Saturday Briefing

By Bruce Schneider

A new chapter has begun for the Kelley-built buildings originally known as the Outrigger Waikiki Surf (1970) and Outrigger Waikiki Surf East (1969) hotels. Re-branded OHANA properties in 1999, then for a short period as a Doubletree in 2005, and most recently as The Wyland Waikiki, the hotel donned a new name on Monday, June 1, as the Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach.

A traditional Hawaiian blessing was held to mark the occasion, which was presided over by our own Kaipo Ho, Outrigger’s Manager of Cultural Experiences. General Manager Jim Heather started things off with a big mahalo and welcome to everyone in attendance. After comments by Bradley Falk, representing hotel owner Lodging Capital Partners, LLC, and Ed Hubennette, Vice President, North Asia, Hawaii, and South Pacific for Marriott International, Kaipo proceeded with the blessing, which culminated with the untying of the maile lei and a hearty welcome to the “new” Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach to the Outrigger ‘ohana.

In a statement issued following the blessing, Steve Kisielica, Principal for hotel owner Lodging Capital Partners said the owners were looking forward to building on the success that the hotel had already achieved as The Wyland Waikiki. “Reflagging the hotel as a Courtyard brings an unmatched global brand and distribution system to the hotel and a name that is top-of-mind with consumers and synonymous with first-class service and standards. We are excited about the hotel’s future.”

Lodging Capital Partners signed the franchise agreement with Marriott International’s moderately-priced Courtyard by Marriott brand this past February. We were delighted when they chose to maintain Outrigger as the management company, which means we continue to operate the day to day business of the hotel with no break in service.

We are pleased to renew our association with Marriott International, a relationship first established nearly a decade ago when we entered into our own franchise agreement to market our former Wailea and Waikoloa resorts under the Marriott flag. That experience was a positive and strategic move for our company, which showcased our expertise in managing world-class resorts under nationally-recognized brands.

Marriott International introduced Courtyard by Marriott in 1983. Since then, the brand has grown into the company’s largest brand and the world’s 13th largest lodging chain with more than 800 hotels worldwide. The Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach brings to 11 the number of resorts in Marriott International’s Hawaii portfolio.

It’s been a whirlwind of activity at the Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach these past four months, as the hotel staff, Outrigger Company Services, and Marriott International have worked hand in hand to make the transition process as seamless as possible. A collective mahalo to everyone involved; we can certainly look forward to exciting times ahead for the Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach!