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4987 reviews
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Nov 30, 2022Classic but the amenities and hospitality are gone
We stayed a weekend at The Royal Hawaiian this month and unfortunately things have changed from our previous visits. Prior this month we had visited once mid-pandemic and 3 times prior to the pandemic. We come often from our home island of Maui. What The Royal Hawaiian used to make up its dated appearance and small rooms was the pleasant staff, amenities and just the cute "Pink vibe" of everything. We used to love staying in the Mailani Tower due to the nice reception with pink champagne happy hours and pupus. This was an excellent perk for the upgrade to these rooms. We upgraded again but now the breakfast buffet here is gone and now replaced with dated blue chairs which are totally uninviting. The thrill of staying in this tower is now absent. Check-in was standard. Our room was clean, but not hotel clean. We had a beautiful view but the chair outside had such worn corners and the "fluff" was coming out. There was dirt and dust in the closet and on the shelves, there was even a stain under the corner of the duvet cover which was discovered later in the stay. It was gross, but we were really too busy with our weekend plans to make a huge fuss over it. Small point but the amenities were partially pink but even the soap and shampoo were different than the other amenities (mismatched). Once again, the unique thing about staying here is everything is pink. Housekeeping didn't even replenish our coffee amenities during our room cleaning so we couldn't make coffee the 2nd morning. Unfortunately it seems this hotel is cutting amenities and costs significantly. I have to say you could see it almost everywhere. We had booked though a package so had breakfast included each day. We ordered our meals at the restaurant but when we asked for anything additional we were reminded it would be an extra cost. I understand this is a courtesy but it was almost overbearing. "Oh the fruit plate will be extra." Later on in the meal we asked for another addition and had to confirm we were ok with the add on. We were required to go to the restaurant downstairs to use our tickets which there was a wait each morning. The entrees were good but you must select from a limited menu with this option. I hope they can improve back to what this hotel once was! The amenities is what used to make this our choice, and unfortunately after this stay we will likely be headed elsewhere our next visit. I believe this hotel should no longer be a 5 star or Amex Fine Hotel & Resort. There is no room service and everything is lacking significantly.
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Nov 25, 2022An Oasis of Calm in Waikiki – The best of both worlds
We were at The Royal Hawaiian in the first week of November. This is our 8th visit to Oahu and in the past we have stayed at almost all the Marriott/ Bonvoy properties in Waikiki as well as the Marriott in Ko-Olina and Disney Aulani. On this trip we also stayed at the newly renovated Turtle Bay Resort (reviewed separately). First let’s talk about the location. This is the first time we stayed at Royal Hawaiian and by far we found this to be the most versatile and relaxing stay. In many ways I wish we visited the RH for our first stay in Waikiki years ago but budget was more of a concern back then too (but only about $50 more than the neighbouring 4 Stars this trip). There are lots of choices for hotels along the strip but RH has 2 things that none of the other hotels have: 1) It’s also located in the middle of Waikiki but peace with tranquility only 50 metres in from the chaos of Waikiki AND 2) RH has direct access to the beach. Once you get onto the hotel property it’s like you are in a different world. (Arguably the Halekulani is similar but it’s a little off the main strip) Aside from the location, the property itself is amazing and has a lot of history - it’s almost 100 years old! If you peruse the other reviews, this is where it really becomes subjective. It all comes down to expectations. We enjoy staying at properties that have history and are well maintained and the RH certainly fits the bill. If you are looking for a shiny new hotel, this is not it. However, if you want to experience the spirit of Aloha in Waikiki (like in the good-ole days when Beach Walk as actually a beach-walk) and still have modern amenities and 5 Star Service, RH won’t be disappointing. We met some staff that had been working there for over 30 years and 1 for even 50 and they certainly were very accommodating. We spent 7 nights in the Mialani Tower and have lots of Postcard quality photos of the beach and ocean from our room. Our friends were amazed at the images we were sending back to them. We are travelling as a family and one major factor that made this trip exceptional for our son is the access to the Helumoa Pool which the RH shares with the Sheraton Waikiki. Without this I would say it would have been a different stay for him and us as the as the Malulani Pool at the RH is small and the chairs occupy quickly. At Helumoa, it was easy to find space before noon (in November). It is quite packed after lunch. I’d recommend you hit the pool(s) in the AM after breakfast before it gets busy, Then, when it starts to get hot you can retreat to somewhere air-conditioned/ covered for lunch and do some activities/shopping (especially if you are not used to the heat and can sunburn easily). Then after 3 or 4PM head out to the beach and catch the late afternoon sun on the beach or in the surf when people are starting to head in. Again, you’re really getting the best of both worlds by staying here but it is an urban stay. It’s not North Shore, Ko Olina or Maui. However, 50 feet of sand was added to that stretch of Waikiki Beach recently so beach time is not as hectic nor crowded as it was in recent years. The staff were very accommodating. Our stay started one week before we arrived with an email from Damien (Guest Experience Assistant Manager). He helped us get a head start on our visit to ensure all of our preferences were noted in our file. We prebooked a ride from HNL with Top Limousine (reviewed separately) and had the traditional greeting with Leis upon arrival. At the front desk, Roland checked us in and took the extra time to look for a nice room for us as we were staying 7 nights and was able to find us an upgrade to the Mialani Tower (Full disclosure we are Platinum Bonvoy Members). Housekeeping was good and asked each AM when we would like our room cleaned as we passed them in the hallway. We would leave a note if we ever needed anything extra and every ask was accommodated – Thanks to Stephen and Maybelle. Each AM we received a complimentary continental breakfast at Surf Lanai - with an option to upgrade (add-on is probably a better description) other items from the menu. We never seemed to get tired of the pink pancakes even after 7 days! We found the staff at Surf Lanai very attentive. The hostess Theresa greeted us on the first morning and after asking our room number, she immediately addressed us by name and welcomed us to our first breakfast at the hotel (great attention to detail). This really set the tone for the rest of the week for us. Chester, Lee Yong and Carlie also greeted us with smiling faces each day as well. Our favourite server was Janice who would anticipate our needs before we even arrived at our table. We would sit down and she’d already have the coffee and beverages and the continental breakfast on the way (Thanks Janice!! You are our star of this entire trip!). Even the restaurant manager Keeanu came out to say hi to us as well. We could really feel the spirit of Aloha here. We also enjoyed the bakery shop with lots of variety of pastries and Mai Tai Bar & Grill as well – not as hectic as Dukes and I’d say the food was better too. In summary I think the best (unfiltered) accolade would come from our 12-year-old son. He’s already requested our next stay in Oahu be back at the Royal Hawaiian.
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Nov 18, 2022
Best Hospitality and History
Such a magical happy place. Not only the location, but the staff’s friendly hospitality along with attention to detail made our stay so special. Enriching the historic hotel are relics of the past on display throughout. Eagerly waiting for our next visit!
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Nov 16, 2022Beautiful but missing a bit of the old sparkle
We had a bit of a culture shock when we first arrived as we were staying at another resort away from Waikiki prior with many more inclusions and amenities. I felt the check in process was impersonal (behind a plastic screen. Lei greeting was rushed) and the room (Mailani Tower) whilst very clean was quite basic, small and defiantly not luxury. Shower pressure was awful. But we gradually came to totally appreciate the location and history of the hotel as well as understand the difference between Waikiki and other areas of Oahu in terms of what hotels offer. The view was unbeatable. Simply stunning. The bed was great. Housekeeping did a wonderful job. Michael on the front desk was excellent as were all the bellman guys who said hi every time we walked by. The bakery makes a tasty, quick and affordable breakfast in a beautiful setting. The Sheraton pool was great fun. Lobby and grounds stunning. Was disappointed the hotel was still using covid as an excuse for missing things like room service and the tower drinks - this seemed silly when elsewhere these things are all back but overall we enjoyed our stay and would come back, but hoping for some improvements by our next stay. I feel like the Royal Hawaiian magic I’ve felt on past visits just wasn’t there in full this time. Thanks for having us though ☺️
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Nov 09, 2022
We felt welcome (Thank you, Nigel)
We were checked in by Nigel, and I can honestly say he made our stay. And I know, cause I also stayed one night last week and was “welcomed” by someone who seemed to have No personality and service-level what-so-ever. Nigel, However, was so warm, funny and welcoming so for me these three nights were so much better than the week before. So Thank you, Nigel! The hotel is gorgeous!!! It is beautiful and luxurious. The beach is amazing. Rooms are clean, comfortable and beautiful. Housekeeping is SUPER GREAT. Thank you for a great stay❤️