 😉

    Reply

  15. My hubby and I have not been on a vacation in years.

    Reply
  16. Shawn Gallagher says:

    I haven’t had a vacation since I was a kid so I’d say it was well deserved

    Reply
  18. ANGEL JACKLYN says:

    Me and my man really need some time together on a “get-away” concentrating on something other than bills.

    Reply

  20. i’d love to have a little me time

    Reply

  22. I deserve a mini vacation because I always put my family ahead of myself.

    Reply

  24. it would be great to destress for a bit

    Reply

  26. I’d love a mini-getaway to give our family a chance to relax and reconnect and have some fun!

    Reply
  27. natasha Lamoreux says:

    We love taking mini getaways and staycations because its farely inexpensive and it helps us unwind and enjoy each others company.

    Reply

  30. I’d love a peaceful getaway just to give my mind and body a break 🙂

    Reply

  32. i’d love a mini vacay for some exciting me time 🙂

    Reply

  34. I’d love a mini-getaway with my wife and kids, life can be so hectic and it feels so good to “unplug” from everything and just enjoy each other.

    Reply

  36. I have been working two jobs until just recently and now that I have a bit more free time, I could sure use a mini getaway!
    JenniferAnne74 @ aol.com

    Reply
  38. Betty Curran says:

    Everyone needs a treat of some kind and many times you just can’t afford either the money or the time for a full fledged vacation. A “Staycation” gives you that feeling of something special without the worries of the budget and you know that you can get back to your real life quickly if necessary. I haven’t had a vacation of any kind in a couple of years and I would love to win this for a few days away.

    Reply

  39. I would a mini giveaway because I would like to take my son to the beach.

    Reply

  41. I would love another mini vacation to waikiki because BUHO! haha i love how much you guys love it now 🙂 sangria + guacamole, please!

    Reply

  42. After a long school year with two busy boys, I could use a getaway for sure, I think all the moms that read your beautiful blog deserve it, but only one can win. Good luck everyone!

    Reply
  43. CR Williams says:

    I would love a mini getaway because it’s my birthday month and I deserve it : )

    Reply

  44. I would love a to go on a staycation because I just got done moving to a new home and I am exhausted! I need some time to recharge and relax.

    Reply

  46. I love a mini-getaway because it’s not always easy for my hubby to get days off from work. But a couple of day attached with the weekends is always perfect and that fits for a mini-getaway! There are many place for us to explore around the area that are perfect for a mini-getaway as well. 🙂 Thanks for hosting this fun giveaway!

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

    Reply

  48. I would love a mini-getaway because I have spent the last 2 years working, going to school and raising kids.

    Reply

  49. A toddler + baby + a long winter = we’re ready to get out of the house and go somewhere new!

    Reply

  51. I’ve been thinking about a mini-getaway lately to New York for a Broadway show! I’d love this because a change of pace, even a short one, is always refreshing.

    Reply

  52. I love Embassy Suites! Staycasions give me the rest without the stress of traveling!

    Reply

  54. ha! i’m a fifth grade teacher and school is out in…um….9 days!!!! not that i’m counting. i’ve been teaching for 15 years now and thin i can use a mini vaca with my family.

    Reply
  55. Angela Saver says:

    I would love a mini get-away because I would love to get some quality family time with my family away from work & school!

    [email protected]

    Reply

  56. I work at a school and the end of the year is crazy!! I’m ready to get away from it all.

    Reply
  58. Erica Best says:

    i would love a weekend getaway away from the world

    Reply

  59. I don’t have organized sports…I have doctor appointments and co-pays. (Seriously, we’ve been spending about $1,200 a month on medical expenses this year.) I am exhausted and desperately need a vacation.

    Reply
  60. MJ Harper says:

    I want a mini getaway! I’m a teacher in land-bound Fort Scott, KS taking a college class. I’d love a getaway!!!

    Reply

  61. I like mini get aways because it gives us a chance to visit a different city and make new memories.

    Reply

  63. i would enjoy a mini getaway- its fun to getaway from everything for a few days!

    Reply
  64. Jessie C. says:

    tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/736757282373918720

    Reply
  65. Jessie C. says:

    With busy schedules, my family hardly has time to go on vacation, a mini-getaway is perfect to enjoy some quality family time together.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

    Reply

  67. I would love a mini-getaway because we have been working hard and need a break

    Reply

  69. I would like a mini getaway, it would be so relaxing.

    Reply

  71. I would love a mini-getaway to celebrate the end of the school year. My kids worked hard this year.

    Reply
  72. Julie Wood says:

    tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/736548085761871873

    Reply
  73. Julie Wood says:

    I would love a mini- getaway because we have not taken a vacation in a couple of years and we need to get away, even for a few days or the weekend! I would love to stay at the Embassy Suites by HiltonTM!

    Reply

  74. tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/736546387580571649

    Reply

  75. I’d love a mini getaway because last year I was pregnant and with a newborn so we didn’t take a vacation anywhere.

    Reply
  77. Steve Weber says:

    I would love a mini getaway because I work so much!!

    Reply

  78. I would live to win a mini getaway because, after a rough year, my husband, kids and I need a little immediate family time that’s all fun!

    Reply

  79. Always love a mini getaway with my family to get a break from work and chores to have some fun.

    Reply
  80. Jill Sayles says:

    I have three boys and it is nice to have a little extra to treat them to something!

    Reply

  81. This looks amazing! I would love a mini-getaway, well, because sometimes you just need to get away as a family or as husband and wife!! 😉

    Reply