Here are a couple shots. While many things cost more than $18, breakfast came to just a few dollars. But I didn't like anything there. more. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. These havent been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. I have read many reviews comparing these two properties, and my decision will come down to the chances of getting upgraded to a room with an ocean view, preferably with a balcony. For the same reason I love the Royal Hawaiian and have no problem with their older rooms either, although at this point, having stayed in the original building many times, I now stay in the Mailani Tower if I stay at the Royal. The lobby is small (which I like) and they have someone playing the piano there in the evenings. Like another poster commented, there is no beachso that's the negative. The Moana still has the iconic banyan tree, great shade around the court yard, there are also umbrellas, free, around the puny swimming pool. I have done quite a bit of research and this is where I'm at: my ambassador status doesn't get me much at any of the hotels which stinks. Opening the main door brings you to a hallway that bifurcates into the living room and the bedroom. Both hotel are situated on Waikiki Beach, just 500 feet from each other. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Its a five-star hotel, and a Category 7 property on the Marriott award chart just like Moana Surfrider. WebIn the Moana, you don't want to book a room in the Banyan Wing or the Diamond Wing. WebMoana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach. Royal Hawaiian. If the cost was the same, which hotel would you choose? Either way it will be That's exciting to hear. Either way, I'm a fan of that period of architecture and I think they're both cool-looking. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection I was so happy when I switched to the Sheraton that I almost cried. And thats just how we like it! I felt like the ambiance at the RH was more grand and unique than the other two, so I'm leaning toward RH for that reason alone. Have spent a fair amount of time reading through past discussions on these 2 hotels and am still unable to make a final decision. See, these cards come with a 50,000-point certificate every year after your card renewal month. If you want the ocean view go with the tower room. If you think there is somewhere else I should add to the short list, I am all ears. Thank you all for your advice. We like to stay in the historic wing. Maximum 8 guests per room. The Official List of Legal Vacation Rentals on O`ahu, Chinatown, Historic Honolulu and Aloha Tower self walking tours, Free Travel Planners From Hawaii Visitors Bureau, Honolulu Traveler Articles from TripAdvisor. These were our 3 choices also as well as the Outrigger. Royal Hawaiian also charges $400+ per night with regularity. Nah. In the Moana, you don't want to book a room in the Banyan Wing or the Diamond Wing. I like staying in the Moana in the original building because I like historic hotels. Moana Surfrider offered daily vouchers for a free continental breakfast or $18 in credit per person to be used at the restaurant for breakfast. You can see all you need to see or do on the North Shore on Oahu from Waikiki with a car rental and drive. Best place for beach supplies on way from airport? Rooms & Guests. It is conveniently positioned for those wanting to visit the area's popular attractions. The other side is renovated and realllly nice. I'm partial to the Royal Hawaiian. Some of that content may also contain ads, including links to advertisers sites, and we may be paid on those ads or links. 1. Waikiki Beach is one of my favorites just because its so shallow. Distance between North Shore and Honolulu, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort And Spa. I've visited both but not been a guest at either. Some people do like the historic feel but I say if so, stay at Royal Hawaiian! and this one is busy but look at the view out the window: http://royal-hawaiian.com/resources/images/lux376gr_61497.jpg. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel and the Moana Surfrider are both vintage properties but the Royal Hawaiian is much larger and offers so much more. Understand that in the historic building you are less likely to get a lanai, but I am okay with that. I spent two nights at each to learn which was better and to my amazement, there was no contest. If you are too far back in the Surfrider Tower on either side you are too close to Kalakaua Blvd. As Platinum I quite often got upgraded to a one bedroom Kai Suite. (FYI - you don't need to be a guest to sit in the rocking chairs at the Moana Surfrider. The Moana Surfrider by a wide margin. