Our flight over : We took an upgrade to 1st class for an extra fee...back in the day you could book upgrades online, then it became doable at the check-in counter, today it was only via the kiosk. Glad we did, had a nice nap and they served nuts, warmed macadamia nuts : ) what a treat. Always ask at the check-in counter for upgrades... from exit row to first class (you can learn things that the website just won't have info on, the attendants are willing to help, just smile and give good energy)
2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 | 808.923.7311 | Central Reservations 866.716.8110 .located 9 miles from Honolulu International Airport on world renown Waikiki Beach.
THINK PINK ! ~The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, affectionately known as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific" Chosen to become a member of Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ elite coterie of Luxury Collection properties, The Royal Hawaiian is internationally recognized as among the world’s finest, with its magnificent Spanish-Moorish architecture, spectacular setting and celebrated history.
Last October we stayed at the Sheraton and next door was the Royal Hawaiian, Pink and fabulous, with a feeling of history, I knew I wanted to come back and stay there one day. Well, 6 months later and here we were and it didn't let down. We were immediately met with flowered plumeria lei and kukui nut greetings. At reception treated to a special ginger and tropical fruit drink and given 2 complimentary Mai Tais at the Mai Tai Bar.
Off to the Iconici Historic Building - re modeled... Our room was so pretty, with complimentary banana nut bread a tradition since inception (they also give you the recipe) Garden with a peek-a-boo ocean view. Bottled water provided, complimentary WIFI, (room amenities included)
Dined in-room : husband went out and picked up, Keos Thai Cuisine... ate about 1/2 a dozen things on the menu from Main courses, Thai noodles and coconut soup, have to give it a thumbs down.
Our concierge was extremely helpful and friendly throughout our stay, hello Wendy! Always get to know the concierge, they can do things you can't imagine : )
My husband rented us a Red Mustang convertible for a day trip around the Island. Just a short walk from the hotel. First stop, Disney's 3 lagoons (we saw these from the airplane and knew we had to investigate) Parking was only available in small lots and were full ! I was only able to get out of the car while my husband stayed behind to get a quick peek and some snaps. The lagoons looked inviting, protected from the surf, nice strip of beach.
We were warned to avoid the Mid to North west side of the Island "Haole" un-friendly... and decided to go directly to the famous North Shore via the Interstate rte. First stop, the little beach town of Haleiwaia... We stopped for some Thai food at Island Thai, yummy sticky noodles. We sat out on the front patio deck and people watched.
Lot's of sea glass to be had along the North side of the Island : ) We did lots of beach stops and harvesting... after a long day of beaches and parks we headed back to our hotel.
Tip: DO NOT GO to OAHU SPRING BREAK, but if you must... AVOID WAIKIKI BEACH !
POOL : Yes, small, very small, but they share another large pool, waterfalls and slide with the neighboring Sheraton called the Helumoa Playground (see my previous blog post Oct 2012) The pool at The Royal Hawaiian (Royal Beach Tower Pool) is exclusive to Royal Hawaiian guests only. Chlorinated and heated. Poolside food and beverage service is available.
BEACH INFO : http://www.royal-hawaiian.com/resort/pool-beach-services/
Beach chair rental on the websites states 40.00 for two chaise lounges and 1 beach umbrella, It was 50.00 the week I was there. (Spring Break)
Royal Experience Program
TIP : For our flight over on American Airlines we reserved standard coach seats, but while checking-in online to print boarding passes I came across availability for an upgrade for just 249.00 per person to first class ! (LAX to LIH) I didn't book it at the time, but when we checked in at the boarding gate, which we usually do to check for availability for EXIT row seats (for more leg room) the attendant there suggested we upgrade to 1st because with the kiosk you could upgrade for just 250.00... so we did !... but unfortunately when we got to our first class seats we were disappointed to find that they were in fact not much more roomy than the free exit rows would have been, we were on a 757. (we are a bit spoiled from other first class flights and our recent business class on Emirates - they don't even compare !) Luckily however the flight attendant in first class more than made up for it with his AMAZING service. The 249 rate was not bookable through the agent, just through the kiosk, Do-it-yourself.
Went to the Sorth East side of the island to the most spectacular beach (or were we on Bora Bora ?)
LANAKAI !!!! O-M-G- a dream ... GO YOU MUST GO !!!
Just park anywhere on the residential streets there are a few openings to little private bays and the main beach/lagoon... found a tree swing !
A friend recommended we eat at Fatboys in town.
2365 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 United States Phone: 808.922.3111 Central Reservations: 866.716.8112
The "First Lady of Waikiki" has undergone a rebirth. The Sheraton Moana Surfrider has officially been re-branded as the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa. The resort underwent a total transformation and is the first Westin property on the island of Oahu.
I spent the next day on Waikiki beach, making Sea Gypsies Boutique, Sea Punk Collection, One-of-a-Kind Charm Bracelets (not a lounge chair available by the pools) while my husband taught Alterna Haircare classes. Our friend Marta also our Alterna hostess rented a Volvo Convertible and took us out to the Rainbow Drive-In for a plate lunch/dinner. Lined out with lots of locals. Outdoor Picnic table and indoor dining. We tried a little of everything : MENU
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*Most everything in PINK is hyperlinked to external websites for references.