The Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii, has completed an extensive renovation of its 525-room property, repositioning itself as an elegant and contemporary Hawaiian hotel located on the sands of world-famous Waikiki Beach.
The $20 million project, begun in September 2002, represents a complete makeover of Outrigger Hotels & Resorts' flagship Waikiki hotel, encompassing 495 guest rooms, 30 oceanfront suites, 18,000-square-foot lobby and all public corridors. The new "roof to sand" enhancements cover everything from the top-floor guest rooms to the beach-level lobby, and include:
- Guest rooms: Complete refurbishment of all guest rooms and suites, public corridors and meeting rooms, including new carpeting, wall covers, fabrics, fixtures, furnishings, and artwork. Drawing upon classic Hawaiian themes, the property's new interior décor intertwines richly hued hardwoods, deep green taro-leaf patterns, original works by Hawaii artists, historical photos and hand-crafted furniture inspired by historical Hawaiian designs. Photo
- New restaurant: Hula Grill Waikiki, located oceanfront on the upper lobby level with superb views of Waikiki Beach, combines nostalgic Hawaiian décor with a bountiful Island-style menu to create an elegant "beachfront bistro" dining experience. Photo
- Oversized "oceanview" bathtubs: 15 oceanfront guest rooms were remodeled with oversized whirlpool tubs, ideal for couples and those who like to indulge in leisurely soaks with unobstructed ocean views. Photo
- New sit-down check-in desk: Designed specifically to cater to arriving, travel-weary guests.
- New lobby artifact exhibit: Showcases rare and historic Hawaiian artifacts, a century-old koa canoe, Polynesian voyaging chart and wall murals - all part of the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach's ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing Hawaiian culture. Photo
- New 700-square-foot executive boardroom: Fully wired for Internet connectivity and state-of-the-art audio-visual presentations.
- New 600-square-foot self-service business center: Fully equipped with computers, printers, copy machines and Internet access, and available to guests 24 hours a day.
Non-Physical Enhancements
As part of the renovation, Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach has also made a number of non-physical enhancements designed to elevate the guests' experience. These include:
- The "Kalakaua Experience": This is an exceptional series of cultural educational programs for guests that range from Hawaiian healing herbs to lauhala weaving and nose flute making.
- Extensive employee training: Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach consistently receives the highest marks from guests for its excellent customer service.
- "Aloha Ambassadors": Guests are now greeted in the lobby by employees whose sole responsibility is to assist guests. Aloha Ambassadors are frequently seen roaming the hotel's public areas.
- Historical décor: Virtually all aspects of the hotel's interior décor serve as tributes to the historical and cultural roots of Waikiki and the special location on which the hotel is located. The property's overall color scheme - of rich brown tropical hardwoods and dark green taro leaves - are akin to the colors of nearby Manoa Valley, the water source that had once irrigated taro fields grown on the land on which the hotel currently resides. To this day, Apuakehau Stream continues to flow beneath the hotel and into the waters of Waikiki.
The renovation has repositioned the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach as an ideal choice for upscale travelers seeking high-quality accommodations with a strong level of service, broad array of amenities and excellent location.
The Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach is Outrigger Hotels & Resorts' flagship Waikiki hotels. Situated on Waikiki Beach, the property has 525 guest rooms and oceanfront suites, and is home to the landmark Duke's Canoe Club restaurant and the renowned cabaret performers, the Society of Seven. The hotel has received numerous accolades for its extensive commitment to preserving and sharing Hawaiian culture through educational and entertaining guest activities, and is located at the heart of Waikiki's thriving shopping, dining and entertainment scene.
Rates
Retail rates start at $290 for a city view standard room and range up to $700 for a deluxe oceanfront one-bedroom suite. Lower rates are sometimes available during non-peak periods. Guests who stay five nights or more receive a complimentary "Catch a Wave" voucher, good for a free surfboard rental and lesson, catamaran sail for one, or an outrigger canoe ride for two. Restrictions apply.
Reservations
For reservations or information, call toll free 800-OUTRIGGER (1-800-688-7444) within the United States, Guam and Canada. Outrigger's toll-free number is available internationally via AT&T's Direct 800 Service. Elsewhere call 303-369-7777. Or, visit www.outrigger.com or e-mail reservations@outrigger.com.