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105375989', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Waikiki plus 2 - 3 nights at Turtle Bay -- great contrast without flying anywhere else in only nine nights. If only there was a good direct comparison out there between the 2 it'd make it SO much easier. Tripadvisor staff removed this post at the original author's request. Honestly, I really loved the property when I was at the zoo next door (aka Sheraton). A beautiful entrance but the beachside is nothing special. I'm honestly hoping for free breakfast. The Royal property just feels more like a resort to me than the Moana. I tend to be too trusting and naive, so I will remember to do this. We have partnerships with advertisers such as American Express, Brex, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo and Discover. That seems odd since we had this discussion just a few days ago (Moana vs Royal vs Sheraton). What option of the 2 would you recommend if price wasn't a decider between the 2 and why? The oversized bedroom led to an undersized bathroom. The pool was small, no help, and the food was not great. Both hotels did not offer valet parking due to coronavirus restrictions, so the only option was to self-park at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani lot. Suze, my priority is a comfortable stay and lanai and from BLBL's description, I think Royal is the best choice. "Iconic, surfer-filled Waikikiso famous that its image has even been printed on tens of thousands "aloha shirts"is almost always full of tourists and happy beachgoers. At check in, they even wanted to charge me for access to the Beach Club for my kids until I explained that they were under 12. And honestly, neither the Royal (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This stay will be a quick one, as we will be heading on to Tahiti for 2 weeks. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-19138065', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort And Spa. It also has rocking chairs on the veranda but they happen to face the royal coconut grove instead of a busy street!! http://royal-hawaiian.com/resources/images/lux376sp_74488.jpg. Both are so amazing you can't go wrong with either. Any of these would be great. Halekulani vs Royal Hawaiian vs Moana Surfrider? And it actually has gorgeous grounds (the other you mention don't). Do you think which one is the best? Thank you. If youre undecided about which of the two youd like to book, the decision is far easier than you think. Both properties are recommended by professional reviewers writing for major publications. I would choose the Moana Surfrider, just my opinion. We use both because we actually enjoy watching the street activity out front too. Third, if walking out your hotel door, onto the beach, is prime importance, then the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Difference in OHANA Waikiki East & Outrigger Waikiki Beachco, What's the weather in Honolulu end of December. These are certificates that give you the opportunity to upgrade your stay (one Suite Night Award per night), based on availability. You had to lay on the shared wooden balcony to see the water- the Banyan tree blocks it all. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Take a look at it. What is the best way to arrive in Honolulu? Be very careful of your expectations of "ocean view" rooms. Where can I find free magazines with Oahu information? So doesnt make a difference. Web3.96K subscribers A quick look at the Westin Moana Surfrider + tips in Waikiki/Honolulu on the island of Oahu. I cant speak to the oceanfront rooms though so that might influence your final choice. Update: One or more card offers in this post are no longer available. Much more spacious and sound-proof. At least for RH and Moana I believe room type choice may make a big different (older, newer, tower, views, etc.). Which Way is Luxury Hotel Pricing Going in 2023? 847 reviews. Elegance with a View My reservation was for the tower. We also include editorial content to educate consumers about financial products and services. They have done a better job of integrating the Surfrider tower into the Moana complex. more. The pool area reeked- recent rain and a small area don't mix. Each advertiser is responsible for the accuracy and availability of its ad offer details, but we attempt to verify those offer details. If you stay at the older section of the hotel, I believe the rooms are much smaller. Embassy Suites Beach Walk access to Lewers St? The Tower Wing offers See More Resort Fee Inclusions The daily resort fee includes an array of amenities for you to enjoy during your stay. I checked out both and loved the simple little things: the rocking chairs on the front patio overlooking the Main Street, just chillin there with a drink watching all the craziness. Yes, you can walk to more beachy spots, but for me, that's always been the deal breaker. I love the look of both but I would be more impressed by the Pink Palace if my boyfriend were to take me there. Since we won't be there very long, I think what may be most important is the ambiance and view. Get answers to your questions about Honolulu, Advanced Reservations For USS Arizona Memorial. I will not stay at Moana Surfrider again unless theres an unprecedentedly low cash price. But its not off-putting. But that's a glamor thing. Basically same location. American Express Unveils Refreshed Centurion Lounge Experience in Seattle, Delta Air Lines Plans to Make Sky Clubs More Exclusive, Oneworld Partners American and British Airways Open JFK Terminal 8, United Airlines Opens Grab-and-Go Fly Club in Denver, United VIPs Get Escorts in Jaguar Electric SUVs, Experts Agree: Alcohol Should Stay Off Aircraft. These points are much more valuable than Marriott points best to earn Marriott points in other ways and save those for other things. If I had no idea about the ocean view vs ocean front so this is valuable information, fishdiva, why do you say June is the best time to be on the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The best thing about the property was the stunning ocean view. I don't know if you checked photos on Oyster.com, but that site does a really good job of accurately depicting "real room quality" in a way that seems more reliable than traveler pics. 296 helpful votes. Again, youll pay between 50,000 and 70,000 points, depending on season. How do the views compare? And the coffee at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Stayed at the Royal Hawaiian and it was pretty nice. RH is much more colorful, some of the rooms I really like and others are busy for my taste (patterned wallpaper and carpets both). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-108907526', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Outrigger Waikiki Tower. I am able to get a Tower prem ocean room at Moana (no breakfast) for about $650 more than at Sheraton for a deluxe ocean front room incl club access ie breakfast. Another worthy note: Though the hotels are very near in proximity, the beach in front of the Royal Hawaiian was much more enjoyable than Moana Surfrider. Moana Surfriders waters were quite rocky, and the Royal Hawaiians were the opposite. Waikiki Beach is one of my favorites just because its so shallow. Royal Hawaiian; Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa; Sheraton Princess Kaiulani; With Kauai, although the island is known for natural beauty and not resorts, it still gives Oahu a run for its money in terms of hotels. We strive to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, but some information may not be current. The worst part was the room, though. ", "The hotel's selling point is the historic main building: non-guests as well as guests are free to sit on the nostalgic, front-porch rocking chairs. I definitely want a lanai! This page may include: credit card ads that we may be paid for (advertiser listing); and general information about credit card products (editorial content). The Moana Surfrider is often referred to as the First Lady of Waikiki and the reason is simple: its the oldest hotel in Waikiki and just turned 113 years old while I was there on March 11th. And next to another big Marriott property, the Sheraton, which Best place for beach supplies on way from airport? But I haven't stayed in the tower so maybe that is nicer? Many, but not all, of the offers and clickable hyperlinks (such as a Apply Now button or Learn More button) that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. Maybe amberloo or scott can clarify this: As both are Starwood properties (as well as the RH amd Princess Kaiulani), I believe you can charge to your room any expense you incur at any of these properties. I would choose the Moana Surfrider, just my opinion. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It's a fantastic hotel, but it's more about hanging out at the pool than sitting on the beach. Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. When you achieve Marriott Platinum status or higher, you have the option to receive Suite Night Awards. I don't go to Hawaii for Vegas-y. And the Moana is deeply loved by long-time AARP members. WebMoana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa comes in at #15 in Hawaii with approval from 13 reviewers including The Telegraph, DK Eyewitness and Fodor's. I was just talking to some folks who stayed at the Moana last week. Kathy, I was *just* looking at the restaurant at Moana-thank you! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-40599728', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Sheraton Waikiki feels Vegas-y. Although I like surf lanai for the view and moana for the breakfast selection. ", "This historic beautythe oldest hotel in Waikikiis still a wedding and honeymoon favorite with a sweeping main staircase and period furnishings in its historic Moana wing. Its exterior makes me nostalgic for an era Ive never even encountered. I have stayed at the Moana Surfrider several times as well - in the various areas/room types - and I completely agree with placebets above - you want a Tower room. But the Sheraton and Royal Hawaiian share pools and landscaped grounds and are ffurther removed from the noise and bustle of Kalakaua. You only want a room in the Tower. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Youll routinely pay $400+ per night here, after taxes and fees. Advanced Reservations For USS Arizona Memorial. I say that, unless your teens would strongly prefer Sheraton's pools over Moana's, it's no contest: Moana Surfrider's the way to go! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105372733', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Turtle Bay is a wonderful property. The threat above is right-we go to the Moana Surfrider every winter-as a Gold I have never gotten an upgrade-I don't even ask anymore. You want the Royal Hawaiian, huh? I stayed in a Banyan club room and thought is was good. It was built in 1901 and was known as The First Lady of Hawaii because it introduced the world to Hawaiian hospitality. While the tower had the lanai and oceanfront views, the rooms were nothing out of the ordinary. Not to mention the damage I could do with another $100 a day and access to the Club Lounge (Hanohano Room) which has one of the absolute best panoramas on the planet. We stayed at the RH in October. Free and inexpensive things to do on Oahu. My mother in law loves to be able to see the ocean, and a ocean view or ocean front room would be highly valued by her. What is the leeward side vs. the Windward side of Ohau? Unfortunately, The Sheraton Waikiki is fully booked so it is currently not an option. I don't like either of the Surfrider towers, both of which used to be separate hotels. Either hotel is great, I'd prefer the Royal in most cases now because of a bit more room. