Miramar

I have narrowed my two hotel choices down to these two: Sheraton Moana Surfrider or Sheraton Waikiki. I have heard that the Moana is a little nicer, with more original architecture etc. However, how are the rooms at each of these? Which one has nicer landscaping/grounds and pool area? Thanks!

brianjay

I'm planning a trip there and was wondering the same thing...can anyone help us? Miramar - what do you know about comparing the Sheratons to the Hilton Hawaiian Village?

BjorkChop

I stayed at the Sheraton Waikiki but inspected the Sheraton Moana Surfrider. I wasn't wowed by the first Sheraton, its rooms were average and nice. Lobby was nice size and clean, lots of people going and coming. At the time in 1999, I thought that the carpeted hallways could use an update as they were looking a bit tired. Pool was ok, not very big though. The latter Sheraton was very nice and elegant; kind of reminded me of the old fashioned feel of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. If you stay in the original rooms, be prepared for small rooms and perhaps celing fans instead of A/C. Better to get a room in the new section. There is a magnificent huge banyan tree in the courtyard also. Basically, if you're on a budget, stay at the Sheraton Waikiki but if you're not, the Moana Surfrider is for you.

vivi

I have stayed at them both.

The rooms in the historic section of the Moana are small; only a few have balconies. There are newer, more modern rooms at the Moana in tower annex. The Moana is just lovely, very historic and gracious, it is the oldest hotel in Waikiki. The Banyan Tree court is the perfect place for evening cocktails or early AM coffee.

The Sheraton Waikiki is a HUGE and bustling high rise. The rooms are good sized. Great views.

These hotels are within 5 minutes walking of each other and you can use the facilities at either as long as you are a Sheraton guest. The public rooms at the Moana are open to everyone. Also, there are guided tours of the Moana open to the public.

So, you don't have to agonzie over which place to stay, in my opinion. Personally I would go for the largest room with the best view that I could comfortably afford at either property.

dollface

If you stay at the Sheraton Waikiki you should pay the extra money for the ocean view. The view was the only thing great about the hotel. The staff could not have been nicer. We originally had a city view room because we were only staying there over night and it smelled like smoke and the view was of a roof. Thw manager moved us to an ocean view room and it made a world of difference. Are you booking through Starwood?

Miramar

Thanks for the replys! Looks like I will choose the Moana.
Brianjay- I too was considering the Hilton, as it seemed to have a lot to offer. I ultimately decided to choose between the 2 Sheratons because they seemd more centrally located.

brianjay

Miramar - I agree. The more I look the Surfrider seems the best. Plus, if you stay there, you can use all the other Sheraton facilities and get Starwood points. Thanks everyone....and Dollface - I'm booking through Starwood. Curious why you ask - is there a better way to get that hotel that you'd recommend?

tamrie

Hello! I stayed at the Moana Surfrider last May for 2 nights. It is beautiful - you will not be disappointed. We stayed in the historic section - city view - I wanted to experience the history of the hotel. The room was small but very nice. The best part is you walk through the open air lobby and right there is Waikiki Beach! Emjoy!

brianjay

I never followed up on this, but it might be useful. I ended up staying at both hotels. They offered good things, but the next time I go, I'm staying at the Moana Surfrider.

The location, the courtyard, the lack of screaming children, the activities on the weekends, everything was great. The noise from traffic and people on the street was a little annoying at times, but it was worth it. The rooms were not that nice either, I guess, but I stayed in the cheap rooms.

The Hitlon was huge, full of screaming kids, a long walk to get to the room, but it had nice views and the biggest beach in Waikiki. There was also a shave ice stand next to the beach that was my first and almost as good as the kind you get in haliewa. It was also removed from traffic, but that meant it is also a really long walk to the happenings in Waikiki.