Two Leaders in Hawaiian Hospitality – Aston Aqua Hotels

Written By: Nikki Shanley, Regional Sales Director, Aston Aqua Hotels and Resorts

 

 

What happens when two leaders in the Hawaiian Hospitality Industry join forces? 

 

When Aston Hotels & Resorts and Aqua Hospitality merged together in August 2015 we became one of the largest hotel and resort management groups in Hawaii.  Agents working with us have access to more robust options to suit any taste or budget, on all four major islands; specifically, 26 properties on Oahu, five on Hawaii Island, five on Kauai, nine on Maui and four properties in the continental U.S.

 

With five distinctive brands designed to suit any lifestyle, taste or budget, Aqua-Aston Hospitality has something for everyone:

 

Aston Hotels & Resorts – WELCOME HOME

Aston Hotels & Resorts offers an impressive collection of hotels, condominium resorts and villas across a selection of top vacation destinations. From family-friendly to upscale comfort, each embodies the Aston trademark of memorable vacations — superior service, genuine hospitality and effortless travel.

 

Instinct Collection – PROVIDING DISTINCTIVE EXPERIENCES

Instinct Hotel Collection represents an elite group of independent hotels and resorts for travelers with a penchant for personalized experiences. Each property’s distinct identity is personified through character, environment and design; a boutique experience and cornerstone of any special getaway.

 

Aqua Hotels & Resorts – FOR THE SAVVY TRAVELER IN EVERYONE 

Aqua Hotels & Resorts offer stylish hotels with excellent service and plenty of personality. Savvy travelers will appreciate the many added amenities that make a stay at Aqua Hotels & Resorts fun, friendly and positively practical.

 

Lite – WHEN CLEAN & COMFORTABLE IS ENOUGH

Lite Hotels is a group of eclectic, economy hotels that appeal to budget-minded travelers. These guests are seeking the most bang for their buck and appreciate the fundamentals — service, convenience and cleanliness.

 

Maui Condo & Home – YOUR PIECE OF PARADISE

Maui Condo & Home connects homeowners with people seeking lodging in the islands. Owner-clients value the exceptional service and reliability of a local vacation rental management company, while guest-clients enjoy the customized online experience and ease of finding quality, affordable accommodations in paradise

 

What’s New to our portfolio?

Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay

This iconic property emerged on March 30, 2016 from a multi-million dollar transformation to become the first Hilton Garden Inn on Kauai, and marking the Hilton Garden Inn brand presence in all 50 U.S. states. The property, which is managed by Aqua-Aston Hospitality, brings 216 new rooms, suites and cottages to the Hilton Garden Inn brand of more than 665 hotels worldwide. The hotel offers high-end amenities, meetings and event space, and a full service restaurant. The resort’s convenient location, where the scenic Wailua River meets the Pacific Ocean, will provide guests with a memorable vacation on one of the most beautiful islands in the world. As a special amenity for travelers looking to enjoy their surroundings, guests can explore the popular Kapaa Coastal Bike Path with the hotel’s new picnic package offer including a conveniently packed tasty spread and bicycle rentals.

 

Grand Naniloa Hotel – a Doubletree by Hilton

The Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo on Hawaii Island will be re-launched in Summer 2016 after a $20 million restoration project. Hilo’s most iconic landmark property will reemerge as a Hawaii Island destination in its own right, home to a premier banquet and meetings facility. The property’s 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, with specific breakout areas including a large ballroom (holds 400 people) and a gazebo, takes advantage of the breathtaking views of Hilo Bay and Hamakua Coastline. These improvements will lead to the hotel becoming a DoubleTree by Hilton.

 

The Grand Naniloa Hotel will also offer guests complimentary golf on Hilo’s only 9-hole practice course, a waterfront restaurant, a poolside bar, a brand new fitness center, retail shops, curated cultural activities and tours, and authentic local entertainment in the hotel’s exclusive concert hall, for meeting breaks with a Big Island flair.

 

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Oahu-Kapolei

Hampton Inn & Suites in Kapolei on the west side of Oahu marks the brand’s first property in Hawaii. The brand new Kapolei property is currently being built from the ground up and will open with 175 rooms in September 2016. Located in Hawaii’s fastest growing community in West Oahu, the hotel is a part of the larger shopping center development, Ka Makana Ali’I.

 

Holiday Inn Express (formerly Maile Sky Court)

Following a $25 million renovation, Maile Sky Court in the heart of Waikiki on Oahu will be relaunched as the Holiday Inn Express by late 2016. Located in the center of Waikiki, the property is known for its warm, welcoming vibe and an array of travel amenities including a free shuttle service to Ala Moana shopping center and a Macy’s shopping discount among many others.