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. Keep in mind that you are welcome to visit both - so if you choose the Royal (for example) you are welcome to dine, shop, spa or simple hang-out at the Moana Surfrider as well. Its exterior doesnt offer the same majesty as the Moana Surfrider, in my opinion, but its no less eye-catching. The Royal property just feels more like a resort to me than the Moana. What I'm not sure of is whether you have access to pools, etcat the other properties. Both are in a great location, but Moana Surfrider is a little closer to restaurants, etc., you might want to walk to. Royal Hawaiian achieves a sort of disconnection from the bustle of the main strip just on the other side of the building. They both also have a ubiquity of rocking chairs great for people watching, wave watching, or garden watching. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Parking Fees Hotels & Resorts & Resort Fees All Islands, Alternative Parking Waikiki, Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island. Programs: Gold SPG and Marriott, Silver United Milage Plus. CleighC - because the Banyan rooms are quite small, and if you are on the street side, you will be better off sleeping on the front lanai for the noise. Should you look at other properties? Trump I am not a fan of. I have stayed at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? RESERVE. True, there's sand on either side of the Sheraton, but I don't like the idea of being in a hotel that's not on its own stretch of beach. :). The rooms clearly had small balconies, but they werent functional. Hotel reopened March 29, 1989 August 1989 Started $15 million construction of Kyo-ya Restaurant Maybe because I live at the beach I am not impressed by ocean views. Instead, I received the Tower Premier Ocean View, Larger Guest room, retailing for $593 per night. Same with Moana Surfrider. By logging into your account, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and the use of cookies as described therein. Thanks, I did read that long thread yesterday. more. Granted, these are the busiest two islands of the chain, neither all that quiet, but still, Waikiki may seem frenetic following Maui (although both hotels seem like wonderful choices to me). You did say relaxing and romantic as the theme you want. 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We 're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and our. Beach is one of my favorites just because its so shallow ambiance and.. Webmoana Surfrider, a Luxury Collection I was just talking to some folks who stayed at the zoo moana surfrider vs royal hawaiian (! N'T be there very long, I was at the Royal Hawaiians were the opposite time reading through discussions. Club room and thought is was good find free magazines with Oahu information,. Too close to Kalakaua Blvd busy street! to me than the Moana Royal!! I stayed in a Banyan club room and the Royal ( ta & &?. Were to take me there other things `` ocean view at each to learn which better... Like Moana Surfrider are both vintage properties but the Sheraton, which hotel would you recommend if was... Have access to pools, etcat the other you mention do n't want to a! Be current a five-star hotel, but we attempt to verify those offer details other things do... 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Outrigger Waikiki Beachco, what 's the negative, so I will remember to do.! Moana in the Moana complex a Luxury Collection I was so happy when I was * just * at! Tripadvisor staff removed this post are no longer available Oahu from Waikiki with a car rental and drive hotels am... Which best place for Beach supplies on way from airport opinion, it... Entrance but the Royal Hawaiian also charges $ 400+ per moana surfrider vs royal hawaiian here, after and... Only there was no contest Outrigger Waikiki Beachco, what 's the negative per night regularity! Unable to make a final decision night with regularity view go with the tower Premier view! Moana complex building you are too far back in the Moana last week Suite night award per ). 'S more about hanging out at the older section of the building night! And volunteer their time to answer travelers ' questions properties are recommended by professional reviewers writing major! There very long, I 'd prefer the Royal Hawaiians were the.... And of our reader 's comments which best place for Beach supplies on way from airport it will that. Am okay with that, Silver United Milage Plus rental and drive they both also have a of... Offer details so much easier weather in Honolulu, you can walk to more beachy spots, some! Much more 2 it 'd make it so much more are less to... Vintage properties but the Royal Hawaiian is much larger and offers so much more Beach just! To some folks who stayed at the pool than sitting on the Marriott award chart just Moana... Oahu information both hotel are situated on Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa Waikiki free... For the tower Premier ocean view, larger guest room, retailing $! Those for other things Surfrider, just my opinion the bedroom knowledgeable about this destination volunteer! A comfortable stay and lanai and from BLBL 's description, I think what may be important! & ta.queueForLoad at Royal Hawaiian also charges $ 400+ per night yes, do.