Romer Hotels: Two Unique Neighborhood Experiences

Romer House Waikīkī

My stay at Romer House in Waikīkī felt like a real adventure from the moment I walked in. As O‘ahu’s only adults-only hotel, it stood out as a special retreat in a lively part of the island. The design, inspired by mid-century Waikīkī apartments, mixed old-school charm with a modern twist. I was pleasantly surprised when I got a tarot card reading during my visit—an unexpected moment that made the stay even more memorable.

The hospitality at Romer House was truly warm. Everyone was so kind and relaxed, which made me feel instantly welcome. Dinner at 855-Aloha was a real treat too. The restaurant and bar served a mix of Japanese style and fresh Hawaiian flavors, with its izakaya-inspired dishes offering a relaxed, flavorful way to try a bit of everything. Walking around, I noticed art on the walls and outdoor spaces filled with native plants, all adding to the feeling that I was part of the local scene.

Romer Hell’s Kitchen

Then I spent some time at Romer Hell’s Kitchen in New York, which opened in Fall 2023. Located just west of Broadway and a short walk from the Hudson River, it sits in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen—a neighborhood known for its cozy eateries, theaters and jazz clubs. The 295 rooms here blend modern and antique styles, reflecting the unique character of the area and the people who live there. Each room comes with a small seating area and views that show both the busy parts of the city and some quieter streets.

One evening, I tried dinner at So & So’s Neighborhood Piano Bar. Tucked behind a simple blue door on West Fifty Second Street, the 21+ spot, with its red-velvet walls and mellow lighting made it a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy a dinner while experiencing the live music. As part of its new series, Somebody at So & So’s, the bar invites special guests, from up-and-coming talent to more familiar faces, to pop up monthly—you never know who you will be surprised with.

A Local Stay

Romer Neighborhood Hotels offer more than just a place to sleep—they give you a taste of local life. In Waikīkī, little surprises like the tarot reading, the art on the walls, and various wellness events let you experience the island’s relaxed pace. The friendly, down-to-earth hospitality made the stay feel personal and inviting.

In Hell’s Kitchen, you get the sense that the hotel is part of the neighborhood. The common areas invite conversation, and hidden spots like the piano bar add a bit of charm. Although the effort to connect with the local community is clear, the overall feel is more low-key and straightforward.

For me, staying at Romer Hotels was all about making genuine connections with each neighborhood. Whether I was soaking up the relaxed, sunny vibes in Waikīkī or experiencing the everyday rhythm of Hell’s Kitchen, each stay made me feel less like a visitor and more like a part of the local story.

Travel

Wellness on Hawaii’s Tech Island

February 21, 2025

In 2016, a tech billionaire bought Hawaii’s least-inhabited island—but Lanai has remained largely untouched despite Oracle founder Larry Ellison’s purchase. The island is home to just three hotels, the newest being the five-star Sensei. Think of it as hospitality’s solution to Goop. We mean that as a compliment.

Guests arrive via private helicopter from Honolulu, landing in a sanctuary filled with art by Jaume Plensa, Fernando Botero, Baltasar Lobo, Jeff Koons, and Claude Lalanne. Lush gardens, secluded onsens, and fresh Nobu fare are the norm. And yet, despite its lavish setting, Sensei’s ethos is refreshingly more grounded: that true wellness is built on consistency and simple, intentional care. The rest is excess.

Text AnaMaria Glavan
Photos AnaMaria Glavan / Courtesy of Sensei Lanai

Sensei Lanai’s signature offering is the five-day rest-and-reset program, pairing guests with expert guides to evaluate their everyday habits through three fundamental pillars: movement, nutrition, sleep. And to optimize rest—the achy hip, the chronic fight-or-flight—technology steps in for fine-tuning.

Guides ask unexpectedly simple questions at the start of the program. “What is your sleep like? Walk us through your diet. How often are you moving? Has that changed since you started working from home?” They also monitor your breathing. (Turns out, breathwork is quite important when it comes to the parasympathetic nervous system, i.e. the tricky little thing that can influence your anxiety.) The questions themselves prompt an interesting introspection. What was the last thing I ate? Can I even remember? How many times have I skipped breakfast to hit a deadline?

Treatments are suggested and scheduled based on this evaluation, combining holistic methods and a hint of tech. Thermal massage is one of the property’s most popular treatments: heat mapping is used to identify tension points, with a masseuse kneading those specific areas before passing results off to a physical therapist. That PT will arm you with daily exercises to prevent future strain. The treatment rooms are gorgeous, with private saunas, rainfall showers, outdoor onsens, and fragrant oils you can indulge in by yourself post-session.

The rooms are a reflection of the simplicity that the program itself touts. Clean linens and comfortable beds, ample-sized rooms that are spacious but not overwhelmingly so, balconies that feel more like a private home than that of a luxury resort. You’ll spot wild turkeys roaming around from your window.

Exploring the grounds is an adventure of its own. Secluded onsens are thoughtfully spaced apart for ultimate privacy, and an impressive amount of artwork—including a Jeff Koons—warrants dedicated time for a walking tour. The pearl of the property is Talia 2016, a fluid-like sculpture that seems to shift in form depending on your angle. Perched at the top of a scenic hiking trail and visible from nearly every vantage point, it adds a surreal White Lotus-vibe to the view.

And then there’s Lanai itself. The island is a dream, one that’s perfect for travelers who simply cannot stay at a resort all day long. Think: Greenery rolling into crystal-clear waters, with Maui so close it feels like you can reach out and touch it. With its rugged, rust-colored terrain, The Garden of the Gods looks like Elon Musk’s cartoonish idea of Martian land. There’s Blue Ginger Café, a local spot with a prime breakfast menu, and Richard’s Market for fresh poke bowls. Guests can also walk over to the connected Four Seasons Resort if they prefer beach to pool. Across the street, an animal sanctuary with horseback riding is a can’t-miss. Jeeps can be rented so you don’t miss a thing.

Sensei Lanai is the definition of a true wellness resort. Yes, you leave relaxed, but more importantly, you leave with the tools to bring these practices into real life: back in your cramped New York City apartment with a growing list of deadlines and not a hint of free time in sight. Throughout your stay, you meet with your guide for regular check-ins, but the final one is the most important. Here, you set attainable goals to prioritize yourself. Eat, sleep, move. It makes a difference.