Visitors to the Waikiki area of Honolulu, Hawaii now have an additional upmarket accommodation to consider: the Embassy Suites by Hilton - Waikiki Beach Walk.
The property was the subject of an extensive $6 million upgrade that incorporates newly renovated accommodations designed to capture Hawaii's unique sense of place. Local designer Jan Yamamoto of JNY Design paid homage to the native Hawaiian art of kapa, a traditional Hawaiian fabric made out of the fine white layer of the mulberry (wauke) bark cloth and stamped with intricate geometric prints. Using kapa, Yamamoto created a refreshed look with a rich ambiance that combines island chic with pops of color in the new bedding, artwork, drapery and more.
"Inspired by our location in beautiful Waikiki, our goal was to bring Hawaii's unique history and sense of place into each suite by focusing on Hawaiian kapa," Bob Yeoman, general manager at Embassy Suites by Hilton - Waikiki Beach Walk, said in a statement announcing the completion of the refresh. "In ancient times, the process of making kapa was one that welcomed the whole family or 'ohana,' and we thought this theme would tie in perfectly with the exceptional hospitality we pride ourselves on."
In ancient times, kappa was used primarily for clothing for men and women, while also having reserved purposes for the alii, or Native Hawaiian royalty. The process of making kapa was tedious and all members of the family were needed - men and sons cultivated the mulberry plant, children tended the groves and gathered materials for dyes and pattern-making tools, and mothers and grandmothers selected the patterns and fashioned the finished cloth into bed covers, blankets and clothing. Over the past 30-plus years, there has been a positive revival of Native Hawaiians wanting to perpetuate the ancient ways, including kapa craftsmanship.
"Since kapa patterns were sometimes used to identify family heritage, we came up with an idea for the [property’s] ohana [extended family] to create its own custom kapa pattern," Yamamoto said. "The unique pattern can be seen in the new bed scarves, carpet and custom upholstery fabric and the new color scheme was also based on historic dye colors used in Hawaiian kapa."
The property’s suites, which were renovated one floor at a time so as not to shut down the property completely, feature plenty of room for relaxation. Spacious one- and two-bedroom suites include a barrier separating the private bedroom from the living room for quiet time when needed. With a sleeper sofa and mini-kitchen, guests can enjoy many of the comforts of home during their island getaway.
In addition, the resort offers a range of signature complimentary services and amenities with no resort fees. Travelers are offered a daily, complimentary made-to-order breakfast featuring a wide array of offerings including an extensive omelet station, as well as a nightly poolside reception featuring complimentary tropical drinks, snacks, and live entertainment.
The resort also offered free yoga classes three times per week on the open-air Grand Lanai, as well as a gym open 24/7 at the resort's refreshed fitness center. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and an upgraded business center are also available 24-hours daily.
The Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk is in an ideal location in the heart of shopping and entertainment hub Waikiki Beach Walk and just steps from world-famous Waikiki Beach. Many of the area’s attractions, including scores of great restaurants, are within easy walking distance. Read my previous blog post for recommendations.
The resort, operated by Outrigger Enterprises Group, consists of two towers and offers one- and two-bedroom upscale suites, each appointed with design elements that capture Hawaii's sense of place. Outrigger Enterprises Group also operates numerous other properties in Waikiki, including two at which I have had the pleasure of staying: the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and the Outrigger Reef on the Beach.
Having experienced Outrigger’s hospitality and service several times, I can honestly say I don’t think you can go wrong no matter which property you select.
Aloha!
Visit my main page at TheTravelPro.us for more news, reviews, and personal observations on the world of upmarket travel.
Follow @TheTravelProUS
Photos courtesy Embassy Suites by Hilton - Waikiki Beach Walk
Click photos to view larger size images
The property was the subject of an extensive $6 million upgrade that incorporates newly renovated accommodations designed to capture Hawaii's unique sense of place. Local designer Jan Yamamoto of JNY Design paid homage to the native Hawaiian art of kapa, a traditional Hawaiian fabric made out of the fine white layer of the mulberry (wauke) bark cloth and stamped with intricate geometric prints. Using kapa, Yamamoto created a refreshed look with a rich ambiance that combines island chic with pops of color in the new bedding, artwork, drapery and more.
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| Renovated Ocean View suite |
"Inspired by our location in beautiful Waikiki, our goal was to bring Hawaii's unique history and sense of place into each suite by focusing on Hawaiian kapa," Bob Yeoman, general manager at Embassy Suites by Hilton - Waikiki Beach Walk, said in a statement announcing the completion of the refresh. "In ancient times, the process of making kapa was one that welcomed the whole family or 'ohana,' and we thought this theme would tie in perfectly with the exceptional hospitality we pride ourselves on."
In ancient times, kappa was used primarily for clothing for men and women, while also having reserved purposes for the alii, or Native Hawaiian royalty. The process of making kapa was tedious and all members of the family were needed - men and sons cultivated the mulberry plant, children tended the groves and gathered materials for dyes and pattern-making tools, and mothers and grandmothers selected the patterns and fashioned the finished cloth into bed covers, blankets and clothing. Over the past 30-plus years, there has been a positive revival of Native Hawaiians wanting to perpetuate the ancient ways, including kapa craftsmanship.
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| Kapa pattern on bedspread |
"Since kapa patterns were sometimes used to identify family heritage, we came up with an idea for the [property’s] ohana [extended family] to create its own custom kapa pattern," Yamamoto said. "The unique pattern can be seen in the new bed scarves, carpet and custom upholstery fabric and the new color scheme was also based on historic dye colors used in Hawaiian kapa."
The property’s suites, which were renovated one floor at a time so as not to shut down the property completely, feature plenty of room for relaxation. Spacious one- and two-bedroom suites include a barrier separating the private bedroom from the living room for quiet time when needed. With a sleeper sofa and mini-kitchen, guests can enjoy many of the comforts of home during their island getaway.
In addition, the resort offers a range of signature complimentary services and amenities with no resort fees. Travelers are offered a daily, complimentary made-to-order breakfast featuring a wide array of offerings including an extensive omelet station, as well as a nightly poolside reception featuring complimentary tropical drinks, snacks, and live entertainment.
The resort also offered free yoga classes three times per week on the open-air Grand Lanai, as well as a gym open 24/7 at the resort's refreshed fitness center. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and an upgraded business center are also available 24-hours daily.
The Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk is in an ideal location in the heart of shopping and entertainment hub Waikiki Beach Walk and just steps from world-famous Waikiki Beach. Many of the area’s attractions, including scores of great restaurants, are within easy walking distance. Read my previous blog post for recommendations.
The resort, operated by Outrigger Enterprises Group, consists of two towers and offers one- and two-bedroom upscale suites, each appointed with design elements that capture Hawaii's sense of place. Outrigger Enterprises Group also operates numerous other properties in Waikiki, including two at which I have had the pleasure of staying: the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and the Outrigger Reef on the Beach.
Having experienced Outrigger’s hospitality and service several times, I can honestly say I don’t think you can go wrong no matter which property you select.
Aloha!
Visit my main page at TheTravelPro.us for more news, reviews, and personal observations on the world of upmarket travel.
Follow @TheTravelProUS
Photos courtesy Embassy Suites by Hilton - Waikiki Beach Walk
Click photos to view larger size images
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