Ocean View Room - Honolulu any good tips?

Hi there,we%26#39;re hoping to visit Honolulu/Maui in Sept this year. Would love a Diamond Head/Waikiki beach view hotel room at probably the Sheraton or one of the Outriggers. (Any other advise welcome - we probably would like a resort feel - beach restaurants and bars etc)Have used on-line bookings for hotel rooms in the past but sometimes find the discounted rooms are often the worst available in the catagory ie next to the lift etc.

Does anyone have any good advise on the%26#39;best%26#39; way to book a hotel, get the best deal and the room in the location you want? (love to hear from check in hotel employees!!)

I%26#39;ve read in some reviews where people have booked cheaper catagory of room and are offered upgrades for a few extra dollars at check in - much cheaper than the room would have been otherwise - is this normal practice or perhaps something that occurs during quiet periods? Others reviews I%26#39;ve read people have been offered an upgrade at check in - no extra charge. Not sure whether we should take our chances or just book what we want and know we won%26#39;t be diappointed.

If anyone has any good advise I appreciate it - also is a Sheraton card worthwhile?

Thanks for any replies

Jem

Ocean View Room - Honolulu any good tips?

Most of the hotels along Waikiki are just that, nice hotels, not large properties with sprawling grounds or anything. The only one I%26#39;d consider having a ';resort feel'; with large amount of space and various ammenities is the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Sorry don%26#39;t know about room categories and upgrades.

aloha suze