When Marriott renovated the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, it incorporated as many eco-friendly features as possible. Today, the resort is a model of green initiatives, so much so that it has earned a spot on Travelocity’s IgoUgo.com’s list of “Ten Hotels Where Every Day is Earth Day.” What’s more, it’s the only Hawaii property to make that prestigious list.
The rooms at the Waikiki Beach Marriott
have been redone, but the “greenness” of the resort
also impresses guests
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“It is our responsibility as members of the hospitality industry and local community to help protect and preserve our environment, our home,” said Chris Tatum, Waikiki Beach Marriott general manager.
Finished in July, the $28 million project completely revamped the hotel’s oceanfront Kealohilani Tower’s 605 rooms. Each unit now provides guests with such amenities as a granite-top television console, desk, nightstands and bathroom vanity; a wood-framed headboard with built-in adjustable reading lights; and an ergonomic desk chair. Island-inspired artwork depicts nostalgic Honolulu, while an extra-wide lounge chair and ottoman create a relaxing seating area. In both the Kealohilani and Paoakalani towers, rooms now feature wireless high-speed Internet access; a 37-inch, flat-screen, high-definition television; and a remote jack pack for connecting digital technology — such as video cameras, laptops and iPods — to the television.
But it’s the Waikiki Beach Marriott’s new environmental touches that are particularly impressive. Workers retrofitted the accommodations with water-saving components. They tinted the windows to help reduce the heat load as well as the demand for increased air conditioning. They replaced old refrigerators with energy-efficient models. Every guestroom now comes with compact fluorescent light bulbs, sensors that turn off the air conditioning when the lanai door opens and low-flow toilets and showerheads.
Eco-friendly initiatives have found their way into the hotel’s public spaces as well. Restrooms have water-saving fixtures. Meeting rooms are equipped with energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning. Behind the scenes, recycling involves everything from batteries and bottles to all types of paper.
“Many of our guests inquire about our hotel’s green initiatives which factor into their decision to stay at our hotel,” said Tatum.
To implement the green scheme, Marriott retained Group 70 International, a Hawaii-based leader in worldwide sustainable development, and Creative Resources Associates, Inc., of Woodland Hills, Calif.
“Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa should be commended for embracing sustainability in every possible aspect of its renovation,” said Group 70 vice chairman Norman Hong. “The oceanfront tower is a model for seamlessly incorporating sustainability without compromising luxury.”
In all, the Waikiki Beach Marriott is made up of 1,310 guestrooms and suites with private lanais. Clients can dine at its Kuhio Beach Grill, known for Pacific Rim cuisine; Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar; d.k. Steak House; Arancino di Mare, an Italian restaurant; a contemporary sushi bar called Restaurant Run; Seattle’s Best Coffee; and the Moana Terrace, which offers live Hawaiian entertainment nightly. Other hotel offerings include Paul Brown’s Spa Olakino Salon; Faith Riding Company Surf School; two freshwater, heated swimming pools; a 10-person whirlpool; a 24-hour fitness facility; a business center; resortwide wireless Internet access; shops and boutiques; and Hawaiian cultural activities.
The Details
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
800-367-5370
www.marriottwaikiki.com
Through Jan. 1, nightly rack rates range from $425-$645 for rooms and $1,500-$2,300 for suites.
Current value-added deals include the Escape! Spa Waikiki Vacation package from $379 per night, which comes with a daily spa treatment. The Surfing Package from $299 per night includes a 2½-hour group lesson right across the street at Waikiki Beach. Package rates are good through Dec. 25.
Events and activities at the Marriott Waikiki
The Waikiki Beach Marriott
offers a range of events for guests
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Each week throughout the year, the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa presents events and activities designed to give clients a taste of the Hawaiian culture.
During September, for instance, guests can take part in Hawaiian arts and crafts with a local expert, including ribbon, crochet and haku (head) lei making. There’s a minimal charge to take part, and handmade crafts are also available for purchase. Participants gather on Mondays and Fridays from 9-11 a.m.
Tuesday mornings in September bring a different type of lei-making — with deco-clay — during demonstrations by a skilled instructor from the Deco Clay Craft Academy. From 9-11 a.m., clients can learn how to fashion a faux plumeria, rose or gardenia garland for $5 per person.
The weaving of lauhala (leaves of the hala tree) is an ancient island art, and clients can try it firsthand during 9-11 a.m. sessions on Wednesdays throughout September. Stunning handmade lauhala items are also available for purchase.
Thursday’s the day for Hawaiian quilting classes with master quilter Aunty Carol Kamaile. During September, her workshops run from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Each Friday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., talented island artisans share and sell their wares during the colorful Aloha Friday Fair. It provides clients with a great opportunity to chat with residents and fellow visitors alike.
All of these sessions take place in the lobby of the hotel’s Paoakalani Tower. For the most accurate monthly schedule information, clients should check the hotel’s web site.
Come evening, the Waikiki Beach Marriott’s Moana Terrace is a great place to hear live Hawaiian music. Every night from 6:30-9:30 p.m., clients congregate over cocktails and pupus (appetizers) and listen to songs by such beloved island performers as Mike Keale, Mel Amina, the Keawe Ohana, Mark Caldeira, George Kuo, Martin Pahinui and Aaron Mahi.
www.marriottwaikiki.com
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Waikiki Beach Marriott