Where to Stay - Honolulu, Waikiki and Oahu - page 131

Pass through the lush garden with a spectacular banyan tree, then step into the black
terrazzo-marble lobby, which features hand-woven pink carpets and giant floral arrange-
ments. Historic touches include Hawaiian craft displays (quilts, leis, weaving) by local artists
every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and a new guest activity program with ukulele les-
sons, lei making, lauhala weaving, hula classes, historic tours, and evening “talk story” ses-
sions featuring Hawaiian legends. We were won over by the Historic Wing's rooms, which
contain carved wooden doors, four-poster canopy beds, flowered wallpaper, and period fur-
niture. If you prefer the newer rooms, the latest decor is more Tommy Bahama, with a tropical
palm tree motif.
One of Waikiki's best spas, Abhasa ★★ ( & 808/922-8200; www.abhasa.com ) , is located on-
site. This large contemporary spa concentrates on natural, organic treatments in a soothing
atmosphere (the smell of eucalyptus wafts through the air) with everything from the latest
aromatherapy thalassotherapy (soaking in a sweet-smelling hot bath of salt water) to shiatsu
massages. Its specialty is a cold-laser, anti-aging treatment that promises to give you a re-
freshed, revitalized face in just 30 minutes.
In the culinary department, the Surf Lanai has replaced the Surf Room as the properties'
oceanfront eatery featuring American cuisine (hamburgers), along with another beachfront
restaurant, Azure, with Hawaii Regional Cuisine. The Royal Hawaiian luau is done in grand
style on Monday nights. And the hotel's MaiTaiBar ★★ is one of the most popular places in
Waikiki for its namesake drink, which supposedly originated here.
2259 Kalakaua Ave. (at Royal Hawaiian Ave., on the ocean side of the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center), Honolulu,
HI 96815. www.royal-hawaiian.com or www.starwoodhotelshawaii.com . & 800/325-3535 or 808/923-7311. Fax 808/
924-7098. 527 units. $285-$350 double; from $610 suite. Plus Resort Fee $21/day. Extra person $125. Ask about special
packages. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $33; self-parking at Sheraton Waikiki $25. Bus: 19 or 20. Amenities: 2
restaurants; landmark bar; babysitting; bike rentals; excellent year-round children's program; multilingual concierge desk;
preferential tee times at various golf courses; excellent nearby fitness room (next door at the Sheraton Waikiki); good-si-
ze outdoor pool; room service; full-service spa (Abhasa); watersports equipment rentals. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair
dryer, high-speed Internet access ($15/day).
Sheraton Waikiki ★ Occupying two 30-story towers, this is by far the biggest of Waikiki's
four beachfront Sheratons. The lobby is immense and filled with shops, travel desks, and
people, including loads of conventioneers. If you're not comfortable with crowds, book else-
where. However, size has its advantages: The Sheraton has everything from a fabulous kids'
program (boogie boarding, kite flying, nightly movies) to historical walks and cooking
demonstrations for Mom and Dad. Plus, you can “play and charge” (back to your room tab)
at Waikiki's other Sheraton hotels.
In 2011, the Sheraton also added The Link @ Sheraton (complimentary Wi-Fi and com-
puters in the lobby for the guest's use) and partnered up with Core Fitness to create Core Fit-
ness by Sheraton, featuring a fully equipped gym and complimentary aerobics classes.
After 39 years of operation, the Sheraton Waikiki also closed its 30th-floor restaurant, the
Hanohano Room, and converted it into a Premiere Club Lounge. The $1-million conversion
from restaurant to Executive- or Conceriege-level lounge included the addition of The Club,
which offers Club Guest Room members such upgrades and amenities as a continental break-
fast, evening appetizers and cocktails, a media wall, free Wi-Fi and computer stations (includ-