Reviews of Starwood properties in Honolulu (Hawaii)

[Alanslegal]

I recently visited Honolulu and had a total of seven nights there. The theme was just chill by the beach by day and enjoy the nightly atmosphere after sunset. I was very optimistic that this quick visit the Honolulu would be immensely enjoyable. Having booked two tickets on Jetstar for $595 all inclusive return, things were looking my way - that is until the weakening of AUD in the past three months. For every AUD$1.00 buying less than USD$0.64 - this was going to hurt. Imagine spending AUD$12-$13 for a McDonalds Big Mac meal ..... ouch!

Anyway, seven nights all up - three Starwood hotels I will be staying at. Why? Simply, split them up into shorter stays and have a greater chance of a suite upgrade!

In more detail I wanted to start off at the Sheraton Waikiki - given alot of their rooms have some of the best views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head - this hotel was hopefully going to start the vacation on a good note.

I then wanted to be at the W HNL on a FRI/SAT night specifically for their wild Wonderlounge party! (guests get complimentary access to the nightclub) Also I wanted to borrow one of the W's Acura motor vehicles for a complimentary Acura Experience 6hr test drive. (Acura's are the USA name for an slightly upmarket Honda). The idea was to take one of the two USD$50K cars out to Waikele Premium Outlets and go shopping (or maybe a cruise up to the North Shores of Oahu).

I then wanted to finish off the Honolulu visit with a stay at the Moana Surfrider - a favourite choice amongst many SPG elites over at FT.

The other Starwood properties in Honolulu are the Royal Hawaiian and the Sheraton Princess. However the RH is closed for renovations and the SP seems to be only 'a stay at a last resort' out of the five Starwood properties, according to many reviews.


Sheraton Waikiki

(as quickly reviewed on FT by me)

I had a three night stay starting 25 NOV and was upgraded to the premium ocean front suite, room 1136. My original reservation was a standard city view room which had an eligible BRG rate of ~USD$150 per night plus taxes.

IMO rooms ending xx36 probably have the best views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, the ocean and beyond. Once the Royal Hawaiian completes its multi-million $$ renovation you would also have a good view of their new supersized pool area incl. water slide.

Suite 1136 remained unrenovated - which was a bit of a shame - however the super sized suite made up for the much dated decor. The living area was gigantic for any hotel room which lead to the ocean front lanai, then there was another lanai off the bedroom which had aspects that faced more towards the RH & Waikiki Beach.

Other aspects of the SW is that the lobby is painfully outdated and check-in can be painfully slow (depending on the time of the day - but one should expect that given the SW has 1700+ rooms). At least there is an elite SPG line - so that helps with check-in times if you're at Gold or Platinum status.

The pool area is relatively a good size however if you're going to spend $$$ to be staying on a beachfront property - then I'd suggest you spend 60 seconds walking to Waikiki Beach. The sunset from the SW pool is spectacular and the nightly live shows are an ideal way to wind down.

If one can accept a very busy hotel plus the fact that alot of non-guests will use the SW as a public thoroughfare to get to the beach - then this hotel would be a good place to stay.

 

[Alanslegal]

Photos of Sheraton Waikiki

The hotel driveway:-

Renovated lift lobby (11th floor):-

Entrance to suite 1136:-

11th Floor map behind door:-

Living room:-

Bedroom:-

 

[Alanslegal]

Photos of Sheraton Waikiki

Platinum ammenity:- I actually chose the local gift which was a selection of local Hawaiian food items. When the goods arrived, I realised I could have bought them all from the many ABC convenient stores littered throughout Waikiki. Maybe I should have gone for the points instead?

Diamond Head and the full oceanfront view from the living room:-

The view from the living room balcony:-

The view from the bedroom balcony:-

Lots of people on Waikiki Beach:-

A very trainquil evening view of Waikiki from the balcony:-

Simply put a very good Sheraton hotel. With its superior beachfront location - and if the $$$ is right. A definite hotel I would recommend to anyone. A solid 3.5 or maybe a 4 star rating IMO.

