Honolulu's Pink Palace

The Royal Hawaiian may not be the biggest hotel in Honolulu. It may not be the best. It does, however, come with a history dating from 1927 onward that links it inextricably with the story of tourism in these islands.

Its Spanish / Moorish / California mission-style architecture was all the fashion in the 1920s, and this retro look has stood the test of time nearly a hundred years later.

President Franklin Roosevelt conducted business from here, and it was the first location to be described as the "Western White House." It also claims to be the birthplace of two famous drinks, the Shirley Temple and the Mai Tai.

Their virgin Blue Hawaiians, a complimentary welcome drink at the Mai Tai Bar, aren't bad either.

For the past two days we've luxuriated in Old Hawaii, and have long forgotten those check-in glitches. The beach, its friendly attendants, and chaise lounges are only a few steps past the pool, which is only a few steps outside our door.

It's been a great stay.

Soon we'll stroll back to the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani across the street and up the block before flying back to Seattle tomorrow afternoon.