Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
high-rise hotel fronting Fort DeRussy Beach is reserved for active and retired US milit-
ary personnel only. Ask for more recently renovated Ilima Tower rooms. In-room wired
internet, lobby and poolside wi-fi, and parking cost extra.
Halekulani
RESORT $$$
$$$
With modern sophistication, this resort hotel lives up to its name, which means 'House
Befitting Heaven.' It's an all-encompassing experience of gracious living, not merely a
place to crash. Peaceful rooms are equipped with all mod-con gadgets like high-tech en-
tertainment centers, along with deep soaking tubs and expansive lanai. Luxury suites in-
clude one personally designed by Vera Wang.
Royal Hawaiian
HISTORIC HOTEL $$$
$$$
(
866-716-8110, 923-7311;
www.royal-hawaiian.com
; 2259 Kalakaua Ave; r from $400;
) The aristocratic Royal Hawaiian was Waikiki's first luxury hotel. Now the Span-
ish Moorish-style 'Pink Palace' looks better than ever, thanks to multimillion-dollar
renovations. Rooms in the historic section maintain classic appeal, though many guests
prefer the modern high-rise tower's ocean views. Spa suites come adorned in carved
teak, bamboo and mosaic glass, with cabana daybeds on the lanai.
Modern
BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$$
$$$
(
888-970-4161, 943-4161;
www.themodernhonolulu.com
; 1775 Ala Moana Blvd; r from $290;
) Whimsical postmodernity is hotel designer Ian Schrager's signature, from a
revolving bookcase that hides the lobby bar to contemporary video art in the hallways.
Terraced ocean-view rooms and suites are crisp, chic and elemental, showing off teak
doors, Frette linens and marble baths. A lanai deck pool overlooks Ala Wai Yacht Har-
bor. It's a 10-minute walk from the beach.
Sheraton Waikiki
RESORT $$$
$$$
(
866-716-8109, 922-4422;
www.sheratonwaikiki.com
; 2255 Kalakaua Ave; r from $325;
) Sleek high-rise chain megahotel is ginormous enough to accommodate package-
tour groups and business conferences alike. No-surprises contemporary rooms are crisply
clean. Facing the beach, a 'superpool' amphibious playground keeps the kiddies enter-