 

[Alanslegal]

Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort quick review

Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort Waikiki Beach

I had a two night stay starting 30 NOV and was upgraded to an one bedroom ocean front suite in the Tower Building, the room # 495. My original reservation was a standard city view room which had an eligible BRG rate of ~USD$190 per night plus taxes.

Unless you're in a speciality suite, rooms ending xx95 or xx96 have probably the best views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, the Banyan Court below, the MS pool, Duke's at the Outrigger next door, the ocean and beyond.

Being on a relatively low floor (4th) was not a problem. I was about 30metres from the Waikiki sand and had good nightly entertainment from Duke's next door. It had a very intimate feel to the beach - I guess I normally like a super-high floor but in this case, the lower and closer to the beach, the better. Also I liked the sounds of the waves at night so left the lanai doors open.

Suite 495 was almost heavenly, separate bedroom with the best heavenly beds I've ever slept on, large bathroom area depite having a stand-in the bathtub shower, automated toilets, large living area, full length sliding doors opening to the inverted V shaped lanai. Awesome people watching from the lanai

Other aspects of the MS is that the check-in was pretty good. I was greeted with a lei-greeting, a glass of cold juice, and a moistened face wipe. The only minor gripe is that I was walking street level to the hotel, none of the five porters/bellboys offered to whisk my one piece of luggage for me but that's Ok with me as I generally prefer to lug it myself anyway.

I was pre-upgraded to the ocean front suite and I believe the Best Available Rate is generally around USD$1K so IMO an excellent upgrade.

I could not find any major fault with this hotel and can appreciate why the MS is a favourite within the Starwood group - well that's until the Royal Hawaiian opens its rejuvenated doors in 2009.

 

[drron]

Bringing back lots of memories,great photos.SPG certainly is streets ahead of HH when it comes to upgrades.

 

[Alanslegal]

Photos of the Moana Surfrider

Entrance of the hotel:-

Entrance to Suite 495:-

The spacious living room:-

Separate bedroom which had the best Westin heavenly beds I've slept in to date:-

 

[Alanslegal]

Photos of the Moana Surfrider

Waikiki Beach / ocean front view from the balcony:-

The view towards the Sheraton Waikiki & Duke's below:-

The view towards Diamond Head:-

Just after sunset and of Duke's nightly entertainment:-

 

[Alanslegal]

Photos of the Moana Surfrider

Moana Surfrider by night:-

The famous rocking chairs on the front hotel verandah:-

Inside the hotel:-

A highly recommended hotel situated in the perfect location on Waikiki Beach. Elegant, classy, with all the history being The First Lady of Hawaii. Impressive will be an understatement.

 

[Alanslegal]

W Honolulu; a quick review

W Honolulu - Diamond Head

I had a two night stay being commenincing the 28th of November. I specifically booked this hotel for two reasons i) their Wonderlounge parties on a Friday and Saturday night and ii) to experience the Acura Experience where I could complimentary borrow one of their two Acura USD$50K motor vehicles for a six hour test drive.

I had a points and cash booking - and being a Cat5 property it cost of 4800 points plus USD$90 per night - which was booked into a Wonderful Room. Prior to arrival I was upgraded to a Cool Corner Room is which the highest category room available for a SPG Platinum upgrade. There is only one suite in this 48 room W hotel and that is the Mega Wow Suite (aka the penthouse) on the 12'ish floor.

The W Honolulu is a good 10 minute walk from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and adjacent to Kapiolani Park. With intimate views of Diamond Head the hotel is a really tranquil place to chill out and enjoy the shadows of the magical mountain.

The W is refreshing and a sensory delight upon entering the Living Room (commonly known in other hotels just as the hotel lobby). The Whatever/Whenever service is truly present and Guy - the concierge, bellboy, porter, guide - really tried his best to assist me.

Cool Corner Room, number 821, is a relatively large hotel room with two balconies that made the room feel open and airy. The view was towards Diamond Head, another nearby condominium, a parking lot and a little peek of the ocean. The soothing W King bed was present and the blend of Hawaiian / tropical feel of decor plus the sliding wooden shutters instead of blinds made this room feel very relaxing indeed.

