Sheraton Waikiki Seashore Resort, Oahu, Hawaii, Lodge Overview

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 the town—and I all the time come again to Sheraton Waikiki Seashore Resort for one easy purpose: It has every little thing you want for an ideal keep.

Whereas staying within the heart of bustling Waikiki might sound unappealing to some, I like being near an extended checklist of actions and eating places—to not point out staying immediately on an iconic seashore—but additionally 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 seems to be precisely like a postcard.’ Waking as much as the sound of the Pacific gently lapping the shoreline whereas ingesting Kona espresso on my balcony was my definition of bliss. And the panoramic views of Waikiki Seashore—the place sunbathers and umbrellas dot the sand like colourful items of confetti—and iconic Diamond Head crater from almost each vantage level of the property, are second to none.

Situated 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 ideal dwelling 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, friends weren’t capable of totally take pleasure in it till mid-2022. Whereas I beloved the Sheraton earlier than, the comparatively new look is recent and fashionable, with wooden tones and smooth hues.

Right here’s my evaluation of Sheraton Waikiki Seashore Resort, which turns 54 this yr

The Rooms

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

The loos are on the small facet, however include every little thing 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 e-book the Kai Ocean Suite, which has not one, however two ocean-facing balconies for taking within the views of Diamond Head and day by day sunrises and sunsets. There’s additionally a full front room for more room to unfold out.

Most space tiers have accessible choices, which may be requested at reserving. “We now have quite a lot of accessible rooms, in addition to the two-bedroom Ohana Suite, making the resort family-friendly and ultimate 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 recent, tropical fruit, native favorites like Portuguese sausage, and a made-to-order omelet (get the crispy potatoes as a facet)—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, full of greens, quinoa, beets, ube, and avocado, in addition to the recent 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 friends really feel rejuvenated,” Calame tells T+L.

Actions and Facilities

Along with beachfront entry with chairs and umbrellas obtainable for hire (not included within the $52 day by day resort charge), the Sheraton Waikiki is dwelling to a few 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 friends 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 teenagers with loads of chaise lounges for the entire household.

Whereas friends can reserve poolside cabanas at each places (for a charge), I’m keen on these on the infinity pool as a result of they provide one of the best views. They’re definitely worth the charge, particularly should you’re touring with a gaggle, as getting chaise lounges collectively can generally be troublesome.

Company can even e-book a surf or stand-up paddleboard lesson, in addition to outrigger canoeing, by Waikiki Seashore Providers, which has been working since 1955.

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

“Sheraton Waikiki friends are additionally invited to join 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 might be open to Sheraton friends. 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 one of the vital family-friendly resorts on Oahu due to 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 area for fogeys to chill out, different family-forward actions embrace day by day cultural experiences, koi fish feeding (on daily basis at 11 a.m.), and free entry to shuffleboard, foosball, and pool tables. Mother and father wanting a break can even reap the benefits of Poppins baby care for teenagers ages 3 months to 12 years, and self-service laundry amenities on flooring 5 and 18 guarantee any mishaps may be dealt with ASAP.

The resort can be situated close to child favorites just like the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. Whereas each are technically walkable, little ones would possibly want a carry 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 capabilities like visible hearth alarms with strobe lighting.

Like many resorts in Hawaii, sustainability is on the forefront to guard the Hawaiian islands’ Most worthy and treasured sources: 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 car 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, which means you’re simply steps from world-class buying, eating, and nightlife, and a brief experience from Honolulu Worldwide Airport. The prime location gives wonderful views of Diamond Head and direct seashore entry, which is nice for simple morning swims and sundown strolls. It’s additionally a brief stroll to high Waikiki sights corresponding to Royal Hawaiian Middle, Worldwide Market Place, Kuhio Seashore, and the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue. Plus, the resort’s central place lends itself to straightforward tour pickups to discover different components of Oahu, together with Pearl Harbor and the North Shore.

Find out 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 night time, relying on room alternative and time of yr.

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.