We (family of 4 w/ 2 teen girls, 14 & 16)are flying into Honolulu the end of April and staying for two nights before continuing on to Maui and want to stay in the heart of Waikiki. I have similar rates at both of these hotels (we are booking two rooms-$175 each), the Outrigger has a "partial ocean view" while the Sheraton has "limited view with no lanai". I would receive Starwood points for the Sheraton stay and could possibly get an upgrade but that is the only advantage I see. Which hotel would people recommend? Opinions please!

A partial ocean view is not too bad really. We had that and were pleased. And the lanai is a must, at least for us. The location is good too. right across from the Intl. Market Place. I'd go with Outrigger.

I don't know how the price compares but I have stayed many times at the Sheraton Moana with and without my teenage sons. We all loved the place. We actually like the rooms in the new building better than the historic building(bigger, nicer baths), but the lobby area is great, transports you to early Hawaiian travel atmosphere.

We have stayed in both hotels, and I prefer the Outrigger. The Sheraton was just too big and crowded. We were on a high floor (29th, I think) which is desirable for views...however, it took forever waiting for the elevators. There are several of them, but it seemed only a few of them were ever working. It felt like forever to get from our room to the lobby! We were treated well at the Sheraton-free upgrade to partial ocean view room, without asking. No complaints about the service, just thought it was too busy everywhere we went on property.

The Outrigger has a better beach area, so it that is important to you, that is something to consider. Duke's Restaurant is convenient for breakfast. I also thought the location was more convenient to the places we wanted to go. Our room was nicer at the Outrigger, and the beds were more comfortable. I think you can get a room for less than $175 at the Outrigger using the Entertainment card discount (depending upon availibility for your dates). You can check for this rate online at Outrigger's website.

If you can stay at the Moana Surfrider, stay there!!! It is such a wonderful hotel! I have to admit, I've never stayed there because my family owns property in Hawaii on the North Shore and my sister now lives there, but the Moana Surfrider is my favorite hotel and I always make sure that I go there to have a drink at the Banyan bar to watch the sunset. A trip to Hawaii without my visit to the Moana Surfrider would be incomplete!