The hotel, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, consists of three wings: the original (and totally restored) Banyan Wing, the Diamond Wing, and the Tower Wing. Its hard to get a bad room here: The majority of the rooms have ocean views, and they all come with such amenities as refrigerators, irons and ironing boards, hair dryers, bedside controls, plush robes, safes, and voicemail. Were especially taken with the Banyan Wing rooms; what they lack in size and amenitiestheyre on the smallish side and dont have lanais--they make up for in style; even the fixtures in the smallish bathrooms are modern-day replicas of 19th-century hardware.

Dining/Diversions: Even if you do not stay here, you must drop by the Banyan Veranda, an old-fashioned porch turned into a courtly open-air dining area, where elegant meals, snacks and "high tea" are served. Great place to sip a cocktail and watch the sun sink into the Pacific Ocean. Other restaurants include the Ships Tavern, which serves continental cuisine for dinner only in a formal atmosphere. Casual meals can be found at the Beachside Café, and a fabulous brunch is served on Sunday at the Grand Salon.

Amenities: The best reason to stay here is the beautiful stretch of Waikiki beach just steps from your room. Also available: 24-hour room service; concierge service; and historical tours of the grand old property. What the Sheraton Moana Surfrider does not have on-site, it shares with sister Sheraton Hotels, just minutes away, like the free children's program at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel; privileges at Sheraton Waikiki's health club; and the business center at the Royal Hawaiian.