The Royal Hawaiian

April 05, 2011--When the Royal Hawaiian opened in 1927, a crowd of more than 1,200 gathered to take part in the hotel's historic debut.

Some 84 years later the iconic "Pink Palace of the Pacific" has become the first hotel in Hawaii to gain membership in the Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It was one of 39 historic properties selected for the program from more than 130 across the nation that were nominated.

A trip to the Royal Hawaiian, which just concluded a multimillion-dollar renovation this month, is like walking back in time. Despite the high-rises, busy streets and bustling shopping centers that surround it, guests say that it still is the same bright beacon bathing Waikiki in a warm pink glow that it was for the well-heeled travelers of the Roaring '20s who arrived by steamship from faraway shores. There was only one other hotel, what is now called the Westin Moana Surfrider, on Waikiki Beach when the Royal Hawaiian opened amid much fanfare. But even today the Moorish visage of the 528-room hotel stands out from the beachfront density.

"If I look out to the ocean, I can picture those long-ago guests coming," said Lawrence P. Horwitz, executive director of Historic Hotels Worldwide. "As I'm walking these halls, I like to imagine what it was like in those days. You can still experience that gracious hospitality, that aloha spirit here today."

To be chosen for the National Historic Hotel Trust, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized locally as having historic significance, Horwitz said. The historically significant haven for celebrities, leaders, top business people, prominent families and other important guests was a natural fit, he said.

Among its guests, the Royal Hawaiian has counted President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the Shah of Iran, aviatrix Amelia Earhart and movie stars Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, Shirley Temple, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, George Burns and Gracie Allen. It was a home away from home for influential families like the Rockefellers, Fords and DuPonts.

Wanda Grant, who has been coming to the hotel every March for nearly three decades and was at the celebration marking the hotel's historic designation, also is part of the resort's history. The Grant family of Burlington, Ontario, were such frequent visitors to Waikiki and to the Royal Hawaiian that they had a ball cap with the letters "TGIM" emblazoned on the front for the head of the family, Alden Grant, to wear.

"The letters stood for 'Thank God It's March,'" Grant said. "My Dad wore it proudly every time he was here. He passed away in 2007, but I still bring it here in memory of him."

Resort staff also has found ways to remember one of their most frequent returnees, she said.

"When I came back to the Royal the following year after Papa passed away, I went down for breakfast that first morning, and one of the staff came out and put a lei on the chair across from me. She said for Papa," Grant said. "Everyone here is like family; that's why I keep coming back year after year."

Grant, who is 57 now, said over the years she and other family members became part of a group of guests that would vacation together, staying months at a time.

"We would all meet in the old lanai and sit there on the couches and chairs as a huge group and talk story," she said. "One year we even had songbooks, and we'd sing songs at night."

Grant has celebrated her birthday in Waikiki for more than 20 years, she said. The staff usually surprises her with a cake poolside, she said. One year, Grant said that they even put a chocolate poodle on it so that her beloved dog could be with her in Hawaii.

"The staff doesn't change much here. Over the years they get to know you," she said. "You really feel that the time that you are here that you are privileged to be part of their friendship and aloha. It's an amazing feeling."

By joining with this national program, the Royal Hawaiian will become part of a booking network that connects travelers seeking out historic hotels, said Frank Haas, dean of hospitality, business and legal education at the University of Hawaii's Kapiolani Community College.

"Hotels in this world of Travelocity and Orbitz are looking for a way to promote themselves in a way that is not just based on rate," Haas said. "Historic travelers are willing to be a higher rate. They value experience over price. They tend to be more active, too."

Hawaii needs to grow the tourism sector that appeals to heritage travelers, who are those who make a visit to a historic site or cultural attraction a centerpiece of their trip, said Kiersten Faulkner, executive director of the Historic Hawai'i Foundation, which nominated the property for the historic designation.

"Without the historic, cultural and natural resources that make Hawaii unique, it would be confused as just another commodity, without appreciation for its true value," Faulkner said.

A portion of all travel booking fees from Historic Hotels of America goes back to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Horwitz said.

"We help preserve America's treasures," he said, adding that he hopes to sign another eight to 10 historic Hawaii hotels shortly.

While there are a lot of historic hotels east of the Rockies, Historic Hotels of America's members are asking them to add more properties in the West, including Hawaii, said Roberta Rinker-Ludloff, whose firm Concept Designs LLC represents Historic Hotels of America.

"They are eager to experience the history of the islands," Rinker-Ludloff said.

HONOLULU, Mar 09, 2011 -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announces today the completion of its multimillion dollar renovation to The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. Throughout its storied 84-year history, The Royal Hawaiian has embodied the allure of Hawaii's spirit and the essence of indulgent escape while ushering in a new era of luxury travel to the islands. This iconic 528-room property on Waikiki Beach, affectionately known as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific," is poised once again to redefine the luxury experience with the transformation of the Royal Beach Tower.

The Royal Hawaiian is the perfect fit for The Luxury Collection brand, a diverse ensemble of more than 75 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries that offer unique and indigenous experiences; because throughout its illustrious history, the palatial grandeur of The Royal Hawaiian has left an indelible mark on the history of luxury travel for generations of world-travelers seeking an authentic taste of Hawaii.

The completion of The Royal Hawaiian marks another landmark year for The Luxury Collection on the heels of announcing The Liberty Hotel in Boston as the 100th property to join Starwood's Luxury Brands: St. Regis & The Luxury Collection, and its first in Boston. With this milestone, Starwood continues to stand out as the world's leader in luxury hospitality with more hotels in more markets than any competitors in this segment, offering guests exceptional service levels and luxury experiences in a wide range of destinations across the globe.

"We are extremely pleased to announce the new Royal Beach Tower experience at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort - one that will offer a luxuriously contemporary setting for discerning global travelers," stated Kelly Hoen, general manager of The Royal Hawaiian. "The Luxury Collection brand allows freedom for each historic resort to exude its own personality, so we have been able to celebrate The Royal Hawaiian's sense of place while offering two distinct experiences from our Historic Wing to the new Royal Beach Tower."

In 2009, The Royal Hawaiian made its debut as a Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts property after re-imagining and renovating the resort's Historic Wing rooms, bringing locally-inspired furnishings, artwork and color templates to the forefront with a nod to the resort's historic past. Now, the redesigned Royal Beach Tower rooms and suites will offer a counterpoint with a distinctly breezy, airy, beach-inspired feel with modern, chic touches, while still maintaining the signature mold of luxury for which The Royal Hawaiian is known.

Celebrating its new beach-inspired theme, the new rooms combine exquisite, contemporary Hawaiian furnishings in light colors reminiscent of driftwood with design elements that tell the story of Helumoa, the area in which this historic property stands. Each room is adorned by lounge chairs and ottomans designed by luxury furnishing leader McGuire, Indonesian tables carved from local tree trunks, Asian-inspired nightstands created by Cheng Meng, lanai furnishings were custom made by Italian furniture-maker Roberti as well as beach glass-inspired lamps. The Tower rooms' redesign also includes a spectacular transformation of the bathroom area with brilliant speckled mosaic glass vanity walls and mirrors. Adding a signature local touch, each room also features original artwork by celebrated local artists Solomon Enos and Carl Pao, who were commissioned to create paintings through inspiration from the hotel and its surrounding area.

The Royal Hawaiian features 35 suites including 18 oceanfront and six two-story exclusive suites, more than 66,000 square feet of beachfront space and world class signature restaurants and lounges, including the world-famous Mai Tai Bar and Waikiki's only beachfront luau. With the completion of the final phase of its renovation to the resort's Royal Beach Tower, this timeless resort has received $70 million in upgrades, making it one of the most iconic Luxury Collection properties in the North American portfolio.

For more information about The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts please visit www.luxurycollection.com and for more information about The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, please visit: www.royal-hawaiian.com or call direct at 808-923-7311 .

