THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN
A Luxury Collection Resort
Our Resort Report
Our Thoughts on The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki
Celebrating its 90th Birthday in 2017. Make no mistake; The Royal Hawaiian is a very special place to stay. The building is a Waikiki landmark and has been for many, many years. You can sum up The Royal Hawaiian in one word – “gracious”. The huge cloister-style walk-ways, the soaring ceilings and the gracious décor set The Royal Hawaiian apart from any other hotel in Hawaii. The hotel is located on one of the widest stretches of Waikiki Beach in beautiful park-like grounds sheltered from the bustle of Kalakaua Avenue by The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Centre. The range of services offered is staggering. Of course, there is the fabulous Abhasa Spa, a 24-hour Fitness Centre, the Business Centre, the famous Sunday Brunch and the Royal Beach Club complete with exclusive-use Beachside Cabanas – the list goes on and on. Another feature at The Royal Hawaiian is the Helumoa Playground which is located between The Royal Hawaiian and the Sheraton Waikiki and is shared by guests of both properties. Helumoa Playground features two fresh water swimming pools, waterslide, an interactive fountain for kids, and two large whirlpool spa pools.
As well as the many on-site dining amenities, guests at The Royal Hawaiian enjoy the “Stay at One, Dine at All” program Starwood offers where guests at The Royal Hawaiian can enjoy dining, shows, oceanfront entertainment options, fitness center and spa facilities at Moana Surfrider, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and Sheraton Waikiki and simply sign the charges back to their room account at The Royal Hawaiian.
Two services that we think really sum up what The Royal Hawaiian is all about. Firstly, their Beach Boy Valet Service. Guests at The Royal Hawaiian can hire a Beach Boy for the day and enjoy personal attention on the beach. For those looking for the ultimate beach experience in Waikiki, the Beach Boy Valet service will provide an assigned “beach boy” to attend to a hotel guest for up to six hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The beach boy will personally instruct the guest in surfing, canoe riding, sailing, walking/touring along the beach, or just “talking story.” The beach boy will arrange, carry and prepare any equipment needed for the choice of activity. In addition, the beach boy will take photos throughout the day of all activities. The second great amenity - the rocking chairs for guests to use in the quiet area overlooking the courtyard – wonderfully relaxing!
Special check-in/check-out services include: fresh flower lei for women or kukui nut lei for men upon arrival, banana nut bread arrival amenity, in-room video check-out and hospitality suite for early arrivals and late departures which is ideal for Kiwi travellers given the airline schedules between Auckland and Hawaii.
What the Royal Hawaiian - A Luxury Collection Resort Say About Themselves
"This historic oceanfront resort features 528 rooms, including 33 suites with 18 being oceanfront.
The opening of The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, ushered in a new era of luxurious resort travel to Hawaii. The six-story, 400-room structure was fashioned in a Spanish-Moorish style, popular during the time period and influenced by screen star Rudolph Valentino. The site of The Royal Hawaiian boasts a majestic lineage. The area was used as a playground for King Kamehameha I after he conquered the island of Oahu. Queen Kaahumanu’s Summer Palace was previously located in what is now the hotel’s Coconut Grove garden. During WWII, The Royal Hawaiian was leased exclusively to the U.S. Navy as a rest and recreation center for the Pacific Fleet. The hotel reopened to the public in February 1947.
The inspiring and distinctive character of The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort is known throughout the world as a destination of unparalleled romance and luxury. The “Pink Palace of the Pacific” recently emerged from a complete renovation on January 20, 2009 as one of the world’s elite collection of hotels for luxury and romance. The distinctive architecture and its rosy hue remain, as do the elegant details nod to the hotel’s storied past. Now, however, 21st century upgrades seamlessly meld with the thoughtfully chosen, classic design elements, creating a decidedly chic atmosphere that is still captivatingly Hawaiian. This “reimagined” luxury resort highlights the indigenous culture and history of the islands with its new guest programs, offering authentic and enriching experiences, refined service, and an elevated ambiance of unrivalled facilities and location."
The Luxury Collection
“The Luxury Collection is a portal to the world’s most enriching and desirable destination experiences. Each Luxury Collection property is chosen specifically for its sense of place and unwavering commitment to the exceptional, including extraordinary service, amenities, and cuisine that is authentic to the locale. Every guest’s stay is designed to be a thoroughly rejuvenating experience for the mind and body. In total, the Luxury Collection is a glittering ensemble of more than 65 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries”.
Daily Resort Charge.
Currently costing US$42 plus 14.962% tax per day per room. the Daily Resort Charge is compulsory and is automatically added to your room account and payable direct to the resort.
The Resort Charge provides the following resort services and inclusions:
● Welcome amenity of signature baked goods from the
Royal Hawaiian Bakery (one per room per stay)
● Highspeed wifi access in guestroom and public areas
● Highspeed internet access in Waikiki 1 per room per stay
● One professional photo session and 4"x 8" photo per
room per stay through SharpShooter Imaging
● Complimentary one day rental of GoPro Camera through
AT&T Kiosk at Sheraton Waikiki (1 per room per stay)
● Unlimited local, long distance, toll free and international
telephone calls
● Two 500ml bottled waters replenished daily
● Fitness Classes, Resort Cultural classes (lei making, Yoga,
Hiuwai-Cultural Ocean Activities, hula lessons, shell/kukui
nut bracelet making, weekly Diamond Head hikes etc.)
