The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is a part of the Marriott Bonvoy program and a Luxury Collection Hotel. Located right in the middle of Waikiki and directly on the beach. This historic hotel puts you in the best position to explore all of Waikiki, Oahu, and Hawaii.
Unless you have points to cover your stay I recommend getting the VIP perks of booking with a Marriott Stars agency. If you haven’t booked a luxury hotel this way then you should learn about what this program has to offer.
Listed among the best luxury hotels in Hawaii you will find all the amenities of a world-class destination along with a charm of a bygone era. The Royal Hawaiian has so much to offer but if you’re looking to get away from Waikiki for a day, check out my list of the best things to do on Oahu.
Unique Features
The pink color always comes to mind when thinking about the Royal Hawaiian and it will be found without and within the hotel.
If you have kids, well, 25 and under, share the novelty of mailing a postcard home using the U.S. Mail drop system located near the lobby level elevators. Even better if you are up a few floors you can drop the card from any floor elevator lobby.
Ask about the banana nut muffins when you check in, we got a voucher that snagged us 3 free ones during our stay.
I told the check-in desk that we were celebrating a late Valentine’s Day dinner at Azure and they gave me a voucher for a free champagne toast for the Azure or Mai Tai bar, very nice touch.
The Sheraton Waikiki, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Moana Surfrider, and The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani all participate in a unique coupon program, check out before you start spending on property. Collection of Waikiki
These hotels also participate in a room charge-back program, all being Marriott hotels, so don’t hesitate to visit the Moana Surfrider and make a room charge.
Booking
I booked via the AMEX travel – Fine Hotels and Resorts program in December even though my stay was not until February. I wanted to ensure I got my $200 credit for the year, one of the best AMEX Platinum card benefits. Because I used this program to make the reservation I also received, $100 on-property credit, 2 breakfast vouchers per day which I used at the Surf Lanai restaurant, 4 pm. guaranteed late checkout (see below how that worked out), early check-in is not guaranteed but we were lucky with a 1 pm check-in time, and a room upgrade upon availability.
If you have already used your AMEX FHR credit then the Marriott Stars program is your next best option, I recommend Classic Travel.
Combine an early check-in with a 4 pm late checkout and it’s even better than the Ambassador level YOUR24 benefit.
The resort fee was also waived because of this program, saving me $42/day, I am not quite sure why though as it is not a stated benefit, no complaints here.
When booking be sure to enter your Marriott Bonvoy number to get elite night credits and points.
Click Here To See Recent TripAdvisor Reviews Of The Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Room
Our room was located in The Royal Hawaiian Hotel’s historic wing, room 325, which includes all the charm and beauty that comes with a hotel built in 1927. We got a wonderful welcome gift of macaroons about an hour after settling in, they were gone in minutes, delicious!
We booked via the AMEX FHR program for a 2 double bedroom with no view, the least expensive at the time. This program offers a free upgrade when available and we did indeed get upgraded to a garden view. I haven’t slept in a size double bed in a while and I definitely would have preferred a queen, will book accordingly in the future.
The room itself had high ceilings with lots of crown molding not normally found in a tropical resort hotel, I loved it. The decor was elegant and reminded me of another time in Hawaii’s history. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel does have a newer tower that many recommend, but I personally prefer the historic wing.
Each room comes with a signature robe that is unique to The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, well made and extremely comfortable. The striped one pictured is the original and I believe it is only in the historic wing. The new tower also has robes but they are a solid pink, stripes for the win.
Bathroom
I see a lot of comments about the Royal Hawaiian bathrooms being small, particularly in the historic wing. They are small and I wouldn’t book this room if you are traveling to Hawaii, staying directly on one of the most famous beaches on the planet, and yet need a large bathroom. I just don’t get it.
Clean, well stocked with towels and products along with a shower head that could go well above my 6’2″ height.
I used the Bonvoy App to request 2 additional towels for the room. If you haven’t used this feature give it a try, it was very convenient. I selected service requests near the top, entered 2 bath towels, and was done. They arrived about 10 minutes later, easy.
Bath Products
The Royal Hawaiian uses Maile bath products which are perfectly paired with the tropical setting. There is a Maile store on the property that has everything you could want and more. We picked up the Pikake diffusers for our home and they smell just heavenly.
Restaurants
We had breakfast at the Surf Lanai restaurant on a Saturday morning, there was a short wait but we were seated quickly. The vouchers we used from the AMEX FHR program covered everything but our Guava mimosa. We enjoyed the omelet with bacon and roasted potatoes, eggs benedict with avocado and spinach, and of course the famous Royal Hawaiian Hotel pink pancakes.
We had dinner at Azure which is located in the same location as the Surf Lanai. The cocktails and appetizers were fresh and well prepared. We had the poached scallops and ahi crudo, the freshness of both options was excellent.
For our main course selections, we had the pan-seared Kona Komachi and the Snake River farm striploin with short ribs.
