Hawaii - Can you Hawaii luxury less than $200 / night?

Can you find a Hawaii luxury hotel for less than $200 / night from December 5th - 15th?

This should include all taxes, resort fees, and account for any points earned or spent.

Here is the analysis I have done

Financial Analysis (https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B1kRFOzZBPUUYzk0YzAwNTctMWU4Yy00OTg4LTk0M WYtODcwMWNlOTY0MmNl&hl=en_US)

I'm currently booked into the Sheraton Waikiki under their 35% off, 5th night free, double points promotion.

I calculate the total cost per night is $201.34/night. Daily rate is $235/night, plus taxes and resort fee = $288.75/night. Each night earns $235*6 points = 1410 points, at $0.03/point the value is $42.30 / night, so total cost per night is $246.45. Include the free fifth night, include resort fees for that night and we come to the $201.34/night.

Don't forget that all SPG property food is at a 46.7% discount. 35% discount, plus 6 points per $ spent at $0.03/point equals an additional 18% off for the 46.7% discount.

It was suggested a significant discount off this rate is available, so let's see it. :)

Try and compare similar beach front properties and include all costs, include the cost of points used, taxes, resort fees and any other costs. Deduct benefits such as points earned.

i stayed at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani earlier in April this year, absolutely loved it.. booked lowest room and received a huge suite with a jetted tub on the top floor overlooking waikiki beach

I looked through dates dec 5-15 and you can stay at the Kaiulani for ~$100 a night by using www.getaroom.com . You will still earn Starpoints etc, but u will be saving 50% off of your current $200 a night rate

But this Sheraton is not a luxury hotel. If OP expects a "luxury" experience, he/she will be surely disappointed. I am not saying that it wouldn't be value for money especially for SPG PLT member. The closest for luxury experience would be The Royal Hawaiian.

you can stay at the Kaiulani for ~$100 a night by using www.getaroom.com

Jammanxc,

Thanks for this reference. We can consider this property. Looks like we will cross the street to get to the beach. Have to see if that's a deal breaker for the wife, with little boy.

BTW, I did an analysis of this property using the 35% off, 5th night free, + double points promotion and the SPG promo looks equal or better.

For the getaroom.com property, the net daily rate works out to $113.36 = $100.82 rate + $27.66 taxes and resort - $15.12 SPG pts earned.

The SPG 35% off comes to $116.21/night = $135 / night + $31.42 tax and resort - $24.30 points earned. This works out to $142.12, though take into account fifth night is free and add resort charges for free night and it is $116.21.

If we eat $89.76 of resort food in 2 weeks, which I think highly likely, than they are exactly equal since promo offers 46.7% off. Any more resort food or expenses and the SPG promo is better.

I will talk to the wife about the Kaulani, though will use the 35% off promo, unless I'm missing something.

The closest for luxury experience would be The Royal Hawaiian.

Any experience with the Sheraton Waikiki? I hear it is right next door to the Royal Hawaiian.

Any experience with the Sheraton Waikiki? I hear it is right next door to the Royal Hawaiian.

IMHO, it's OK, but it's hardly what I'd consider a luxury hotel.

Personally, I think the only way to get "luxury" in Hawaii for $200 a night is to use an opaque site like Priceline and bid $175 or so and try for places that are normally around $400 a night. taxes and fees would push a $175 bid to over slightly over $200 a night. I don't think there are too many true luxury places you could get for that, though. You might get the Royal Hawaiian or the Westin Moana for those rates via Priceline on those dates, as that's normally a low load-factor week, just preceeding the peek holiday week. There is also a chance you could pick up the JW Marriott in Ko'Olina for those rates that week as well. Those are your only shots at "Luxury" for $200 or so a night. OTOH, if you are OK with the sort of places as the Sheraton Waikiki or the Marriott or Prince or Hyatt Waikiki, you could get them, but I'd consider these places to be a notch (or 2 notches in the case of the Sheraton) below true luxury.

Any experience with the Sheraton Waikiki? I hear it is right next door to the Royal Hawaiian.

We have stayed at the RH twice in the past 18 months. A lovely bit of tropical seclusion on hectic Waikiki. Yes, correct --it is adjacentto the SW and a Starwood/SPG property as is the Monana Surfrider (Westin) on the other side of the RH. (The Outrigger Waikiki is in-between). So, one can do a room charge at any of the hotel's bars, restaurants, etc. no matter which one you are staying at.

We like the RH because of thier private beach area/umbrellas/lounges reserved for their guests and their pool side cabanas. The SW no longer has an actual beach front as it has eroded away, but a short walk down either way and you can find sand.

