TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

I am seating in my suite while I write this review before departing tomorrow. We considered ourselves regulars since this is our 3rd time in this hotel. We love the location and the residence setting and how special this hotel used to make us feel. However, things have changed! What used to be an elegant experience does not exist in this hotel. My experienced was ruined with the check-in and check-out policies. On a good note, housekeeping and valet staff were great. Problem #1. The checking process took 2 hours from beginning to entering the suite. Why? Well, first they had a line of people and it took forever to check-in each person. The new process for check in is lengthy, practically they look for a room at the moment and proceed to tell you how they will add a $200 for incidentals, while everyone hears it behind you…this cheapens the experience. Every communication I had prior to arrival was ignored, which caused confusion, disappointment and caused unnecessary delays. The staff had to begin the process of searching for the room that I requested, it turned out it wasn’t in the rental agreement any longer, however there was a similar room in different floor, eventually we accept that one but waited an additional 45 minutes to be able to enter due to “required inspection by housekeeping”. All of this could have been avoided if the requests had been read by front desk staff and had changed room to new floor since it was the only available. We waited at the pool bar to have a drink in the scorching sun since the bar doesn’t have any shade even with umbrellas at the tables. After 45 minutes of cooking ourselves under the sun, we received a call to pick up the room key. We waited in line again while staff finished other check-ins so we could get our key. Problem#2 no transparency - instead of being up front and telling me that they WILL CHARGE for late check outs, the staff let me to believe that I would be granted a free late checkout, like in previous stays, and told me to “call 2 days ahead to confirm if a late check out was possible.” Well, when I called the staff began to tell me the list of charges depending on the time. I informed staff that my husband is part of the bonvoy marriott rewards with higher status than mine, but they refused to accept it and told me that my name was on the reservation. Well both of us are on the reservation but Ritz rather nickel and dime customers because that is the new policy. Again, this is what a 3 star hotel would do, but again things have changed. If you informed me of the fees up front then I would not have an issue; I have a problem when you don’t have transparency - I rather have an email with the full list of costs upfront, not just a “you may or may not be charged.” communication. Again disappointment and now I will have to stay a half a day at the airport before my evening flight. Problem #3, room service app would not accept an order before the time of opening at 7am! Also, the food takes 45 minutes to get to your room, so I opted for store downstairs. If you get up early then you better go outside to buy food. Problem #4, no hair salon services at the spa. Room only has a hair dryer and no flat iron for straightening hair. This causes one to have to find a hair salon out in Waikiki. Overall, this was a disappointing experience. Perhaps an Airbnb in Waikiki will be sufficient in our next visit. Nobody went the extra mile for me the paying customer, they went the extra mile for the business The Ritz Carlton.

Terrific exterior architecture, and set back several blocks from the crowded Waikiki Beach. But nice area, and convenient mini-mart at the bottom of the hotel. Beautiful, spacious, quiet rooms. Bathroom is large with blinds that open to the bedroom and view. Excellent bar counter with glasses, cutlery and mini fridge. Washer/dryer in room, a nice amenity. There's a nice sized deck to enjoy the view of the nearby park and water, but western exposure just blasts you in the afternoon to when the sun sets. Lobby is non-existent as you go to an upper floor to check in. But large bank of elevators takes you quickly to your room. And the valet service is excellent. Had dinner at the former La Vie (now Terrace) which was average. Slow service, food just ok, and a really obnoxious glaring large white light by the entry at the other end of the restaurant from where you check in. Really interfered with the nice open view. Their other restaurant, Quiora, looks nice but all seating is outdoors, facing west. We tried to have some afternoon drinks and snacks but the western exposure just fries you so we took them back to the room. The hotel is an easy walk to a lot of great restaurants by the beach, like Roy's and Orchids at the Halekulani--both of those were terrific, as was Lewers Lounge at the Halekulani for jazz at night.

The Ritz Carlton Waikiki has become our go-to property whenever we visit the island. We are always greeted with warm hospitality and friendliness, every request we make is met with a smile and handled with ease, making our stay as comfortable as possible. One small but significant detail that stood out during our recent stay was the attentiveness of the housekeeping staff. They noticed that my wife and I had over ten pairs of shoes and sandals, and without us even asking, they brought a shoe rack to keep everything tidy. It's thoughtful touches like this that keep us coming back. We can't wait for our next visit!

The Ritz residences Waikiki is a special place. 5 star level of service across the board, as well as luxury level furnishings in the room. Miele appliances, a luxury level bathroom and a mattress you would hope to have at home. I traveled only for a few days, not a “real” vacation and was looking for a place I could work in the mornings, cook myself breakfast, hit the gym and have a little relaxation in the afternoons. I am from the east coast, so it was early to bed. The Ritz hit the mark for me. This is my fourth trip to Hawaii and the only one that was not for a 10+ day multi island vacation. If I was visiting Hawaii for a full vacation, I would stay at the Ritz Residences, if I was looking for; a place at the end of my trip in Honolulu, with ability to do laundry and not go home with suitcases of dirty clothes, prepare food without going out to eat, a location not on the beach with luxurious pool and spa, centrally located to the best shops and restaurants, a room with separate living and sleeping spaces. If you have not traveled to Hawaii, Honolulu is a city on the beach, not what you may think about when planning a Hawaiian vacation. It is worth the visit to see Pearl Harbor, the north shore, dole plantation and Waikiki. That said, I would not plan to spend more than 3 nights in Honolulu. The traffic rivals Boston and it is very crowded. I would end your trip here (mostly for the ease of flights from Honolulu to the mainland) and start it on the Big Island, Maui or Kauai. There are amazing Marriott properties on all of the islands with true beach hotels that are amazing. If you are going to Honolulu, in my opinion, no need to stay on Waikiki, as the beach is not the main attraction. If you are looking for 5 star level of quality and service, a refined resort, amazing spa and exceptional customer service, the Ritz Residences Waikiki is the best and you will not be disappointed. One thing I will call out, this is not a “party” atmosphere, there is not a beach or pool bar, no restaurant or food options between 3:30 and 5:00 each day. There is room service available, but if you are looking for that beach or pool bar for happy hour and this is key, you should look elsewhere this is not your place. If I return to Honolulu the Ritz will be my first choice, no question. Hint, if you have prime, you can do a Whole Foods order and the bell desk will deliver to your room!

Outstanding! My friends were in a two bedroom two bathroom unit on the 31st floor and I was in a standard room on the 28th floor. Service was outstanding in every area. We loved the adult pool and the snacks they brought every few hours. Housekeeping was in about twice a day. Had dinner at Quiora which was really good and a great view. Friends had the pre fix steak meal for 2 and there were leftovers for the next day. I had pasta which I loved. Bed was very comfortable. Three easy blocks to the beach and concierge will give you beach towels. Walking distance to everything you could want. Valet was always fast. Between Dean and Deluca and the Island Market on the ground floor of the property, you almost don't need to go anywhere else for food. Two small things: we didn't like any of the craft cocktails that were 20+ each. Also, right behind the pools one level down is an alleyway which is behind some shops and restaurants. Every morning, the dumpsters get emptied between 600-700 a.m. and woke me up. I am an early riser, so maybe that's why I heard it, but worth noting. The property is spendy (anywhere between 800-2500 per night depending on room category), but I would find a way and stay again!