SHERATON WAIKIKI, HAWAII, USA

I arrived in the morning and nearly dropped my phone off my 25th floor balcony taking 1039 pics of the surf, beach and city – all with Diamond Head Volcano in the backdrop (to be honest, it was kind of stealing the show). Thanks to the hotel’s ‘S’-shaped design, most of the 1600+ rooms have ocean views that just won’t quit (bring a spare phone). The rooms are quite spacious and while it’s definitely time for a refurb throughout, you don’t come here for the four walls. Or necessarily for the three restaurants, spa, Club Lounge (top floor, of course) or RumFire bar that goes off every Friday and Saturday night.

The Sheraton Waikiki is all about the two pools, which are consistently voted ‘Best Hotel Pool’ in America – and are Instagram gold #chillingbythepool. Something to note is that pool access is not included with the room price, so be prepared for the daily resort fee of US$37.70. The big multi-depth, family-friendly pool has a water slide, whirl pool and is lined with cabanas, tee-pees and palm trees with direct access to Waikiki beach. The adults-only infinity pool overlooks the ocean and begins filling with guests from around breakfast time (handy that the pool-bar opens at 10am) who – like me – won’t leave until they’ve seen the sunset. Highly recommend getting multiple pairs of swimwear for your stay here, you will NOT stop taking #poolsidepics of that #infinitypoolsunset.

Prices start from US$266 (about A$368) per room, per night. marriott.com