● "Collections of Waikiki" savings booklet
● Children aged 5 and under eat free at Surf Lanai Restaurant
with one paying adult (one child per paying adult).
Children aged 6 to 12 receive 50% off retail breakfast
prices.
● A 15-minute Surfing Instruction – sand demonstration
● Sea Life Park - Buy one, get one free entrance
● $20 Gift Card at select retail shops at The Royal Hawaiian
Hotel - applicable towards men and women apparel (not
applicable to discounted items) with $100 minimum
purchase
● 10% off retail gift box at The Royal Hawaiian Bakery
Conditions
- Resort Charge rate and inclusions are subject to change.
Your Accommodation Options
Quoting the Resort
"The newly designed guestrooms feature vintage koa seating, exotic furnishings, historic photographs, and other indigenous objects d’art. Bathroom floors and shower stalls of sable-colored stone are coupled with dark stained millwork that is both exotic and contemporary."
We Say
There are 2 distinctly different buildings and room types at The Royal Hawaiian. Firstly, there is the original low-rise building known as “Historic” and secondly, the more recently added tower, known by the name “Mailani Tower”. In the 4-level, Historic Wings, all the bedrooms and Junior Suites are open and airy with high ceilings; the bathrooms are compact, but quite acceptable and due to the age and character of the building, they don’t offer lanais/balconies. All the rooms in the Historic Wings were completely renovated in 2009. The completely refurbished and upgraded Mailani Tower gently curves to follow the line of the pool below and has 16 accommodation floors; all rooms have a nice-sized lanai with beach/ocean views and a good big bathroom.
Refurbished Tower.
The newer Tower Wing has reopened after a complete refurbishment and upgrade. Now renamed “Mailani” (previously known as the Royal Tower) the Mailani Tower Wing rooms now have a new dedicated Reception, separate concierge service and an exclusive lounge overlooking the beachfront pool. Now, there is a welcoming “Club-like” atmosphere and complimentary continental breakfasts and evening cocktails awaiting guests staying in Mailani Tower accommodation. This is a very welcome development, as, until the advent of the upgrade, our experience of staying in the tower rooms at the Royal Hawaiian did pall somewhat compared with the ambience of the beautiful buildings housing the Historic Rooms. - well done Royal Hawaiian!
Quoting the Resort
“Mailani redefines luxury as it welcomes its esteemed guests to an oasis of unparalleled sophistication and grandeur. Gracefully bridging the sumptuous splendor of the property’s original allure with the conveniences and comforts expected by modern travelers, Mailani sets the standard of excellence in Hawaii hospitality.
Stepping into the velvety embrace of The Royal Hawaiian’s majestic lobby and through the pillared breezeway, it is immediately apparent that Mailani is an elegant expression of its location – a portal to the islands’ indigenous charms and beautiful traditions in the world’s most exciting and desirable destination – Waikiki.
The Mailani experience will begin even before arrival as the resort’s Dedicated Mailani Concierges initiate pre-stay communications so as to create personalized itineraries for each guest that tap into the essence of Waikiki and Oahu. Upon arrival at this fabled resort, guests will be escorted down the iconic breezeway to an exclusive Mailani-only reception area. After check-in, Mailani’s concierge staff will place calls to each guest room to ensure that their individual needs are recognized by the hotel staff.
At Mailani’s ground level, guests will delight in a dedicated front reception area for check-in and checkout, as well as personalized recommendations by a team of expert Dedicated Mailani Concierges. Just steps away, the Mailani Lounge will offer tranquil views of the pool, and seating areas where guests may leisurely enjoy “Mailani Mornings” and “Mailani Evenings.” Mailani Mornings (6:30 – 9:30 a.m.) will include a barista coffee station offering Kona coffee, espresso, cappuccino and assorted gourmet teas, sparkling wine Mimosas, an oatmeal station, a granola & Greek yogurt station, and a bounty of freshly baked pastries and seasonal island fruits. Mailani Evenings (5 – 8 p.m.) will feature a daily signature cocktail from a Luxury Collection resort that will be prepared daily by the resort’s mixologists, a beverage station featuring beer and wine selections, and Armenian breads and flat breads accompanied by assorted olive oils and dips.”
Guaranteed Interconnecting Rooms
Guaranteed interconnecting rooms can be arranged (where available) on prepayment of a nightly fee. This cost may be prearranged by Our Specialists and included in your package price.
Room Categories
Historic Building:
Historic Rooms:
Historic Garden Rooms:
28m2 to 31m2 in size, Historic Rooms are located handy to the arrival point of the hotel, with a view of the gardens and lawns between the hotel’s entrance and the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Centre on Kalakaua Avenue. One step up in price, Historic Garden Rooms are more secluded and private, being on the sides of the building facing the Coconut Grove Gardens and the internal courtyard gardens. Bathrooms normally have a shower over a bath tub.
