Finally to Honolulu but
 

With many suggestions from this board, we will be heading to Honolulu for the holidays. I made reservations for two ocean front rooms in the Banyan Wing at the Moana Surfrider. Now, of course, I am having second thoughts. While the ambiance of the hotel sounds perfect to me, some reviewers have said that rooms in the old building can be very small and shabby.
The Outrigger on the beach has a one bedroom, two bath suite, also ocean front, for appx the same money. Thoughts? Thanks.

Moana vs the Outrigger?

No question, I'd stay at the Moana. It is an historic hotel, with grand Porte cochere entry, rocking chairs on the Lanai, high tea, wonderful brunches, entertainment under the Banyan tree, and will be beautifully decorated over Christmas.

Not to say the Outrigger is junk by any measure, but it is still a local chain hotel. Great location and you'll be perfectly comfortable, but the Moana is in a different class.

We stayed at the Outrigger in an ocean front room and LOVED it! The service was great, the rooms were clean and modern, the location was outstanding, and the views from the balcony were great. We couldn't have asked for a better hotel in Waikiki.

When we stay at the Moana Surfrider we usually get an oceanfront room in the diamond wing. Outrigger is nice but compared to Moana Surfrider the Outrigger is like a tourist factory. The Moana is elegant. But either way, Outigger or Moana, you can't really go wrong. Have fun.

We also liked the Outrigger quite a lot. The rooms are of a good size; ours had a long bathroom with several closets, a big bedroom, an indoor/outdoor sitting area, and a lanai with a great view. I'd go back in a minute.

These hotels have equivalent locations as they are next to one another. And this particular Outrigger is probably equivalent to a Sheraton. However, the Moana is the "Grand Dame". The Banyan Court is wonderful for drinks in the evening. It is gracious and courtly. Unless the Outrigger were significantly less expensive, I would certainly opt for the Moana.

I just returned from the Moana Surfrider. Everyone we met who had *ocean front * Banyan Wing rooms loved them.
The ambiance of this hotel is perhaps even more spectacularly gorgeous at this time of year!! It is beautifully decorated for the holidays, but not in a way that overwhelms the rest of the hotel's atmosphere. When you walk into that lobby, through the entrance, see the Christmas tree and chandelier, and look clear thorugh to the Banyan Couryard...awesome.The place is magical, espeically at night.
We stayed in the Tower Wing. All the rooms there are very recently redone and were lovely--clean, nicely decorated hotel rooms, with lots amenties like slippers and thick bathrobes, and super-comfy beds. One possibility if you're uncertain about rooms in the original (Banyan) wing would be to get an oceanfront TOWER wing room instead.
I've stayed at the Outrigger next door as well, and it is a perfectly fine hotel. Of course, you could stay there and just walk a few steps next door to the Moana, but if I had to do it again, no contest....Sheraton Moana Surfrider it is!
Aloha! You will love Waikiki at the holidays.
Moana and the other hotels there all have special buffets at Christmas time.

I forgot to mention the most important factor- we have two teenagers. How does that enter into the equation? If it were just my husband and me, the Moana would be the obvious choice but I'm not so sure that it's the best choice with the kids.

I have to agree with the other posters - the Moana Surfrider - hands down. Yes, the Outrigger is fine and right next door, but the Moana is in a class all by itself. Truly elegant and beautiful. Once your teenagers step out onto the beach it won't make much difference to them which hotel they're staying at. I'd go for the Moana, but be sure to stroll next door to Duke's and enjoy the sunset with some yummy tropical drink - you can do this while sitting at the Moana's Banyon Bar on the beach too.

If you enjoy history, be sure to take the (free) tour at the Moana - very interesting. Have a great trip.

Seems like Surfrider is the consensus. Any thoughts on ocean views at Diamond Wing vs the Banyon Wing? The first would be about $300 - $400 more expensive for the week. I know that there are three sections to the hotel and we definitely don't want the tower.