Hotel Review: Moana Surfrider – Honolulu, Hawaii

Written by guest blogger Hotel Slippers

Opening its doors on March 11, 1901, The Moana,  (meaning “broad expanse of ocean”),  was the vision of Walter Chamberlain Peacock. Born in England, Peacock and his brother, Corbet, settled on the island of Oahu and in 1896 formed The Moana Hotel Company.  Upon opening, there were only 75 rooms, with a different fine wood (oak, mahogany and maple) for each floor.  In 1918 with the addition of  two more floors,  koa and cherry became the  fourth and fifth fine woods added.  After the hotels grand opening on Waikiki Beach (Waikiki meaning “sprouting waters”)  and a few years of  success, Peacock sold it to wealthy businessman Alexander Young in 1905. 

After the death of Young, his estate managed the business  until the Matson Navigation Company purchased it in 1932, making the hotel one of two (The Royal Hawaiian Hotel) owned by the Matson company.   Arthur Benaglia, general manager of the Royal Hawaiian for many years, also managed The  Moana  from 1941-1945.  In 1959 the hotel was sold to the Sheraton  chain, the same year Hawaii became our 50th State.  This was also the year jet airline service appeared on the island.

The hotel once again changed hands in 1974.   It was sold to Japanese Industrialist, Kenji Osano (Kyo-Ya Company, Ltd.).  With the building of the Surfrider  and other additions, the hotel ultimately became one complete complex and was named the Moana Surfrider.  It is  now a Westin property and  after many renovations, is restored to its present day  light and airy design.  A March 1989 renovation resulted in a return to its 1918 off-white and grey grandeur.  Thanks to the Kyo-Ya Company, Ltd, its owners and their desire to preserve the beauty of the building, it took a well deserved place in the National Register of Historic Places. 

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Hotel Review: Turtle Bay Resort – Hawaii

Written by guest blogger Ms Hotel Slippers

Perched on an edge of land jutting out toward the ocean, Turtle Bay Resort, built in 1973, brings to mind the distinct difference between the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan Honolulu and the unrestrained pristine beaches of the rocky North Shore.  Encompassing 880 undisturbed acres, the resort is a forty-five minute to one hour drive from Honolulu through the Dole Pineapple fields. 

 There are three accommodation options available at Turtle Bay.  The resort hotel, cottages and ocean view villas all offer a variety of appealing choices for varied tastes in accommodations. Looking for the least expensive option,  I selected the resort hotel, which sits high above the sea with scenic ocean-view rooms.  The cottages, placed along a strip of rocky coastline and  villas (studio,  three and four bedrooms), facing the sea and just steps away from a white sandy beach, were all perfect accommodations to enjoy gorgeous views, scenic Kawela Bay and the well cared for  resort property.

Behind the gated Turtle Bay entry, a circular drive led to the front of the hotel and open-air foyer.  The foyer led to an even larger lobby where the check-in desk faced a floor to ceiling glass wall running the length of the lobby.  Sweeping  picture-postcard views of the stunning beach and coastline set the stage for what I knew would be a wonderful three-day stay.

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Hotel Slippers: A review of the Rosewood Crescent Court Hotel (Dallas, Texas)

Written by guest blogger Hotel Slippers

Whether for business or pleasure, a stay at the Rosewood Crescent Court Hotel, located in the Dallas Uptown Arts District, offers the discerning traveler exceptional accommodations.  This limestone building, enhanced with wrought iron exterior accents, opened in 1985.  As part of a multi-use center that includes an 18 story office building and shops, the Crescent Hotel is listed in the August 2010 Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the Worlds Best Hotel Awards (100 rooms or more).

I booked my stay online through the hotel web site.  I chose the Rosewood Escape Package, which included accommodations for one night, valet parking, internet access, 20% off dinner at the Crescent Club and breakfast for two in the Conservatory or the privacy of my own room.  As a solo traveler this was the best offer that met my needs.  Other packages included the use of the Spa at the Crescent for two and other dining options.  Besides the Rosewood Escape, The Pamper Daily Package for Two features the use of the Spa (a 22,000 square foot area providing health and beauty treatments), a welcome bottle of champagne, breakfast for two, lunch at the Spa Cafe and valet parking.  The Nobu Retreat Daily Package for Two features a welcome amenity, dinner at Nobu ($150.00 dining credit), breakfast for two, use of the Spa facilities and valet parking.  The above mentioned packages are just several of many packages to choose from.

When I arrived at the hotel, I was greeted by friendly staff members who parked my car, took my bags and escorted me into the hotel lobby.  Check-in was quick and the hotel associate was professional, friendly and helpful.  The hotel lobby, extremely spacious and elegant, had gleaming marble floors, limestone walls and floor to ceiling  windows that gave the area a luxurious look.  A large glass and wood table showcased  tall, clear glass cylinder vases containing beautiful and fragrant orchids.  On each side of the table, sheer ivory floor to ceiling drapes formed  spacious alcoves for guests to sit, read and enjoy a cup of coffee or a beverage of their choice.

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HOTEL SLIPPERS: The Plaza Hotel – New York

By guest blogger Hotel Slippers…

The Plaza Hotel, a designated National Historic Landmark, opened in 1907 and was designed by architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh.  With an abundance of social history, this Grand Dame of hotels has intrigued as well as entertained and hosted famous guests from F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe, Jacqueline Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, the Duke and Dutchess of Windsor and Frank Lloyd Wright.  Rich in history and known for its architectural design, this hotel has been at the top of my list of hotels to visit for many years.  After reading positive (and just as many negative) tripadvisor reviews, I decided to see for myself just what this hotel was all about.

At a moments notice and on a whim, I booked a room using Expedia.com for a deeply discounted night at the legendary hotel.  From the moment I stepped out of the cab, my bags were whisked away by a uniformed staff member and taken to the reception desk.  Check-in was so easy and quick, I felt as if they had been awaiting my arrival.  A thick white folder embossed with the hotel logo, held business cards, hotel information and welcome letter, a nice start to my luxurious twenty-four hour stay. With the check-in process  complete, I was escorted to the elevator by a hotel associate dressed in black and wearing white gloves.  Within the hotel and on the walk to my room, I noticed the classic elegance of artwork on the walls and beautiful chandeliers gracing the ceilings.  

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HOTEL SLIPPERS: Bryant Park Hotel (New York City)

Hotel reviews by guest blogger Hotel Slippers

Modern yet minimalist décor, guests can expect outstanding customer service and accommodations at the Bryant Park Hotel.  This stylish and chic hotel radiates a cool, boutique style ambience.  From the sleek, dark lobby with red accents to the small dimly lit elevator, the hotel beckons travelers looking for a unique experience in the city that never sleeps.  Valet parking is complimentary.  There is no driving around looking for that unattainable and expensive parking spot.   Check-in is a relatively smooth process, thanks to the friendly customer service oriented staff.  As soon as I stepped into the lobby, I was greeted by bright smiles from smartly dressed employees in head to toe black who were eager to please.  

 

Rooms are larger than most NYC hotels with Junior Suites available if more space is desired.  Staying in a Junior Suite is like having your own small apartment in the city.  My room on the 15th floor offered an incredible view of Bryant Park, the NYC main public library and city skyscrapers through three large windows.  The spacious bathroom featured a separate tub and shower with windows framing the square sink.  Molton Brown bath and spa products were provided along with thick fluffy white towels.  As soon as the two plush bath robes caught my eye,  I knew they’d be a welcome evening treat after an afternoon exploring the neighborhood.

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