Mainland Hotel Renovation - Fresh and Relevant

Aloha Kakou:

The above article is from Travel Weekly's 2009 Ultimate Hotel Guide. Click on each image to expand to a larger size.

The salient points of the article are:
1. Many mainland hotel chains have spent billions of dollars to modernize their product.
2. Thus, the US lodging industry is in the best condition that it has ever been in.
3. New and better bedding, flat screen TVs and modern bathrooms are some of the key areas that have been improved.
4. Updated lobbies are also par for the course.

The most important quote from the article is "Consumers expect that hotel public areas and rooms are going to be modern, fresh and indicative of the client's lifestyle."

What does this have to do with the Outrigger Maui Eldorado? Plenty. When our guests stay at mainland hotels that have been completely refreshed, they are going to expect the same of us. Our competitive set has spent millions on their rooms and public areas. How do we compare? Are our rooms modern? Do they meet the lifestyle (both in terms of function and decor) of our guests? Does our driveway and lobby present an impression of an up-to-date, first class property?

Due to the island's low occupancies, there are many more opportunities now than in the past for guests to vote with their feet regarding their accommodations. Let's not give them those opportunities.