April 2001 This is the first of two
articles focusing on my experience at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel in
Honolulu, HI. This week I focus on my experiences staying at the property while
part two will give a look behind the scenes on what it is like to run a hotel
in a major resort destination spot. Bad Planning “Pays Off” The first time I stayed at
the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
was the result of poor planning on my part. It was my third trip to HI and I
had waited too long to make reservations (note that “high season” is December
to February but Honolulu is always busy). The hotel I wanted to stay at was
completely booked up so they suggested the Princess Kaiulani as a good
alternative. I took the suggestion and booked a room. That lack of planning on
my part turned out to be quite a happy accident. I’ve made several more trips
to Honolulu since then and I’ve been a guest at the Princess Kaiulani each
time. Located in the heart of Waikiki,
the hotel has over 1100 rooms but has always felt more intimate to me than
that. Many of the folks I saw working in the hotel or at the daily craft fair
during my first visit in 1997 are still there and during my last visit when I
asked one of the Assistant Managers a question, she recognized me as returning
guest! My rooms have always been clean and well maintained and even though the
property is across the street from the beach, I’ve still had very good ocean
views. Plenty to Do, or Not…
On the one hand, the “what
to do?” question ought to be rather obvious in Hawaii. There’s lying by the
pool or on the beach for starters and in Waikiki the only thing that there is
more of than restaurants would be places to shop. If you need a little
direction the hotel has several options. They put on a credible retelling of Pacific
culture and history with their Creation: A Polynesian Odyssey show and there is
the daily craft fare if you like your shopping without leaving the building. In
conjunction with another Sheraton property they run a Keiki (Hawaiian for
little one or child) Aloha program. It’s not just baby-sitting but an activity program
that teaches the kids about Hawaii and each evening there is the poolside music
program. Finally, learn a bit about the namesake of the hotel just by strolling
through the lobby. A Bit of History Princess Victoria Kaiulani was
born in 1875, the last heir to the throne of the Hawaiian kingdom. She was
adored by the people of the island, becoming mistress of the Ainahau estate
upon her mother’s death. Her own untimely death at age 23 added to the lore
surrounding her. The hotel sits near the original entrance to Ainahau and
pictures and information about the Princess and her family is located
throughout the main floor. For a more detailed history lesson on the area,
consider wandering over to the Mona Surfrider where you’ll find a wonderful
visual history lesson waiting for you on the second floor. Just off the Property. Must Do’s You Can Walk To Exhausted your options at
the hotel? Consider these options: Walk along Waikiki Beach-
You’ll get your exercise and take in one of the most famous beaches in Hawaii. Sit on the porch at the Mona Surfrider- It’s just across the
street. Find an empty rocking chair and take in the people as they walk down
Kalakua Blvd. Thai Food at Keo’s- I go here
every trip. The Pad Thai is good for beginners but try their curry dishes if
you’re feeling more adventurous. Get a burger at Cheeseburger in Paradise- No;
it’s not just a song. Worth the walk if your craving a burger but don’t want
chain food! Drinks at Duke’s-
The food is good too but for sunset drinking on the beach, it’s hard to beat! Stock up on provisions at
the ABC Stores- Frankly I don’t know
how they can have so MANY locations and make any money but these ubiquitous
convenience outlets are open very early to very late and carry everything you
might need and a lot of things you don’t! Next Time Now that you know a little
bit about what it is like to stay at the Princess Kailulani, find out what it
is like to run it. |
