Completed Cabana Pix

Aloha Kakou:

Here are some photos of the completed kitchen area of the cabana. The cabinets were replaced, new solid-surface countertops installed, new flooring laid and new appliances purchased.

In addition, the entire building was painted and eaves with recessed lighting were installed.

A Bldg Parking Lot Improvements

Aloha Kakou:

The slab was poured this week for the new rubbish bin enclosure in the A building parking area. The cement block will be used to create a six foot high wall around the edge of the slab. The block will then be covered with stucco. The storm drain near the stairs has also been relocated.

Yahoo! Travel Mentions Outrigger Maui Eldorado

Aloha Kakou:

The Budget Travel article about the 10 best budget resorts in the US, has been picked up by Yahoo! Travel and is on the web under their "Travel Guides" section.

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-31283904

A Dollar & A Half For An Antique Postcard

Aloha Kakou:

Just in case you missed the opportunity to bid on this old postcard of the A building swimming pool on UK's ebay, I'm letting you know!

http://bit.ly/8prH3y

Outrigger Maui Eldorado Partners With Choice Hotels

Aloha Kakou:

The Outrigger Maui Eldorado, along with other Outrigger Condominium Collection properties, is now in partnership with Choice Hotels under Choices "Ascend" hotel group.

This strategic alliance may mean more revenue for us as guests who regularly stay at any of Choice Hotel's eleven distinct hotel brands now have an option in Hawaii, an option they've not had before.

http://www.hotelsmag.com/article/439459-Choice_Hotels_Adds_33_Properties_In_November.php

Here's more information on Choice's Ascend Collection:

http://www.ascendcollection.com/?sid=An$ai.QArshgqyxg.12

Today's Painting Update

Aloha Kakou:

Painting continues on the "point" of J building with both the first and second floors under way. Of course, the masking is ongoing, with the painting directly behind it, but progress can be seen.

Outrigger Maui Eldorado in Frommer's Budget Travel

Aloha Kakou:

Please note this mention of the Outrigger Maui Eldorado in Frommer's Budget Travels website from November 10, 2009.

http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2009/11/10/AR2009111009029.html

J Masking Continues

Aloha Kakou:

Painters continue to mask the end of J building, now working on the second floor railings since the floors have been completely masked on the first level.

Beginning J Building

Aloha Kakou:

The painters got underway with masking on J building today as they began by masking the hallway and lanai floors. Some of the prep work on the stairway railings and the spalling was begun last week. This week, the plan is to paint up to 109/209.

H Is Done

Aloha Kakou:

The painters finished the bulk of H building today. All that is left to do is the small touch-up and detail work.

AOAO Maintenance worked on sealing the futurastone in G building as you can see by their yellow tape and sticks!

H Building Continued

Aloha Kakou:

With almost all of the masking removed, handrails and trim were on the painters' agendas today as they worked to finish up H building. They also worked on the eave fascia. It looks as though they'll be done on time, with plans to powerwash the first phase of J building on Wednesday.

Done For The Week

Aloha Kakou:

The painters have unmasked a good deal of H building, meaning that most of the spray painting is finished on both floors. They still have to paint the eave fascia and the dark brown doors and handrails, which they will do next week. The plan is to be finished in H by Wednesday and then on to the first phase of J the following Monday.

Update On H

Aloha Kakou:

Even though the H building is scheduled to be out of service until next Wednesday, the painters look as though they've done quite a bit of the first floor's light brown body color and medium brown on the columns.

H Building Underway

Aloha Kakou:

With the masking completed, the painters today worked on spraying the first floor body color. They've completed the hallway area and the south side of the building.

H Building's Coming Along

Aloha Kakou:

The painters worked at finishing up the floor and lanai railing masking today. Additionally, they are prepping the eaves for painting.

And The Reason You Don't Have A Flat Screen Is...?

Aloha Kakou:

One of my favorite comments recently came from a guest who gave low marks to their unit because there wasn't a single flat screen TV in the place!

Never mind paint, upholstery and carpet; their idea of a modern unit hinged completely on the vintage and type of television!

Have I ever mentioned that guests expect their vacation rental experience to be equal to or better than their home?

Just some food for thought...

http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/13/news/economy/retail_holidayshopping_pricewars_television/index.htm

Free Wireless Internet

Aloha Kakou:

Comments like these have been around for a long time now.

Given the general trend in hotel amenities, guests are coming to expect free wi-fi service at their hotels.

Yes, I know, we offer free wired internet service.

Hasn't the time come, however, for us to consider upgrading our infrastructure to provide some kind of wireless internet service in order to be competitive?

http://www.consumertraveler.com/today/is-it-time-for-a-free-the-wi-fi-campaign-for-hotels/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tripso+%28Consumertraveler.com%29

Aloha Kakou:

While most higher-end Maui properties are appealing to lower-end travellers strictly with rate, the article linked below discusses other ways that luxury properties are attempting to muscle in on business normally associated with lower ranked hotels.

As I have mentioned in the past, this strategy is somewhat of a concern for us at the Outrigger Maui Eldorado as hotels and oceanfront properties reduce their rates into our usual territory. That means that we either need to lower our rates (which we've done), offer some kind of competitive deal (like we're doing with the golf and spa deals and the restaurant discounts), or improve the property and units so the Outrigger Maui Eldorado is seen as a good value as compared to our now new luxury competitors.

http://www.thestreet.com/story/10625691/1/high-end-hotels-lure-huddled-masses.html

Wednesday's Work

Aloha Kakou:

The painters got a head start on H building today. They worked on sanding and prepping the hand railings prior to painting. They also started on repair of the minor spalling, this time prior to painting.

Painting & Walkway Progress

Aloha Kakou:

Following their rush to finish G building last week, the painters now find themselves working on small projects around the property prior to starting on the H building. There are numerous small spalling projects as well as some touch up areas that are keeping them busy this week. AOAO maintenance personnel are continuing their piecemeal work on the Futurastone walkway sealing. You never know where they'll be working but they are easily tracked by the smell of the sealer - whew! Thank goodness it dries quickly!