Apart from Diamond Head, the singular most definitive landmark of Waikiki would be “the Pink Palace.” While the Royal Hawaiian is not the oldest luxury hotel on the fabled beach (that honor goes to the Moana Surfrider, which opened in 1901), there’s little question that the Royal has served as the standard-bearer for the deluxe life associated with that storied stretch of beach long associated with royalty.
Built in a Spanish-Moorish style by Warren & Wetmore on a 14-acre parcel of land owned by the Hawaiian monarchy, the Royal Hawaiian opened in 1927 with a lavish black-tie dinner for 1,200 guests – and since then, the Royal Hawaiian has been the paragon of tropical resort life.
A recent multi-million dollar renovation has retained the Royal’s historic character, while insuring that 21st-century guests are as coddled and comfortable as their forebears. An oceanfront junior suite in the historic building is a model of 1920s sophistication, evoking the rooms of decorators Dorothy Draper and Billy Baldwin. With its stunning ocean views, the suite’s spacious lounge evokes classic Hollywood fare such as “Trouble in Paradise” or “The Lady Eve” – and all that is required of you is to shake up a batch of Martinis and host a small catered affair.
The cosseting of guests at the Royal is standard procedure, as exemplified by the remarkably adept staff who frequently appear at the door bearing gifts of freshly-baked breads and muffins, and later, in the evening, a bottle of wine with a welcome note from management.
The Royal Hawaiian and the Sheraton Waikiki along Waikiki Beach (Source: MRNY)
The hotel’s Coconut Lanai opens onto the Royal’s lushly-landscaped garden – and to wander amidst the abundant tropical flora or to sit under the loggia quietly with a book is to be rewarded with a view onto a nearly-vanished world marked by politesse and courtesy.
For years, the Royal has offered its guests access to the resort’s own private beach (which some people consider the VIP section of Waikiki Beach), complete with chaise lounges and umbrellas.
With its easy elegance and refined sensibility, the Royal is the kind of a hotel where you might see a stylish young mother in the historic lobby followed by a waddling toddler wearing neon pink Crocs – with an Hermes bag upside down on his head. Call Elsa Schiaparelli! Call Salvador Dali!
The point being that throughout the Royal, a sense of decorum commingles beautifully with a sense of fun.
Throughout its history, “the Pink Palace” has offered all sorts of royals a retreat from reality – and on Waikiki, there’s no better refuge for those who enjoy the privileges of a lush sanctuary than the Royal Hawaiian.
LINK: The Royal Hawaiian