RH's guest can use all the SW's pools and other on-site guest only amenties, (big family pool with water slide and adult horizon pool) but not, vice versa.

The RH staff monitor their private beach, pool and cabana area for non-guests pretty consistantly. As does the SW.

Rum Fire bar at the SW is fun and has great views and patio. The SW has a lovely Koi pond patio that overlaps the RH's main front grove, circle drive and entrance. Lovely place to sit and have coffee in the morning.

I would not classify the SW as a luxury hotel, but it's a very nice property. You'll find lots of families with kids there. I think the big pool with the water slide is a draw even with the beach steps away.

I would not classify the SW as a luxury hotel, but it's a very nice property. You'll find lots of families with kids there. I think the big pool with the water slide is a draw even with the beach steps away.

Hmm, I guess it might be time to do an analysis of the RH. Though we are a family with kid, so sounds like we'd fit right in at the SW. :)

Please define what you consider luxury for better assistance. I would hardly call the Princess Kaulani luxury, though an adequate hotel. Getting across the street to the beach is no big deal. At that end of Waikiki, starting with the Moana (kaulani is right across the street), there are no other hotels right on the sand. You have to walk across.

Please define what you consider luxury for better assistance. I would hardly call the Princess Kaulani luxury, though an adequate hotel. Getting across the street to the beach is no big deal. At that end of Waikiki, starting with the Moana (kaulani is right across the street), there are no other hotels right on the sand. You have to walk across.

+1 Yes, beachfront "on the sand" alone may not define "luxury hotel" for all, but it's a start.

Only 3 hotels are right "on the sand", walk from the hotel property onto Waikiki beach/ocean - they are from east to west:

The Westin Moana Surfrider
The Outrigger Waikiki Beach
The Royal Hawaiian

Further to the west and technically not Waikiki proper, but on Mamala Bay are:

The Sheraton Waikiki (beach walk, but no sand in front of hotel)
The Halekulani (small sand/beach front area)
The Outrigger Reef (sand beach front)
The Hilton Hawaiian Village (large beach front on Mamala Bay)


Back to original topic -- it would be difficult to get a rate of less than $200 night at any of these properties without clever use of discounts, points, elite status, etc.

Btw -- many have long considered the Halekulani very luxurious based on its property, rooms, restaurants and guest service. We have never stayed there, because of the small beach area, but it gets high marks from patrons.
The new Trump hotel is right behind the Outrigger Reef, but not "on the sand".

I'm sort of in the same boat as OP as we've got a spring break vacation booked to Oahu and leaving Maui..

Usually we stay at Fairmont Hotels.. but there is none on Oahu.. so we've eyed up Aulani, the new Disney Hawaiian Hotel opening up this month.. Got a 5 year old and 1 year old..

Suggestions? or should we rent a condo.. and forget about hotels? We would like space, a view.. and I generally spend $300 to $350 per night.. Condos on Maui $1,750 per week (we stayed in condos on Maui 2003)..

Don't forget that all SPG property food is at a 46.7% discount. 35% discount, plus 6 points per $ spent at $0.03/point equals an additional 18% off for the 46.7% discount.



Dont mean to thread-jack, but what is this 35% discount you refer to?

Dont mean to thread-jack, but what is this 35% discount you refer to?

A promotion for all Starwood Hawaii properties:

Enjoy complimentary nights, 35% off and double Starpoints

As a Starwood Preferred Guest, enjoy exclusive special offers when you reserve now. Book now for stays through December 31, 2011 and enjoy:

35% off accomodations
Double Starpoints
Every 5th night complimentary
35% off dining discount
35% off on car rental booked through Avis, see terms & conditions for instructions on how to book.

Book online, or call 866-716-8140 and reference rate plan SPG355N.

I'm sort of in the same boat as OP as we've got a spring break vacation booked to Oahu and leaving Maui..

Usually we stay at Fairmont Hotels.. but there is none on Oahu.. so we've eyed up Aulani, the new Disney Hawaiian Hotel opening up this month.. Got a 5 year old and 1 year old..

Suggestions? or should we rent a condo.. and forget about hotels? We would like space, a view.. and I generally spend $300 to $350 per night.. Condos on Maui $1,750 per week (we stayed in condos on Maui 2003)..

You might look at the Marriott Vacation Villas, which is 2 lagoons over from the Aulani. They have 2/3 bedroom condos that are nicely appointed and have several nice pools for the kids.