 

The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

Located in the heart of Waikiki on Oahu, the new art-driven, four-star Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club was inspired by some of Honolulu’s most creative minds. Infused with work by local collaborators, the new hotel aims to immerse guests in the spirit of ‘60’s beach culture and modern aloha. The hotel features the latest culinary concept by Oahu-born chef and restauranteur Ed Kenney, Mahina & Sun’s, and a coffee bar and retail shop called Olive & Oliver. Guests can expect exclusive experiences at the Swim Club, which will have a calendar of poolside entertainment – from DJs spinning vinyl, and filmmaker screenings to cultural activities.

 

Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites

Situated on the Ala Wai Yacht Marina at the edge of Waikiki, the Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites is an iconic oceanfront hotel. The property is recognized worldwide from the opening credits of the original ‘Hawaii Five-0’ television series, as the Ilikai penthouse balcony is featured with actor Jack Lord overlooking Waikiki Beach. Following a $14 million renovation, the hotel now boasts luxury condo suites on its top floors, transforming floors 22 through 25 into luxury studios and two bedroom suites.

 

The two-bedroom suites have two king beds, a sofa bed and fully-equipped kitchens. With the option of either a mountain or ocean view, the private balconies in the suites also offer unprecedented views of the weekly fireworks over downtown Waikiki every Friday evening.

 

The Ilikai offers an array of services and amenities including the Ilikai Massage & Spa as well as a concierge desk, where friendly staff will help book everything from surfing lessons to hiking excursions. Other stand-out amenities and services to make each stay as effortless as possible include use of beach towels and chairs for a day of play and a manager’s reception held on Wednesday evenings, serving complimentary snacks and beverages. To provide a cultural experience, the Ilikai holds a nightly torch-lighting ceremony and hosts Hawaiian entertainment on Fridays.

 

The Ilikai is centrally located near all of Waikiki’s hotspots including Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana Shopping Center, Hawaii Convention Center and Waikiki Beachwalk which includes some of the best shopping and dining options in town.

 

We make it easy for you…these days there’s so much to know!

We are local experts on everything Hawaii. Agents can get the benefit of accurate and insightful knowledge when they speak to our centralized reservations team, now available 24 hours a day and 100% based in Hawaii. By talking to our staff of local experts, you will, undoubtedly, better serve your clients’ needs.

 

As a combined entity, we now offer direct connectivity across Aqua-Aston Hospitality’s entire portfolio of 50 properties, making it easier for wholesalers and agents to book according to real time availability, inventory and rates, and are committed to bringing more even partners on board.

 

Let us help you stand out from the crowd!

 

VIP Penthouses for Those in the Know

Aqua-Aston Hospitality offers a selection of VIP penthouse units that are not advertised on the website – guests can only book them if their agent is ‘in the know,’ making them a super exclusive experience. Call our Central Reservations Office at (855) 945-4092 for more information.

 

It’s a Family Affair

Families booking at Aston properties can take advantage of the Kids Stay Free offer (under 17) with free welcome amenities like Sand Toys for little ones. On Maui, our younger guests of any Aston property can enjoy cultural, arts and crafts activities at Camp Kaanapali, based at Aston Kaanapali Shores, for a small fee.

 

Turn-key Honeymoons

Grooms-to-be looking to book a turn-key honeymoon package that offers excellent value can take advantage of Aqua Kauai Beach Resorts NEW ‘ultimate Kauai’ 7-night honeymoon package:

 

The package includes breakfast for 2 daily, convertible car rental daily, $100 resort credit, 75-min oceanfront cabana Couple’s spa treatment, 4-course Chef’s Dinner including Champagne and keepsake flutes, and chocolate dipped strawberries on arrival, starting at $2793 + tax.

 

What’s in it For You?

Aqua-Aston Hospitality strongly believes in the importance of the travel agent’s role, whether you work as a home-based agent, belong to a consortium or branch of agencies, or work via a host agency.

 

Our Cash Back Booking Bonus program, of up to $250 per booking with no need to sign up in advance, is available with bookings at any of our 50 properties: http://www.aqua-aston.com/travel-agents.

 

When was the last time you experienced Aloha? 

Agents wishing to visit Hawaii on a FAM can reach out to Nikki Shanley at nikki.shanley@aqua-aston.com or Pilita Winchatz at Pilita.winchatz@aqua-aston.com. We can help line up accommodations at reduced rates for agents as well as site inspections once you’re on property. We have several new properties we are looking to promote: Aqua Ohia Waikiki, Grand Naniloa Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, the $1-million garden pool at Aston Kaanapali Shores, the renovated Aston Islander on the Beach (Kauai), the renovated Kauai Shores, an Aqua hotel, now offering Lava Lava Beach Club, and the new Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club.