Sheraton Waikiki

Hotel Information: Behind a sculpture of Hawaiian sea turtles, a large flagstone lobby opens to a breezeway of shops, and to pools and beach beyond. Drawn to the convenience of an oceanfront central-Waikiki resort, guests at this Honolulu hotel enjoy great views and fine dining with celebrating couples, families, and leisure- and business travelers.

Amenity highlights: Every night around sunset, live Hawaiian music fills the area around the oceanfront pool, and the hotel hosts a Polynesian music and dance show once a week. RumFire offers libations, tapas, and dancing. For children ages 5–12, the resort offers daily cultural programs that include lunches and dinners. The resort offers wireless Internet access in public areas (surcharge), and signing privileges at other Starwood properties in Waikiki, including the health spa next door.

Insider tip: Adjacent to the hotel is the principal departure point for Oahu’s tour and adventure buses as well as for airport shuttles.

Spread over 31 floors, the Sheraton Waikiki has 1,636 air-conditioned rooms with island decor, and sliding glass doors opening to lanai. All have shower/tub combinations, and signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Beds with a 13-inch pillowtop mattress, five down-and-feather pillows, duvets, and triple sheeting. All rooms have compact refrigerators and high-speed Internet access (surcharge).

Rooms have contemporary island decor with bamboo shades, desks with laptop pull-out shelves, and curved wallside panels to accommodate flat-panel TVs. Bathrooms include handheld showers, dark-wood framed mirrors, stylish sinks that doubles as wet bars, and louvered windows.