TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

I 100% agree with many fellow travelers that the Royal Hawaiian has lost its Aloha. Getting the “Royal” treatment is gone as many have stated. Elite status, suite upgrade certificates, special occasions etc. are now meaningless. Rooms are in serious need of maintenance and updating. Rumor has it a major update is coming in 2026 or 2027 but who knows. Hotel staff is a mixed bag of snarky, grumpy, phony and a small amount that seem happy to be working there (mostly bell personal that strive for tips.) Rooms are small, bathrooms smaller. Beach is large and crowded; pool is small and crowded. Hallways are long and hot, lines are long and hot. Resort fees are high, room rates are high, beach chairs are high, food and beverages are high. That’s right, you guessed it, your final bill with be HIGH! I have no problem paying high prices when you’re given amazing service and you get high quality items/goods/rooms etc. Bottom line, if you’re looking for Aloha in all the right places, look elsewhere. There are many hotels and resorts close by to chose from that still give you the “Royal Treatment” just not the Royal Hawaiian.

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.