Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa - Honolulu, Hawaii - Landmark Hotel near Diamond Head

The Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa covers 5.2 acres of lush beachfront property that once was occupied by the summer homes of Queen Lili'uokalani. Built in 1971, just steps from Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean and adjacent to Diamond Head Crater, the resort has become something of a landmark in is own right.

The Waikiki Beach Marriott's two main buildings are the 33-story Paoakalani Tower and 25-story Kealohilani Tower. They comprise 1,310 guest rooms, each of which has its own a private balcony for exceptional views of the area.

Hawaiian-influenced d,cor and Marriott's Revive Bedding Collection are featured in every room. Other amenities that come standard are in-room high-speed Internet access with a jack pack connectivity panel, work desks, bathrooms with marble flooring and granite countertops, and 37'' HD flat-panel televisions. Every room also offers air conditioning with individual climate control, a mini refrigerator, coffeemaker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board.

A variety of suites can be booked, with floor space ranging from 1,305 up to 1,880 square feet. They include one, two or three separate bedrooms and up to three or four lanais. The smallest guest room covers 347 square feet, and there are special Family Rooms that can accommodate up to six persons, including four adults. Rollaway beds and crib are available upon request.

Two heated freshwater swimming pools are available for guest use. Each has chaise lounge chairs, umbrellas and cabanas for poolside relaxation. A 24-hour fitness center is also on the premises, featuring both aerobic and resistance-training machines, while the Spa Olakino Salon, with its ten treatment rooms, offers a variety of wellness therapies, massages, facials, manicures and pedicures.

For dining, the Waikiki Beach Marriott features seven different options, with everything from steaks and sushi to Italian and Pan-Asian fare. Kuhio Beach Grill is a family restaurant, serving island-style breakfasts and dinners. Moana Terrace offers poolside cocktails and local Hawaiian entertainment nightly.

Arancino di Mare is the place for authentic pizzas and pastas, with seating both indoors and out, while Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar dishes up contemporary Asian-Pacific Rim cuisine. Other dining options are Seattle's Best Coffee, the d.k Steak House, and the Restaurant Run noodle shop.

Activities organized for guests by the resort include Hawaiian arts and crafts lessons daily and live entertainment by the pool nightly. Occasional concerts are conducted to celebrate Hawaii's history and culture, and a Hospitality Lounge is provided for anytime relaxation. Although the hotel does not have a children's program, babysitting is provided for a fee of $14~$25 an hour.

Business travelers will appreciate the availability of a full-service business center on the premises, along with more than 50,000 square feet of function space - including three ballrooms and several terraces - for meetings, corporate retreats and banquets. Major events and weddings can be arranged for up to 5,000 guests.

Other on-site amenities include a shopping arcade with more than 20 shops and boutiques, a Hertz car rental location, laundry and dry cleaning services, and a physician on call. As a part of Marriott International, the resort has been designated "smoke free'' and is a participant in the Marriott Rewards frequent guest program.

The Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is located at 2552 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii 96815-3699. Self parking in the first five floors of the hotel is available for $27 per day; valet parking for hotel guests costs $32 per day.