I was surprised to read a recent poor review for the Royal - and then I saw it was based on that person's treatment regarding the booking process and fees charged up front - not actually staying there. They ended up in Ko Olina, which is not our preference anyway. We're devoted fans of Waikiki and all it has to offer, especially the Royal Hawaiian Resort. We hardly left the resort because their location, comfort, service and amenities were everything we hoped for.
I toured the rooms last January, prior to booking our September stay. Definitely recommend the Mailani Tower rooms, complete with spectacular views above the adult only swimming pool and Jacuzzi. One of the amenities the resort fee covers was the complimentary breakfast and happy hour they provide each day for the Mailani tower guests. Although labeled a continental breakfast, its more. They offer scrambled eggs, bagels and breads, fruit and yogurt, oatmeal, Portuguese sausages, miso soup, espresso, coffee, tea, juices and if you ask...mimosas. Not all are offered on the same day but plenty of choices.
Free Happy hour consists of wine, beer, sparkling wine, salads, salami plate, some nights even rice with curry or another heart appetizer the chef has chosen.
We did make use of the Marriott Bonvoy member 35% discount on all food (not alcohol, and not Azure restaurant). The Mai Tai Bar is the best beach bar on the strip. The food there was excellent for lunch or happy hour (Caesar salad with grilled shrimp, Margherita pizza, fish and chips) . Ate at the Surf restaurant for breakfast one morning and found it was excellent too (Kailua Pork hash with poached egg and hollandaise sauce, French toast, smoothies).
The resort fee also covers lounge chairs and umbrellas poolside. Spent one day just lounging on those and being waited on for drinks and lunch, what a treat! A private company offers beach chair/umbrella rental for $40 per day, and the Royal offers the pink umbrella with 2 chairs on the beach for $40 (reserve in advance) all day as well. You get waitress service thru the Royal rentals, not the beach company rentals.
Beds were the most comfortable we've experienced. Rooms so quiet that you'd never know a neighbor exists. Rooms chilled perfectly and quietly, spectacular views with nice furniture on each balcony or wrap around balcony, perfect for a nap. Resort fee also covers the use of their robes and complimentary slippers, large size lotions, shampoos, vanity items, hairdryer and complimentary bottled water in rooms daily. Loved the bidet toilets and modern bathrooms tiled in turquoise blue/green/royal blue glass mini tiles.
There is a Royal Hawaiian mall behind the hotel if you want to walk around in a cooler atmosphere than the busy street it lines. You'll find top quality tiny shops and food places within.
The friendly valet and bell desk gave us a few tips for fabulous dining places, the staff around the halls were always cheerful and greeted you instantly.
The only drawback is when initially checking into the tower it can take about 20 minutes when busy. Only 1 staff person or 2 maximum are there.
They made a mistake in the room I requested (wrong side of tower) and was able to get the front desk Manager (Len) to help straighten that out within 2 hours! They really do their best to provide individual service to each and every guest.
We've decided this is it! No longer staying anywhere in Waikiki except the pink place - The Royal Hawaiian. The guests staying at the Royal seemed to be mostly adults, very polite, a few families with well behaved toddlers and a couple of wedding parties. Just keep an eye out for special offers that appear (if you book months in advance) and save some money that way. You're sure to understand why they charge a resort fee once you've stayed her and believe me, you'll think its worth it too!