Waikiki is busier than ever. But the bustle goes well beyond the
destination’s record-setting visitor counts. Outrigger Enterprises,
Inc. and Embassy Suites Hotels have announced a franchise agreement
that will incorporate the upscale Embassy Suites brand into
Outrigger’s Waikiki Beach Walk redevelopment of the Lewers Street
area. Outrigger plans to completely renovate its existing OHANA
Waikiki Tower and OHANA Waikiki Village hotels over the next two
years, reopening the pair as the Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach
Walk.
According to Perry Sorenson, Chief Operating Officer for
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, the association with Embassy Suites
helps Outrigger extend its management reach into new markets.
“This franchise agreement allows us to introduce Outrigger’s
renowned island hospitality to Embassy Suites customers,” Sorenson
explained. “At the same time, the hotels will continue to benefit
from Outrigger’s long-standing relationships with travel partners
around the world who associate Outrigger with Hawaii and the
Pacific.”
For the transformation, the two OHANA properties will close
during the second quarter of 2005. During the 18-month major
renovation, all 844 standard hotel rooms will be converted into 421
suites (17 two-bedroom suites, 352 one-bedroom suites and 52 hotel
rooms suites). Upon reopening, Embassy Suites will provide guests
such signature services as its complimentary full-American
breakfast and afternoon manager’s reception.
Embassy and Outrigger feel the suites will better serve the
needs of repeat visitors and families - a growing market for both
brands. “There are very few suite accommodations to serve the
Waikiki visitor today,” remarked Lee. “By bringing the Embassy
brand and our award-winning service to the heart of Outrigger’s
Waikiki Beach Walk project, along with great restaurants and
specialty retail shops, this area will become a highly sought-after
vacation destination for families and repeat visitors.”
Waikiki Beach Walk Redevelopment
According to David Carey, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts President
and CEO, the Embassy Suites addition is a major component of the
Waikiki Beach Walk project. After nearly a decade of planning,
construction on the $460 million upgrade to central Waikiki is set
to begin this spring.
“We have been planning this tremendous project for several
years,” commented Carey, “leading the way in redeveloping and
reinvigorating Waikiki in order to keep our visitor industry robust
and healthy. Our vision is to bring new life to the Waikiki Beach
Walk area through major property upgrades, and the development of a
dining and retail complex that will be a magnet for visitors and
local residents alike.”
