The Royal Hawaiian is hard to miss because it sits right on the beach in Waikiki and is painted pink, the reason it’s affectionately known as the Pink Palace of the Pacific. It has been giving guests the royal treatment since 1927, when it was built by the Matson Navigation Co. for its high-end cruise passengers. To this day, the hotel’s a good bet for those seeking a romantic getaway or old-world charm. Some of the guest rooms might seem stuffy and small, but the rooms in the historic building have plenty of character, with four-poster beds and Queen Anne-style writing desks. The antique-packed public space makes quite a statement about the hotel’s class and sense of history, too. For fine dining, savor a meal in the Surf Room, which is well known for its Friday night seafood buffets and Sunday brunches. Sip a cocktail or two and groove to the live music in the Mai Tai Bar. For first-class pampering, sign up for one of the treatments in the Abhasa Waikiki Spa, a heavenly place for relaxation.

Royal Hawaiian Amenities:

• 528 rooms. Check-in 3 pm, check-out 11 am. Two restaurants, bar. Children's activity center. Spa. Outdoor pool. Airport transportation available.