A promotion for all Starwood Hawaii properties:

Enjoy complimentary nights, 35% off and double Starpoints

As a Starwood Preferred Guest, enjoy exclusive special offers when you reserve now. Book now for stays through December 31, 2011 and enjoy:

35% off accomodations
Double Starpoints
Every 5th night complimentary
35% off dining discount
35% off on car rental booked through Avis, see terms & conditions for instructions on how to book.

Book online, or call 866-716-8140 and reference rate plan SPG355N.

You might look at the Marriott Vacation Villas, which is 2 lagoons over from the Aulani. They have 2/3 bedroom condos that are nicely appointed and have several nice pools for the kids.

Thanks for the heads up.. Is Starwood.. Mariott? I'll do a quick check..

But sounds like 2/3 bedroom condos would hit the spot with a family of 4.. and we can walk over to the Aulani property and dine with characters (hopefully)?:):):)

Edit: I guess not.. what are the best deals generally for Mariott Villas at this property?

My observation is that the first two weeks of December are relatively inexpensive. The last two weeks of December is one of the most expensive times to go to Hawaii with flights selling out around Christmas time.

You might look at the Marriott Vacation Villas, which is 2 lagoons over from the Aulani. They have 2/3 bedroom condos that are nicely appointed and have several nice pools for the kids.

Highly recommend the Marriott Vacation Villas. They are not at Waikiki but the man-made lagoons are extremely nice.

We spent a few days at the JW Marriott and had toured the Vacation Villa when we were at JW. The Villas are nicer than the JW Marriott itself.

Highly recommend the Marriott Vacation Villas. They are not at Waikiki but the man-made lagoons are extremely nice.

We spent a few days at the JW Marriott and had toured the Vacation Villa when we were at JW. The Villas are nicer than the JW Marriott itself.

I'm the fish.. and you guys are dangling the bait.. and I want to bite..

We've got a 5 year old and 1 year old.. and man made lagoons that dissapates the intensity of waves.. plus the 2 bedroom Villas.. would be ultra sweet, if it had ocean views and a great price attached with it..

Generally, how much does this property sell for in terms of Villa Rates.. We are currently booked March 22nd, 2012 to arrive on Oahu.. and can stay however long we would like depending on the deal..

A promotion for all Starwood Hawaii properties:

Enjoy complimentary nights, 35% off and double Starpoints

As a Starwood Preferred Guest, enjoy exclusive special offers when you reserve now. Book now for stays through December 31, 2011 and enjoy:

35% off accomodations
Double Starpoints
Every 5th night complimentary
35% off dining discount
35% off on car rental booked through Avis, see terms & conditions for instructions on how to book.

Book online, or call 866-716-8140 and reference rate plan SPG355N.

I think you need to double check the rate / terms - using that promo and your dates, the average daiy rate (discounts and free nights applied) that starwood quotes is $225 + taxes and fee, whereas you are assuming fifth night free on top of that rate.

I think you need to double check the rate / terms - using that promo and your dates, the average daiy rate (discounts and free nights applied) that starwood quotes is $225 + taxes and fee, whereas you are assuming fifth night free on top of that rate.

The rate is actually $235 + taxes and fee with the fifth night free. Already have confirmed reservations at that rate.

The rate is actually $235 + taxes and fee with the fifth night free. Already have confirmed reservations at that rate.

What hotel, where?

What hotel, where?

This rate is for the Sheraton Waikiki.

This rate is for the Sheraton Waikiki.

Sigh.. Per the usual.. the hotel bookings are for before December 31st.. so can't book for Spring Break on the promo..

i can with kama'aina :p

maybe you know a local/have a friend that can book for you?

i can with kama'aina :p

maybe you know a local/have a friend that can book for you?

We're all Ohana.. ;)

I think you would have to check in if you book?

Mahalo

i can with kama'aina :p

maybe you know a local/have a friend that can book for you?

Dont they check your driver license at check in if it is booked at kama'aina rate?

Dont they check your driver license at check in if it is booked at kama'aina rate?

yes. but whomever books, could meet you at the hotel i am sure and pretend it's their room.

yes. but whomever books, could meet you at the hotel i am sure and pretend it's their room.

Thank you for the tip..

Perhaps it could be a nice local charitable service.. showing your friends true Aloha everything.:)

Thank you for the tip..

Perhaps it could be a nice local charitable service.. showing your friends true Aloha everything.:)

whenever my family visits I book them with my card and set it up like the room is for me. after the check in, no one is any wiser ;)

whenever my family visits I book them with my card and set it up like the room is for me. after the check in, no one is any wiser ;)

Very well done.^

This day in age, with Hawaii being super expensive.. and now with the taxes going exhorbitantly higher then ever.. we've got to try and save in any legitimate way possible..