The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, WaikikivsThe Modern Honolulu
Both hotels are rated very highly by expert writers. On balance, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort scores significantly higher than The Modern Honolulu. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort comes in at 93 with accolades from 16 publications such as Forbes Travel Guide, Star Service and Fodor's.
The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki Show All Reviews
2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815
From $254/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Concierge
"After a multimillion-dollar renovation, completed in 2009, fans of the iconic pink palace can breathe a sigh of relief: The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is more glorious than ever before."
i
Which room to book: Be sure you're in the historic wing, in a Beachview room.
Fodor's
"There's nothing like the legendary Pink Palace of the Pacific, and an $85 million face-lift in 2009, the iconic hotel set on 14 acres of prime Waikiki Beach is a unique blend of luxury and tradition." Full review
Oyster
Luxury
"Of the three luxury hotels in Waikiki -- the Moana Surfrider and the Halekulani are the others -- the 528-room Royal Hawaiian provides the most stunning design." Full review
Lonely Planet
"With its Moorish-style turrets and archways, the aristocratic, oh-so-pink Royal Hawaiian was Waikiki's first true luxury hotel."
i
For old-school ambience, ask for the historic building; for ocean views, the modern tower.
Travel + Leisure
"Iconic, surfer-filled Waikiki—so famous that its image has even been printed on tens of thousands "aloha shirts"—is almost always full of tourists and happy beachgoers." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"The beloved “Pink Palace of the Pacific” has been a Waikīkī landmark since it opened in 1927. The stucco exterior, the interior decor, and even the towels are pink here."
Rough Guide
"The 1920s “Pink Palace”, commanding the beach, is one of Waikiki’s best-loved landmarks. Its original building, looking out across terrace gardens to the sea, remains irresistible."
Star Service
"Both new and returning guests will find this grande dame a formidable fashion-forward refuge with the kind of provenance that is nearly extinct in the world of hostelry. " Full review
Michelin Guide
"Still chic as ever, the storied Pink Palace of the Pacific was a Hollywood playground when built in the Spanish-Moorish style in 1922."
Gayot
"A storied hotel fondly known as 'The Pink Palace of the Pacific,' The Royal Hawaiian abounds with tales from decades of history as the lodging of choice."
The Modern Honolulu Show All Reviews
1775 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815
From $219/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Concierge
"Opened in October 2010, the first of Ian Schrager's Edition concept hotels (for Marriott) is predictably pretentious, but dazzles."
i
Ask for a corner double with views of the property's two pools and part of the beach.
Jetsetter
"The hipsters of Honolulu were clamoring for a new hangout, and the arrival of this Ian Schrager-designed hotel answered their call." Full review
Fodor's
"Gen Xers will immediately feel at home in this edgy hotel with an eye to slick design." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"A non-beach location next to Waikiki’s Yacht Harbor hasn’t stopped The Modern Honolulu from exuding an oceanfront sensibility." Full review
Star Service
"Since its transition, this place has proven that there is a place in Waikiki for a hotel dedicated to forward urban design and adult entertainment." Full review
Gayot
"Schrager's creative direction is evident in all aspects of this hotel, from the bi-level pools overlooking an outdoor theater... to the tropical-urban style in the 353 guest rooms and suites."
Afar Magazine
"A dream come true for those young urbanites who never quite felt at home in the more traditional Hawaiian resorts." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
"For those who like their hotels on the modern, sleek side, this is your best bet in Honolulu." Full review
The Telegraph
8.0
"The Modern Honolulu and its brooding Addiction nightclub is a hip Waikiki hangout day and night." Full review
Mr & Mrs Smith
"Say Aloha to Modern Honolulu hotel a minimalist Hawaiian haven with two pools, four bars, a cool nightclub and a buzzy restaurant just a stroll from Waikiki Beach." Full review
i
I choose The Scarlet Letter: Stolichnaya vodka, flash infused with fresh pineapple and orange, bound in cranberry and served over seltzer.