W/B staying in Waikiki for three nights. Can't decide whether to be practical and bid on Priceline or go all out at the Halekulani.

Is it really worth the money?

Never stayed there but from just walking around I wouldn't think so.

Not sure if this will help, but we were talking with an elderly couple who have been to Waikiki 27 times and that Hotel is their favorite. They say its quiet and elegant.

Yes, it's worth the splurge. If you can get at room at $300, it's a better deal than the HHV, the Royal Hawaiian or the Sheraton Moana Surfrider, which don't have the same level of service or food. The Halekulani is very quiet for a Waikiki beach hotel, and it has some classy features, like House Without a Key, where you can listen to Hawaiian music at sunset, while watching an elegant hula dancer.

I haven't stayed there either but if the service I've received at their lounge is indicative of the service level at the hotel overall, then I would say it is worth it. It's a notch above other Waikiki beachfront hotels in terms of understated elegance.

Hi, Just got back from a week at Waikiki (Hilton Hawaiian Village). The Halekulani was one of our favorite spots for cocktails on the terrace; however, are you a beach person? There is NO BEACH in front of this hotel. There's only a concrete walkway since the beach is washed away here. You would have to walk a ways to sit on the beach. The pool is a simple rectangle but there were ample chairs with nice cushions on them. The public areas looked very high class. We got rooms for about $200 at the Hilton. The rooms were in the Tapa Tower. Very spacious with fridge and coffeemaker. Hilton has best beach area on Waikiki and largest pool; however, very crowded, but then again the whole area was very crowded. Not sure what you could get on priceline but if you are set on staying at Waikiki you might want to look into Hilton or Outrigger Reef.

Thanks for the feedback Lin.

I'm not really a beach person, so no beach would be ok. I'm a take a stroll or sit briefly type of person.

I believe I'm going to take a shot with Priceline and hope to get the Prince Hotel. I understand it is not right on the beach, but the marina and has no lanai but floor to ceiling windows that open. That should work for me.

Thanks again.

This month's issue of "Travel & Leisure" is their "Best Hotels" issue. Readers named the Halekulani the number-one top rated hotel in Hawaii, beating out the likes of Four Seasons Resorts and the Ritz-Carlton.

Have you already booked at the Prince? It's a nice hotel, but a bit out of the way. It is however in walking distance to the Ala Moana shopping center and Ala Moana Beach Park (avoid at night). Personally, although the Halekulani is no doubt a nice hotel, I wouldn't pay $300/nt. One of my favorites is the Radisson Prince Kuhio. It's a block in from the main strip, and the rates are reasonable. The rooms aren't that large, but nice and the partial ocean-view rooms are well worth the rates they charge. I think it's a really good value. Another to consider: The Waikiki Parc which is across the street from the Halekulani, and it's sister hotel. Kind of a sterile environment in terms of ambiance and room decor, but a better value. Good buffets too. I suppose it could be considered as a budget-version of the Halekulani. But no matter where you stay, I'm sure you'll enjoy your time in Hawaii...aloha!

I cast my vote for the Waikiki Parc-small boutique hotel, owned by the same people as Halekulani.We stayed there for 5 nites and LOVED it! Service is top-rate, and they have wonderful breakfast buffets. It is so nice to be able to just wander downstairs for a great start to your day-food was really good.

We got a deal: hotel room, med. car rental and breakfast buffet for 2 all included in the price.We got this deal last year thru expedia. It is also on their own website.

The Halekulani is probably Waikiki's finest hotel, $300 a night seems like a good price if you are going to go whole hog!

You can probably get the Hawaii Prince in the $80 range on Priceline, however I do not like its location.