Oct 27, 2018, 4:15 pm
Last edit by: margarita girl
Hotel email address: [email protected]
Reservations email address: [email protected]
Hotel's own website: https://www.royal-hawaiian.com/
Reservations email address: [email protected]
Hotel's own website: https://www.royal-hawaiian.com/
Royal Hawaiian Honolulu, Hawaii post renovation 2009 [Master Thread]
Jun 13, 2009, 8:40 am
#16
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL
Programs: AA 4MM EXP; Starwood Lifetime Plt
Posts: 2,498
Very thoughtful analysis, ajnaro. I can understand why the hotel would and should be driven by maximizing revenues. Fortunately, the Moana Surfrider has the inventory to give its platinum guests great ocean view room and suite assignments while in parallel pleasing its Japanese guests. It's now clear it will remain my Waikiki home going forward.
Jun 13, 2009, 10:49 am
#17
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,739
Jun 13, 2009, 6:52 pm
#18
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 1,980
Thanks all for the posts. Reading them made me think twice about booking the free nights at this property on our stopover to Japan this summer. With limited platinum recognition, we will probably be better off at other starwood properties or hyatt (which does offer lounge access).
Jun 24, 2009, 11:32 am
#19
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 4
Response and Clarification
I agree with SanDiego1K, this is a very insightful review and comparison. Thank you, ajnaro! ^ (And it reinforces why I choose the Moana over the RH when staying with SPG in Waikiki.)
This is what I have understood to be the case in the past, and is why I avoid this hotel when choosing a property in Waikiki. Even when I'm paying for an ocean-front room or suite, I'll go elsewhere, because of this perception.
RHRevMgr, since you are participating here on FT with us, I wonder if you can address this issue. It would be very interesting to hear hotel management's take on it.
This is what I have understood to be the case in the past, and is why I avoid this hotel when choosing a property in Waikiki. Even when I'm paying for an ocean-front room or suite, I'll go elsewhere, because of this perception.
RHRevMgr, since you are participating here on FT with us, I wonder if you can address this issue. It would be very interesting to hear hotel management's take on it.
Aloha everyone and thank you as always for your support of the beautiful Waikiki icon that is the Royal Hawaiian. We of course value our platinum guests and do our bests to find the best upgrades for all of them depending upon availability. As a platinum guest staying at The Royal, you of course have a chance of getting an upgrade to a Jr. Suite or full Suite with either Garden or Ocean views as all of these categories are in the pool for potential upgrades. I will just emphasize that as a luxury resort, we do sometimes have more limited suite inventory than more limited-service properties. However, we love our platinum guests and the feedback on our guest satisfaction surveys for platinum benefits has been overwhelmingly positive. As always, please feel free to contact me directly should you have any additional questions.
Kimberly Lottig
Revenue Manager
808-931-8863 or [email protected]
Jun 24, 2009, 1:40 pm
#20
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1K 2MM / Marriott LTP
Posts: 5,071
Very thoughtful analysis, ajnaro. I can understand why the hotel would and should be driven by maximizing revenues. Fortunately, the Moana Surfrider has the inventory to give its platinum guests great ocean view room and suite assignments while in parallel pleasing its Japanese guests. It's now clear it will remain my Waikiki home going forward.
Yes I miss the internet in the lounge. Yes the fruit and beverages were nice. I still love the Moana even without the lounge.
Jun 24, 2009, 3:23 pm
#21
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: Former UA 1K, SPG Gold, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, IC AMB
Posts: 403
Moana Surfrider stay in April
I echo these sentiments regarding the MS property. The oceanfront 1 BR suite was very impressive...a front row seat for the live music, and an awesome seat for people watching.
I used to stay at the RH, but the high costs (points or $) combined with the exceptional treatment at MS made my choice easy.
I used to stay at the RH, but the high costs (points or $) combined with the exceptional treatment at MS made my choice easy.
Jun 24, 2009, 4:21 pm
#22
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL
Programs: AA 4MM EXP; Starwood Lifetime Plt
Posts: 2,498
As a platinum guest staying at The Royal, you of course have a chance of getting an upgrade to a Jr. Suite or full Suite with either Garden or Ocean views as all of these categories are in the pool for potential upgrades ... we love our platinum guests ...
