ilove Waikiki

Castle in the Sky

September 1, 2012 | By Waikiki Magazine Team

Hyatt’s recently renovated suite is fit for those with regal tastes.

When you walk into the Presidential Suite at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa, the first thing that strikes you is the view. From the four private lanais, it feels as if you can reach out and touch Diamond Head, and the far-off Waianae coast seems a quick swim away.

This suite—located on the 40th floor—shares its name with one of Queen Lili‘uokalani’s residences—Paoakalani (it’s also the name of one of the Hawai‘i monarch’s famous music compositions), and it can definitely be considered a castle in the sky.

Within the suite, you’ll find nothing but luxurious comfort. Two bedrooms—one equipped with two double beds and the master suite—both feature en suite baths supplied with Na Ho‘ola Spa bath products and European-inspired combination toilets/bidets.

Recently renovated, the decor is contemporary yet comfortable—warm woods, white and titian accents, nicely complement the blue hues from beyond the lanais. Sink into one of the sofas or stretch out on a chaise and take in the tranquil vista.

Vacation or no, connectivity seems to almost be a pre-requisite these days, and the suite is decked with high-tech trimmings: the den is equipped with desk and computer, Wi-Fi high-speed Internet access and flat screen televisions are found throughout the space. Let the sounds of your “Hawaiian vacation” playlist fill the room by docking your iPod on the iHome stereo. Other amenities include a full kitchen, dining room and a bar—making this the perfect place to entertain guests.

Discriminating guests—President Obama stayed here when he left the campaign trail in 2008 to visit with his ailing tutu (grandma) Madelyn Dunham—that lay their heads here enjoy access to the Regency Club. The Regency Club rooms make up the top six floors of the Diamond Head Tower with access only via room key. Open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Regency Club (located on the third floor) provides concierge service, computer stations, newspapers and even a dedicated kiosk for quick checkouts. Continental breakfast is served until 10 a.m., and snacks are available throughout the day, in addition to cocktail service and complimentary hors d’oeuvres in the evenings. The bright and airy Regency Club also features a spacious lanai with fire pits—making it the perfect locale to try to catch the sun’s green flash as it sets at the end of the day.

That’s not to say you wouldn’t want to experience Shor or Japengo, the property’s two signature restaurants, or sip some cocktails at SWIM, the poolside bar.

At $4,000 a night, guests of the Presidential Suite, perched high above Kalakaua Avenue, can certainly expect to get the royal treatment.

Presidential Suite
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa
2424 Kalakaua Ave. [C:9 Waikiki Map]
(808) 923-1234

Photos courtesy of Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa