The Royal Hawaiian

A legendary escape on the fabled shores of Waikiki, The Royal Hawaiian, or, as it’s perhaps better known, the Pink Palace of the Pacific, has long been a playground for celebrities, royalty and dignitaries from around the globe. Reigning over ten acres of stunning beachfront property, the landmark hotel promises a magical setting for corporate retreats.

The hotel’s 65,625 square feet of event space, set just steps from the shimmering Pacific, features several unique venues. Among the most popular, the Monarch Room lends a regal feel to meetings with its elegant appointments and service-minded staff. The adjacent Ocean Lawn and Terrace offers a dreamy setting for a seaside cocktail reception or traditional Hawaiian luau. The hotel’s expert planners can assist with any event essentials, from arranging theme dinners to orchestrating island tours and group activities.

Recreational options abound on-site and off. Guests can sign up for a range of water sports, jog the surrounding nature trails, play a round of championship golf, or relax at the hotel’s Abhasa Spa. The property’s 528 rooms and suites provide further reason to stay on property. Luxurious accommodations in the Historic Building feature 16-foot ceilings, bold and indulgent design, Luxury Collection bedding, and flat-screen TV s, iPod docking stations, and luxurious bath amenities.

Guests may cap the evening with tropical drinks at the famous Mai Tai Bar or an oceanside dinner at the world-class Azure, where Chef de Cuisine Jon Matsubara’s menu features only the finest and freshest fruits de mer. There are no packages available at this time. There are no hot dates at this time. Posted Dec 14, 2009 by Elite News Team
Subscribe - RSS Feed By Robbie Dingeman, The Honolulu AdvertiserMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News

Dec. 14, 2009--A development program at Starwood's four Waikiki hotels taps talent already working within the resort company by exposing a group of employees for six months to a variety of new tasks and jobs.

The latest class graduated 15 people this month with diverse jobs, skills and life experience. While the number is small, the concept represents one facet of dealing with Hawai'i's "brain drain" problem -- bright local residents leaving the state to get core experience someplace else.

And employers sometimes struggle to attract residents to a career better known for entry-level service jobs than life paths.

The Associate Development Program works to develop and match skills to people already on the payroll -- nurturing managers who are knowledgeable and rooted in the community. Finding, training and keeping employees remains a challenge for the state's No. 1 industry, which employs more than 95,000 people in hotels and food service statewide, according to government analysts.

Employment coordinator Reyna Santiago won from the managers and mentors the award for "most living the brand."
Santiago is part of a team of three who helps people who are applying for jobs at Starwood. She enjoys meeting a lot of people and helping to figure out "where they would fit" within a hotel.

Santiago, 30, was born and raised in Kalihi Valley, and had worked in a variety of jobs before starting with Starwood two years ago.

She had taught hula and crafts aboard the M.S. Patriot cruise ship until the company went bankrupt in 2001, then checked out different career paths.

"I worked at a preschool, in retail, my job just prior to this was in a law firm before joining the hotel," she said.

"That's when I realized that this is the industry where I needed to be," she said.

After learning different aspects of various resort jobs, she sees a future as a manager in human resources.
The Royal Hawaiian hotel general manager Kelly Hoen, a Kailua native who became the historic resort's first female GM, worked her way up from within the industry.

Her first hotel job was checking in guests at the front desk at the Ilikai Hotel. She's a believer in learning and promoting from within your community to create strong leaders.

"People who were raised here, or have a lot of exposure to what's right and what's pono and how we need to work within our host culture," she said.

"To me, it's a really great way to not have to send people away," Hoen said.

Executive assistant Noelani Harris won two awards. From the managers and mentors, she was selected as "most driven."

And the 14 other graduates surprised her by voting her "most likely to be my future boss."

After 15 years with Starwood, Harris felt she was ready to learn some other skills that took her throughout the four Waikiki resorts and beyond the executive offices of the Princess Kaiulani Hotel, where she works alongside the general manager.

Starwood also is the management company for The Royal Hawaiian hotel; the Sheraton Waikiki; and the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort.

Harris, 42, went from focusing on the big pictures to learning a lot of the details. She especially enjoyed the part of the training that took them to each area to analyze, find flaws and recommend how to make things more efficient.
"I got to see how everything comes together," she said.

Harris entered the hotel business after her corporate communications job with for BHP Petroleum was eliminated after the Gulf War, 15 years ago.

Christine Hawkins, Starwood Hawai'i's director of employment, said the program provide hands-on learning opportunities to promote the growth and development of the business "with the talented people already working there."

Of 75 graduates over the past five years, Hawkins said, 20 are in management here, while some have moved to other states or companies.

Gentry Goslin, 20, was a working a student job at Honolulu Community College when the hotel job postings came in and she decided to apply herself.

Originally from Kahului, Maui, Goslin got a job as a valet runner at the Moana Surfrider about 18 months ago. She took off a semester from her college studies to focus on the development program.

She'll return to school at Kapi'olani Community College in January, now focusing on more skills that can help her at work.
She's not yet sure of her exact career path but "I know I want to stay within the hotel industry."

Hawkins said she's expecting the program to expand to 25 people in the next session, which begins March 1st with an application deadline of Feb. 1.
"We have an amazing pool of talent," she said.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com Posted May 4, 2009 by Elite News Team
Subscribe - RSS Feed Introduction: Hotels
Consider it a silver lining: Hot hotels continue to open in record numbers despite the recent economic overcast, and many are more affordable than ever. Of the thousands that made their debut in the last year, we checked into the most promising"incognito. The properties that passed our scrutiny make up the largest Hot List yet.

The Royal Hawaiian-
This 529-room landmark spent the past couple of decades chugging along on the fumes of nostalgia. When the iconic property opened in 1927, it became a retreat for film stars, presidents, and the early jet-set. Now, after a much-needed $50 million restoration, the so-called Pink Palace has reclaimed its past glory. Although not every problem can be resolved"it's still incongruously wedged between a sprawling Sheraton resort and the depressing Royal Hawaiian shopping pavilion"the facade has been refinished, and the impeccable interiors are an inspired blend of textiles, artwork, and woodwork that pay tribute to the hotel's heritage while remaining fresh and contemporary. Indeed, the renovation's greatest triumph may be its restraint; while the rooms (and particularly the bathrooms) may be small, they're also boldly outfitted with Art Deco-inspired metallic wallpapers and color-blocked curtains.
When to go: Year-round, but late spring and early summer bring big waves and sunny skies.
Which room to book: Be sure you're in the historic wing, in a Beachview room. Posted May 4, 2009 by Elite News Team
Subscribe - RSS Feed Re-designed by Renowned Architect Robert Iopa and Award Winning Interior Design Firm Philpotts and Associates, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, features Waikikis Only Oceanfront Luau, Four Beachfront Restaurants and More Than 66,000 Square Feet of Outdoor Event Space with Breathtaking Ocean Views

New York, NY (February 2, 2009) " Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the debut of The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki, to The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the worlds finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries. Owned by Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP and recently renovated by hospitality designers WCIT Architecture in collaboration with interior design firm Philpotts and Associates, the 592-room resort features 35 suites including 18 oceanfront and six two-story exclusive suites, more than 66,000 square feet of beachfront space and world class signature restaurants and lounges, including the world famous Mai Tai bar and Waikikis only beachfront luau.

The Luxury Collection is a portal to the worlds most exciting and desirable destinations, offering guests unique, authentic and enriching experiences at spectacular destinations around the world, said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. Celebrated for its rich heritage, stunning design and spectacular location, The Royal Hawaiian adds another jewel to The Luxury Collection brands glittering portfolio.

"This is a very historic moment for The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki" said Ernest Nishizaki, executive vice president and chief operations officer for Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP, owners of the resort. "The Royal Hawaiian closed only once before - in 1945 after WWII ended. The legendary Pink Palace of the Pacific is a treasured part of our islands both ancient and modern heritage. We look forward to a new generation of guests falling in love with The Royal Hawaiian and Waikk.

The redesigned accommodations at The Royal Hawaiian combine rich imported fabrics with indigenous materials and cultural artifacts to reflect the hotels rich heritage. Guests are welcomed into the resort with a traditional Hawaiian lei, chilled oshibori towel and fresh Hawaiian fruit cocktails along with other indigenous complementary refreshments. The resort lobby has been enlivened by newly appointed Koa wood desks, classic Hawaiian artwork by Eugene Savage and brilliant tropical botanicals. Boasting breathtaking panoramic ocean or Diamond Head views, guest rooms and suites are adorned with exquisite traditional Hawaiian furnishings and design elements and woven wicker with bamboo and rattan accents crafted by master artisans, creating a soothing yet luxurious setting for discerning global travelers.

