This has become my beach hotel of choice as a PRO TRAVEL BLOGGER. The “Pink Palace” as it is known, is listed as a 5-star luxury hotel and the resort has recently been picked up by MARRIOTT. My recent stay was phenomenal and all management and staff delivered service and care that was outstanding. It’s one of only a handful of hotels right on the beach in this part of the world. Great for walking out of your room through a wonderful garden area and sinking your feet into the sand or jumping in the ocean for an early morning dip.
The opening of The Royal Hawaiian on February 1, 1927, ushered in a new era of luxurious resort travel to Hawaii. The resort was built with a price tag of $4 million and was completed in 18 months. The six-story, 400-room structure was fashioned in a Spanish-Moorish style, popular during the period and influenced by screen star Rudolph Valentino. You can reserve a room in the HISTORIC WING or the MAILANI TOWER. They both offer a style of ambience all their own and can accommodate most tastes.
STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE
OPENING GALA 1927
ROOMS
HISTORIC WING HANDCRAFTED DOOR
Something that highlights the uniqueness of this fine old gal is the doors in the historic wing. No two doors are identical, have been handcrafted from Narra wood, and feature the Hawaiian coat of arms.
Each room in the Historic Wing offers a touch of 1920″s elegance mixed with modern-day conveniences such as large-screen TVs and high-speed WiFi. The vintage rooms are only about 300 square feet unless you’re fortunate enough to get one of the suites. The rooms in the Mailani Tower are a little more up-to-date but are also fairly small unless you opt for one of the suites.
ROYAL HAWAIIAN BEACH AND DIAMONDHEAD VIEW
MAILANI TOWER SUITE
THE AMENITIES
The gym on the property is relatively small but does have enough equipment to do a basic workout. The good news is that you have access to the gym at the sister property right next door at the SHERATON WAIKIKI. A nice feature here is a fresh daily supply of apples and oranges to help start the day.
ENTRANCE TO THE ROYAL GYM
SHERATON WAIKIKI GYM
The Malulani Pool and Hot Tub is a fairly small circular affair in front of the Mailani Tower and just steps away from the beach. The average depth is around five feet, so it is more like a wading pool. Another option is again over at the Sheraton, which features the slightly larger Helumoa Playground Pool but often has a lot of children in it. North America’s longest oceanfront infinity pool is available for Royal Hawaiian guests. Sadly, a Steam or Sauna room is not available at either property.
SHERATON EDGE INFINITY POOL
ROYAL HAWAIIAN MALULANI POOL
ABHASA OUTDOOR MASSAGE SECTION
ABHASA, which means “illusion” in Sanskrit, is noted for being the only spa on O’ahu that offers luxurious spa treatments in a serene tropical garden setting. A variety of treatments from classic to local massage styles, traditional to tropical facials, body wraps and cocoons, nail and hair salon services, and more can be found here.
RESTAURANTS
THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN BAKERY
Get your Pink Pancakes and the famous Banana Bread right here at the onsite bakery. I’ve eaten a Pink Palace full of banana muffins and can attest to the wonderful moist flavour they carry. The friendly staff here will be happy to help you select what you desire. They are open from early morning until noon.
MAI LANAI LOUNGE
The Mai Lanai lounge is located on the lobby floor of the Mai Lanai Tower section in the ROYAL HAWAIIAN RESORT. It is a private section ( accessed by room key) for guests of the tower and Platinum card members of the MARRIOTT rewards program. The seating overlooks the pool area adjacent to the restaurant and bar area of the hotel’s historic wing and can comfortably accommodate thirty patrons.
AZURE
The world-class AZURE restaurant is now serving dinner Wednesday thru Sunday. Enjoy a candlelight supper by the beach. The dress code is Resort Casual. As of this writing, there are two full-course menus being offered with one being a vegetarian.
ALFRESCO BEACHSIDE WAIKIKI
SURF LANAI BUFFET BREAKFAST MENU
If it’s breakfast or lunch by the beach you’re searching for in a relaxed and comfortable setting, the SURF LANAI has you covered. Breakfast is served from 6:30 to 11:00 and then Lunch starts at 11:30 and runs to 2:00 in the afternoon. Give it a try the next time you find yourself in Waikiki.
MAI TAI BAR
LEGENDARY WAIKIKI BEACH BAR
The story goes that the mai tai drink was created by “Trader Vic” Bergeron and some Tahitian friends at his bar in California circa 1944 and the drink became a big success. The Tahitian word “maitai roa ae” roughly translated means “Amazing” and Trader Vic decided to use it. The drink was even featured in the Elvis Presley flick “Blue Hawaii” in 1961. The Royal Hawaiian wanted their own version for the hotel beach bar and asked Mr. Bergeron to fashion one in 1953. The “Royal Mai Tai” was born and now it and “Vic’s 44” are featured as some of the drinks on offer. Try the tavern parmesan truffle fries they serve. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with anything served at the Mai Tai.
The ROYAL HAWAIIAN MAI TAI BAR is probably the finest bar by the sea that I have been to.
The bar itself is literally steps from the beach and you can hear the surf roll in as you enjoy a cocktail or some finger food. The interior dome and the chairs around the beach bar are made of beautiful Hawaiian wood as are the rocking chairs currently in the Ocean Lanai and it’s staffed by some of the best bartenders in the world. Everything is served fresh and with friendly enthusiasm by the dedicated staff. You never know who you will run into but you can be sure they will be friendly and interesting. A great selection of food and drinks mixed with the great environment by the ocean is sure to please.
SOME OF THE MAI TAI SELECTIONS
THE DEBRIEF
The service at the RH is, in my opinion, excellent. Management and the concierge could not do enough for me on my visits. If you need anything during your stay just mention it to them. The rooms are very comfortable and housekeeping does an outstanding job for you making sure it stays clean and everything you need is there for you. The dining here is a great experience. There is lots to see and do right at the hotel and its location in Waikiki gives you quick access to all the local attractions. I give it the coveted Captain’s Cap.
👍👍👍👍
