The hype
Guests are obsessed with the beauty, the location, and the staff, but often shocked by the small size of historic rooms and the nickel-and-diming for beach seating.
The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki
$350-550/ noche
Reserva esto si You want the quintessential 'White Lotus' Hawaiian honeymoon vibe and don't mind paying extra for the privilege of staying in a pink icon.
Por qué a la gente le encanta
- Unbeatable location right on Waikiki Beach
- The iconic 'Pink Palace' architecture and lush coconut grove grounds
- Access to the Sheraton's adventure pool (slides!) while keeping a quiet home base
Resumen rápido: You are paying a premium for the history and the pink paint; the Historic Wing rooms can feel small and musty, while the Mailani Tower is where the actual luxury lives.
Reseñado por @vantagevisual: I’ve never stayed anywhere quite like the Pink Palace. Lounging by that pool with the pink umbrellas felt so iconic, and hopping on a catamaran right from the sand was the highlight of my trip. It’s busy, but the vibe is pure magic.
Lo que dijeron los huéspedes que se hospedaron aquí
Reality check
The 'garden view' in the historic wing often means looking at a hedge or a wall, not a sprawling lawn.
- You appreciate 1920s glamour and architectural details
- You want a quiet, adult-friendly pool (Malulani) but want the option of a fun slide pool next door
- You love the idea of drinking a Mai Tai where it was popularized
Limpieza y Mantenimiento
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily and generally thorough, though some 'missed spots' reported in older rooms.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling clean fixtures, but Historic Wing bathrooms are tiny and grout can look aged.
- Maintenance: Historic Wing shows its age with some peeling paint and creaky floors; Mailani is pristine.
- Linens & towels: High quality, crisp, and plentiful. No complaints here.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like fresh flowers; Historic Wing rooms can have a faint 'old building' musty smell.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERADO
0-4RUIDOSO
4-7.5MODERADO
7.5-10SILENCIOSO
- Neighbors through thin walls (Historic Wing)
- Luau drums and music from the lawn (evenings)
- Hallway noise due to gaps under old doors
Antes de reservar
Es bueno saberlo
- Guests get access to the Sheraton Waikiki's 'Helumoa Playground' pool (great for kids).
- The 'resort fee' includes a GoPro rental (subject to availability) and morning yoga.
- Valet parking is steep ($65+); the self-parking garage is a bit of a walk.
Qué llevar
- Earplugs (mandatory for Historic Wing stays)
- A rash guard (the sun is intense and you'll be in the water a lot)
- Your own refillable water bottle (stations are available, though they give you a small metal one)
Genio de Habitaciones
Mejores opciones
- Mailani Tower Premier Ocean (Floors 8-17) for guaranteed views and balconies
- Mailani Tower 'Ocean Corner' rooms (ending in xx04) for panoramic dual-aspect views
- Historic Garden Suite if you absolutely must stay in the main building but need space
Habitaciones a evitar
- Historic Wing 'Standard' or 'Garden' rooms (often dark, tiny, no view)
- Rooms near the elevators in the Historic Wing (high traffic noise)
Genio de Solicitud de Habitación – copiar y pegar
“I would appreciate a room in the Mailani Tower, ideally a 'Corner Ocean' room ending in '04' on a high floor for the best Diamond Head views. If I must be in the Historic Wing, please ensure it is not a connecting room to minimize noise bleed.”
Preguntas frecuentes y consejos ocultos
Todo lo que realmente quieres saber antes de reservar.
Is the Historic Wing or Mailani Tower better?
Mailani Tower for comfort, views, and balconies. Historic Wing for charm and 'vibes' (but sacrifice space and quiet).
Do I have to pay for beach chairs?
Yes. It costs roughly $70-90 per day for an umbrella set. You must reserve them in advance or line up at 7 AM for the limited day-of inventory.
Is breakfast included?
Usually no. The Surf Lanai breakfast buffet is excellent but expensive (~$45-50/person). Mailani Tower guests used to get a light continental breakfast, but check current terms as this changes.
Can I use the Sheraton pool?
Yes! Royal Hawaiian guests have full access to the Sheraton's Helumoa Playground pool (slides, fountains), which is a huge perk.
Is it noisy?
In the Historic Wing, yes. You will hear your neighbors. The Mailani Tower is much better insulated.
How much is the resort fee?
Expect to pay around $50-52 per night + tax. It covers wifi, cultural classes, and some rental gear.
Consejos de Insiders
- ✨
Skip the long line at the Royal Hawaiian Bakery in the morning; go in the afternoon for the famous pink snowball cake.
- ✨
If you didn't reserve a pink umbrella online, show up to the pool shack at 6:45 AM to snag one of the 'brown' day-of sets.
- ✨
Walk over to the Sheraton lobby for a quick coffee at Honolulu Coffee Co if the Royal's bakery line is too long.
- ✨
The 'Rocking Chair' on the lanai outside the ballroom is the best free spot to watch the sunset away from the crowds.
5 cosas que debes saber antes de ir
💡The 'Garden View' rooms in the Historic Wing can be shockingly dark and face a concrete wall or hedge.
💡The hallways in the Historic Wing are wide and beautiful but echo like a canyon.
💡You can hear the luau performance clearly from many ocean-facing rooms—great if you like it, annoying if you're trying to sleep early.
💡The 'pink' theme extends to the pancakes, the bathrobes, and even the water in some welcome drinks.
💡There is a small, often overlooked history room/museum on the ground floor that is fascinating.
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