Dessert was a special treat with the spumoni baked Alaska and Russian honey cake, the baked Alaska was amazing!
The Mai Tai bar is located right next to Azure and is a very popular place for beachfront cocktails. There was a line on both Friday and Saturday to get in so adjust accordingly.
Known of course for their Mai Tai cocktail I also recommend trying the Okolemaluna Itch and the Pink Casa, not for the faint of heart.
Beach, Pool, and Chairs
The Royal Hawaiian pool is almost like an adults-only pool, which it is not. Get there early to reserve a chair, I recommend by 8-8:30 am on a sunny weekend day. If you are looking for a larger pool with slides and kid-friendly features just head on over to the Sheraton Waikiki, right next door.
Chairs at the pool are on a first come first serve basis and can be held for up to 1 hour if you need to leave for a bit. I witnessed 2 couples lose their chairs so be prompt on your return.
You can reserve beach umbrellas and cabanas via this link Umbrella Finder. Royal Hawaiian hotel guests can also book poolside seats at the Sheraton via this site. Beach chairs start at $60, I was told $68 at the front desk and $62 at the beach boy’s desk by the pool.
You will see two options of beach chairs when looking out from the Royal Hawaiian grounds, brown and near the ocean, and pink closer to the Mai-Tai bar. The pink chairs and umbrellas are reserved for Royal Hawaiian guests only and you can get cocktail service throughout the day. The brown chairs and umbrellas are open to the public, same price, and are a bit closer to the water. Choose wisely.
Cabanas start at $250 and it was available to book 2 months out, after that it was blocked off. If you want to make sure you get a cabana for your stay, book it early, there were multiple days with complete weeks booked out.
Check Out
Checkout was not ideal, unfortunately.
I booked via the AMEX travel Fine Hotels and Resort program, which states right up front a guaranteed 4 pm check out. In fact during check-in the front desk confirmed it.
On our departure day, I got a message on the app stating I was supposed to check out at 12 noon, so I used the app to chat with the front desk. I explained I was scheduled for a 4 pm check-out and the response was that they would accommodate me with a 2 pm checkout. Hmmm.
Explained via chat that I was told it was guaranteed I would have a 4 pm checkout. They messaged back for me to contact the front desk. Before I did I logged into the AMEX app and confirmed the 4 pm check out is guaranteed and not “when available”.
I spoke with an incredibly nice person at the front desk and he confirmed that I did indeed, have a guaranteed 4 pm check out. Issue resolved but not ideal.
Final Thoughts
Would I stay here again? Absolutely, the historic charm and secluded location within Waikiki cannot be beaten. Everywhere we sat we looked upon unique architectural features, amazing sunsets, lush gardens, and the beauty of Waikiki Beach.
If you want to stay in Waikiki but disappear from the touristy crowds without going too far then The Royal Hawaiian Hotel should be at the top of your list.
What is the history of The Royal Hawaiian Hotel?
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, often referred to as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” opened its doors in 1927. It’s renowned for its distinctive pink façade and rich history, playing a significant role in the development of tourism in Hawaii. The hotel has hosted numerous celebrities and dignitaries throughout its history.
Where is The Royal Hawaiian Hotel located?
The hotel is situated in the heart of Waikiki, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. It enjoys a prime beachfront location on Waikiki Beach, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
What types of accommodations are available at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel?
The hotel offers a range of accommodations, including historic rooms with classic elegance, modern rooms with contemporary décor, and luxurious suites with exclusive amenities and services.
Are there dining options within The Royal Hawaiian Hotel?
Yes, the hotel boasts several dining venues, including the famous Azure Restaurant, known for its seafood, and the Mai Tai Bar, popular for its cocktails and beachside location. There’s also the Royal Hawaiian Bakery offering unique Hawaiian pastries.
What amenities and services does The Royal Hawaiian Hotel offer?
Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a private beach area, a spa offering traditional Hawaiian treatments, a fitness center, and cultural activities. The hotel also provides services like valet parking, concierge, and room service.
Is The Royal Hawaiian Hotel family-friendly?
Yes, the hotel welcomes families and offers amenities like a children’s program, babysitting services, and family-friendly accommodations.
Can I host events or meetings at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel?
Absolutely. The hotel is a popular venue for weddings, meetings, and events, offering beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, professional planning services, and catering.
What attractions are near The Royal Hawaiian Hotel?
The hotel is conveniently located near many of Waikiki’s attractions, including the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, and shopping centers. It’s also a short drive from cultural sites like the Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum.
What are the check-in and check-out times for The Royal Hawaiian Hotel?
Check-in is typically at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM, but these times can vary. It’s always best to confirm with the hotel directly for any special requests or accommodations.
What did you use the $100 credit for?
Hi Nathan,The $100 was a property credit so I charged all my meals back to the room and on checkout I confirmed the $100 credit was showing. I do like the credit being given this way so I can use it as I feel is best. I do want to try the room service the next time I am at the Royal Hawaiian.