Shhhh, Don't Tell The Front Desk

Aloha Kakou:

Seems a hotel in Norway has technology sufficient to allow guest stays without human intervention. While I'm not proposing we take it this far at the Outrigger Maui Eldorado, could this be the wave of the future, at least at business hotels?

http://www.tnooz.com/2011/01/26/news/behold-the-human-free-fully-automated-hotel-stay/

Tourism Up, Still Behind Banner Years

Aloha Kakou:

While 2010's visitor arrivals and spending topped that of 2009, those metrics were so low in 2009 that it seemed we had nowhere to go but up. And 2010's increases over 2009 were not significant.

Please see the comments below from some of Hawaii's leaders as quoted in today's Star Advertiser:

"2010 finished ahead of the prior year and ahead of our expectations, but you have to take into account that it's being measured against 2009, when we fell into a very deep hole," said Barry Wallace, vice president of hospitality services for Outrigger Enterprises.

Profitability for the hotel sector is at least another three to five years out, said Jerry Gibson, Hilton Hawaii's area vice president. "We are coming off of 2010 with higher occupancies, but rates are still about a decade behind where they need to be," Gibson said.

Rising oil prices, which are at $90 a barrel, also could play havoc with visitor industry profitability, said Jack Richards, president and chief executive officer for Pleasant Holidays LLC, Hawaii's largest wholesaler.

"It's the wild card," Richards said. "If consumers have to pay more for long-haul travel, hotels, wholesalers and other travel sellers will have to work harder to drive demand."

http://www.staradvertiser.com/business/20110127_hawaii_experiences_a_refreshing_turnaround_for_tourism.html

Wholesale Ad

Aloha Kakou:

This ad, which mentions our wholesale specials, was emailed to all of our wholesale partners in December.

or

Kamaaina Ad

Aloha Kakou:

Here's a copy of an email blast mentioning Outrigger Maui Eldorado to the Kamaaina market that we did in December.

Or 1

Dirtiest Hotels

Aloha Kakou:

Once again, TripAdvisor's presents it's annual list of dirtiest hotels in America. Considering the comments regarding this year's winners, it must take a huge effort to make this list!

http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/tripadvisor/42942/

ASU Listing

Aloha Kakou:

Outrigger Maui Eldorado is listed in the ASU, which is a travel guide for airline employees.

http://search.asu.com/lodging/engine/geosearch-results.php?ll=20.928770,-156.691475&city=Kaanapali%2C+HI&hotelname=&hotels=1&condos=1&resortCondos=1&BandB=1&date=01/23/2011&nights=1&adults=2&rooms=1&p=c&s=1&r=10.00

Bedbugs Grow Resistant To Pesticides

Aloha Kakou:

Bedbugs are becoming resistant to pesticides, according to this Wall Street Journal article. Fortunately, we have our mattress encasements to help us spot any bugs before they become a problem. I probably shouldn't say this but we have not had an incident of this kind in recent memory.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703951704576092302399464190.html

Maui Eldorado on Twitter

Aloha Kakou:

Two recent Twitter tweets regarding the Outrigger Maui Eldorado:

https://twitter.com/#!/search/%22Maui%20Eldorado%22

Transactions Up, Prices Down

Aloha Kakou:

Last year saw 321 more Maui condominium sales transactions than in 2009. The average transaction price for a condo in 2010 was $648, 043, down 10% from '09, while the media transaction was only $258,000, down 16% from '09.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/544972/-Prices-are-not-back--for-Maui-properties.html?nav=10

2011 Guest Climate

Aloha Kakou:

I found this article to be of interest regarding the guest climate for 2011. Not all is relevant to us but still an interesting treatise.

http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2011_1st/Jan11_SpeedBumps.html

Now Playing...Outrigger Maui Eldorado G105

Aloha Kakou:

I hope that you are so pleased with the way that your unit looks that you are thrilled when it appears on the web. You never know when and where photos of your condo will appear on the Internet.

http://travel.webshots.com/album/579441877IgrttU

United Vacations

Aloha Kakou:

Here's how the Outrigger Maui Eldorado appears on United Vacations' website. United Vacations is one of the larger Hawaii wholesale companies.

http://www.unitedvacations.com/planning/hotel.do?hotelId=OGG_ME_ME

Your Travel Site Review Comments Can Help

Aloha Kakou:

Please note this thread from Fodor's Travel website forum. A poster is asking where to stay in Maui and one of the responses is Outrigger Maui Eldorado. While I would like to respond offering our website and 800 number, these sites frown on self-promotion. Please feel free to add our contact information since there already is a contact for one of our competitors.

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/mauai-in-may-2011-looking-for-your-advise.cfm

Their Truck Was Right There

Aloha Kakou:

Let's hope the plumbers who installed the new backflow diverter are better at plumbing than they are at spelling!