THE HOTEL: The 'Ilima Hotel, 445 Nohonani St., Honolulu, 96815; (808) 923-1877; (800) 801-9366; www.ilima.com.

WHAT'S INTERESTING: All the rooms are homey apartment-like spaces with full kitchens: studios, one- and two-bedroom suites, a three-bedroom penthouse suite, with recently remodeled bathrooms. Reservations supervisor Karen Behnke says they have so many repeat customers — many retirees from the Mainland and Canada, but also business travelers — that they've actually had people drive in, park and go up to their usual room, forgetting to check in! They keep a database of regulars' anniversaries and birthdays and send them cards signed by as many employees as possible. "We're trying to keep the not-so-rushed, easy going atmosphere of Hawai'i in the '60s," said Behnke (the hotel was built in 1968).

THE ATMOSPHERE: This small, family-friendly condo-style hotel has a genuinely Hawaiian sense of place. Each Friday at noontime, members of the staff gather in the lobby, hand out songbooks and sing their hearts out while guests snap pictures and attempt to follow along. They keep a lending library of Hawaiiana books and employees participate in a Hawaiian studies program, learning history, traditions, values and crafts to share with guests. All employees are called "hosts," to emphasize their commitment to hospitality, whether you're in housekeeping or work at the reception desk.

AMENITIES: Free parking (perhaps the only hotel in Waikiki still offering this, though stalls are limited); free local phone calls; full kitchens; high-speed Internet access in deluxe rooms; cable TV; individual air conditioners; private lanai; two smoking floors; small swimming pool and fitness room; small conference center.

RATES: $99.95 (studios) up to $191.95 (two-bedroom suites).

Reach Wanda A. Adams at wadams@honoluluadvertiser.com.