| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 12/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 41 |
| Copyright: Other |
Accommodation update by Alan Moore
Hotels build on firm foundations
Chains develop more regional properties
MANY of Hawaii’s resort hotels are among the finest in the US and are located in spectacular settings overlooking the islands’ mountain and coastal landscapes.Major hotel groups are constantly updating and rebranding their accommodation to maintain Hawaii’s high standards. Travel Weekly previews some of the new developments and facilities across the range.
In the open air: the hotel will feature a new spa development
Hyatt Resorts
Following the opening of a $3.5m spa at the Hyatt Regency Maui on July 15, the hotel, on Kanapal Beach, will be renamed the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. The open-air, ocean-view spa will feature wet-treatment rooms, massage facility, full-service beauty salon, relaxation lounge, sauna and steam room. There will also be an illuminated Roman-style pool and a private spa offering treatments for couples, including hot-stone massage, shiatsu and bodywraps. The new facility is part of a $5m upgrade that includes a new hospitality lounge, improvements to suites and the repositioning of the Camp Hyatt club for children.
Aston Hotels and Resorts
The Honolulu-based firm has acquired the Waikiki Grand Hotel located on Oahu. Previously operated by Marc Resorts, it will undergo an initial $500,000 revamp covering rooms, suites and public areas. Rates will range from $80 per standard room per night to $105 for studios.
Aston has also taken over the Aloha Surf Hotel in Diamond Head and aims to complete extensive renovations to the 202 rooms by the autumn. Two of Aston’s other Waikiki properties have spent a total of $3.1m on improvements.
Aston has introduced tropical themes to the 100 rooms at the Waikiki Banyan in a $750,000 renovation including new furniture and interiors.
A more extensive upgrade costing $2.4m is nearing completion at the Aston Waikiki Sunset condominium resort offering 380 units. New-look Hawaiian themes are the key features of a $400,000 upgrade of the 125 rooms at the group’s Honolulu Prince Hotel. Interiors have Hawaiian foliage print curtains and bedspreads.
The hotel has also added new 19in TVs in standard and superior rooms, and 27in sets in one and two-bedroom suites. Across on the island of Kauai, the Aston Islander on the Beach has finished redecorating all 198 guest rooms in a $1.4m upgrade at the plantation-style property.
Local flavour: Aston has used Hawaiian themes
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts
The two biggest developments for Outrigger this year involve the $25m redevelopment of the Outrigger Wailea Resort on Maui and the rebranding of 15 of its existing moderately priced hotels under the new name of Ohana Hotels of Hawaii.
Bought last year, the Maui property is being improved to bring it into line with the firm’s strategy of operating deluxe, full-service beachfront resorts on Hawaii’s major islands.
All 516 rooms will feature new decor and upgraded amenities including fridge, safe, 25in TV, data ports, hair dryer, iron/board and coffee-maker. New facilities include a 32,000sq ft garden court, dining lounge and Hula Moons restaurant.
The newly-named Ohana Hotels represents 15 budget properties located mostly in the Waikiki area, with rates starting from three basic levels. These are $109, $129 and $139 per room per night, as well as a special $99 SimpleSaver rate with conditions.
Hilton Resorts
Due for completion in spring 2001 is the Kalia Tower at Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu. It will add 453 guestrooms and suites to the existing 363 suites.
Main features of the new tower include 20 acres of tropical gardens; outdoor cafe; Hilton Executive Lounge with concierge services and a health spa. The latter will be on three levels and feature an outdoor swimming pool with sundeck, cafe serving healthy cuisine, European and Asian treatments and fitness centre.
Each room in the new tower will have its own work space with fax, two telephone lines, voicemail and data ports.