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection(R) is an ensemble of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world's most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination's indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent décor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Originated in 1906 as a collection of Europe's most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning properties that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class while celebrating each hotel's distinctive heritage and unique character. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world's finest. For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1025 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), W(R), Westin(R), Le Méridien(R), Sheraton(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft(R), and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Contact::

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
Katie Roberts
212-380-4049
Katie.Roberts@starwoodhotels.com

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Waikiki
Scott Kawasaki
808-931-8909
Scott.Kawasaki@starwoodhotels.com

By Robbie Dingeman, The Honolulu AdvertiserMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News

Dec. 14, 2009--A development program at Starwood's four Waikiki hotels taps talent already working within the resort company by exposing a group of employees for six months to a variety of new tasks and jobs.

The latest class graduated 15 people this month with diverse jobs, skills and life experience. While the number is small, the concept represents one facet of dealing with Hawai'i's "brain drain" problem -- bright local residents leaving the state to get core experience someplace else.

And employers sometimes struggle to attract residents to a career better known for entry-level service jobs than life paths.

The Associate Development Program works to develop and match skills to people already on the payroll -- nurturing managers who are knowledgeable and rooted in the community. Finding, training and keeping employees remains a challenge for the state's No. 1 industry, which employs more than 95,000 people in hotels and food service statewide, according to government analysts.

Employment coordinator Reyna Santiago won from the managers and mentors the award for "most living the brand."
Santiago is part of a team of three who helps people who are applying for jobs at Starwood. She enjoys meeting a lot of people and helping to figure out "where they would fit" within a hotel.

Santiago, 30, was born and raised in Kalihi Valley, and had worked in a variety of jobs before starting with Starwood two years ago.

She had taught hula and crafts aboard the M.S. Patriot cruise ship until the company went bankrupt in 2001, then checked out different career paths.

"I worked at a preschool, in retail, my job just prior to this was in a law firm before joining the hotel," she said.

"That's when I realized that this is the industry where I needed to be," she said.

After learning different aspects of various resort jobs, she sees a future as a manager in human resources.
The Royal Hawaiian hotel general manager Kelly Hoen, a Kailua native who became the historic resort's first female GM, worked her way up from within the industry.

Her first hotel job was checking in guests at the front desk at the Ilikai Hotel. She's a believer in learning and promoting from within your community to create strong leaders.

"People who were raised here, or have a lot of exposure to what's right and what's pono and how we need to work within our host culture," she said.

"To me, it's a really great way to not have to send people away," Hoen said.

Executive assistant Noelani Harris won two awards. From the managers and mentors, she was selected as "most driven."

And the 14 other graduates surprised her by voting her "most likely to be my future boss."

After 15 years with Starwood, Harris felt she was ready to learn some other skills that took her throughout the four Waikiki resorts and beyond the executive offices of the Princess Kaiulani Hotel, where she works alongside the general manager.

Starwood also is the management company for The Royal Hawaiian hotel; the Sheraton Waikiki; and the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort.

Harris, 42, went from focusing on the big pictures to learning a lot of the details. She especially enjoyed the part of the training that took them to each area to analyze, find flaws and recommend how to make things more efficient.
"I got to see how everything comes together," she said.

Harris entered the hotel business after her corporate communications job with for BHP Petroleum was eliminated after the Gulf War, 15 years ago.

Christine Hawkins, Starwood Hawai'i's director of employment, said the program provide hands-on learning opportunities to promote the growth and development of the business "with the talented people already working there."

Of 75 graduates over the past five years, Hawkins said, 20 are in management here, while some have moved to other states or companies.

Gentry Goslin, 20, was a working a student job at Honolulu Community College when the hotel job postings came in and she decided to apply herself.

Originally from Kahului, Maui, Goslin got a job as a valet runner at the Moana Surfrider about 18 months ago. She took off a semester from her college studies to focus on the development program.

