Several representatives of Starwood’s Hawaiian properties came by Travel Agent’s New York offices recently, and gave us some updates on what’s happening in the company’s 11 properties throughout the islands.
More than $250 million has been invested in the four Oahu properties, much of that going to the Sheraton Waikiki, which finished a major renovation last year. This year, it got a new club lounge with killer views over the beach. The team is also looking to renovate the Princess Kaiulani in 2013.
The Sheraton Kauai is currently undergoing a $15 million renovation to the port-cochere and lobby, and will be getting a Starbucks and two new restaurants. The landscape will also be refreshed, with the bulk of the renovation budget going to the space in between the hotel and the ocean. (We hear it will reopen as the “newest playground on Poipu Beach.”)
On Hawaii Island, the Sheraton Keauhou Bay is also getting a $15 million renewal that will refresh the rooms and meeting spaces. Most notably, the restaurants will be redesigned to take better advantage of the views.
Looking ahead, more development is planned for Maui, Kauai and Oahu, and that the growing trend of ownership units seems poised to expand. We also hear that across the islands, civil unions will be performed at Starwood’s Hawaiian properties as of January 1 when they become legal in the state, and that packages are in the works for LGBT wedding and honeymoon travel.
Visit www.starwoodhotels.com