Level 2 is occupied by the hotel's restaurant being the Diamond Head Grill and on a Friday / Saturday night converts into one of the hottest clubs in Honolulu. This club - called the Wonderlounge - is what I came here for.

The hotel is adjacent to a couple of other properties including the Outrigger Canoe Club and they share a private beach. The W provides beach chairs and towels on request and the secluded beach is a great place to avoid the crowds of Waikiki Beach. From this beach you can look beyond and see Waikiki and the city skyline.

 

[Alanslegal]

W Honolulu; a quick review

That Friday night I had dinner at Perry Smorgys Buffet on Kuhio Avenue early in the evening which set me back USD$11.95 plus tax, and then I could also attend the annual Thanksgiving parade which runs down Kalakaua Avenue.

After the conclusion of the parade, I returned to the W to freshen up before heading to the Wonderlounge. In the elevator I bumped into a couple of guys who were heading to the 12th floor - I then asked who was the lucky person (as in referring to who is the lucky one up in the penthouse). The guys said they were holding a private party upstairs and invited me to come up and have a few beers. I indeed took up this offer.


The Mega Wow Suite

The Mega Wow Suite is really what it is - MEGA WOW! You take the elevator to level 12 (the highest) then you have to walk up 15 steps to the 12 point 5th level. You enter the room and there is a sitting room on your left which has panaromic views towards Waikiki. On your right there is a full sized kitchen which leads onto the wrap around the balcony. If you however proceed straight ahead you reach the living room which again leads onto the balcony. To the left of the living room is the second bedroom that has its own ensuite bathroom. The living room is gigantic in size and there is a special DJ set up area. This Mega Wow Suite is known for having some of the wildest private parties including various A-list music stars have been there. The whole floor is sound proofed so there is no need to worry about the 'doof-doof' music affecting other guests. Retracing my steps and walking pass the sitting area , you then reach the huge master bedroom, enormous bathroom with dual sinks, spa bath, shower. Again the room leads to the wrap around balcony. This room is mega wow - mega hotness!!

Anyway the private party is buzzing and there is a commercial DJ music setup with loudspeakers blaring away. A few table top dancers on in the middle of the living room and on top of the overly large living room table. Definite eye candy to me! The kitchen is fully stocked up with alcohol and this party will go through the night. Wow!


The two main aspects of staying at the W was the Wonderlounge and the Acura Experience, here are the quick reviews:-

The Wonderlounge

The club opens its doors at 10pm each Friday and Saturday night and despite a slow build up of clubbers - the club hits its full beat close to midnight and packs out not long after. The music is generally hiphop + rnb. A young'ish crowd attends like usual and pays the USD$15 cover to get in - but appears to be stingy on the alcohol purchase/consumption. Maybe responsible young adults - who knows?

The club is seriously wild and (if you're into that scene) would recommend getting there past midnight for a two hour partay!


Acura Experience

The W Honolulu has two Acura motor vehicles for complimentary six hour test drives. One is the Acura RL luxury sedan and the other is the super compact RDX off-roader. The Acura's are the W Hotel's preferred motor vehicle. In other large W hotels you get a complimentary chaffeur to drive you but since the W HNL is small - they let you take the cars out yourself. Nice. However although the cars were available for use - I was not allowed to take one out because I didn't have a USA or an international drivers license. I protested that I have driven in Hawaii previously in 2005, as well as driving in California in 2007 and that only required me to hold a valid NSW DL. Anyway guess my hope for taking out one of the cars to go shopping was quickly dashed - and my Whatever/Whenever experience now shattered. Anyway the friendly concierge managed to get me a shuttle to my shopping destination - Waikele Premium Outlets - and the mini-van arrived within 10 minutes for my pick up. Efficient.

 

[Alanslegal]

Photos of the W Honolulu

Keith has a detailed review of his W HNL experience and some nice photos; http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/hotel-experiences-and-reviews/w-hotel-honolulu-13389.html

In addition, here are some of photos I took.