She'll return to school at Kapi'olani Community College in January, now focusing on more skills that can help her at work.
She's not yet sure of her exact career path but "I know I want to stay within the hotel industry."

Hawkins said she's expecting the program to expand to 25 people in the next session, which begins March 1st with an application deadline of Feb. 1.
"We have an amazing pool of talent," she said.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Celebrates Helumoa with an Enchanting Feast and Festivities

WAIKIKI BEACH, OAHU, HI- Waikikis storied history includes tales of island royalty, decadent feasts, and inspiring settings. Beginning May 4, 2009, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, pays homage to the legendary playground of Hawaiian royalty"Helumoa"the land where the resort is now located, with a modern interpretation of the traditional feast. Waikikis only oceanfront dinner and show is a culinary and sensory celebration, commemorating Hawaiian culture and transforming the traditional island experience in grand Royal Hawaiian style.

Before luaus there were aha aina"a feast of food, mele (song) and hula, says General Manager Kelly Hoen. In ancient times the Hawaiian people came together to celebrate momentous occasions, these gatherings were called aha aina (which translates to gathering for a meal). The Royal Hawaiian is located on sacred grounds and we have created a modern, yet timeless aha aina to honor the lands majestic history through food, song, stories, hula, and culture"a true celebration of The Royal and its heritage.

Held every Monday night at The Royal Hawaiian, the aha aina is composed of three spectacular acts. Beginning with time-honored activities such as Kapa Making (cloth made of pounded bark); Poi Pounding, and Na Lawaia (tending various Hawaiian fishing tools), the evening captures the spirit of traditional Hawaii. The night continues with the sound of a pu (conch) calling guests to feast, where a storyteller shares the significance of lei giving, the ocean, and taro while guests dine on exquisite pupu. After dinner, the Helumoa story unfolds"a dramatic performance, including hula and song, commemorates ancient islanders rich history and culture through the timeline of the historic Royal Hawaiian to the contemporary style of Hawaiian music and dance.

The Royal Hawaiians new aha aina is an epicurean journey through time beginning May 4, 2009 and continuing every Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The aha aina celebration is $175 plus tax per person (inclusive of gratuity); children ages 5-12 years old are $75.00 plus tax; children under 5 years of age are free. (Special price available for guests of the Royal Hawaiian) For more information or to make a reservation please contact the Dining Desk at 808.921.4600 or visit www.luxurycollection.com/royalhawaiian.
About The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki
The famed Pink Palace of the Pacific has set the standard for luxurious and glamorous travel for more than 80 years. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, the hotel that mesmerized Hawaiis early travelers, re-opened its doors as Waikikis most fashionable destination on January 20, 2009. Emerging from a multimillion-dollar re-imagination with a radiant new face and an entirely new attitude, The Royal Hawaiian offers discerning travelers a redefined luxury experience filled with rich tradition, customized services, exclusive settings and amenities, as well as the brand new Azure restaurant and rejuvenating Abhasa Spa. Set on 14 beachfront acres, with 529 guest rooms, including 35 suites, The Royal Hawaiian will capture the imagination with its opulent architecture and majestic and storied history amid Diamond Heads picturesque setting. The Royal Hawaiian has again redefined luxury.

About The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection is a selection of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the worlds most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destinations indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent dcor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Today, The Luxury Collection is a glittering ensemble of more than 70 of the worlds finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning hotels that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class in some of the most desired destinations in the world. Most recently, Mystique, a Luxury Collection Resort, was honored with the 2008 Travel + Leisure Design Award for Best Small Resort in the world. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the worlds finest. For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 930 properties in approximately 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Mridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP owns the two Sheraton Hotels in Waikiki, The Royal Hawaiian and the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort as well as the Sheraton Maui in Kaanapali, Maui. Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP is one of Hawaiis largest employers, with nearly 3,000 hotel associates in its workforce. The hotels are a part of the 12-hotel group of Starwood-managed properties in Hawaii.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT WAGSTAFF WORLDWIDE AT 323.871.1151

