Moana Surfrider – A Waikīkī Favorite, But Service is Slipping 🏨

The Moana Surfrider has long been my favorite hotel on Waikīkī Beach, but the front desk service during this stay was disappointing. As a Marriott Titanium Elite member, I booked a Banyan Wing room but did not receive an upgrade at check-in. When I asked if we could switch rooms the next day when a tower room became available, we were permitted to upgrade. However, we had to check out by 12:00 PM and were told we couldn’t access the new room until 3:00 PM. The Banyan Wing room had a charming, classic feel with lots of wood and a view of the banyan tree and a sliver of the ocean (see photos). That said, the room was quite small (210 sq ft), and the shower leaked, flooding the bathroom floor 🚿💦. When I informed a front desk staff member about the issue, she seemed uninterested and unhelpful. The tower room was significantly better—more spacious, with an ocean view, a balcony, a bathtub, and a separate toilet 🛁✨. Though typically priced higher, the upgrade was well worth it. The pool area is quite small, with only about 50 chairs, so you need to arrive before 7:00 AM to secure a spot 🏊‍♂️⏳. That said, we loved dining at the bar during sunset—the food was surprisingly delicious 🌅🍽️. Despite the lackluster front desk experience, I’d still consider returning to the Moana Surfrider for its historic charm and ideal location.✨ #MoanaSurfrider #Waikiki #HotelReview #MarriottBonvoy #ServiceSlip #BanyanWing #TowerRoomUpgrade #PoolProblems #StillCharming #HonestFeedback