I paid $530 for one night in Hawaii's famous pink hotel. I was so excited, but I wouldn't stay there again.

The Royal Hawaiian is a famous hotel in Hawaii. Andrew Woodley/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

• On a recent Hawaii trip, I stayed in the most affordable room I could find at The Royal Hawaiian.
• I spent $530 total to stay one night at the iconic pink beachfront hotel.

My mother and I recently visited Hawaii for the first time.

While there, we stayed at The Royal Hawaiian, nicknamed the "Pink Palace of the Pacific," a place I'd long dreamed of seeing in real life.

The iconic 528-room hotel is famed for its pink facade and mai-tai cocktails. It also happens to be one of the first hotels in downtown Honolulu in the heart of all the action of Waikiki Beach.

Plus, The Royal Hawaiian is part of Marriott International's Luxury Collection, meaning it's considered an especially world-renowned and unique spot.

With all that in mind, my expectations were high for the five-star resort — but I'm not sure my stay was worth it.