Re-designed by Renowned Architect Robert Iopa and Award Winning Interior Design Firm Philpotts and Associates, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, features Waikikis Only Oceanfront Luau, Four Beachfront Restaurants and More Than 66,000 Square Feet of Outdoor Event Space with Breathtaking Ocean Views

New York, NY (February 2, 2009) " Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the debut of The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki, to The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the worlds finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries. Owned by Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP and recently renovated by hospitality designers WCIT Architecture in collaboration with interior design firm Philpotts and Associates, the 592-room resort features 35 suites including 18 oceanfront and six two-story exclusive suites, more than 66,000 square feet of beachfront space and world class signature restaurants and lounges, including the world famous Mai Tai bar and Waikikis only beachfront luau.

The Luxury Collection is a portal to the worlds most exciting and desirable destinations, offering guests unique, authentic and enriching experiences at spectacular destinations around the world, said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. Celebrated for its rich heritage, stunning design and spectacular location, The Royal Hawaiian adds another jewel to The Luxury Collection brands glittering portfolio.

"This is a very historic moment for The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki" said Ernest Nishizaki, executive vice president and chief operations officer for Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP, owners of the resort. "The Royal Hawaiian closed only once before - in 1945 after WWII ended. The legendary Pink Palace of the Pacific is a treasured part of our islands both ancient and modern heritage. We look forward to a new generation of guests falling in love with The Royal Hawaiian and Waikk.

The redesigned accommodations at The Royal Hawaiian combine rich imported fabrics with indigenous materials and cultural artifacts to reflect the hotels rich heritage. Guests are welcomed into the resort with a traditional Hawaiian lei, chilled oshibori towel and fresh Hawaiian fruit cocktails along with other indigenous complementary refreshments. The resort lobby has been enlivened by newly appointed Koa wood desks, classic Hawaiian artwork by Eugene Savage and brilliant tropical botanicals. Boasting breathtaking panoramic ocean or Diamond Head views, guest rooms and suites are adorned with exquisite traditional Hawaiian furnishings and design elements and woven wicker with bamboo and rattan accents crafted by master artisans, creating a soothing yet luxurious setting for discerning global travelers.

Dining at The Royal Hawaiian indulges the senses with a diverse menu of authentic and exceptional culinary options. The newly opened Azure Restaurant, an oceanfront, dinner-only space illuminated by candlelight and mother-of-pearl mosaics offers fresh fruits de mer, from ahi to onaga, including locally caught fish selected each morning at the famed Hawaii Fish Auction. Evoking memories of Hollywoods timeless glamour, the Royal Hawaiians world-famous Mai Tai Bar has been completely restored to evoke memories of the innumerous iconic celebrities, jetsetters, and diplomats who have enjoyed the bars magnificent views of the ocean and Diamond Head.

For guests seeking an exclusive and romantic wedding destination, The Royal Hawaiian offers an exceptional wedding venue, unparalleled in setting and service. Guests can choose from a variety of ballrooms and suites totaling 12,000 square feet or more than 66,000 square feet of stunning outdoor event space set against the majestic Waikiki Beach backdrop. The landmark Monarch Room offers an unforgettable wedding experience complete with an elevated stage for live entertainment, and breathtaking views of Diamond Head.

Offering unique and exceptional experiences, guests of The Royal Hawaiian enjoy private access to the resorts private club, The Royal Beach Club. Staffed by the Royal Hawaiians signature Royal Ambassadors, the exclusive oasis features six, private beachfront cabanas complete with WiFi, refrigerators, individual sound systems and impeccable decor. Developed in the early 20th Century, The Royal Hawaiian opened its doors as a luxury resort in 1927 and has played host to presidents, heads of states, aristocrats and celebrities.

The resorts spectacular location, stunning ocean views, and unique design, together with the exceptional signature of The Luxury Collection services and discrete modern technology make The Royal Hawaiian a favorite destination in Waikiki for sophisticated global explorers. Drawing inspiration from the Pacifics azure waters and Waikikis lush tropical landscape, the redesign merges the hotels distinctive Spanish Moorish design and signature coral pink palate with modern Hawaiian and Asian influences to create a contemporary luxury island paradise.

