Affordable Luxury in Hawaii With Classic Resorts

Nov 29, 2010

Classic Resorts will continue to offer luxury combined with value this year at its Hawaiian rental properties. Classic Resorts, which has six resort properties on Hawaii’s Big Island and Maui with a range of options including oceanfront villas, condominiums and luxury townhouses, remains committed to offering clients the great value of a rental property along with the amenities of a hotel.

In 2011, Classic Resorts aims to stay competitive by renovating its flagship properties and offering even more luxurious amenities to guests. At the Kaanapali Alii, Classic Resorts has added new oceanfront swimming pools, a new athletic club with a fitness center and a new range of on-property spa treatments.

“I talk to guests every day so that we stay focused on what matters to them. Our Alii condo advantages of luxury, space and privacy are key but, equally important, are the beachfront location, our pools, the fitness center and spa treatments,” said Mark Altier, Kaanapali Alii general manager.

Classic Resorts is trying to help agents sell the Kaanapali Alii resort in particular this year.

“We’re especially focused on helping agents sell the Alii by talking about how we’re different from other luxury condos,” said Lynn Higashiguchi, director of sales and marketing. “The Alii is a well-established classic property built at a time when quality and workmanship were the focus. Also, the Alii has an upscale Hawaii-style ambience that newer properties don’t have. Our guests notice these details and come back again year after year. These are unique selling points.”

The Kaanapali Alii resort is also offering a free kids’ summer program. Classic Resorts also plans to renovate and add new features to its other properties, including its resort at Mauna Lani Point Villas where they recently renovated the pool pavilion and entertainment center. The new pavilion has a more upscale decor along with new barbecues and kitchen amenities.

In addition to carrying out renovations, Classic Resorts is looking to communicate more efficiently with clients this year. This will include updating its booking systems so that guests will be able to reserve a specific accommodation rather than a category as before. There will also be more advanced methods in place to manage and research customer satisfaction levels.

“Our CRM programs are becoming more sophisticated, enabling us to better identify and service the unique needs and preferences of our guests. This is already resulting in higher guest satisfaction,” Higashiguchi said.

There are also plans to establish more efficient communication channels with agents, including a monthly e-mail
newsletter on new deals available.

“We have a successful e-mail communication program for agents that updates them monthly on new ways they can make money by booking with Classic Resorts. Your readers can sign up for these very useful e-mails by going to our website, ClassicRewards.com,” Higashiguchi explained.

There will also be new promotions available to agents such as free nights and limited-time offers for lower rates on properties.

Classic Resorts hopes to help agents relate to their clients the savings that rental properties can offer to them.

“We suggest that agents emphasize the value that our luxury condos deliver compared to multiple hotel rooms,” said Higashiguchi. “Help them do the math, compare square footage, compare in-room amenities and think about how good it feels to have the privacy of a luxury condo. Also, the oceanfront locations of our properties meet the expectations of visitors to Hawaii.

“We are confident that Classic Resorts has what travelers are looking for right now, and that’s quality vacation rentals at great rates. We’ve specialized for decades in this niche,” she added. “Now, more than ever, smart travelers are looking beyond hotel rooms because they want more space, privacy and value. This is exactly what each of our properties delivers.”