As clients look for ways to upgrade their travel experiences, Hawaii hotels are answering that need with new or revamped club lounges providing food, drinks and concierge service.
Designed to feel like a hotel-within-a-hotel, these private enclaves make guests feel like VIPs. They’re particularly appealing to clients on special occasion trips. While it costs more to gain access to a club lounge, an upgrade isn’t necessarily prohibitive considering the value guests get in return.
Here’s a look at five appealing hotel club lounges around the islands.
Beach Club, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa. Oahu
This breezy hideaway adds a beach vibe to Waikiki’s most historic hotel. A high-end continental breakfast is followed by snacks and juices throughout the day. Come evening, guests sip gratis beer and wine while munching on pupus such as crispy calamari and sweet-and-sour ribs.
Access is free for clients in suites or Banyan Ocean rooms as well as for Platinum members of Starwood’s loyalty program. Gold members pay $60 per night extra. Non-members gain access for $100 per night.
www.moana-surfrider.com
Fairmont Gold Lounge, Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii Island
One of many perks for Fairmont Gold-level guests, this sixth-floor lounge has views of waterfalls, gardens and the ocean. Clients might start the day with eggs benedict and macadamia nut waffles. Afternoon tea is followed by early evening canapes such as lobster mac and cheese and Wagyu beef sliders. Alcoholic drinks cost extra.
There’s a $200 per night difference between a garden view and a Gold-level room.
www.fairmont.com
Grand Club, Grand Hyatt Kauai
Newly redecorated, the Grand Club provides ocean views from a garden courtyard setting. While relaxing on a cozy sofa, on outdoor patio seating or in a private nook, clients can enjoy morning fare such as Hamakua mushroom frittatas and home-baked pastries. Midday snacks include brownies, yogurt, fresh fruit and granola. The evening spread might feature hummus, cheeses, and kale-and-mozzarella ravioli.
The nightly cost for Grand Club privileges is $125, excluding alcoholic beverages.
www.kauai.hyatt.com
Leahi Club Lounge, Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, Oahu
From the 30th floor, guests get an eyeful of Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor through floor-to-ceiling windows. Each morning they can munch on pastries, cereals, eggs and fruits. Evening pupus include hot items, crudites, cheeses and desserts.
Access is available to guests staying on upper floors and in suites as well as Starwood Platinum members. Gold members pay $50 per day, Preferred guests pay $75 and non-members are welcome for $100.
www.sheraton-waikiki.com
The Club Level, Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui
Here, guests relax in a sophisticated living room or on private outdoor lanais. In the morning, there are espresso drinks, eggs and mango sausage. Lunch sandwiches and salads are followed by evening pupus such as cucumber basil ginger shooters. Decadent desserts are available each evening, with free alcoholic beverages throughout.
Club Level rooms cost approximately $300 per night more than regular rooms, but discriminating clients can’t go wrong in this stellar Hawaii hotel club lounge.
www.ritzcarlton.com
