Sheraton Waikiki

Again we find ourselves planning our annual Hawaiian vacation and I will again be staying at the Sheraton Waikiki. Why? Because we've stayed at several hotels up and down the Waikiki beach, and we've enjoyed ourselves more at this hotel than at any other.

Our family, especially our two daughters, love this hotel. The room we stayed in last year was magnificent, with two balconies, two flat-panel tvs, a refrigerator, new furnishings and plenty of space. It was very quiet, at the end of the hall, on a high floor, right on the water.

Dining options abound, from a luxury restaurant on the 30th floor called Twist, to our pool-side favorite, Rum Fire. Shopping is great right in the heart of the Waikiki strip, but there's also plenty to do right at the hotel. It's nestled behind the Royal Hawaiian so it's away from the strip enough to be calm, but close enough to allow easy access.

Our daughters really loved the koi pond and awesome resort pool--especially the water slide--and my wife and I loved the pool-side hot tubs.

Activities were plentiful, too, with luaus and planned trips, including a big catamaran that my older daughter and I enjoyed. She positively loved seeing dolphins follow our boat, within 25 feet or so, swimming and jumping as we sailed. It was fabulous.

If you're planning a business event, you really have to visit this hotel if you're looking at Hawaii as a destination. I was allowed to look through some of their conference rooms and ballrooms while I was there, as I was considering Honolulu for a future event. I was very surprised to find high ceilings to go with the nice floor plan. Peeking into one room with my staff guide, I was knocked out by a lunch being conducted atop a big platform. The lunch was suspended high in the air for a really regal atmosphere. I assume it would take an impressive commitment to book a lunch in this manner, in such a big room, but the impact was truly inspiring.

Our main visit was leisure, however, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Everyone we spoke to was very nice and helpful, and really looked after us. I very highly recommend this property to anyone looking for a hotel in Waikiki.