HONOLULU -- The
Halekulani Corp. will spend millions of dollars on a top-to-bottom
renovation of the Waikiki Parc, transforming it into an upscale
boutique hotel that appeals to travelers under the age of 40.
The Waikiki Parc, a
297-room hotel across the street from the Halekulani, is popular
with Japanese tourists, who account for 60% of bookings; a few
high-profile travelers who appreciate the anonymity the property
offers; and young travelers from around the world, according to
Peter Shaindlin, vice president of the Halekulani Corp.
Shaindlin is so
confident the Waikiki Parc suits Generation X -- and, in due time,
the younger Generation Y or millennial customers now under age 25
-- that hes banking the redesign of the hotel on it.
Im jumping ahead
five years in the time machine and projecting who our clientele
will be, and what their habits might be at that time, he
said.
The Waikiki Parc,
built 19 years ago, will undergo complete room renovations from
February through June, followed by a three-month redo of public
areas to last through August.
Optimistic that
everything will be done by years end, Shaindlin was still knee-deep
in initial artist renderings, sketches of proposed rugs and wall
panels and room configurations as late as mid-December.
Although he would
not release the exact cost of the renovation, Shaindlin did say the
number is in the eight figures, or many millions of
dollars.
ADI Associates of
Kakaako is in charge of the project. ADI is the design firm that
transformed the Halekulanis Lewers Lounge from a kitschy, Hawaiiana
redoubt into a sleek, cozy jazz bar popular with young Honolulu
scenesters.
Why reinvent the
Waikiki Parc now?
While Shaindlin
said the hotel is popular with repeat Waikiki visitors and boasts
respectably high occupancy rates, he said its appearance and
ambience have not kept pace with its clients tastes.
Shaindlin said the
renovated hotels new color palette will better meld with Gen-X and
Gen-Y sensibilities. It is all about clean lines and less is more,
he said.
A recent
walk-through of the property included a sneak preview of a room
model, which included ergonomic chairs, illuminated headboards and
adjustable bedside lamps -- all design aspects that are
functional.
Waikiki Parc rooms
will be ready for guests to just plop on the bed and type on a
laptop, read or just do whatever it is they need to do, Shaindlin
said. Its very functional, all-around.
Aesthetic design
touches -- such as matching woods used for the desk, headboards and
bathroom panels -- help tie everything together.
Bedding will
comprise summer-weight duvets, white linens and six pillows per
bed. Sony flat-screen TVs and Dream Machine CD players will be
in-room technology offerings.
In the lobby,
Shaindlin is considering the use of a large, flat-screen TV to
project abstract images that morph into different organic shapes.
He is also considering a lobby lighting system that would shift
hues throughout the course of the day -- very, very
slowly.
You could pass
through the lobby at 10 a.m. and it would be one color, and then at
9 p.m., a totally different color, he said. You wont see it change,
but it will.
Even if it all
sounds state-of-the-art, Shaindlin insists the design feel
throughout the hotel will be organic, with glass paneling infused
with pressed, dried tree branches and leaves in the lobby and other
public areas. Guest rooms will have sage-green carpeting and
natural bamboo flooring.
Amenities and
services will be upgraded, as well. Shaindlin plans to market
activities throughout the hotel that really match the clientele
that will be staying here.
A few examples
include the possibility of nightlife concierges and activities
liaisons who could line up exclusive outings and excursions --
things most Waikiki hotel concierges dont have the relationships to
accomplish.
Additional changes
to the operational amenities at the Waikiki Parc may include new
food and beverage options, such as a buffet breakfast on the
eighth-floor lanai.
Nothing is set in
stone, but Shaindlin said he is investigating the
possibilities.
It would jibe with
our forward motion and simple mission, he said. It would be an
added service that makes things easier on the traveler, and its new
and fresh.
To contact the
reporter who wrote this article, send e-mail to [email protected].