The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki

We don’t spend much time on this island. But we do spend a night here and there for connections. Great classic building and very well kept up. But the food and beverage is too touristy. Drinks are not good or the food. Staff is very nice and professional though.

I spent a week staying at The Royal Hawaiian and here are my thoughts. First the good- the property is beautiful. It’s lush and tropical and the history in the building is something special. The location is central to everything you would want to do in Waikiki, so it is also very convenient. As a Platinum Elite member, the welcome gift was very nice and allowed me to try the bakery which I probably would not have without the incentive to go there. I went two other times during my stay because the pastries were delicious! I enjoyed the activities offered by the resort and participated in lei making, the history tour and made a kukui nut bracelet. The Sheraton pool next door was lovely and offered views of the pool and the beach so we reserved a cabana on two separate occasions to take advantage of this perk! Pool staff were attentive and very helpful, especially Kevin and Eli. Now for the rest of it- the rooms are old and need to be refreshed. We expected the historic room to have older furnishings, but it was also very basic with no real luxurious touches. For the price of the rooms I was expecting a bit more. Carpets seemed dingy so I used the complimentary slippers available to avoid being barefoot on the carpet. The daily water provided was a nice touch and much appreciated and housekeeping came daily to ensure all the toiletries were always refilled. That being said, there was a day that housekeeping must have rushed through our room because the dirty linens from a few pillows were accidentally left on top of the dresser drawer. We also tried the Mai Tai bar on property and this was a huge disappointment. The bar was busy and bartenders were rude. One bartender in particular, Kekoa, was short and dismissive in all his interactions. After waiting patiently a few minutes, Kekoa finally made eye contact and then asked if our order was for here or to-go. When we asked for the drinks to-go, he snapped that we needed to wait in the to-go line and pointed in the direction on the opposite side of the bar. There were no signs or any indication that there was a to-go line, but we went to the other side of the bar and after several more minutes, he took our order. After making our drinks he placed both of them on the bar without telling us which was which. We had to ask him to identify our two different mai-tais which seemed to irritate him. We paid almost $45 for 2 drinks so a little curtesy would have be nice. When checking in, the staff were very friendly and professional, but when we requested a late check-out later in the week, the staff member informed us it was not possible because the property already offers a noon check-out which is generous. I completely understand that late check-out is only a request and granted if possible, but overall it was disappointing that the staff member didn't even look to check if it was possible. He just said that noon should be late enough because this is a later check-out time then other properties. Ultimately, while the Royal Hawaiian is a beautiful property steeped in history, I would probably try a different luxury hotel the next time I find myself in Hawaii.

I was unbelievably shocked at the level of service from the Royal Hawaiian. They truly care to give guests the best experience and the hotel is historic and gorgeous. The rooms are definitely outdated - but you shouldn't be spending too much time in the room anyways. It's meticulous and the housekeeping staff cares deeply about maintaining the room. From Nicole Acuna (GM), to Benjamin (Front Office Manager) all the way to the breakfast staff (shout out to Erich the bartender) - the entire staff will give you a warm aloha welcome and do whatever they can to make sure you have the best possible experience. Thank you Royal Hawaiian - we will be back!

What a wonderful stay. The location can’t be beat. It’s on the beach with excellent shopping just outside too. It’s safe and the staff are amazing. Breakfast with Elaine and Stanford were excellent. Mai Thai bar staff were fun and the drinks were amazing. John at the pool can’t help but give the Aloha spirit always happy to help. The Beach Boys staff were so kind and helpful. The Valet staff were quick and kind. They also shared beach toys with us.

Spur of the moment trip 6 nights to complete airline points for 2024. Booked 6 nights so one free night for staying five. Used Marriott points for two nights. Chose least expensive room no view. Upgraded at check in. Was advised room I had was in very noisy street area so arrived to a quiet older but pleasant room on the 5th floor. Have stayed at the other original hotel on Waikiki Beach, The Moana Surfrider. The hotel grounds here are remarkable and provide many quiet places. Mai Tai Bar the best. Swam in the ocean daily and rented pink beach umbrella all day behind roped off area which was more private. Attentive, friendly staff everywhere. Bakery on premises, lots of shops, ABC and food choices a short block from the entrance. For a feeling of the past, for beautiful surroundings and elegant finishing touches everywhere this hotel should be experienced. While there were some very young children I would not characterize this as a family destination.