The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

We loved our experience and felt very pampered. Service level was fantastic! Since this is a residence type property the rooms are quite large with a small kitchenette. This really came in handy for us being able to spread out and have access to both a frig, freezer and washer/dryer. It is not on the ocean but it is not a far walk for beach access, 10 minutes. The room had recently been renovated and was really nice. Definitely the higher the floor the better. Two pools….one for each tower. Diamondhead tower is for the families the other just for adults. Our plane arrived late and we were pushing it for a dinner reservation and also needed to get a bottle of wine chilled. They were awesome!t They immediately got our luggage and up to our room without any delay. Definitely will be returning, highly recommend!

This was our first stay at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, and it will absolutely not be our last. The hospitality here was some of the best I've experienced. When we had a small issue with the dryer, the team apologized with a box of chocolates, a small gesture that said a lot about how much they care about guest experience. The concierge and every staff member was truly so kind and helpful. Having an in-suite washer and dryer was such a great perk, especially for a longer stay. Breakfast was amazing every morning, and the pool service was so attentive and friendly. The location can't be beat. Right on Luxury Row, close to shopping and just steps from the beach. Everything we needed was within walking distance. We're already planning our return. Highly recommend! 🌺

OK, so "Beach" is a bit of hyperbole, since the property is not on the beach at all (nor was I expecting it to be, having read previous reviews!) That said, the hotel lives up to Ritz-Carlton's brand promise of top-notch hospitality. Having been to Waikiki one other time, I knew that it would not be a calm, tropical oasis. Full of tourists, to be sure, Waikiki is also a densely populated, quirky, urban residential neighborhood... definitely run-down in parts but also charming and upbeat in others. Though not at the beach, the property is a close-enough walk to it. More important to us, there are many, many restaurants and shops just a few blocks away. We'd stay here again based on that accessibility alone. The hotel is quite nice and modern. We liked the restaurants, the fitness center, and the adult pool. It's billed as an infinity pool, which I suppose it is. And while you can see the ocean from it, your gaze must first clear the roofs of the building, albeit roofs that cover luxury retail shopping, right next door. Again, when you're here, you're in a city environment. Our room was spacious and comfortable. We had a corner view, featuring both the ocean and the city. We live in NYC so the traffic/sirens didn't bother us... but it does exist. For us, starting our vacation in Waikiki makes sense, given how easy it is to get to after a long flight. Next trip to Hawaii, I imagine we'll be back at the Ritz-Carlton!

The Ritz Carlton is close to something akin to 5th Avenue. There are so many luxury boutiques a few blocks away with many restaurants and eateries. This is not (IMO) a place to unwind and unplug to bask in the glories of nature. It is however a place of respite in a fairly busy area. The lobby is open air (as is the restaurant) and it’s modern, sleek and stylish. It’s more cosmopolitan than resort - just don’t come here expecting a nature preserve. Rooms are large, well appointed and ours had a washer dryer (not sure they all do). I hate this modern trend where there is a window from the bathroom that opens up into the room. The blinds do nothing to block the light if someone uses the bathroom and the other person is sleeping. Plenty of outlets and charge ports to make sure everyone can plug in whatever electronics they bring. Staff is so friendly. Not over the top but kind, gracious and warm. They really embody hospitality here. Food is quite good both at the main restaurant and pool. Our servers were able to give great recommendations for the menu. The pool is large - two spots for hot tub and a separate area for families. I did not venture to the beach. If you’re looking for upscale hotels - this is an amazing choice. There is a Dean and DeLuca downstairs for fast snacks and sandwiches - not fantastic food honestly) and a Starbucks a few long blocks away. I think there are enough cheap eats (a Dennys) and moderately priced food (upscale chains like Cheesecake Factory and PF Chang’s) nearby. Roy’s is a Hawai’ian institution that is close by and there are other restaurants worth visiting at different price points.

Amazing! What a fantastic stay. Service was impeccable. Every employee is service oriented and smiling. The 2 bedroom deluxe ocean view suite exceeded expectations: size, comfort, amenities! Hotel is well located and walkable to shopping, restaurants and beach. Can’t wait to come again!