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Luxury Residential Suites

The interior design firm, Carl Ross Design, conceived the project's units as luxury residential suites in the tradition of the "Grand Hotel" with materials and furnishings of rich woods and natural stone that offer textures and colors reflecting and celebrating Hawaii's rich history and culture.

Incorporated throughout each suite are a private outdoor lanai, upscale furnishings, modern full kitchen, washer and dryer, luxurious linens, flat-screen televisions, state-of-the-art entertainment system, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access, washer and dryer, and elegant bathroom fixtures with deep-soaking tub.

I quickly became a fan of the banquette seating area just off of the kitchen and having a flat screen television in both the living as well as bedroom areas.

The suites on the higher floors offer fantastic views. Some on the lower floors have very restricted views which may make them difficult to sell.

Fabulous Artwork

One thing you'll notice immediately in the Grand Waikikian™ is the attention paid to artwork.

Over 60 local artists were commissioned to create the art for the resort. In addition located throughout the resort is an array of fine art that was handpicked to match the theme of the "Grand Hotel."

Featured prominently are carved wood panels that took over three years to complete. Created by Design Group Carl Ross in consultation with Mr. Kawika McKeague of Group 70 International, these panels are the focal point of the Grand Lobby. The panels illustrate key natural elements within Hawaiian culture and tell a story of the origins, survival and growth of the Kalia area in which the Grand Waikikian™ now stands.

Strong Consideration For Families

A vacation ownership resort such as the Grand Waikikian™ has one distinct advantage that makes it a strong consideration for families. With a fully equipped kitchen, guests have the option of eating one or more meals in their suite, thus saving on the considerable cost of dining out in Waikiki.

I am told that there is a Food Pantry a one block walk away from Grand Waikikian™. (At Ala Moana and Hobron Lane). This store is open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and carries everything you would need to prepare meals in your kitchen, from raw meats to fresh produce, as well as prepared dishes.

Foodland Supermarket is located in the Ala Moana Center, about a 20 minute walk or a brief ride by car or bus.

Many ABC Stores or Whalers General Stores in Waikiki, including ones in the Hilton Hawaiian Village also have a limited selection of food items.

The Bottom Line

The Grand Waikikian™ is a beautiful new addition to the Hilton Hawaiian Village® property and has distinct appeal for families or couples, especially those who want to make use of the full kitchen and separate living room facilities offered in each suite.

It also will appeal to those who are members of other Hilton Grand Vacations Club® or who are interested in a vacation ownership property investment.

Whether or not you choose to invest in this, or any other similar property, is a decision only you can make after careful first-hand inspection and review of the ownership details.

The Grand Waikikian™ is not, however, for everyone. After my two-day stay, I moved over to the Alii Tower within the Hilton Hawaiian Village® Beach Resort and Spa. For me, personally, that was a preferred experience with distinctly better customer service and proximity to the many things available within the resort.

My one recommendation would be that the Grand Waikikian™ improve its orientation and customer service for non-owner guests, so that they can feel more comfortable with what the property has to offer.

_{As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with a complimentary stay for the purpose of reviewing the Grand Waikikian™. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.}

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