Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa

100   Recommended
July 24, 2002 by

 Map | 1 Review | 100% Recommended
Share
Save
Liked:
Location
 
Service
 
Food
 
Amenities
 
Room
 

{{ oRightNav.heading }}

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
 Map | 1 Review | 100% Recommended

Save

Share
Liked:
Location
Service
Food
Amenities
Room
Stats

Although it has been a few months since Mrs. Rico and I have been back from our vacation/anniversary, I wanted to post our experience for those interested in the Moana Surfrider:

We stayed at the Moana Surfrider briefly in May for 3 nights, and had a very enjoyable stay.

Check In

We drove up to the beautiful grand entrance and we were greeted with Orchid and Plumeria leis. Our bags were taken and we were directed to the front desk. The valet parked our car.

At the front desk, a young gentleman checked us in. Check-in time took about 10-15 minutes total. A special mahalo to Starwood Lurker and the Moana staff for helping accommodate our bedding requests. We received exactly what we requested.

Room

Our bags were taken up to the room, and we had a very nice view of the ocean with a balcony. We were in the older part of the hotel, and it was very enjoyable to wake up to the sound of the ocean each morning. The room was very clean and had a beautiful Hawaiian quilt bedspread.

The bathroom was small and the tub leaked, but it was really no big deal - it's only water after all. The cleaning staff did an excellent job everyday and besides some extra towels, we really had no reason for any special requests.

Service

The facilities and beach:

The Moana is a beautiful historic hotel located right on Waikiki beach. It is one of the first hotels on the beach and they have a private area roped off for their guests. Though the private area is not extraordinarily large, it seemed to accommodate most of the guests quite well. The service was excellent, and when it got a little hot, you could take a swim in the ocean or pool (which is right behind the beach area). There is an attendant who will setup some beach chairs anywhere you want, and get you more towels if needed. Additionally, beverages and cocktails are routinely taken by bar staff on the beach. The part that I thought made the Moana really stand out is that occasionally, another attendant will go from guest to guest offering cold wet cloths to cool yourself off. Very refreshing and made me feel like I was in 1st class on an airline.

There is also a poolside snack bar with regular lunchtime items you an order.

Entertainment:

Nightly, a Hawaiian band with singing, hula or both performs in the Banyan courtyard. The music is very nice, and the banyan tree courtyard is a unique experience. It definitely makes the Moana a special hotel. You can enjoy drinks there, or at the outdoor bar, which is on the other side of the huge banyan tree.

Additional items:

As stated on this thread and elsewhere, you can charge drinks and food at the other Sheraton properties and it will go right back to your room bill. This is very convenient, as we enjoyed drinks at the Mai Tai bar at the Royal Hawaiian during sunset.

Overall

The stay at the Moana Surfrider really makes you feel like you are in Hawaii. The staff is excellent and courteous. Coming from a long flight from Chicago, it is really nice to be welcomed by a property like the Moana Surfrider.

I would recommend anyone who wants to experience the Aloha spirit to stay at the hotel. Although the Royal Hawaiian is regarded by some to be their top rated Waikiki hotel (which is right next door), the Moana easily met and surpassed all of my expectations.

I hope some of you decide to stay at the Moana sometime in your travels to Hawaii.

Aloha.

33 Comments

This review lives in the Moana Surfrider or Royal Hawaiian? thread.
33 comments and Y review
Comment In Thread

Hotels you may also be interested in