Originally Posted by Eujeanie

Yes, Ali'i is the very top tower, not necessarily because of the size of the rooms (although they also have suites that we've never been in) but because of the private pool, location, private check-in, other perks. I would never count on an upgrade. If we go we pay for the room we want, the cash price is (usually) not too much higher, it's the way Hilton crazy does their points on premium rooms.

Besides Ali'i, what's considered a specialty tower - Rainbow? I love not having to fight for a lounge chair at the pool - always plenty available at Ali'i.