Royal Hawaiian Hotel

The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort

Hotel Information: The Royal Hawaiian, first opened in 1927, has undergone an extensive renovation and reopened in 2009 to offer discerning travelers an experience steeped in Hawaiian culture. Set on a private stretch of Waikiki Beach and surrounded by tropical gardens, the pink resort is popular with couples, families, and business travelers.

Amenity highlights: Guests can splash in one of two outdoor pools, including one by the beach, and relax in a luxury cabana at the hotel's private beach, The Royal Beach Club. Dining options include an oceanfront restaurant serving fresh seafood, a poolside café, and a beachside bar offering appetizers and live Hawaiian entertainment.

Insider tip: Within five miles of the hotel at Honolulu Harbor's Pier 7, the Hawaii Maritime Center (surcharge) explores the history of the islands with museum exhibits, a Polynesian sailing canoe, and a four-masted, full-rigged ship.

The Royal Hawaiian's 529 guestrooms are located in the six-story Historic Building and the 17-story Royal Beach Tower. Rooms feature luxury bedding, iPod-compatible clock radios, and LCD TVs with premium channels. Other amenities include high-speed Internet access (surcharge), compact refrigerators, and in-room safes.

Royal Beach Tower rooms also have coffee/tea makers, ocean-view lanais, and contemporary decor, and include access to a guest lounge. Rooms in the Historic Building have modern furnishings and marble bathrooms. All guestrooms offer bathrobes.