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6862 reviews
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Oct 12, 2024Mahalo Moana Surfrider
We typically visit the islands and rent a car to drive to a rural area. However, we wanted to experience Waikiki this time, so we chose the historic Moana Surfrider Hotel. When you arrive earlier than check, they have a smooth process for holding your bags while you explore Waikiki or the hotel services. The lobby is comfortable and includes eating, relaxing, or people-watching options. We chose the hotel for its historic charm. We booked a Banyan Tower room with an ocean view, and we will return and get the same room. Being able to look out to the ocean and hear the ocean while sleeping was just what we needed. This room is at the edge of everything, so the internet was slower, but it wasn't a problem as we used our hot spots or downloaded movies in the lobby and watched them in the room. Every morning, we did yoga offered by the hotel and then had pour-over Kona Coffee and Acai bowls. We rented a cabana daily (there are only four, so be prepared to reserve daily.) We swam in the ocean several times daily, always coming across a turtle. While we hung out in our cabana, we had excellent service for food and yummy frozen adult beverages. There was construction noise during the day, but we put in earplugs and understand a historic hotel must work to keep structures safe. We don't like our room being serviced daily, but Perico ensured we had what we needed every day (coffee, towels, water). While at the cabana, Lee checked in on us. I discussed naming the cabanas Hawaiian flowers instead of numbers like Hau, tiara, naupaka, and Queen Emma lily. Best four-day Waikiki vacation
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Oct 10, 2024Disappointing mirage of what once was
It took 45 minutes to check in, was told my Titanium status meant nothing there. The Club was closed permanently from Covid, and the breakfast meant long lines. My room overlooked a stage and on my final night a corporate event below was so loud it drowned out the TV, 7pm to 10pm. I travel extensively and this was just awful. The bar was overcrowded without seating and similar crowding by day at poolside. My email and postal complaints remain completely ignored. So much for elite Marriott status.
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Oct 05, 2024Absolute disaster – Moana Surfrider, Waikiki! Avoid at all costs!
This hotel is a complete mockery of what a luxury stay should be. When we made the reservation, no one informed us that the hotel is essentially a construction site! The balconies, which are supposed to be part of the room amenities, were closed off and couldn't be opened. If you want to air out your room or dry your swimsuits, tough luck. Why? One of their balconies collapsed in January! How is it even possible that the hotel is still operating? This is a complete disregard for guest safety, yet they have the audacity to charge full rates as if everything is perfectly fine. As for the beds? Absolute disaster. They're old, sagging, and after two nights, your neck will definitely hurt. And the rooms? They're outdated and in desperate need of a complete renovation. It felt like staying in a hotel that has long passed its prime. Now, about the "comfort" by the pools and beach – forget it! The sunbeds are always occupied, and good luck trying to find a spot. It’s a total nightmare and will undoubtedly ruin your vacation experience. On top of that, the hotel charges a ridiculous $65 for parking and an additional $50 daily resort fee. These outrageous fees are just further proof that this hotel is purely about milking guests without offering any decent services in return. Final verdict? Steer clear of Moana Surfrider! Maybe this hotel once had a good reputation, but today it's nothing more than a scam. There are plenty of better hotels in Waikiki that offer far more for the same (or even less) money. This place is just a money-grabbing machine with zero regard for guest comfort.
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Oct 04, 2024Fantastic Stay
I was a little nervous about staying at this hotel after reading some of the recent reviews but we were pleasantly surprised on arrival. We had a Diamond ocean view room and it was just beautiful. The bathroom wasn't huge but the view from the balcony was breathtaking. The staff were friendly and pointed us in the right direction to hire a car. Food at the pool bar was great. They are starting to fix the balconies in the tower wing now so it was quite noisy around the pool area but to be honest, with so much to do on the island, we only had one day round the pool anyway. Our room was cleaned and the towels changed daily and the hotels is in the perfect location on Waikiki beach. The only downside I would mention is that the pool area is extremely busy and I was up at 6am to secure a sun lounger. There is a sign up to say that if you leave your towels on the lounger and don't return within 60 minutes, then your sunbed will be allocated to someone else. This does not happen. After sitting from 6am until 4pm around the pool, there were beds that were left unattended for hours on end and the pool, staff did not do anything about it. The staff around the pool don't do much at all to be honest! The only other thing to mention is that the walls are paper thin! I could literally hear the conversations that next door were having word for word and the guy's snoring woke me up a couple of nights!! Overall, a fantastic stay at the Moana Surfrider and Waikiki. Would I return? YES!!
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Oct 02, 2024Wait for repairs to be completed & Beach Cub closed
Wait until refurbishment is done. Oh, and by the way the Beach Club lounge IS NO LONGER open. Always has been a great property, but Tower building is currently being renovated due to balcony decks having to be replaced. Hotel, to their credit, did send out notices that there would be “beginning September 30th, 2024, through July 31st, 2025. Intermittent noise can be expected on Mondays – Fridays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.” The noise is more consistent than intermittent making being in the room not enjoyable at all. Going out to central pool area also bad as noise from repairs (bouncing off the buildings walls) also takes away from the beauty of this property. Thought we would be able to deal with it, but can’t. Just cancelled upcoming 5 days later in October. Lastly as a Lifetime Titanium, yes to many nights in Marriott properties, I have always thought that the Surfrider Beach Club was by far the best club lounge in Honolulu. I was shocked when checking in that the desk personnel said they have closed the Beach Club. So no access to the balcony with those GREAT views of Diamond Head until August 2025, noise with repairing those balconies and NO more Beach Club I would think twice before staying here until repairs are completed. As my wife said, this “grand old lady” hotel is just not up-to Westin standards at this time, but the room costs are at “Westin” rates. Sad to say - Just not worth it