Vacationers to Oahu haven’t any scarcity of inns to select from, from budget-friendly hideaways off the seashore to an oceanfront mega resort. I’ve stayed at 15 resorts on Oahu—each in Honolulu and past town—and I at all times come again to Sheraton Waikiki Seaside Resort for one easy motive: It has every part you want for an ideal keep.

Whereas staying within the middle of bustling Waikiki might sound unappealing to some, I like being near an extended listing of actions and eating places—to not point out staying straight on an iconic seashore—but in addition with the ability to tuck away right into a secluded poolside cabana or float within the adults-only infinity pool.

The primary time I checked in and went as much as my room, I bear in mind opening the door to the balcony, stepping out, and pondering, ‘This appears to be like precisely like a postcard.’ Waking as much as the sound of the Pacific gently lapping the shoreline whereas consuming Kona espresso on my balcony was my definition of bliss. And the panoramic views of Waikiki Beach—the place sunbathers and umbrellas dot the sand like colourful items of confetti—and iconic Diamond Head crater from practically each vantage level of the property, are second to none.

Positioned within the coronary heart of Waikiki, the sprawling resort’s location, steps from the seashore and a brief stroll to award-winning eating places, is a high vendor for many vacationers, myself included. Whether or not I needed to browse the outlets at Royal Hawaiian Middle, seize shave ice or a espresso from Island Classic, or take a sundown stroll as much as Duke’s for Hula Pie, I used to be inside strolling distance of all of it, making the property an awesome residence base for island exploration.

In 2020, the resort unveiled a $200-million years-long renovation that upgraded all 1,636 rooms and suites, in addition to the property’s retail areas and public areas, however due to strict COVID-19 protocols, visitors weren’t capable of totally take pleasure in it till mid-2022. Whereas I liked the Sheraton earlier than, the comparatively new look is contemporary and trendy, with wooden tones and mushy hues.

Right here’s my evaluation of Sheraton Waikiki Seaside Resort, which turns 54 this 12 months

The Rooms

With 12 lodging classes throughout practically 1,700 rooms and suites, there’s really one thing for everybody right here. I usually guide the Excessive Oceanfront Room (flooring 10 via 19) as a result of it provides the perfect worth for my husband and me. All rooms have mini fridges, espresso makers, and plenty of thoughtfully positioned shops for charging your cellphone, in addition to Sheraton Sleep Expertise beds.

The bogs are on the small aspect, however include every part you want (a hairdryer, shampoo and conditioner, and a toothbrush and toothpaste) plus a bidet on the bathroom. Robes and slippers can be found upon request for traditional rooms.

If I needed to splurge, I’d guide the Kai Ocean Suite, which has not one, however two ocean-facing balconies for taking within the views of Diamond Head and each day sunrises and sunsets. There’s additionally a full front room for more room to unfold out.

Most leeway tiers have accessible choices, which might be requested at reserving. “We’ve got quite a lot of accessible rooms, in addition to the two-bedroom Ohana Suite, making the resort family-friendly and best for multigenerational journey,” says Tom Calame, space normal supervisor and managing director for Marriott Worldwide, tells Journey + Leisure. “Households of all ages are spending significant time collectively, from younger kids to teenagers and grandparents.”

Meals and Drink

The meals choices on the Sheraton are strong, beginning with the continental breakfast at Kai Market, which incorporates loads of contemporary, tropical fruit, native favorites like Portuguese sausage, and a made-to-order omelet (get the crispy potatoes as a aspect)—my private favourite menu merchandise.

RumFire, the property’s open-air seashore bar, is one other must-visit. Don’t miss the mai tai flight that includes domestically made Kuleana Rum or one of many many zero-proof choices, like Graveyards—a mix of calamansi juice, pineapple juice, and soda water.

Fringe of Waikiki, the resort’s pool bar, is my favourite spot for on-site eating. I like the Buddha Bowl, stuffed with greens, quinoa, beets, ube, and avocado, in addition to the contemporary poke choices just like the ahi poke flatbread topped with spicy aioli. The signature cocktails are all named after famend Waikiki surf spots. “We’re excited to create culinary experiences that prioritize wellness, freshness, and native flavors, guaranteeing our visitors really feel rejuvenated,” Calame tells T+L.

Actions and Facilities

Along with beachfront entry with chairs and umbrellas obtainable for lease (not included within the $52 each day resort price), the Sheraton Waikiki is residence to 3 swimming pools: the Edge Infinity Pool and Helumoa Playground household pool, the latter of which has two swimming pools in a single space.