Dining at The Royal Hawaiian indulges the senses with a diverse menu of authentic and exceptional culinary options. The newly opened Azure Restaurant, an oceanfront, dinner-only space illuminated by candlelight and mother-of-pearl mosaics offers fresh fruits de mer, from ahi to onaga, including locally caught fish selected each morning at the famed Hawaii Fish Auction. Evoking memories of Hollywoods timeless glamour, the Royal Hawaiians world-famous Mai Tai Bar has been completely restored to evoke memories of the innumerous iconic celebrities, jetsetters, and diplomats who have enjoyed the bars magnificent views of the ocean and Diamond Head.

For guests seeking an exclusive and romantic wedding destination, The Royal Hawaiian offers an exceptional wedding venue, unparalleled in setting and service. Guests can choose from a variety of ballrooms and suites totaling 12,000 square feet or more than 66,000 square feet of stunning outdoor event space set against the majestic Waikiki Beach backdrop. The landmark Monarch Room offers an unforgettable wedding experience complete with an elevated stage for live entertainment, and breathtaking views of Diamond Head.

Offering unique and exceptional experiences, guests of The Royal Hawaiian enjoy private access to the resorts private club, The Royal Beach Club. Staffed by the Royal Hawaiians signature Royal Ambassadors, the exclusive oasis features six, private beachfront cabanas complete with WiFi, refrigerators, individual sound systems and impeccable decor. Developed in the early 20th Century, The Royal Hawaiian opened its doors as a luxury resort in 1927 and has played host to presidents, heads of states, aristocrats and celebrities.

The resorts spectacular location, stunning ocean views, and unique design, together with the exceptional signature of The Luxury Collection services and discrete modern technology make The Royal Hawaiian a favorite destination in Waikiki for sophisticated global explorers. Drawing inspiration from the Pacifics azure waters and Waikikis lush tropical landscape, the redesign merges the hotels distinctive Spanish Moorish design and signature coral pink palate with modern Hawaiian and Asian influences to create a contemporary luxury island paradise.

The award-winning hotels and resorts that make up The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts are some of the worlds most iconic properties, including The Grande Bretagne, Athens; Hotel Marqus de Riscal, Elciego; Mystique, Santorni; Hotel Danieli, Venice; The U.S. Grant, San Diego, The Palace Hotel, San Francisco and The Phoenician, Scottsdale.

For more information on The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, www.luxurycollection.com

About The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection is a selection of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the worlds most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destinations indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent dcor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Today, The Luxury Collection is a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the worlds finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning hotels that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class in some of the most desired destinations in the world. Most recently, Mystique, a Luxury Collection Resort, was honored with the 2008 Travel + Leisure Design Award for Best Small Resort in the world. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the worlds finest. For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 930 properties in approximately 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Mridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com. Posted May 4, 2009 by Elite News Team
Subscribe - RSS Feed The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Celebrates Helumoa with an Enchanting Feast and Festivities

WAIKIKI BEACH, OAHU, HI- Waikikis storied history includes tales of island royalty, decadent feasts, and inspiring settings. Beginning May 4, 2009, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, pays homage to the legendary playground of Hawaiian royalty"Helumoa"the land where the resort is now located, with a modern interpretation of the traditional feast. Waikikis only oceanfront dinner and show is a culinary and sensory celebration, commemorating Hawaiian culture and transforming the traditional island experience in grand Royal Hawaiian style.

Before luaus there were aha aina"a feast of food, mele (song) and hula, says General Manager Kelly Hoen. In ancient times the Hawaiian people came together to celebrate momentous occasions, these gatherings were called aha aina (which translates to gathering for a meal). The Royal Hawaiian is located on sacred grounds and we have created a modern, yet timeless aha aina to honor the lands majestic history through food, song, stories, hula, and culture"a true celebration of The Royal and its heritage.

