Sheraton Waikiki- a travel agent’s review

If you are looking for a chic and hip resort in a great location in Waikiki, the Sheraton Waikiki might just be the place for you.

With its great beachfront location, right next to the Royal Hawaiian and the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach and a short walk down the beach from the Halekulani, the Sheraton Waikiki is right off Kalakaua Ave.  You might not even know it’s there since it is behind the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.

The highlight of the newly renovated Sheraton is the new adult only infinity pool that was hopping when we visited.  The orange bean bag floats are available to guests were a big hit with the guests.  The infinity pool is only one of 2 pool areas and the Helumoa Playground Pool is the perfect family spot and is only available to guests of the Sheraton and the Royal Hawaiian.  Even though guests of the other Sheraton properties have signing privileges at all Starwood resorts), the pools are not included in this arrangement.

Complete with a children’s area with a waterslide and fountain, this  water playground is, by far, the nicest pool in the central area of Waikiki.

The water park isn’t the only reason for the Sheraton’s popularity.  The dining options make it one of the sought out resorts in Waikiki.  Rum Fire is the new hotspot for casual beach front dining and a great bar.  When we walked along the beach in the evening after dinner, Rum Fire was crowded and active.  With their rum pyramid of vintage rums behind the bar, live music in the evening  and the fire pits around the restaurant, this is a hot nite spot in Waikiki.

Kai’s Market is the Sheratons upscale buffet that overlooks the infinity pool with farm to table concept.  Fresh ingredients and individual portions instead of chafing dishes make this new restaurant a winner at the Sheraton.

We didn’t get a chance to see the rooms on this visit since the hotel (at a normally slow time) was 95% full.  We did see the newly renovated rooms on our last visit.  They were chic and contemporary- not particularly Hawaiian in feel.  There are over 1600 rooms and suites from city view on up to deluxe ocean front views.  The lanais are furnished with 2 chairs and a table.

The Leahi Club (the concierge club) just opened in the beginning of 2011 and is on the 30^th floor and offers daily breakfast and evening appetizers.  The cost is about $75 more per night for this concierge level service.

The $25 per night resort fee includes amenities like in room wireless internet, self parking, the orange floaties in the infinity pool, up to 60 minutes per day of fee long distance and international calls, bottled water and more.

In all, the Sheraton has become one of the hip hotels in Waikiki so don’t expect this to be a quiet resort.  It you are looking for action and fun- the Sheraton might be perfect for you.