The award-winning hotels and resorts that make up The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts are some of the worlds most iconic properties, including The Grande Bretagne, Athens; Hotel Marqus de Riscal, Elciego; Mystique, Santorni; Hotel Danieli, Venice; The U.S. Grant, San Diego, The Palace Hotel, San Francisco and The Phoenician, Scottsdale.

For more information on The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, www.luxurycollection.com

About The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection is a selection of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the worlds most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destinations indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent dcor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Today, The Luxury Collection is a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the worlds finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning hotels that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class in some of the most desired destinations in the world. Most recently, Mystique, a Luxury Collection Resort, was honored with the 2008 Travel + Leisure Design Award for Best Small Resort in the world. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the worlds finest. For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 930 properties in approximately 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Mridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Introduction: Hotels
Consider it a silver lining: Hot hotels continue to open in record numbers despite the recent economic overcast, and many are more affordable than ever. Of the thousands that made their debut in the last year, we checked into the most promising"incognito. The properties that passed our scrutiny make up the largest Hot List yet.

The Royal Hawaiian-
This 529-room landmark spent the past couple of decades chugging along on the fumes of nostalgia. When the iconic property opened in 1927, it became a retreat for film stars, presidents, and the early jet-set. Now, after a much-needed $50 million restoration, the so-called Pink Palace has reclaimed its past glory. Although not every problem can be resolved"it's still incongruously wedged between a sprawling Sheraton resort and the depressing Royal Hawaiian shopping pavilion"the facade has been refinished, and the impeccable interiors are an inspired blend of textiles, artwork, and woodwork that pay tribute to the hotel's heritage while remaining fresh and contemporary. Indeed, the renovation's greatest triumph may be its restraint; while the rooms (and particularly the bathrooms) may be small, they're also boldly outfitted with Art Deco-inspired metallic wallpapers and color-blocked curtains.
When to go: Year-round, but late spring and early summer bring big waves and sunny skies.
Which room to book: Be sure you're in the historic wing, in a Beachview room.

President-elect Obamas Hometown Celebrates with
Official Aloha Inaugural Ball to benefit the Hawaii Democratic Party

WAIKK BEACH, HAWAII (December 4, 2008) " The iconic Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort will reclaim its place in modern history again when it emerges from a multi-million dollar renovation on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, the same day Hawaii-born President-elect Barack Obama is sworn in to office.

Missed out on tickets to the Inaugural Ball in our nations capital? Celebrate this historic occasion in President-elect Barack Obamas hometown of Honolulu under balmy skies along the famed Waikiki beachfront. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel has partnered with the Hawaii Democratic Party to offer a special Presidential Package just for the occasion with VIP tickets to the Official Aloha Inaugural Ball to benefit the Party.

The Presidential Package, priced at $1,800++ per couple, includes four (4) nights in a Garden View guest room, a bottle of pink Champagne, and two (2) tickets to the Official Aloha Inaugural Ball in the Monarch Room on the evening of January 20, 2009. An upgrade to a Royal Ocean Junior Suite is priced at a total of $2,760++ per couple. For reservations, call (866) 716-8109 please ask for rate code Change09.

Renowned as a destination for international royalty, Hollywood elite and a retreat for presidents and heads of state, the Pink Palace of the Pacific promises to usher in a new era of exquisite discovery embodying the allure of Hawaiis spirit and timeless beauty.

The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is located on the legendary site once known as Helumoa to Native Hawaiians. The rosy-hued hotel opened in 1927 and offers a serene seaside oasis on Waikiki Beach. The Royal Hawaiian features 529 exquisitely appointed rooms, magnificent Moorish architecture, meandering garden areas and is home to the world-famous Mai Tai Bar and elegant Monarch Room banquet space, considered by many musicians as the Carnegie Hall of the Pacific.