Oahu has been seeing a bit of a hotel boom in recent years. But, these hotels aren't what you'd expect when you think about Hawaii, as they're all limited-service city hotels. So, news that an Elements by Westin hotel is coming to Kapolei doesn't surprise me one bit. … [Read more...] about Elements by Westin Hotel Coming to Kapolei
Hotels
Kauai County is the First to Boost Hotel Tax
Earlier this year, the State of Hawaii made the controversial move to cut all of the countys' allocation of transient accommodations tax they collect. Instead, they're allowing counties to levy their own tax. Well, that time has come, and Kauai County is the first to boost hotel tax with its own surcharge. … [Read more...] about Kauai County is the First to Boost Hotel Tax
Hilton Extends Statuses Through 2022
There's no doubt that the Delta variant of COVID-19 has put a major damper on travel. As things begin to slow once again, Hilton extends statuses through 2022, allowing members that earned/renewed status in 2019 to keep that status for a total of an additional two years. … [Read more...] about Hilton Extends Statuses Through 2022
Hawaii Hotel Operator Announces Vaccine Mandate
In a first for the state, a Hawaii hotel operator announces a vaccine mandate for all employees, guests, and patrons. Company executives say Safe Access Oahu helped influence this decision, as did a desire to keep guests, employees, and their families safe. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Hotel Operator Announces Vaccine Mandate
Hawaii Hotels See High Occupancy Rates in July
There's no secret that Hawaii is seeing a major tourism boom right now. The islands are completely inundated with visitors even though international travel remains at a minimum. But, how are hotels doing? As it turns out, pretty well, as Hawaii hotels see high occupancy rates in July. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Hotels See High Occupancy Rates in July
The Renaissance Brand is Returning to Hawaii
In the past, Marriott's Renaissance brand had two Hawaii outposts - the Renaissance Ilikai and the Renaissance Wailea. The former is now simply the Ilikai, while the latter became the Andaz Maui. But the Renaissance brand is returning to Hawaii with a brand new hotel now under construction in Honolulu. … [Read more...] about The Renaissance Brand is Returning to Hawaii
There Will Be No Hyatt Unbound Coco Palms
The on-again-off-again efforts to resurrect the iconic Coco Palms hotel on Kauai seem to have finally come to an end. Recent development all but confirms that there will be no Hyatt Unbound Coco Palms and probably no hotel at this site ever again. … [Read more...] about There Will Be No Hyatt Unbound Coco Palms
Outrigger Moves Ahead with Kona Resort Purchase
Last year, I reported that the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay would be leaving Marriott. The reason for the departure was the acquisition of the property by Hawaii-based Outrigger Hotels & Resorts. And though it seemed like the sell was off, Outrigger moves ahead with the Kona resort purchase. … [Read more...] about Outrigger Moves Ahead with Kona Resort Purchase
Marriott CEO’s Remarks Shouldn’t Surprise Anyone
There's been a lot of talk about the comments made by Marriott's new CEO Anthony Capuano over the past week. But why I ask? In my opinion, Marriott CEO's remarks shouldn't surprise anyone. And that's not just because of our perception of the company today. … [Read more...] about Marriott CEO’s Remarks Shouldn’t Surprise Anyone
My American Express Hilton Aspire Saga
Late last year, I got an American Express Hilton Aspire card under what I thought was a good deal. As it turned out, though, the deal was an error, and one Amex wasn't going to honor. So, I downgraded the card, and that was that. But, a new turn of events means that my American Express Hilton Aspire saga isn't over yet. … [Read more...] about My American Express Hilton Aspire Saga