Kimberly Lottig
Revenue Manager
808-931-8863 or [email protected]
Jul 7, 2009, 4:20 pm
#23
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Programs: AA EXP and Lifetime Gold, UA LifetMarriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,006
I just stayed at RH on July 3rd for one night (on my way to Maui), and I like the new RH.
It was a busy holiday weekend and I believe the rooms were sold out. When I checked in, the front desk recognized my Platinum status and told me I was upgraded to an ocean view jr. suite in the historic building (I was on a reward stay).
Immediate when I “sat down” at the check in desk (no more standing in line), I was given a fresh hand towel, beads and pink lemonade, as they used to do. Someone escorted me to my room even I didn’t need luggage assistant. I was told this is standard for Luxury Collection, but I don’t recall it when I stayed at other LC hotels.
I actually like the new deco compared to the old overly pink tone. Someone made a comments as it was too “generic”, but I think the Asian fusion deco has more Hawaiian touch. The pink bathrobe is still there, but the pink slippers are gone. The toilers were upgraded, and the BOSE stereo and SONY alarm clock gave the room a modern look.
My only complain is the bathroom design. The toilet paper holder was in such an odd place that when I sat down, it stuck to my side belly. (I am an average 200 lbs guy). It was uncomfortable.
The RH shopping center was finally finished. It is a great place for window shopping and there is a good food court. There is a small library with multimedia presentation about Hawaiian history, which is quite interesting.
It was a busy holiday weekend and I believe the rooms were sold out. When I checked in, the front desk recognized my Platinum status and told me I was upgraded to an ocean view jr. suite in the historic building (I was on a reward stay).
Immediate when I “sat down” at the check in desk (no more standing in line), I was given a fresh hand towel, beads and pink lemonade, as they used to do. Someone escorted me to my room even I didn’t need luggage assistant. I was told this is standard for Luxury Collection, but I don’t recall it when I stayed at other LC hotels.
I actually like the new deco compared to the old overly pink tone. Someone made a comments as it was too “generic”, but I think the Asian fusion deco has more Hawaiian touch. The pink bathrobe is still there, but the pink slippers are gone. The toilers were upgraded, and the BOSE stereo and SONY alarm clock gave the room a modern look.
My only complain is the bathroom design. The toilet paper holder was in such an odd place that when I sat down, it stuck to my side belly. (I am an average 200 lbs guy). It was uncomfortable.
The RH shopping center was finally finished. It is a great place for window shopping and there is a good food court. There is a small library with multimedia presentation about Hawaiian history, which is quite interesting.
Jul 7, 2009, 10:02 pm
#24
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: UA MM, QF Plat, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 2,563
I was at the Royal Hawaiin back in early may. Got upgraded to a historic wing ocean view room on a FFN stay. Very nice room IMO, however they really need screens.
The rooms really need screens, I had birds flying over my bed waking me up when they were eating food from the welcom tray. Also, the desk staff was lacking at times, there is nothing I hate more than waiting 15 minutes to talk to somebody because they are taking their sweet time.
The rooms really need screens, I had birds flying over my bed waking me up when they were eating food from the welcom tray. Also, the desk staff was lacking at times, there is nothing I hate more than waiting 15 minutes to talk to somebody because they are taking their sweet time.
Jul 20, 2009, 11:21 am
#25
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Corpus,TX
Programs: SPG-Gold, Amex-Plat., AA-Plat.
Posts: 370
Stayed here July 4th using a free weekend award.
The hotel was obviously full, I was upgraded to a deluxe garden view - not
sure what the difference would be but the view of the gardens was nice-
not the ocean but very peaceful. The room was tiny but pretty. I felt like
the staff had really improved since I stayed here a few years ago. This time
they welcomed me back and everyone was very friendly. No banana bread
in my room but I was glad to see the coffee pot, well stocked with coffee
and tea. As others have said the sheets are to die for!
The bathroom had been redone, only a shower which was fine but the bathroom
was really tiny. The room and bathroom would have been way to small for
a family of three with luggage if I had been staying more than a quick over
night. Oh, I almost forgot the important point, there was soap in both the
shower and sink!
The hotel was obviously full, I was upgraded to a deluxe garden view - not
sure what the difference would be but the view of the gardens was nice-
not the ocean but very peaceful. The room was tiny but pretty. I felt like
the staff had really improved since I stayed here a few years ago. This time
they welcomed me back and everyone was very friendly. No banana bread
in my room but I was glad to see the coffee pot, well stocked with coffee
and tea. As others have said the sheets are to die for!
