If you’re planning a trip to Honolulu, the first thing on your mind might be whether or not you should stay in Waikiki. Maybe it’s just me, but I always think about that. It doesn’t matter if we are talking about a business trip, vacation, family getaway, etc., I always consider staying somewhere other than the touristy side of Oahu. If you ask me, the best way to explore any city is by staying at one of its hotels. Hotels provide visitors with everything they need: views of the city and places to eat close by. So that was my primary concern when researching hotels in Honolulu. The Sheraton Waikiki checked all those boxes, so this review will focus specifically on this hotel and whether or not it’s worth choosing over another location.
What’s Great About the Sheraton Waikiki?
This is an iconic hotel. The hotel is located across the street from the Honolulu Zoo and not far from the Honolulu Museum. The hotel has a tropical theme and is situated on the beach. The views of Diamond Head, the beach, and the city are stunning. The hotel is within walking distance of great restaurants and shops. The hotel gym is well equipped, and the outdoor pool is great. The hotel staff is friendly, and the hotel has a rich history. Given its iconic status, it goes without saying that the Sheraton Waikiki is one of the most popular hotels in Honolulu. It’s been around since 1955 and has welcomed some of the world’s most recognizable leaders, musicians, and other famous folks.
Awards and Recognition
- Top Hotel in Honolulu for 2018 - TripAdvisor
- Certificate of Excellence - TripAdvisor
- 4.5 Star Rating - TripAdvisor
- Certificate of Excellence - Booking.com
- Certificate of Excellence - Expedia
- Certificate of Excellence - Hotels.com
Best season to visit
The best time to visit Honolulu is between October and May. While the weather is generally warm all year round, it stays at an ideal temperature during these months. Humidity is high, but not unbearable.
Rooms & Services Available
Amenities
- Swimming pool - The Sheraton has a medium-sized outdoor pool with a water slide and lounge chairs. If you plan on spending a lot of time at the pool, you’ll want to know that there’s also a bar.
- Gym - The gym is medium-sized with cardio machines, treadmills, weight machines, and strength training equipment.
- Restaurant and bar - There is one restaurant on location and one bar. The food is decent, but not amazing.
- Parking - Self parking is available for $28 per day. - WiFi - WiFi is free in the lobby and the rooms.
- Concierge - The concierge service is average.
Getting there
Honolulu International Airport - The airport is located around 20 minutes from the hotel. Public transportation is available, but it’s recommended that you rent a car or book a shuttle. Getting Around - The hotel is located on the beach. While there is city-wide public transportation, the most popular mode of transportation is the car. Transportation and parking rates - The cost of parking at the hotel is $28 per day. The cost of a taxi is $30 and the cost of Uber is $25.
Pros and Cons
Pros - The hotel is located in a very central and convenient location. You can walk to nearby shops and restaurants. The hotel itself has a tropical theme and gorgeous views of the beach and ocean. The hotel is also within walking distance to the Honolulu Zoo.
Cons - While the hotel is conveniently located, it shares a beach with the zoo, so it can be very crowded and noisy. The rooms are a bit outdated and the service isn’t exceptional. Parking is $28 per day.
Final Words
The Sheraton Waikiki is a great option if you want to stay in a central location and be close to shops, restaurants, and the ocean. Although the rooms are a bit outdated, they are spacious and clean. Overall, this is a good choice if you want to stay in the heart of Honolulu. If you’re planning a trip to Honolulu, the first thing on your mind might be whether or not you should stay in Waikiki. Maybe it’s just me, but I always think about that. It doesn’t matter if we are talking about a business trip, vacation, family getaway, etc., I always consider staying somewhere other than the touristy side of Oahu. If you ask me, the best way to explore any city is by staying at one of its hotels.
