The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort

After a 10 hour plane ride, the royal Hawaiian was heaven! A classic hotel with a lobby right out of the golden age of Hollywood. Rooms are clean and bed is comfortable. The beach and pools are clean and everyone is really friendly. Only request would be a bin for recycling in the room or in the hallways somewhere.

Best location in Waikiki Beach. Historical building with tropical grounds that’s well maintained. Surf Lanai and Mai Tai staff are all excellent in customer service. Stayed in Mailani Tower which is an average size hotel room. There was a lack of management in the pool service. As per hotel policy, pool lounge chairs and umbrellas are assigned on a first come first serve first choice. This was never observed because when we were the first ones a couple of mornings and requested a specific designated numbered lounge chairs and umbrella, we were told that we can’t choose that one. When this issue was brought to the hotel manager’s attention he confirmed that it is a first come first choice. But the pool staff continued all week reserving those specific lounge chairs and umbrellas for someone else’s which was never present in person to claim it. The management did not address the source of the problem which will continue to go on.

We stayed here for our 20th anniversary. Booked Mailani Tower Ocean Room for a week and got upgraded to higher level. They have 17 floors and not sure what floor Mailani Tower Ocean Room is. But let say this, even if they didn't upgrade our room, the amount we paid for Mailani Tower Room Ocean is ridiculously expensive. The pool is a joke, the free continental breakfast sucks, don't order the omelet unless you want to pay $35 for a couple of eggs and little bacon. We only used one free breakfast and just left the rest the coupons at our room when we checked out. I am sorry to say this, but this is 5 star hotel with motel 6 breakfast. A $50 resort fee yet each beach chair cost you another $50/day. When we address this to the manager he told us it's from different company not under Royal Hotel. But how it say Royal hotel with pink color umbrella if not owned by Royal??? On the positive side, all staff are very nice. We always left a tip and thank you note every single day before we leave the room. Will we ever come back?? NO WAY!!! Will we recommend this hotel?? NO WAY!!! And please stop making Covid an excuse for everything.

We had the good luck to stay here in mid March, 2021. We booked a garden view room, but with relatively low occupancy due to COVID, our room got upgraded to a suite, with a glimpse of the ocean out the corner of the window. It was a very comfortable room, with a nice king bed. No bath, but a modern shower. And plenty of space to spread out. Something about this place is SO COMFORTABLE! The bellmen and the staff were kind and were able to anticipate what we wanted almost before we asked. The grounds are relatively small but lovely, and the shopping arcade was superb. Once we checked in, we found it hard to leave. A history tour of the hotel was very informative, and made us appreciate the place even more. COVID made things a bit awkward - Breakfast was in the Mai Tai Cafe for a couple days, before they reopened the Surf Lanai at the end of our stay, and seemed understaffed (meaning slow). And reservations are required to use the fitness room (which is small but functional). But we were still very, very happy here. Best thing - a much less crowded Waikiki Beach, right by the hotel. When we went snorkeling, my son and I saw two (2!) sea turtles feeding, right in front of the hotel. And a fair number of fish, too. Seems they knew the tourist crowds were thin as well. This is one of the great hotels of the world. If you get the chance and can afford it, experience it.

Added on one night this trip to Oahu at the end of our stay since we were avoiding crowds but could not resist our favorite Waikiki hotel. Lots of people will tell you that the hotel needs an update (my husband is one of them) but if you love vintage Hawaii and you can't resist the best spot on the beach this is your place. It's the bathrooms that mostly renovating. Mai tai bar is a great place to chill and relax (the Cobb salad is excellent!). Treat yourself to some pink beach chairs and enjoy some people watching. We were were on the 6th floor in an oceanfront deluxe room and had sweeping views of the whole scene. I know some people love the tower but I can't let go of the old school feeling in the original section of the hotel. Enjoyed a coffee and some ocean breezes in the rocking chairs in the morning and hated to say goodbye. We'll be back!