As the Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk readies for its Nov. 16 opening, one can’t help but wonder: Why open a new luxury hotel during these tough economic times?
The answer, according to the hotel’s managing director Scott Ingwers, lies in the Trump name.
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The Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk opens this month. // © 2009 Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk
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“There is definitely a brand assurance when you mention Trump, which represents luxury and the ultimate in personalized service,” Ingwers added. “Most affluent travelers are confident in our name and the type of hotel that we are opening.”
The Trump Hotel Collection
selected Waikiki for its first Hawaii property because it’s “an established urban setting that hasn’t had a new luxury product for more than 24 years,” according to Ingwers.
“We will likely attract guests who haven’t been to Waikiki before,” he said. “At the same time, we will be welcoming back visitors who have been vacationing elsewhere and who want to once again experience Waikiki, given its recent revitalization.”
Housed in a modern 38-story tower, Trump Waikiki seeks to blend a sophisticated international ambience with a Hawaiian cultural atmosphere. In the lobby, for instance, polished Egyptian marble and onyx intermingle with local island artwork. Its 462 guestrooms and suites feature granite and marble alongside Hawaiian koa wood furnishings. The decor of the hotel’s signature restaurant — BLT Steak, which opens in December — incorporates the chain’s standard banquette leather seats and ebony tables, then extends them outdoors into the tropical landscape of Waikiki.
Trump Waikiki’s guest services look to include a sense of place as well. Its “cultural embrace” program promises to share the uniqueness of the Hawaiian experience with its guests, and the hotel can customize island adventures unlike the typical tourist fare.
In describing his hotel’s clientele, Ingwers began by defining a quality hotel.
“Quality translates into more space for accommodations,” he said. “It means that the entire family can stay in the same residence. The guests who will gravitate toward Trump Waikiki are people seeking a property with this type of quality.”
Trump Waikiki’s spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom suites certainly meet those standards. The larger suites, available with or without dens, can connect to adjoining units for families and parties traveling together. To accommodate younger guests, rooms are outfitted with pint-sized robes and slippers, as well as age-appropriate books and games. To further cater to the family market, a program called Trump Kids addresses the needs of younger guests with Hawaii-specific pastimes.
“I believe the destination is ready for a new project, and our hotel will stimulate success throughout Waikiki,” said Ingwers. “Furthermore, a new attraction in a destination entices visitors to do more, and it provides an even better experience for travelers.”
The Details
Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk
877-683-7401
www.trumpwaikikihotel.com
Introductory Rates: Through Dec. 21, rooms are available for $255 per night.
Rack Rates: From $425 per night
Commission: 10 percent
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