TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

If this is the "best" Honolulu has to offer , I shudder thinking about the rest. Here's a point-by-point description of our disappointing stay at this 'iconic hotel'. Check-in / Check-out at Reception : First & foremost , there was no separate desk for Bonvoy elites. While check-in was relatively smooth , check-out was a textbook example of "preferential treatment". There was only one lady staff member at the desk , and she was so "starstruck" by a caucasian couple checking-in that she found even our "presence" to be raining on her parade. When our turn came , not only did the over-enthusiasm / chirpiness / smiles disappear , she actually put a "COUNTER CLOSED" signboard in front of her ( which indirectly meant "the entire reception is closed" ) . When I politely requested her to process my check-out ( as I was getting late for my flight to Tokyo ) , she bluntly SNAPPED back saying "I am busy on the phone". Luckily , a very courteous gentleman / colleague of hers saw the last minute or so of this appalling misbehaviour , and volunteered to help us out. This incident in itself is enough to dissuade anyone from returning back. Rooms : Both our rooms were in the Mailani Tower on the 12th floor , and all thanks to our Gold Elite status , upgraded to an "Ocean Corner" & "Premier Ocean King" room. The first impression was good , and the fabulous views of Waikiki were worth every penny spent. But this joy was shortlived. Just a few hours after checking-in , we spotted a MASSIVE COCKROACH in our room. And if someone coming from a tropical country like India calls it "massive" , you better take his word for it. The housekeeping was called , and they were able to retieve it. But there was no apology whatsoever , nor an offer to change the room. On closer inspection , the balcony of our "Ocean Corner" room had visible cracks , and one can sense that it's gradually drooping. A big safety concern indeed. Another safety issue worth highlighting : Any random person ( example : Uber Eats deliveries / etc. ) can freely walk right till your room / floor , with no check at all. Mai Tai Bar : Lively. But the service is erratic , with frequent change of servers. Asking for your check is a struggle in itself , as your server would be busy with another table. After a very patient wait of 15-20 mimutes , you'll inadvertently walk down to the bar to sign / pay yourself. As mentioned in my reviews before , we find the concept of "obligatory percentage tipping" at luxury establishments repulsive , but still succumb under peer pressure. Paying gratuity for the mediocre service here was hurtful to say the least. Beach : Yet again , "preferential treatment" at its best. There was a desk handing out beach towels , with atleast 5-6 attendants. There wasn't a concept / requirement of a queue , and everyone would simply approach the desk directly. Sadly though , we did not come in this bracket of "everyone" , and the ringleader of the attendants would "school" us to stand in a non-existential line. Just seconds later , any caucasian guest coming in would be handed over the same beach towel without any stipulations. Staying at The Royal Hawaiian was sadly not a memorable experience for us. I might stay here again , only because of its iconic value & the panoramic views the rooms offer.

Stayed for two nights in March 2023 in the original tower. Rooms are on the small side, but that is to be expected for a hotel built in the 1920s. The robes were nice, the amenities in the bathroom were great, and if you could look past the size, the rooms were comfortable. The pool is very small and hard to get a chair. Although they did have an attendant walking around to assist which was a nice touch. The next resort I stayed in Oahu needed that and it wasn't offered. The Mai Tai bar is great, delicious (but expensive) drinks. Got the coffee and pastries at the coffee shop. The coffee was sub par, the next day I preordered at Vintage Island Coffee instead and had a much better coffee. The two best parts of this hotel are the location and the activities. The resort is set back from the street, right on the beach so much quieter. Hard to find if you don't know where to look, but in the best way. Close to everything. The activities were amazing. I was only there for two nights and took a tour (not the best), made a bracelet, made a lei, took hula lessons (so good!), took a yoga class, and learned about Hawaiian weaving. All included with the stay. This really added to our trip and helped justify the higher price tag. Can't wait to go back!

Very good service and very large rooms but they are a little tired. Hotel opened in 1927 as one of the initial hotels but the rooms could use a renovation. We only stayed one night but had good service and a two connected rooms, both with a large living room.

The hotel was great!! It is just near the Waikiki beach, less than 5 minutes walk. The staff was great and helped me to get the view I wanted! Location is in the centre of Waikiki, with a lot of activities and shops for tourists. The only issue is that Waikiki beach is way too crowded during days!! Mahalo for great experience!!

We stayed five nights and had an absolutely wonderful experience. Our room was in the historic building and was spacious, clean and nicely appointed. Our housekeeper was amazing and so helpful. All staff encountered from check-in to check-out were courteous. polite and helpful. I only wish Azure would go back to an ala carte menu as they had in years past. We will be back next year for our 50th wedding anniversary!