On the way home from Maui, we had a layover in Honolulu and decided to stay a couple of nights so we could explore. After reading hundreds of reviews on TripAdvisor, I couldn’t pass up Halekulani. Not only is it featured in just about every travel magazine, the reviews were outstanding. We normally don’t spend this much on a hotel, but thought we would splurge as this was a special trip for us. We booked through the Platinum Amex website since they had extra amenities such as complimentary dining credit and a room upgrade on arrival. We had chosen an oceanfront room in hopes that we would be upgraded to the next category up, Diamond Head view, but they were sold out when we checked in. I was a little disappointed, but knew that it was based on availability so wasn’t too surprised.
The check in process is really neat. They take your name when you arrive and then take you up to your room to complete the check in process. The actual room was beautiful and had the best bathroom I have ever seen in a hotel.
There is a small beach directly outside the resort but is public and swarming with people. The pool was very nice but too small for the amount of people staying at the hotel. The location is fantastic though. There are so many things within walking distance, it’s nice.
I strongly recommend Restaurant Suntory. It is a teppenyaki restaurant about 10 minutes (walking) from the hotel. We both love teppenyaki and try to visit a new place each time we travel, but this was by far the best one we have ever been to. In fact, we tried to get reservations for the second night we were there as well, but couldn’t get in.
The spa is also extremely expensive but worth every penny. We got a couple’s massage and it was one of the best massages I have ever had. There is a foot ritual that they do before your treatment, and it just sets the mood. The spa area where they send you to relax before your treatment is near the pool, so I highly recommend an early morning or late afternoon appointment if quiet is what you are looking for.
Other than the check in process and the spa, the service wasn’t what I was expecting after reading so many glowing reviews. Aside from the location and fabulous bathroom, I didn’t find anything that made this hotel worth the price we paid.
Overall, we enjoyed our stay at Halekulani but will be choosing another hotel next time we are in Honolulu.
Room Tip: The ocean front rooms are spectacular and offer a nice setting to enjoy the nightly show from your b...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.