The bathroom had been redone, only a shower which was fine but the bathroom
was really tiny. The room and bathroom would have been way to small for
a family of three with luggage if I had been staying more than a quick over
night. Oh, I almost forgot the important point, there was soap in both the
shower and sink!
Aug 8, 2009, 12:58 pm
#26
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 171
Club Lounge at the Royal Hawaiian
Good Day:
I shall be staying a couple of nights at the Royal Hawaiian in early September using two free weekend nights and although I have been to Honolulu many times since 1988 it will be a first at this property.
As I am preparing my stay it came to my attention that contrary to all the other SPG properties in Hawaii, the Royal Hawaiian has a lounge in the Tower Ocean: "... The Royal Beach Tower lounge offers refreshments, concierge services, reading materials, and is exclusive to Tower guests...".
On the mainland I have experienced and reported on FyerTalk about the outstanding service and attention received at The Nines in Portland Oregon and I am now curious about this lounge.
Does anyone knows if it matches The Nines , the Hyatt Waikiki or the Hyatt Kauai in terms of service and complimentary offerings.
Thank you.
I shall be staying a couple of nights at the Royal Hawaiian in early September using two free weekend nights and although I have been to Honolulu many times since 1988 it will be a first at this property.
As I am preparing my stay it came to my attention that contrary to all the other SPG properties in Hawaii, the Royal Hawaiian has a lounge in the Tower Ocean: "... The Royal Beach Tower lounge offers refreshments, concierge services, reading materials, and is exclusive to Tower guests...".
On the mainland I have experienced and reported on FyerTalk about the outstanding service and attention received at The Nines in Portland Oregon and I am now curious about this lounge.
Does anyone knows if it matches The Nines , the Hyatt Waikiki or the Hyatt Kauai in terms of service and complimentary offerings.
Thank you.
Aug 9, 2009, 5:46 pm
#28
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 171
After further inquiry, I am told the lounge in the "Beach Tower" is for the exclusive use of the "Beach Tower Guest".
It remains unclear whether SPG Platinum members would have access and the SPG Platinum Concierge is looking into it.
This lounge is not advertised and would appear to be a close kept secret.
More to come.
Last edited by courcoison; Aug 9, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Aug 10, 2009, 1:51 pm
#29
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Toronto
Programs: SPG LT Plat, Hilton G,Priorty Club G, AC E
Posts: 2,979
Please update when you can....
Good Afternoon:
After further inquiry, I am told the lounge in the "Beach Tower" is for the exclusive use of the "Beach Tower Guest".
It remains unclear whether SPG Platinum members would have access and the SPG Platinum Concierge is looking into it.
This lounge is not advertised and would appear to be a close kept secret.
More to come.
After further inquiry, I am told the lounge in the "Beach Tower" is for the exclusive use of the "Beach Tower Guest".
It remains unclear whether SPG Platinum members would have access and the SPG Platinum Concierge is looking into it.
This lounge is not advertised and would appear to be a close kept secret.
More to come.
Thanks.
Aug 10, 2009, 2:12 pm
#30
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 171
Good Afternoon:
It is now official. The lounge is only open to guests staying in the Royal Beach Tower. The Tower Concierge is not intended to be a “Club Level” program, and the Royal Hawaiian Management does not appear to open it to platinum guest.
The question remains whether as a Platinum one can be upgraded to the Royal Beach Tower should space be available in the "tower".
Although a Luxury Collection property such as The Nines in Portland makes a point to upgrade platinum to their club floor it appears the Royal Hawaiian does not.
I have contacted the hotel and will revert as soon as I receive the information.
At this point, all this does not sound very positive.
Reading other reports in this thread the only attraction as a platinum is the remodel end result.
It is now official. The lounge is only open to guests staying in the Royal Beach Tower. The Tower Concierge is not intended to be a “Club Level” program, and the Royal Hawaiian Management does not appear to open it to platinum guest.
The question remains whether as a Platinum one can be upgraded to the Royal Beach Tower should space be available in the "tower".
Although a Luxury Collection property such as The Nines in Portland makes a point to upgrade platinum to their club floor it appears the Royal Hawaiian does not.
I have contacted the hotel and will revert as soon as I receive the information.
At this point, all this does not sound very positive.
Reading other reports in this thread the only attraction as a platinum is the remodel end result.