HNLbasedFlyer

I've not stayed at the Alohilani since the remodel - but I'd never recommend the Courtyard regardless of the experience. Some of the worse rooms in Waikiki on the lower floors overlooking the traffic and noise of Kuhio Avenue.

I've always felt sorry for people sitting on lanai thinking that alone would ruin a trip.

margarita girl

Kelly took Jones to the Alohilani with him.

Back on topic, here is what a $42 + tax resort fee gets you at the SW.




And these are the water bags found in each room!

bocastephen

I still have my water bags! They were useful on the flight home, and I've sometimes used them since, although I suspect after awhile they might get moldy inside.

Looking through my archive of Hawaiian cultural practices, I was hard pressed to find 'water Zumba' on the list, but since Kamehameha was a pretty forward thinking guy, perhaps he tried it out. I am equally fascinated about how a key to your room can be considered part of a 'resort fee' benefits.

I think it's pretty clear which market the SW is chasing these days.

dc2005b

I had a short stay at Sheraton Waikiki on a weekend in September. I used points (50k per night) to book and applied SNA’s to the reservation with the top option being Deluxe Oceanfront Diamond Head View, no suite options for the Suite Night Awards! SNA cleared 5 days out and at check in I asked for and was given a Malia Ocean Suite which was showing available on Marriott app which turned out to be a great room. It was spacious, with a large balcony overlooking the beach and Diamond Head in the distance, and a second smaller balcony off the bathroom. It had a separate bedroom, dining table, couch & lounge chairs and tons of storage space, a great room.

The check-in line was long and while there were two lines it didn't appear one was elite or not and certainly no one was directing which to use. I received my coupon for a grab bag from the special elite gift shop as well as breakfast vouchers. While a little odd, the grab bag process was more than some other Marriott properties in Hawaii did and certainly isn't required so I appreciated it. The self parking was charged additional $35 and had in/out privileges using your room key bracelet. Of course the resort fee ($36) is garbage but I feel that battle is lost now. I do appreciate the increase in water bottle filling stations and Marriott resorts in Hawaii are doing a good job with those. Breakfast was individually pre-plated with two mini pastries, some fruit and a sugar bomb yogurt with granola- not great but it was served quickly in a nice setting and I was on my way.

It was my first visit here so I can't comment on the past but I was happy with the room I ultimately got and that is the most important part to me and I would return again.

MSPeconomist

When elites are charged a resort fee that includes elite benefits such as high speed wifi, there *should* be some alternative benefit offered to these elites. What does this property do?

bocastephen

They hand you an empty bag, and you go to a room full of treats to try and strategically stuff as many high value, desirable items into your little bag as possible. On the plus side, they don't have a countdown timer, buzzer or audience.

edgewood49

i love it !!!

bocastephen

I'm not particularly fond of being treated like a contestant on Let's Make a Deal - I can almost hear Monty Hall screaming in the background "macadamia nuts! macadamia nuts!!" - it's not exactly a refined experience.

The Moana some years back had an actual "spin the wheel" game that Elite members would play for their alternate amenity - most of the wheel was 500 points, with a couple bonus win opportunities - again, not exactly a refined experience.

I guess in a way it beats the following response from the check-in staff at the Waikiki Marriott when asking about the alternative amenity:

edgewood49

If there is anything I have garnered from forty years of traveling business and pleasure is consistency something that has been lost in recent times. Yes Covid can be blamed for many issues today in travel but they're not the sole villain here, "equity capital" and their drive to the bottom line plays a huge role here. Our company averages 35% of its gross margin from hotel/motel restoration and reflagging exterior/structural work. Some of that work has been on a number of properties in the islands. While I will not disclose those but can say the scope of work on these properties has changed over the years, some so much we passed on bidding them.

So back to point Bocaststephan comment who want to play " Let's Make a Deal" after 5 or more hours on a plane? For heavens sake Sheraton management demeaning to me as a long time Marriott traveler. Wake me up when all this is over.

MSPeconomist

I did the "spin the wheel" game upon arrival at a USA HH about a decade ago. I remember some prizes as points but others were different types of selection from the market, such as "premium" soft drink or a choice ot potato chips, nuts, etc. I also remember a RI that had fortune cookies at the evening reception a few times where many of the fortunes were a few bonus points.

manually

Quick question, staying in Sheraton Waikiki, and was able to get Best rate guarantee. Got a $210 rate city view after price match in mid Nov. Similar rate $220 at Royal Hawaiian. And of course a back up at Sheraton Princess for $120. Taking my dad.

For those that have stayed in Waikiki, which would you pick.

HNLbasedFlyer

All 3 are very different hotels and people will have different opinions based on what is important to them.

My favorite is the Sheraton Waikiki - they have some of the best pools in Waikiki. The Royal Hawaiian is historic - and while this shouldn't be an issue with occupancy low - you can get stuck in a smallish room. They charge to use beach chairs and the pool is small. If you are on a budget and don't mind crossing the street for the beach - then Princess Kaiulani is ok, but not as nice as either SW or RH - you get what you pay for. $210/$220 are great rates in my opinion.

anteater

This is good advice. 🤙🏻

For $200~, SW is a good value especially with the pools. The RH will have a quieter, more refined feel. PK is an excellent value if you don't mind a 30 second walk across the street. It's hard to go wrong with any of these three.

edgewood49

Yep I would like to see the SP across the street continue with their renovations and new tower, I think this one might be a sleeper lower price point walk across the street to the beach and other Marriott properties where you if I am not mistaken still enjoy the faculties and sign a guest check, not so bad. AND you can have coffee on the veranda

ttb217

we stayed at both. i was upgraded to suite. we were on the first floor, which was nice since we didnt have to deal with the elevator. the room was nice and large, but it was also dark and "historic". it was definitely a trade off b/c you didnt get the hawaiian vibe till you were outside of your room but it was sweet just to have that much space.

at the sheraton, we were upgraded to ocean view and WOW that view was AMAZING. the bathroom was cramped though.