The W driveway:-

The Living Room:-

 

[Alanslegal]

Photos of the W Honolulu

Cool Corner Room:-

The view of Diamond Head from the balcony:-

The Diamond Head Grill on Level 2:-

 

[Alanslegal]

Photos of the W Honolulu

Looking towards Waikiki from Level 8 corridor:-

Private beach 100m from the W Honolulu:-

The W Honolulu is an extremely good boutique hotel. It posesses W flair mixed with Hawaiian cool and is located in a nice secluded area away from the busineses of Waikiki. It felt very relaxing staying here and the rooms are definitely fresh. Surprisingly - during the daylight hours - you would not even believe the hotel holds one of the best dance parties in Honolulu every Friday and Saturday night; if you're not into this party scene then request a mid to high level floor. Don't let the nightclub dissuade you from staying here. The 10 minute walk to Waikiki is a casual stroll and can be done at any time of the day. A huge recommendation to stay at this boutique property.

 

[Alanslegal]

Final comments and ....... my verdict

The three Starwood properties I stayed at are definitely all highly recommended hotels. I would have no hesitation to stay at either if given the choice.

Each property appears to be catering for different demographics. The Sheraton Waikiki appears to be more leisure & family friendly. The Moana Surfrider is upmarket, elegant and possibly more aimed at couples and the W Honolulu is clearly for those who want the Wow experience plus to avoid the traffic of Waikiki yet still remain close enough to walk to.

In terms of location - the Moana Surfrider cannot be beaten. It is smack in the middle of prime Waikiki Beach front and centrally located too all shopping, dining and entertainment in Waikiki. If my desire was a home away from home - I'd take the W.

In terms of room quality - the Moana Surfrider suite is amazing. Heavenly in all respects and clearly a place where you can Rest Easy. The W is extremely comfortable and comes in a close second whilst the unrenovated Sheraton suites - although in excess of 100sqm in size - clearly is decades behind in quality. The renovated rooms however are modern, fresh and appealing.

In terms of service - the W Honolulu and their Whatever/Whenever experience is amazing. Friendly, personal and that Willingness to assist is top notch.


And my verdict is .....

If given the choice of the above three rooms now, I'd easily put the Sheraton into third spot purely because it remains unrenovated. However my choice would become extremely tough once these super sized over 100sqm suites are renovated.

In the runners up position it would have to be the W Honolulu - the room although very comfortable did not feel the excessively over-the-top nor did it feel luxurious. With great service,within walking distance to Waikiki and its own private beach this is a highly recommended place to stay.

But the winner for me has to be the Moana Surfrider - a huge one bedroom ocean front Tower suite on prime Waikiki Beach front. Large living space, amazing Heavenly beds, a balcony just above the sands, the sounds of waves crashing, the people watching, the gorgeous sunsets. Amazing property - Amazing place.

THE END and thanks for reading.


Side note: I visited the Sheraton Princess Kualuani and enjoyed their Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner by their pool. After dinner I had a walk around the hotel and it appears to be quite tired and in need of some remodelling / renovation work. It is almost on par with the unrenovated parts of the Sheraton Waikiki and basing my perception on the common areas of the SPK I probably would refuse to stay there but then again I've been spoilt by the other fantastic Starwood properties in Waikiki.

 

[Keith009]

Thanks Alanslegal for a great overview of the SPG options in Honolulu.

 

[Alanslegal]

The Royal Hawaiian - A Luxury Collection Property

The Royal Hawaiian Hotel - A Luxury Collection Property

A few weeks ago I managed to sneak back into Honolulu for a quick 72 hour visit despite U.S Customs and Immigration pulling me up due to the widely used - but undeclared - "profiling" technique. Me? The solo & single, young'ish male of asian decent, popping into and out of Hawaii in the space of a few days, travelling only w hand luggage packed with a couple of board shorts, the same amount of t shirt and a pair of Haviana thongs. (however I was really travelling with someone though)! I suggested it was profiling just for discussion sake - and he said "no, it was because less luggage meant it was easier to inspect!" Me thinks; Whatever?!

Anyway when you enjoy flying A to B via C, D and E, it all becomes too much like a 'bus-trip' Then when you start share your stories and tales, the Customs dude realises you're legitimate and you just 'love to travel'. But more importantly, when one has absolutely nothing to hide and there is nothing to worry about.

So I get pulled up at HNL and here is the conversation after Mr. C&I says "Come with me!"