The Edge Infinity Pool, the longest oceanfront infinity pool within the U.S., spans 130 toes and is open to visitors ages 16 and up. Located just some toes above sea stage, the pool additionally has unobstructed views of Waikiki and the Pacific.

At Helumoa Playground, you’ll be able to take pleasure in not one, however two, freshwater swimming pools, a 70-foot-long waterslide, and two whirlpool spas. There’s additionally a splash pad space for youths with loads of chaise lounges for the entire household.

Whereas visitors can reserve poolside cabanas at each areas (for a price), I’m keen on these on the infinity pool as a result of they provide the perfect views. They’re definitely worth the price, particularly in the event you’re touring with a bunch, as getting chaise lounges collectively can typically be troublesome.

Visitors may guide a surf or stand-up paddleboard lesson, in addition to outrigger canoeing, via Waikiki Beach Services, which has been working since 1955.

So, what does that each day resort price embrace? The Sheraton Waikiki provides hula courses a number of days every week, ribbon lei and kukui nut making, ukulele classes, and lauhala weaving. Moreover, visitors are granted two each day passes for meditation, water Zumba, and morning yoga, plus complimentary use of a GoPro Hero5, a 24-hour fitness center, and high-speed web entry.

“Sheraton Waikiki visitors are additionally invited to enroll in The Royal Hawaiian resort historic tour at our sibling resort subsequent door, The Royal Hawaiian,” says Calame.

The Spa

There isn’t a spa on the Sheraton Waikiki, however each of the neighboring Marriott properties—The Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider—have spas which can be open to Sheraton visitors. Whereas I’m admittedly not an enormous fan of massages, the Lomi Ho’okipa, a Hawaiian-inspired therapeutic massage model that makes use of lengthy, kneading strokes, on the oceanfront Moana Lani Spa at Moana Surfrider, is a should after an extended flight, even for non-enthusiasts like myself.

Household-friendly Choices

Regardless of the Disney property about an hour away, the Sheraton Waikiki is a strong contender for some of the family-friendly resorts on Oahu because of its rooms designed for households of all sizes, on-site choices, and proximity to native actions.

Whereas the Helumoa Playground pool space is a serious spotlight, with loads of house for folks to loosen up, different family-forward actions embrace each day cultural experiences, koi fish feeding (day by day at 11 a.m.), and free entry to shuffleboard, foosball, and pool tables. Mother and father wanting a break may benefit from Poppins baby care for youths ages 3 months to 12 years, and self-service laundry amenities on flooring 5 and 18 guarantee any mishaps might be dealt with ASAP.

The resort can also be positioned close to child favorites just like the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. Whereas each are technically walkable, little ones may want a raise to make all of it the way in which to the aquarium, simply over a mile away.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The Sheraton Waikiki has accessibility options in all room varieties, together with (however not restricted to) roll-in showers, seize bars, and tub stools. The resort additionally has ramps and listening to accessible features like visible hearth alarms with strobe lighting.

Like many resorts in Hawaii, sustainability is on the forefront to guard the Hawaiian islands’ most useful and valuable assets: water and land. The Sheraton Waikiki is LEED Gold licensed, which implies it meets excessive environmental and sustainability requirements, together with power effectivity, water conservation, and eco-friendly development practices, as acknowledged by the U.S. Inexperienced Constructing Council.

Past that, the Sheraton Waikiki was the primary resort in Hawaii to supply electrical automobile charging stations and is dedicated to coastal preservation efforts, together with partnerships with native organizations to guard marine life and preserve clear seashores.

Location

The Sheraton Waikiki is within the coronary heart of Waikiki, that means you’re simply steps from world-class procuring, eating, and nightlife, and a brief trip from Honolulu International Airport. The prime location provides glorious views of Diamond Head and direct seashore entry, which is nice for straightforward morning swims and sundown strolls. It’s additionally a brief stroll to high Waikiki points of interest akin to Royal Hawaiian Middle, Worldwide Market Place, Kuhio Seaside, and the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue. Plus, the resort’s central place lends itself to simple tour pickups to discover different components of Oahu, together with Pearl Harbor and the North Shore.

Learn how to Get The Most Worth Out Of Your Keep

Sheraton Waikiki is a Marriott Bonvoy property, so you’ll be able to money in factors for a keep—between 56,000 and 102,000 per evening, relying on room selection and time of 12 months.

Each T+L resort evaluation is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed on the property, and every resort chosen aligns with our core values.