Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach

I last reviewed this hotel in Jan 2019 and was very positive. It was just as I remembered that last time I was a guest. This time I have had a very bad start. Arrived at 1, was told room would not be available until 3, fair enough. Was basically told to go away. Found the check in person very rude. Got my luggage delivered and damage to one of the suitcases. This is a case that had just come off a flight and was not damaged until it spent 2 hours in the hotels care. I complained to appropriate staff and was told that it would be reviewed. Not a great start to the end of a 7 week trip that involved Asia, Japan and alaska. Hopefully will improve.

Long overdue review for the Moana Surfrider as I stayed there last year! I understand the hotel is currently undergoing room renovations - I stayed in an ocean view Banyan room and yes, it was dated, but I found the whole vibe very charming, although I can understand that most people would like something more contemporary for the price. The housekeeping was impeccable and very responsive to any requests; I loved the early morning yoga sessions as well as the ability to grab a coffee and pastry at the nearby Honolulu Coffee; ukulele lessons were fun and the afternoon tea was delicious… service spot on. Looking forward to a return visit once the renovations are complete. I’d booked to return in February this year but cancelled for reasons that are probably obvious to most Canadians. Hopefully I’ll be able to return in the not too distant future.

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.