Oahu Hotels

Occupying two 30-story towers, this is by far the biggest of the four Sheratons on the beach. The lobby is immense and filled with shops, travel desks, and people. Not surprisingly, this hotel hosts numerous conventions; if you're not comfortable with crowds and conventioneers, book elsewhere. However, size has its advantages: The Sheraton has everything from a fabulous kids program to historical walks and cooking demonstrations for Mom and Dad. Plus, you can "play and charge" at Waikiki's other Sheraton hotels.

It's hard to get a bad room here. A whopping 1,200 units have some sort of ocean view, and 650 rooms overlook Diamond Head. Accommodations are spacious, with big lanais to take in those magnificent views. For the budget-conscious, the Sheraton Manor Hotel occupies a separate adjacent wing and offers all the services and beachfront of the main hotel. The views aren't the best, the rooms are small (two people, max) and modestly appointed (no lanai), but the price is hard to beat.

Facilities: 4 restaurants; 3 bars; nightclub; 2 large outdoor pools, including 1 of the biggest and sunniest along the Waikiki beachfront; access to Makaha Golf Club's golf and tennis facilities (about 1 hr. away); fitness center; watersports equipment rentals; bike rentals; children's program with activities ranging from catamaran sailing to nightly movies; game room; concierge; activities desk; car-rental desk; business center; shopping arcade; room service (6am-midnight); in-room massage; babysitting; coin-op washer/dryers; same-day laundry service and dry cleaning (except holidays).

- Frommer's