The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki

Staying at the Royal Hawaiian has been on my bucket list for years. It’s an iconic, historic hotel, and I finally made it happen. I wasn’t disappointed. I loved wandering the property imagining “old Hawaii,” checking out the historic photos in the hallways, and eating in the open-air restaurants with views of Diamond Head and the surfers along Waikiki Beach. I booked a room in the historic wing (not the tower), and it was very quiet — no noise from neighbors at all. The only downside was the small bathroom with almost no counter space, but that’s common in older hotels. Otherwise, the room was great. The staff was genuinely friendly. One morning, the housekeeper greeted me by name as I returned to the room, which really impressed me. I’m usually not a fan of hotel food, which is why I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the dining here. The views were great, and the food was solid across the board. I had dinner at the Mai Tai Bar and liked both the food and drinks. Breakfast at Surf Lanai was also very good. Everywhere I went, the staff felt welcoming and sincere. I started my career as housekeeping manger in a Hollywood hotel. I was impressed at how clean the hotel room was and how sheets were changed everyday along with the towels. Although a bit price, I thought I got what I paid for! I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again, but after reading other reviews, I’d stick to the historic wing.

I have stayed at the Royal Hawaiian numerous times in the last 30 years. This last visit left both my mother and I longing for what it used to be. I don’t mind that the rooms are small, my issue is that the feeling of aloha has been lost. The property needs some major updates and employee morale is lacking. The employees were all nice and welcoming, but they lack the genuine happiness that they used to exude. That happiness is what used to make this place so special, welcoming and relaxing. This just felt like another trip, not a vacation. We found the loud music at the Mai Tai bar to be anything but relaxing. We could barely hear one another over it. What happened to relaxing acoustic music? We were very disappointed in this stay and will probably choose a different location for our next Hawaiian vacation. Also, we were not given an upgraded room, it felt more like a downgrade. My mother is a Titanium Elite Bonvoy member.

Beautiful hotel especially the older part. Great ambiance and restaurants were amazing. Only issue would be the service. Long line checking in and did not get the rooms that we reserved. We had reserved three rooms yet the staff was confused how to check us in. Our room was not ready until 90 minutes after checkin time. Once we contacted the manager our room suddenly was ready. Were promised a free catamaran ride but when we called to set it up, the boat was in dry dock. Hotel did not discuss this with us but only compensated us after we complained. Loved the hotel but the front desk staff made the experience somewhat less than expected.

It was visiting a cold professional institution. I found the staff to be tired and responsive. The maid who did my room consistently wanted a tip and, on one occasion, even came into my room looking for a tip. I don’t mind tipping, but don’t harass me for a tip. Also, there was a situation at atvyhe pool where a man was taking photos. of a woman laying at the pool without her permission I reported it and the security said he could do nothing. Just overall it felt like it needed a make over. Nice room but bathroom very very small. Staff need to brbtraned to be friendly. The only people found to be happy and friendly were the Bellemin.

I stayed in the historic wing and I didn't choose it because it was cheaper...I chose it for the history. As an elite bonvoy member I was lucky to get upgraded to an ocean view suite and it was AMAZING, the view, and the room itself. The bathrooms are small but I knew that going into it, the rest of the room was large. Great bed, furnishings, and design of the hotel from the carved doors to the historical photos and art adorning the halls and lobby. My grandfather stayed her at the end of WWII as a thank you for receiving a presidential unit citation so I wanted to stay here also for that reason. All the restaurants were great, especially breakfast on the Lanai. Kind and welcoming staff, no complaints on using my bonvoy breakfast or if I upgrade my breakfast at cost for pink pancakes (yummy)! I used the umbrella rental offered and enjoyed that service and location. The only complaint is for the resort fee paid not all the advertised options were available...specifically the morning yoga. While I appreciate the water bottles, and bakery treat, that's not worth the fee daily. I really don't think you will regret staying here, it's a gem of history surrounded by stale modern hotel giants.