Maximum Occupancy: 4 guests (adults or adults and children)
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed or 2 Standard Double Beds
Additional Bedding: A rollaway Bed may be added to some rooms configured with 1 King Bed. Subject to maximum occupancy policy and space, a complimentary crib may be added for a baby.
Historic Garden Junior Suites:
Approximately 50m2 with a separate bedroom and separate lounge, usually with windows on 2 sides of the lounge area and a wet bar. These are very classy Junior Suites with tranquil garden views.
Maximum Occupancy: 3 Adults
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed
Additional Bedding: 1 Rollaway bed may be added.
Historic Ocean Rooms:
Located over any of 4 floors with ocean views either to the east, the west or the south. 31m2 in size with luxury bed. Bathrooms normally have a shower only. These rooms come at a 25% or so premium over the Historic Garden Rooms, but, if you can stretch the budget, are well worth the additional money for the sea view alone.
Maximum Occupancy: 4 guests (adults or adults and children)
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed or 2 Standard Double Beds
Additional Bedding: A rollaway Bed may be added to some rooms configured with 1 King Bed. Subject to maximum occupancy policy and space, a complimentary crib may be added for a baby.
Historic Ocean Deluxe Rooms:
50m2 in size with fabulous views out over Waikiki Beach to the Pacific Ocean. Historic Ocean Deluxe Rooms include all the features of the Historic Ocean Rooms with the addition of a 19 m2 additional semi-separate lounge area from which to sit and take in the view. These are exceptional rooms.
Bathrooms normally have a shower only.
Maximum Occupancy: 4 guests (adults or adults and children)
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed or 2 Standard Double Beds
Additional Bedding: A rollaway Bed may be added to some rooms configured with 1 King Bed. Subject to maximum occupancy policy and space, a complimentary crib may be added for a baby.
Mailani Tower Rooms:
Mailani Tower Ocean Front Rooms:
Mailani Tower Premier Ocean Front Rooms:
Mailani Tower Ocean Corner Rooms:
Mailani Tower Ocean Front Rooms are located on floors 2 to 7.
Mailani Tower Premier Ocean Front Rooms are located on floors 8 to 17.
Mailani Tower Ocean Corner Rooms are found on most floors at each end of the building. The wide view from the corner balcony is their distinguishing feature.
Mailani Tower Rooms and Suites capture the essence of the old-world charm of the Royal Hawaiian in a more contemporary environment.
Mailani Tower Rooms are 33m2 and have a nice big 8m2 balcony accessed by floor to ceiling sliding doors. These balcony doors are fitted with sliding plantation shutters which give a pleasant tropical feel to the rooms. Consider the rooms in the Mailani Tower for a guaranteed ocean view, a balcony and a much bigger bathroom and now, following the redevelopment of the whole building, access to the the ground floor Mailani Lounge where guests may enjoy “Mailani Mornings” and “Mailani Evenings,” which entitles guests to complimentary continental breakfasts and evening cocktailsall with tranquil views of the pool. (see the description above).
Maximum Occupancy: 4 guests (adults or adults and children)
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed or 2 Standard Double Beds
Additional Bedding: A rollaway Bed may be added to some rooms configured with 1 King Bed. Subject to maximum occupancy policy and space, a complimentary crib may be added for a baby.
Getting to and from The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
We will provide a coach or private car arrival/departure transfer from/to Honolulu International Airport to The Royal Hawaiian as required/agreed.
This hotel is located in the centre of Waikiki; indeed, it could be claimed that the Royal Hawaiian is “The” centre of Waikiki. The Aloha Trolley, the Waikiki Trolleys and TheBus services heading eastwards stop on Kalakaua Avenue virtually outside The Royal Hawaiian.
Kids Policy
Kids Stay Free
Children 17 years of age and under sharing with at least 1 paying adult/parent are accommodated free of charge when utilising existing bedding.
Cots for babies are provided free of charge, subject to room maximum occupancy policies.
Kids Eat Free
As part of the Resort Charge, children aged under 6 years eat free at Surf Lanai Restaurant when accompanied by a paying adult.
Children aged 6 to 12 years receive a 50% discount off breakfast prices.
Check-in/Check Out
Check In Time: 3:00pm
Check Out Time: 12:00 noon
For guests arriving prior to official check-in time, The Royal Hawaiian will accommodate guests as rooms become available. Luggage will be stored until the room is available for guests to check in.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be made in writing.
Except for bookings over the Festive Year-End Season,
cancellations made within 72 hours prior of scheduled
arrival (including no shows) incur a cancellation fee equal
to the cost of staying one night at the rate booked plus
taxes.
Year End Cancellation Policy
Cancellations of bookings which includes all or part of the
period 23 December to 03 January made within 60 days
of scheduled arrival incur a cancellation fee equal to the
full cost of the original booking at the rate booked plus taxes
Travel Insurance is recommended
OUR Specialists can advise on all aspects of travel insurance
The information on this page is correct as at 09 March 2020 and is based on our supplier contracts which are valid for stays to 25 December 2021. All information shown is subject to change without notice.