Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach

I was recommended this property but was very disappointed given how expensive it was . I will start with the few positives. The property is Right on the beach which is very convenient and pretty. The outside bar area also has a nice vibe in the evening with live music and nice lighting . The location is very near shops and restaurants. However - we booked a basic room in the Diamond tower and quickly realised we needed to upgrade: the room was TINY - we could hardly move. It was also dark and depressing. I immediately paid for an upgrade to a larger room in the same tower (for $75us a night). It was bigger but still dark and depressing. Also I immediately noticed a strong mildew smell. I tried to ignore it and get on with the holiday but after one night I could no longer bare it. I also noticed black mould on the bathroom picture frame and a light fur on mould all over the bathroom door. When I called to complain they sent a cleaner to spray some chemicals in the room to cover the smell which I refused. When I asked for another room option they showed me something smaller which was more depressing and dark (but no smell) which I declined. The service staff didn’t seem to care about the issue and I felt like it was my issue rather than that of the hotels. They later sent another person to open up the air con. He was very nice and helpful but wasn’t able to fix the issue. He changed the picture in the bathroom, which was not the point. When I called again I was finally offered a free upgrade. Someone with some customer service finally did the right thing (to their credit) and we moved to another room in the tower wing. It was a better room with a balcony and more space but still quite dark. But a lot better than the other two rooms. The rooms generally are very tired and need a renovation. Very disappointing for the cost involved. Some other negatives: there are not nearly enough pool chairs for the pool and people reserve them with towels and then leave the hotel for hours leaving no where to sit. Also really expensive to hire a beach umbrella (I think it was $100US a day) which I thought showed a lack of generosity - especially given the lack of pool chairs. There is no shade on the beach. There was a fire alarm which got us out of bed at about 6am one morning. We walked down 14 flights of stairs. It turned out to be a false alarm. I didn’t mind this but what annoyed me was that no one at the hotel was there to tell us if it was a false alarm or what to do. I would not recommend this place or return.

We had the afternoon TEA on the Veranda. The wait staff were great, the food was very tasty and the bubbly beverage went well with the food. As a bonus we were able to see Monarch Butterflies in a screened in tent while there. It was a great tea (we've had English Tea in London) and we plan on going again this year as well on our 40th Anniversary to the Veranda.

Wonderful experience from the moment we arrived. The staff are welcoming, helpful, friendly. Loved being on the beach. Food and drinks were wonderful. Loved the live music. Beds comfortable. Appreciate all the amenities from beach towels provided to bottled water in room and taxis available in front. Researched all the hotels in Waikiki and glad we picked Moana Surfrider.

This is a beautiful historic hotel with friendly and helpful staff in a great location. Lots of activities during the day and fun music at night. Dining under the Banyan Tree looking out at the sea was amazing. The wooden rocking chairs were so relaxing and enough where we didn't need to wait long for them. Loved being in the heart of Waikiki!

We absolutely loved our 5 nigh stay at this wonderful property, highly recommend that you stay at this resort which has direct beach access to the water! The customer service that received from everyone was fantastic, special thanks to Kaia, Stevie and Cris who worked as pool attendants, they were very friendly and helpful with our beach umbrella and pool cabana rentals. The lobby, building and grounds are well maintained and breathtaking. Great hotel location, close to the heart of Honolulu, so it was short walk to all restaurants and shopping areas. We look forward to returning soon!!