Honolulu - Hotel Preference

[psuwalt]

Need some advice from fellow Tuggers who might know. On Waikiki Beach, if you had to choose between Sheraton Waikiki or Moana Surfrider (Westin) which would you choose? I'm planning a 4-night stay using StarPoints next year.

Thanks.

 

[Luanne]

If you don't get any input I'd suggest checking tripadvisor.

 

[artringwald]

The Sheraton Waikiki is really big, but if you get a room facing Diamond Head on a higher floor, the view is incredible. We stayed there on our first trip to Hawaii many years ago. The Moana Surfrider has a better location, and the Honolulu Coffee Co shop in the lobby had the best coffee and pastries we've found anywhere in Waikiki. For an unbiased review of both, try: http://www.wizardpub.com/oahu/oahaerials.html
Our favorite hotel in Waikiki is the Outrigger Waikiki, which is between the two hotels you mentioned. We'll be there again in March.

 

[djdavid79]

I've only stayed at the Moana Surfrider (twice), so yes, I did like it. But next time we go back, we'll be staying at the Sheraton. A lot of what we enjoy about the Moana Surfrider can be enjoyed even if you are not staying there. They have a fantastic beach side bar, with live music in the evening, which you would have room charge availability if you stay at the Sheraton. The beach is also very nice right there. Also very easily walked to from the Sheraton.

The Sheraton has some really great pools, Moana Surfrider's pool is rather lacking. Moana Surfrider has never ending wedding photos in their lobby, and you are constantly having to stop as you walk through to avoid ruining someones photos. The historic wing at the Moana has been renovated, but the rooms are REALLY small. Really only fits a king sized bed and the bathroom can accomodate 1 person that can barely turn around.

It all depends on what you want out of where you are staying. They're both close to shopping and dining.

And regardless of where you stay, try the breakfast buffet at Duke's in the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel. Nothing beats breakfast with the ocean view. I think it's about $14ish, compared to the breakfast buffet at the Moana which was $35ish. Enjoy!

 

[abbekit]

Our favorite hotel is the Royal Hawaiian because we love the history. Built In 1927 and the rooms in the original building still have small bathrooms, no lanais but the historic ambience is worth it to us. We've been staying there for over 25 years. The hotel closed recently for an entire year to refurbish the rooms, put in granite bathrooms, new furnishings, but keeping with the historic feel. The pool is about the size of a hottub but it shares a large tropical pool in-between the RH and the Sheraton next door.

Best beach section of Waikiki beach is here and it has a private sectioned off area for hotel guests. The Mai Tai Bar has some of the better entertainment and lovely hula every evening. The view of Diamond Head from this area is fabulous. The RH has the best grounds of any Starwood hotel with the beautiful gardens and lawns plus the Royal Hawaiian shopping center is between the hotel and the busy tourist clogged street.

We use our Starwood points for the cash and points option that makes this hotel affordable. We like the Moana too and have stayed there but it is too close to the street for my taste. They have wonderful entertainment at their courtyard bar too. You can charge any of your bar bills and meals to your hotel room at any of the Starwood hotels in Waikiki.

 

[tompalm]

Both are very nice and you can't go wrong with either. However, the Sheraton is more trendy, has a couple night clubs that stay busy, better pool area, great views from the top, and overall more for the younger or middle age crowd.

The Moana is a landmark for the older crowd that is more established. Beautiful entrance and lobby that looks like a southern mansion. Of course the middle age or younger folks enjoy it too, but the pace is a lot slower.

It just depends what you are looking for.

 

[brianfox]

Our favorite are either two Outriggers (Waikiki or Reef). They are both on the beach and the rates are quite reasonable.

Always check the AAA rate when you check the site. They sometimes have a GREAT deal on 1BR suites. Last year we got a 1BR in July for $250 a night. it was a city view, but for that price, we didn't care.