The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki

What made the stay memorable was the hotel's history and atmosphere. Often called the Pink Palace of the Pacific, it has a timeless elegance amid busy Waikiki. The gardens and historic lobby felt like a step into another era of a Hawaiian trip. The resort is right on Waikiki Beach, with restaurants and shops nearby, and time at the beach and pool was a highlight. Our room was comfortable and quiet, although it didn't face the ocean. The warm, professional service and relaxed but refined feel rounded out an enjoyable stay at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki.

My niece treated us to two nights here, and we were lucky to get a room in the historic part with the BEST ocean view. The room and resort were excellent, and the restaurant food was fantastic. We had beach lounges and an umbrella reserved for a full day, then spent the second day on lounges by the small pool. There's a large pool shared with the Sheraton next door, but we didn't use it because we'd heard it was full of children. If you can afford it, this is the place to stay in Waikiki.

The gardens and atmosphere are so relaxing that you don't feel caught up in Waikiki's bustle. This classic hotel is absolutely stunning, from the lovely garden view to the gorgeous wood doors and beautiful lobby that welcomes you at the start of a trip. Our room was a good size, but the bathroom was definitely small for four people. There's a small pool on site. We chose the pool next door, which guests can also use, because it has water slides and is more family-friendly for kids. The beach is gorgeous, and we saw the most beautiful sunset there. Towels and sunscreen were available from the hotel. For breakfast, go to the Royal Hawaiian bakery just outside the lobby. Don't let the line put you off, it was absolutely worth it. We had an amazing day, and I'd definitely recommend this stunning classic hotel.

I stayed at four other Marriotts during my seven-day trip, and this was easily the most accommodating and quiet. Claudia in housekeeping and Roland at the concierge were both so kind and helpful, and the bellhops were respectful and professional. It was a truly blessed place.