Marriott and Hilton appear to be neck-and-neck in the race to expand their footprints and loyalty programs. But if you look at the more important metric of fees earned for services they provided hotel owners, you’ll see Marriott far ahead.
01.05.2024 - 14:03 / thepointsguy.com
A slew of exciting new hotels have been popping up in Honolulu — and starting June 1, there will be a new lifestyle hotel in the heart of one the city's most vibrant neighborhoods.
Here's a first look at Romer House Waikiki.
Related: Best hotels in Honolulu in 2024
An adults-only hotel, this Romer House output is a love letter to Waikiki with modern touches and midcentury design.
Across the 179 rooms, guests are supposed to feel like they're stepping into their own Hawaiian apartment-inspired space, with lots of textures, wooden accents, local photography on the walls and in-room amenities like coffee, a kettle and a minifridge.
In some rooms, you can even have your own private lanai to step outside and breathe in the salty ocean air.
The rooms aren't the only place you'll find great art; throughout the hotel is an entire collection of local art dedicated to the beauty of Hawaii and its islands, people and culture. Be on the lookout for pieces from surf photographer Arto Saari, murals by Matías Solario and Cory Kamehanaokala, and more throughout the hotel.
For fun, head to The Backyard pool and bar to lounge in a chair to work on your tan, enjoy a swim in the heated wading pool or snack on Japanese-Hawaiian food and cocktails (think: katsu sandwiches or bento boxes with canned sake). Come for the food, but stay for wellness classes on the pool deck.
You can also grab food and drinks at Izakaya 855-Aloha from chef Shotaro "Sho" Kamio. A spot designed to stay open late, Romer's izakaya will also combine flavors and cooking techniques of Japan and Hawaii and feature shareable dishes like Tokyo hot chicken, takoyaki, tempura and a strong selection of Japanese whiskys and sakes.
And then there's House Bar & Cafe, an all-day eatery with — you guessed it — Japanese-Hawaiian breakfast and lunch, including options that are perfect to take away. At night, the space transforms into a laid-back bar scene where you can have a midnight snack and a nightcap.
Every stay at Romer House Waikiki includes a dedicated "Aloha Line" phone number that guests can text or call to help navigate nearby activities or score exclusive perks at neighborhood businesses (hint: your keycard can help you score discounts!). To get out, the hotel offers free bike rentals, and there's even a boutique on the property with artisanal goods just in case you don't find the right souvenir while exploring out and about.
Related: How to get to Hawaii on points and miles
Best of all, Romer House Waikiki has plenty of ways to help support the local community and the beautiful island through contributions to the Genki Ala Wai Project and the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative.
While Romer House Waikiki isn't part of a loyalty program, it
Marriott and Hilton appear to be neck-and-neck in the race to expand their footprints and loyalty programs. But if you look at the more important metric of fees earned for services they provided hotel owners, you’ll see Marriott far ahead.
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