We had a large, well-appointed room, with king-size pillows, a desk, a love seat, a chair, and a coffee table. We had high-thread-count sheets and a comforter. It was a light and airy room. The bath had luxurious towels and all amenities.

For my honeymoon, my husband and I were given the best present ever: an all-expense-paid trip to any destination we desired. After hearing the buzz and wearing one of her own dresses at my wedding, the Vera Wang Suite at Halekulani seemed the best fit. The flight was definitely a long one, but when we finally arrived at the hotel, it was worth it. All the hotel staff was accommodating, giving me a wonderful example of the Hawaiian hospitality that I had heard so much about.

Once we stepped through the doors, I felt as if I had been transported to a completely different world. There was a soft breeze blowing in from the terrace in the bedroom, and coupled with the soft shades of lavender throughout, I knew that it was going to be a week to remember. The bed was both huge and luxurious, and both my husband and I sunk into it. With 24-hour butler service, there was hardly any reason to leave the room. There was a breathtaking view of the beach, water, and Diamond Head right from our bed. We must have spent half of our first day there, just sitting and enjoying the beauty of it all.

I even got a chance to go to Spa Halekulani, where I experienced the Elegant Passage. Talk about relaxing! I only wish that it lasted forever. I would recommend this suite to anyone who has the opportunity to visit. The great service, lavish surroundings, and top-notch activities definitely made it a worthwhile trip. Even if my honeymoon wasn't a gift, I definitely would have spent it there.

I was conducting the Honolulu Symphony, and I was lucky enough to conduct an orchestra which has a partnership with the Halekulani. The hotel, in short, was magnificent. If I say this was the most luxurious hotel I've stayed in, it would not be an overstatement. The room was spacious and clean and had a fantastic oceanside view. You could view the ocean from your bathtub. I even had a veranda, where I could sit and have breakfast while facing the ocean.

The hotel also had a private beach and an oceanside pool. I only wish I'd had my fiancee here with me. I believe the one afternoon I was enjoying the sun at the pool, I was the only single man at the poolside, as everyone else was a newlywed from Japan.

Ever wonder what makes a hotel so grand that it can command $4,500 per night? Though the Halekulani, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, does have simple garden variety rooms starting at a mere $325, the grand royal suite ranks right up there in the nose bleed Robin Leach category. Luckily for us the hotel was offering a "refresher special" as well as kama`aina discounts. Unfortunately, the grand suite was not part of that package, so we took the everyman route and booked a standard room. Poor us.

But before you become filled with envy, note that not all reviews were as unanimously glowing as the hotel website and other publications would have had us believe. One person who’d been a recent guest here complained that the rooms were small and the overall appearance of the hotel was dated. This comment had lowered my expectations sufficiently so that when we did arrive and see our room, I was thrilled. Elated. Ecstatic.

No, the hallways were nothing to speak of and yes, the grand foyer was relatively bland except for the glorious floral arrangement. But the room itself was quite large with a sitting area with sofa, desk area, and coffee table. A chic glass platter laden with fresh tropical fruits and a box of the hotel’s signature chocolates served as enticement and decoration. The king sized heavenly bed was draped with a down comforter in cool, refreshing neutral tones that provided a startling and welcome contrast to the brilliant views beyond. Visible through the open full wall of plantation shuttered doors leading to the grand lanai was a celebrated view of the famed Waikiki Beach and Diamondhead.

The marble bath was equipped with every conceivable amenity including sunscreen, bath salts, plumeria scented lotions, thick monogrammed Frette bathrobes and slippers, and living orchids. A separate glass enclosed shower and Jacuzzi tub made bathing options the most difficult choice of the weekend.

Yet, all this could still be so much window dressing were the service not exquisite to match. No worries. Here at the Halekulani our every request was graciously and immediately answered and our needs considered before we even knew we had them! Someone must have mentioned my birthday. Along with the extra down pillows we’d requested, a little boxed gift (sea shells) was left bedside and a chilled bottle of vintage champagne awaited our return from the traditional sunset stroll.

As if that weren’t enough, I soon learned that Halekulani has a special "For You, Everything" program that allows guests free admission to many of Honolulu’s special venues including exhibits at the Academy of Arts, the Iolani Palace and Bishops’ Museum , as well as tickets to plays and the symphony. Added up - the perfect location, service, views, programs, dining options, free tickets and chilled champagne - and the room fee suddenly seemed a bargain!

Now you can get jealous.