When comparing the best Marriott hotels in Waikiki, Sheraton Waikiki Vs. The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach, you should know that the Sheraton Waikiki is located on the beachfront, while the Ritz-Carlton isn’t, it is hidden a few blocks back with two fantastic pools but it does not have direct beach access.
We’ve stayed in Waikiki on a number of occasions and have stayed in both of these hotels. We also love the Halekulani and Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki and the Four Seasons Oahu beyond Waikiki. All of these three hotels are right on the beach.
1. Location: Sheraton Waikiki Or Ritz-Carlton
Sheraton Waikiki is brilliantly located between the Halekulani and the Royal Hawaiian on the beachfront in Waikiki.
Located in the heart of the bustling hub, these hotels offer convenient access to the city’s vibrant pulse. Whether you’re craving a morning pick-me-up at the Royal Hawaiian’s coffee spot or seeking a signature cocktail at the renowned House Without A Key Bar in Halekulani Hotel, everything is within easy reach from this central location. Additionally, guests can explore popular dining spots like Dukes Canoe Club and The Cheesecake Factory and an array of shops and fast-food restaurants, all situated nearby.
The Ritz-Carlton Waikiki is a 10 minute walk from the beachfront in Waikiki. You can stroll in a relatively direct path towards the beach, passing through Fort Derussy Beach Park, to arrive at the sandy shores. However, those traveling with little ones might find it more convenient to reserve accommodations at one of the Marriott properties located directly on the beach. The Moana Surfrider and the Royal Hawaiian are nestled along a fantastic expanse of wide sandy beach, offering an ideal setting for families to enjoy.
2. Beach & Pools
The Sheraton Waikiki has relatively slim sands in front of it. However, it does enjoy a beautiful new beachfront semi-circular infinity pool, which partially makes up for the fact that there is very little to no sand actually in front of the hotel.
The Ritz-Carlton Waikiki boasts superior pool facilities compared to the other hotels in the area. It showcases two remarkable pools: the primary infinity-edge pool on the eighth floor, which offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of Waikiki Beach and the encompassing ocean, and a separate adults-only infinity pool.
Both pool complexes are adorned with sophisticated lounge chairs and luxurious cabanas, fostering a tranquil and welcoming ambiance for guests to relax and bask in the radiant Hawaiian sun. Visitors can delight in invigorating swims in the pristine waters or lounge by the poolside, indulging in refreshing cocktails from the adjacent bar. Additionally, the pool areas are equipped with whirlpool spas, enhancing the overall atmosphere of relaxation and featuring an attentive poolside service.
Four Seasons Oahu Vs. Ritz-Carlton Waikiki Vs. Halekulani Vs. Royal Hawaiian
Which is the best hotel on Oahu Beach? Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina Vs. Ritz Carlton Waikiki Vs. Halekulani Vs. Royal Hawaiian. These four hotels are in quite different locations. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is not in Waikiki or Honolulu. Four Seasons is in Ko Olina, which is a good hours drive from Honolulu, depending on traffic. So if you want to explore Honolulu and Waikiki, then Four Seasons isn't a great choice. What Four Seasons does have is larger grounds, a better beach, a more stylish pool area, and a fantastic tropical resort feel.
If you want the best hotel on the island of Oahu, it has to be Four Seasons Oahu which is one of the best Four Seasons on Hawaii and is not to be missed. Four Seasons Oahu is not in or even near Waikiki but is on a glorious beach in a beautiful setting.
3. Accommodations
The Sheraton Waikiki in Honolulu offers over 1,600 guest rooms and suites, providing a range of accommodations, including oceanfront rooms. Sheraton Waikiki features modern and comfortable guest rooms and suites, many with balconies offering some of the best ocean views in Waikiki. You are virtually hanging over the beach from the Sheraton ocean view rooms.
This hotel is huge and massively high, so the superb views are because your room is in a tower block. The advantage of this block is that every ocean-facing room has a beautiful balcony.
The accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton Waikiki rank among the finest and most spacious in Waikiki. Rooms have contemporary Hawaiian-inspired décor and boast upscale amenities, with many providing breathtaking ocean views. Rooms without ocean views overlook the verdant mountains or the lively cityscape of Waikiki. Each room has sumptuous bedding, a marble bathroom complete with a soaking tub and separate shower, a private lanai (balcony), and cutting-edge technology such as flat-screen TVs and high-speed internet access.
The hotel offers suites and residences for those desiring an even more lavish stay. These expansive lodgings include separate living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens, and wraparound lanais offering panoramic views.
10 Best Marriotts In Hawaii
Which is the best Marriott hotel in Hawaii? We think the best Marriott hotels in Hawaii are the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, the Ritz-Carlton Waikiki, and Wailea Beach Resort, but there are plenty more to choose from, depending on your budget. Read on to find out which hotel will work best for you. The Marriott brand includes Luxury Collection, EDITION, St Regis, W Hotels, and JW Marriott, as well as mid-range brands like Autograph Collection, Renaissance, Sheraton, Le Meridien, Design Hotels, and Westin.
4. Atmosphere
The Sheraton entrance is reached via a Shopping Mall, similar to the Hyatt Regency around the corner, which we’ve also compared to the Hilton Hawaiian Village. This gives the hotel’s communal areas a transient feel, as anyone who walks through the mall can use the restaurants and communal spaces (although you must stay to use the pools).
The ambiance at The Ritz-Carlton Waikiki seamlessly blends refined luxury with the laid-back, tropical essence of Hawaii. Upon entering the lobby, guests are welcomed by striking contemporary design infused with elements inspired by the island’s natural splendor. The expansive lobby, characterized by its soaring ceilings and tasteful décor, sets the stage for an opulent stay.
The vistas from The Ritz-Carlton Waikiki are spectacular, offering sweeping panoramas of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Diamond Head crater. Whether admiring the scenery from the comfort of your room or savoring a sunset cocktail at the hotel’s rooftop bar, guests are treated to some of the most breathtaking views in Hawaii.
5. Club Lounge
The Sheraton Waikiki and Moana Surfrider both have some of the best club lounges in Waikiki. The view from the club lounge is excellent at the Sheraton Waikiki, although it is a crowded room (often full of kids). The lounge offers a decent breakfast, light dinner with snacks, and free-flowing self-service wine and beer in the evening. However, it lacks much of a Hawaiian feel.
The Ritz-Carlton Waikiki does not have a club lounge, which is quite unusual for a Ritz-Carlton hotel.
6. Best Way To Book
Book any of the best Marriott hotels in Hawaii with our luxury travel concierge to get free benefits including prioritized room upgrades, free breakfasts resort credit, and more. We also apply your Bonvoy loyalty number to your bookings so you can still collect your points and miles when you book with us (if you book via a third-party automated agency, you will not get your loyalty points or our complimentary benefits).
Best Hotel Club Or Executive Level Lounge In Waikiki
This article outlines the hotels in Waikiki, Oahu, that offer club or executive lounges to guests. When deciding which hotel to choose in Waikiki, it is sensible to consider the added extras a hotel club lounge provides. Offerings usually include complimentary drinks and snacks throughout the day, breakfast in the morning, and evening cocktails with canapés. The evening food and drink offering is often more than enough to replace the need to go out for the evening. Club guestrooms are often a little bigger and offer more luxurious facilities than standard rooms, with more space.
7. Conclusion
Both hotels offer a great luxury base in Waikiki. Pick Sheraton Waikiki for the views from its oceanfront rooms and club lounge, location, and superb infinity pool, but remember its beach is lacking and is just a ribbon of sand.
Pick the Ritz-Carlton for its stylish vibe, huge rooms, sophisticated setting, and views. The Ritz-Carlton is the most luxurious of these hotels, and we love it. Just remember that it is some walk from the beach if you have children. That said, both hotels offer a great luxury base on Waikiki Beach.
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