C&I: How long are you in Hawaii?
Me: Three days.
C&I: Where are you going after this?
Me: Back home, to Sydney
C&I: You came all this way. For what is it? 12 hours, just for three days?
Me: Yep
C&I: (looks at my completed Arrivals Card) So you are staying at The Royal Hawaiian, that is a very expensive hotel!!

And this, is my introduction to The Royal Hawaiian - known to Mr. C&I as that 'very expensive hotel'.


The Royal recently completed it's US$50M renovation program and the 'pink palace' as it is historically and locally known had it's grand opening back in March 2009. The renowned pink colours remains the central piece of this building, with its romantic and serene aura, the grounds of the RH is beautiful. Through the manicured lawns, the Banyan trees and frangipiani flowers, you are only just steps away from the tourist mecca of Waikiki in one direction and the beautiful but often busy Waikiki Beach in the other.

Having earnt some free weekend nights during June-July 2009 Starwood promotions, it was time to spend some nights here at The Royal. Although I had a great stay at the Moana Surfrider on my previous stay in Dec '08 and the reminder of that gorgeous 1 bedroom suite like metres on top of the beach, I had to take a calculated risk and check out the newly transformed 'pink palace'. With best available rates usually hovering around the US$300 plus taxes per night mark, I guess I'd rather stay for free when I can't afford to do so if paying by cash!

Before I even left home to get to SYD airport, I was already pre-upgraded into a Tower Ocean Front Room from the entry level Garden View Room. I knew suites were very limited but when a view of the Ocean is the most important for me, then I'd take any view of the beach!

Arriving at The Royal I was quickly greeted by the porters or known as Ambassadors here and my bags were quickly accepted. I was then escorted to the check-in tables where I was checked-in whilst seated. I was also offered a refreshing pink drink and a Hawaiian beaded necklace placed around my neck.

Another friendly Ambassador then escorted me to the room and gave a concise but historically overview of The Royal. It was a very nice touch to learn about the hotel, the history of the hotel and how that gave me a sense of connection. Some would say a hotel is just a place to sleep, but this hotel, there was an element of closeness to being part of history.

As I had a travelling companion, I had to go for the double-double set up and the room was of above average sizing. Sliding doors lead to the balcony, which was perched below the top-floor, but overlooking the gorgeous Waikiki Beach down below. Welcome snacks of Banana Bread was pre-placed in the room and they were soft and moist - a yummy treat.

Tower Room:-

Waikiki Beach below:-

The quality bath products were made by Gilchrist & Soames and were absolutely silky & divine to use.

Tower Guests had exlclusive use to the Level 1 Tower Concierge Lounge which is really a small open air lounge overlooking the pool. It was a nice benefit to enjoy complimentary snacks and coffee/tea but if I missed out on this, I probably wouldn't mind either.

Level 1 Lounge:-

 

[Alanslegal]

The Royal Hawaiian - A Luxury Collection Property

The Royal Hawaiian has prime beach frontage and guests enjoy exclusive use of the complimentary beach chairs and umbrella. It is a 'first come - first serve' but if chairs are left vacant for more than 60 minutes, they may be forfeited and I must say it is actively patrolled by the staff. Furthermore some non-RH guests attempted to use the chairs but were quickly ushered on!

Complimentary refreshment given by one of the RH Ambassadors:-

 

[Alanslegal]

The Royal Hawaiian - A Luxury Collection Property

The Hotel Grounds:-

From arrival to departure, this hotel is excellent. The grounds are beautiful, romantic and soothing, plus those cute pink umbrellas will win me over anyday! All Ambassadors were welcoming, fresh and helpful and showed geniune care of the guests. The location is perfect! You cannot get any closer to the beach nor the main strip of Waikiki. Although The Royal is definitely on the price-y side of places to stay in Honolulu, I cannot agree more with the notion that 'you really get what you pay for'. I would highly recommended this property to anyone and I am looking forward to a future return to the Pink Palace - whenever that may be.

 

[drron]

All your activity is reminding me of how far behind in my reports.Promise to do better.
Again a great and informative report-those free weekend nights are certainly a wonderful deal.