Where should we stay in Oahu?

[boilermaker330]

My husband and I will be traveling to Hawaii for the first time in April. I have been doing some research on hotels in Oahu. We are trying to decide between Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore--it sounds like it is a more secluded, relaxed area or the Royal Hawaiin or Moana Surfrider in the busier area of Waikiki Beach.



Any feedback/suggestions would be most appreciated.

[polyak3469]

We stayed at Turtle BAy resort for 3 nights. We booked a deluxe oceanfront room and requested the top floor and a quiet area. The front desk obliged us with Room 648, overlooking the convention room roof. Not too bad of a view, but other views are better (try the south wing overlooking the beach area.) Spent the first day of our vacation listening to an unending game of "Marco Polo" at the pool. Good if you have kids. Spent the next two days on the beach--it has public access--and really enjoyed ourselves reading, snorkeling, swimming, etc. Gotta get there early for an umbrella & nicer lounges. Buffet breakfast on the weekdays was great--service on Sunday morning a bit uneven (had to ask for cream after my coffee was served????). Good value for the money if you are feeding a herd. Best omelettes anywhere.
Pool bar service fantastic, smiling, friendly and good smoothies.
Food--so-so. Room was average, but bathroom area was large by any standard. Shower fixtures were loose and circa 1978.
All clean and neat. Mattress was excellent and A/C adequate.
Generous lanai at this level pricing. Noise from next door occupants was audible at times, and there was a great party going on across the hall when we checked out! Plus factor=no late checkout; however, "hospitality room" offered to us so we could shower before our late flight to the East Coast. Nice gesture on hotel's part. Every request me with a smile. Hawaiian warmth abundant in the staff!
Only an hour or so from H'lulu Int'l. Easy ride. Go if you have kids

[boilermaker330]

Thank you for the feedback. It is so helpful to hear specifics from someone who has been there. I was under the impression that this resort was quiet and geared toward adults traveling without children, so your comments were a bit of a surprise. We were debating whether or not to take our three kids, so that definitely makes a difference! I keep reading that the Turtle Bay recently underwent a $35 million dollar renovation. Did you stay recently?

[polyak3469]

We were there in June so comments are up to date---renovations are beautiful if you decide to take the kids you will not be dissappointed