After more than 48 hours at this fine property, I can't say that my previous sentiment has changed a bit. There's nothing better than the "vibes" of this property - thankfully, I was able to cap off my stay with a lobby dance party last night in the piano bar :-)

I ended up getting an upgrade to a brilliant suite - one of the rare 5th floor Banyan Ocean Suites. I had wanted to try out the Banyan wing after staying in the Tower a few months back. The room felt fun and positive with the window shutters and the amazing view of the Banyan tree and ocean behind it. Yes, there is basically no noise cancellation with these windows, but hearing the ocean 24/7 was actually quite relaxing. This was the best sleep I have gotten this trip so far. Waking up and opening the shutters - what a feeling! The only other potential negative of this room is that the A/C definitely can't keep up - it blows and blows but is no match for the 1901 construction. Still, I slept comfortably even with the Heavenly duvet.

More about the room - there was a large living room with couch, two wicker chairs, and a full desk. Off the living room was a half-bath. The bedroom also had a full desk and a very nice bed - mattress a tad firmer than the Westin Hapuna Beach I stayed at last but still great. A nice mix of feather and non-feather pillows. Great Heavenly duvet! Lots of drawers and storage space throughout. Both TVs had the Internet TV OS, but note the very small size of the bedroom TV (I kind of liked it - like going back in time). The full bathroom had dual vanities and a shower-tub combination with Heavenly shower head. Pressure was great. No washlet like the Tower rooms have.

Overall, I LOVED this room - it felt so unique and was very comfortable and functional. This is Hawaiian history, and I'm glad to have existed within it.

Service is an amazing standout at this property. I thought it was great the last time I was here in February, but it was even better this time. Krystal is a standout - there are just too many nice things to say. Basically, she is everything a hospitality professional should be. She checked me in the last time I was here and immediately remembered me - we walked through all of the avaiable room options in each wing. Throughout my stay, we had several conversations about how I was enjoying my trip and about our families and home lives. I went up last night and asked Krystal if I could 12 or 1 checkout, and she immediately said "let's do 1 PM". Seriously, though, she is so friendly and professional that I'm sure she'll be promoted soon.

Another service standout was the staff at the Veranda at breakfast - addressing me by name, fervently offering to fill up my coffee, getting to-go cups. As I walked to my table this morning, the amount of "Good morning, Mr. ElevatorEnthusiast" I got was shocking.

Breakfast at the Veranda is the same setup - $18 off an entree of your choice with coffee included. I tried both the mango and macadamia nut pancake dishes - both were divinely delicious! The pancakes here are so light and fluffy!

As mentioned before, the property is always bustling with dance parties led by the evening pianist. The Banyan tree remains beautiful. The lobby is magical. I can't say enough nice things to do this place justice.

I can definitely see myself returning before the end of the year - how naughty that would be :-)





















​​