The Royal Hawaiian hotel and Ritz-Carlton Kapalua's spa are on Conde Nast Traveler's 13th annual Hot List of the “;hottest new hotels, restaurants, spas and clubs,”; according to its editors.

The Royal Hawaiian is the first Hawaii property to make the list since before 2005, which is as far as the magazine's online hotel Hot List archives can be searched.

“;This is truly a testament to the tireless dedication of all of our wonderful ambassadors, the six months of extensive renovations invested in upgrading the property, and the transformation of the property to a (Starwood Hotels & Resorts) Luxury Collection resort,”; said Kelly Hoen, Royal Hawaiian general manager.

There were no Hawaii spas on the magazine's Hot List for 2008, making this year's listing a nice plum for the newly renovated Ritz-Carlton Kapalua spa.

There is no online photo of the spa, which “;never feels crowded,”; due to an “;astute mix of public and private areas,”; the magazine wrote.

Spa executives needn't feel slighted, however, as not even posh Manhattan spas got photo coverage online.

A reader longing to experience Hawaii would surely find alluring, exotic terms like “;Hawaiian lomilomi massage”; and “;whole-body Noni Sun Reprieve.”;

The online archives also only go back to 2008 for the restaurant and nightlife categories. The only Hawaii mention among them was Downtown (restaurant) at HISAM (the Hawaii State Art Museum).

The Royal Hawaiian was not caught by surprise by its placement on the list, as it had hosted Conde Nast for “;a big photo shoot,”; said Scott Kawasaki, director of public relations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Waikiki.

Hoen, Kawasaki and others at the hotel eagerly await the May issue's Tuesday arrival on newsstands.

Online, Conde Nast describes the $50 million restoration as “;much-needed,”; and praises it for reclaiming “;its past glory.”; Its “;when to go”; recommendation is “;year-round, but late spring and early summer bring big waves and sunny skies.”;

Editors also recommend visitors book a beach-view room in the historic wing.

On the 'Net: www.cntraveler.com/hotlist

HOMETOWN SUPPORT

This is sure to cause gasps at competing travel magazines. Nevertheless, this next item is about Travel + Leisure and a preliminary to its 2009 America's Favorite Cities Survey.

T+L wants you to help choose five cities to add to its list of 25 that have been the survey's focus over the past few years. Cities in the running are Anchorage, Alaska; Baltimore; Cleveland; Detroit; Houston; Kansas City, Mo.; Memphis, Tenn.; Providence, R.I.; Salt Lake City and St. Louis.

Online balloting for the preliminary round ends May 15.

Voters can choose up to five cities, vote more than once and request notification when the official poll opens with five new municipal combatants.

In the full survey, voters are asked to rate cities on some 45 characteristics from attractiveness of the people, to food and dining, to culture. T+L breaks out its results into two lists, reflecting voting by residents and voting by visitors. Honolulu is often rated more harshly by its residents than by those visiting our fair shores.

Honolulu has done well in previous years, ranking as America's favorite romantic escape, relaxing retreat, destination for active or adventure vacation and for overall travel.

On the 'Net: http://www.hsblinks.com/80

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Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin. Reach her by e-mail at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).