The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

We had to check into this hotel for 20 days because we were “in between homes” and they made us feel relaxed and welcomed during a difficult transition. They really went out of their way to help us out. The suites are spacious and ours had two full bathes. Our lanai was huge and faced the ocean and the Friday night fireworks. There are two pools one for the family and one for adults only. We used it as much as we could. The location is great too. Very walkable to restaurants and shopping. There was a great little market underneath too that allowed us to get cheap delicious dinners and ingredients to cook in our little kitchen. The hotel even provided us with a rice cooker upon request. We really liked that they had an in-unit washer dryer too. Really helped us during our stay. We enjoyed talking to all of the folks that worked there. Even the pianist at the restaurant chatted us up. He was funny and kind. My only critique is that the restaurants on site and mandatory valet parking is a bit insanely expensive. After 20 days it really got expensive to park 2 cars. Inside the room, we felt they could have offered more options on the TV besides Netflix but then again it is fine for a short stay. The shower was the one thing I kind of didn’t understand. It was one of those wet rooms and the shower grout kind of grossed me out at times but they always came and cleaned as much as we requested. They are also pet friendly so we really really appreciated it. Special thanks to Noe and Tyler. We love you guys and will definitely recommend you to anyone that is looking for a hotel in Waikiki.

This stay was part of our year-end vacation. There were two families with 8 of us travel together. We had a very good and enjoyable stay at this property. The facility and service are both top notch. Location of this property is walking distance to a variety of shopping centers and restaurants. We took advantage of the grocery credit given to stock up enough for breakfast for the duration of our stay. Special thanks to the front desk manager Sarah Lorenzo. Initially 8 of us were given 5 rooms on 3 different floors. Sarah was able to help us optimize our room counts down to 4 (but with a larger suite) on 2 different floors. In the process, she was able to help us cancel one room and adjust another room (from 1-bedroom to 2-bedroom). This made our stay much more comfortable.

This property is more like a glorified Marriott than a 5 star hotel. First and foremost it is packed with children so if you are looking for a couple's retreat, this isn't it. The AC in our suite didn't work properly and the "stand alone bathtub" only fit someone 5 ft 8 or shorter, it was laughably small and should not be marketed as an amenity. Room service was nothing special, the restaurant was expensive and average. Worst of all is the noise from outside. Locals "cruise" the street in front of the ocean facing units and the "sound proofed" windows are not that at all, we heard the revving of engines and loud music 21 floors above until the wee hours.

I just returned from a three-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach and came away very impressed. I was not quite sure what to expect since this is a residences property rather than a traditional hotel, but in hindsight I actually preferred this format. The extra space, residential feel, and overall comfort made the stay feel more relaxed and elevated. I originally planned to book the entry-level suite but decided to upgrade to a Grand Ocean View Suite based on the photos on the hotel’s website. When I checked in and reached my room, something felt off. After reviewing the website photos again, the suite I was placed in looked identical to what was shown as a standard suite. Thankfully, I returned to the front desk and the team handled it very well. They moved me to a different suite in another tower that matched exactly what I had booked and what was shown online. Interestingly, they mentioned the original room was also categorized as a Grand Ocean View Suite, though it clearly looked different from the website images. My advice to future guests is simple, pay close attention to the room category and compare it carefully with the photos and description to ensure you receive what you expect. Service throughout the stay was outstanding. Every interaction, from valet to concierge to front desk to pool staff, was warm and professional. Housekeeping was especially impressive. I rarely saw them, yet the room was always perfectly maintained, and the thoughtful touches, like leaving an eyeglass cleaning cloth for my reading glasses, really stood out. The pools are somewhat small, but perfectly adequate for a Waikiki property. I rented two side-by-side cabanas and was very pleased with both the service and the value. Immediately after this stay, I flew to Maui and spent five nights at the Grand Wailea, where cabanas were three to four times the price of a single cabana at the Ritz-Carlton Waikiki, making the value here even more noticeable. While Oahu has always been my least favorite Hawaiian island due to the urban feel of Waikiki, the overall experience at this property, especially the value of the cabanas and quality of service, has made me reconsider how I plan future Hawaii trips. I will very likely include the Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki again, even if it means fewer nights on another island. Highly recommended.

The Ritz-Carlton, Honolulu is far more than just a luxury hotel to us — it is a place that holds some of the most meaningful moments of our lives. We first stayed here in 2022 for a very special reason: my proposal. From the moment we arrived, everything felt elegant, warm, and unforgettable. The ocean view from our room was absolutely stunning, and the atmosphere made it the perfect setting for such an important milestone. One person who made that experience truly exceptional was Sumin Lee, who was our dedicated contact at the time. From handling our reservation to thoughtfully helping prepare every detail of the proposal, Sumin took care of everything with incredible care and professionalism. Thanks to her, the entire experience felt seamless and deeply personal. In January 2026, we returned again — this time with our 26-month-old child — and the experience was just as remarkable. What touched us deeply was discovering that Sumin Lee was still there. Seeing her again after several years felt like reuniting with a familiar and trusted face. Once again, she carefully prepared for our visit and made us feel genuinely welcomed. We are truly grateful for her continued kindness and attention to detail. The hotel’s location is excellent. The beach is just a short walk away, making it very convenient, even while traveling with a toddler. From the very first check-in, the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, immediately putting us in a great mood. The team even remembered that we had stayed in 2022 for our proposal, which made us feel truly valued. This level of personalized service is what truly sets this hotel apart. Housekeeping was outstanding — almost surprisingly so. Our room was cleaned frequently and immaculately, always feeling fresh and comfortable. The care and consistency were deeply appreciated. Traveling with a young child can be challenging, but every staff member we encountered was patient, warm, and thoughtful toward our child, making our stay completely stress-free. Fyi, Baby crib, diaper genie, and high chair available! The Ritz-Carlton, Honolulu has been the backdrop for two very different but equally unforgettable chapters of our lives — first as a couple, and now as a family. It is a place we will always return to, knowing we are in the best hands. We cannot wait to come back again!!