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Without a doubt one of the most beautiful hotels in Hawaii is the Sheraton Moana Surfrider, a perfect
example of the fairy-tale architecture of a turn-of-the-century
building. The Moana is often referred to as the "First Lady of
Waikiki" since it was the first true resort in Waikiki,
built in 1901.
Even the Banyan Tree in the courtyard is old, planted
in 1904 and one of Hawaii's first rare trees placed on the Exceptional
Tree List, protected by state law. The hotel immediately
attracted the attention of the very wealthy and/or very
famous who could afford the luxury of sailing across the
Pacific to visit the islands of Hawaii.
Over the years, the Moana kept
its dignity, but seemed to have lost some of its luster.
But then, after an award-winning renovation, the Sheraton
Moana Surfrider was unveiled in all its
splendor. The new owners imported craftspeople from Europe
to renovate the hotel back to its original glory replacing
floors, windows, the grand staircase and even going so
far as to have the original carpets rewoven at great expense.
They said it was their gift to Hawaii
and what a wonderful gift it has become. From the towering
columns of the porte cochere
to the front veranda with its row of rocking chairs, through
the stunning lobby to the back veranda where you can sit
and have Afternoon Tea, it is like entering another world.
The Moana Surfrider
has once again just completed a $17
million rejuvenation with all Tower and Diamond Wing rooms
as well as corridors and elevator landings upgraded while
maintaining its historical and uniquely Hawaiian elegance.
All rooms now have the new Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed.
As expected all the rooms are even more elegant, very
Hawaiian and beautifully decorated. Rooms in the historic
Banyan Wing feature antique furnishings in rare koa
wood, oak and mahogany. Amenities include complimentary
daily coffee, in-room voice mail, cable TV with in-room movies, refrigerator, hair dryer, make-up/shaving
mirror and deluxe grooming products.
There is a swimming pool and private beach area, three
lounges and beach/poolside beverage service and daily
entertainment in the Banyan Court. There are also three restaurants,
including the very popular Banyan Veranda, featuring elegant
service and wonderful food in the shade of the famous
Banyan Tree.
The Sheraton Moana Surfrider
more than lives up to its nickname of "First Lady
of Waikiki". It is a tribute to a by-gone era of
graciousness and elegance that you can experience now
for a truly remarkable and memorable vacation.
Note:
The Sheraton Moana Surfrider
Hotel will become 100% smoke free by November 15, 2006.
The new policy applies to all guest rooms, including balconies,
restaurants, lounges, lobby, pools, public
areas and meeting rooms.
A designated smoking area will be provided for guests
that smoke in accordance to the new regulations. Transforming
the hotel to smoke free is underway and the availability
of smoking rooms will decrease accordingly.
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