Held every Monday night at The Royal Hawaiian, the aha aina is composed of three spectacular acts. Beginning with time-honored activities such as Kapa Making (cloth made of pounded bark); Poi Pounding, and Na Lawaia (tending various Hawaiian fishing tools), the evening captures the spirit of traditional Hawaii. The night continues with the sound of a pu (conch) calling guests to feast, where a storyteller shares the significance of lei giving, the ocean, and taro while guests dine on exquisite pupu. After dinner, the Helumoa story unfolds"a dramatic performance, including hula and song, commemorates ancient islanders rich history and culture through the timeline of the historic Royal Hawaiian to the contemporary style of Hawaiian music and dance.

The Royal Hawaiians new aha aina is an epicurean journey through time beginning May 4, 2009 and continuing every Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The aha aina celebration is $175 plus tax per person (inclusive of gratuity); children ages 5-12 years old are $75.00 plus tax; children under 5 years of age are free. (Special price available for guests of the Royal Hawaiian) For more information or to make a reservation please contact the Dining Desk at 808.921.4600 or visit www.luxurycollection.com/royalhawaiian.
About The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki
The famed Pink Palace of the Pacific has set the standard for luxurious and glamorous travel for more than 80 years. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, the hotel that mesmerized Hawaiis early travelers, re-opened its doors as Waikikis most fashionable destination on January 20, 2009. Emerging from a multimillion-dollar re-imagination with a radiant new face and an entirely new attitude, The Royal Hawaiian offers discerning travelers a redefined luxury experience filled with rich tradition, customized services, exclusive settings and amenities, as well as the brand new Azure restaurant and rejuvenating Abhasa Spa. Set on 14 beachfront acres, with 529 guest rooms, including 35 suites, The Royal Hawaiian will capture the imagination with its opulent architecture and majestic and storied history amid Diamond Heads picturesque setting. The Royal Hawaiian has again redefined luxury.

About The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection is a selection of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the worlds most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destinations indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent dcor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Today, The Luxury Collection is a glittering ensemble of more than 70 of the worlds finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning hotels that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class in some of the most desired destinations in the world. Most recently, Mystique, a Luxury Collection Resort, was honored with the 2008 Travel + Leisure Design Award for Best Small Resort in the world. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the worlds finest. For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 930 properties in approximately 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Mridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP owns the two Sheraton Hotels in Waikiki, The Royal Hawaiian and the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort as well as the Sheraton Maui in Kaanapali, Maui. Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP is one of Hawaiis largest employers, with nearly 3,000 hotel associates in its workforce. The hotels are a part of the 12-hotel group of Starwood-managed properties in Hawaii.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT WAGSTAFF WORLDWIDE AT 323.871.1151 Posted Dec 15, 2008 by Elite News Team
Subscribe - RSS Feed President-elect Obamas Hometown Celebrates with
Official Aloha Inaugural Ball to benefit the Hawaii Democratic Party

WAIKK BEACH, HAWAII (December 4, 2008) " The iconic Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort will reclaim its place in modern history again when it emerges from a multi-million dollar renovation on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, the same day Hawaii-born President-elect Barack Obama is sworn in to office.

Missed out on tickets to the Inaugural Ball in our nations capital? Celebrate this historic occasion in President-elect Barack Obamas hometown of Honolulu under balmy skies along the famed Waikiki beachfront. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel has partnered with the Hawaii Democratic Party to offer a special Presidential Package just for the occasion with VIP tickets to the Official Aloha Inaugural Ball to benefit the Party.

The Presidential Package, priced at $1,800++ per couple, includes four (4) nights in a Garden View guest room, a bottle of pink Champagne, and two (2) tickets to the Official Aloha Inaugural Ball in the Monarch Room on the evening of January 20, 2009. An upgrade to a Royal Ocean Junior Suite is priced at a total of $2,760++ per couple. For reservations, call (866) 716-8109 please ask for rate code Change09.

Renowned as a destination for international royalty, Hollywood elite and a retreat for presidents and heads of state, the Pink Palace of the Pacific promises to usher in a new era of exquisite discovery embodying the allure of Hawaiis spirit and timeless beauty.

The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is located on the legendary site once known as Helumoa to Native Hawaiians. The rosy-hued hotel opened in 1927 and offers a serene seaside oasis on Waikiki Beach. The Royal Hawaiian features 529 exquisitely appointed rooms, magnificent Moorish architecture, meandering garden areas and is home to the world-famous Mai Tai Bar and elegant Monarch Room banquet space, considered by many musicians as the Carnegie Hall of the Pacific.