FIRST PEEK: Marriott and Ian Schrager's new Waikiki Edition hotel
by: John Heckathornposted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 at 05:27 PM
The new Waikiki Edition hotel doesn't officially open until Oct. 15, but, of course, HAWAII Magazine got behind the scenes to get you a sneak preview.Waikiki is the first of five Edition hotels opened by the partnership of Marriott and hip hotelier Ian Schrager. The new hotel occupies one wing of the historic Ilikai Hotel. On the outside, it looks the same, minus the Ilikai's signature aquamarine trim.
Inside, it sure doesn't look like the Ilikai.
In fact, it looks more like an upscale East Coast beach house transported to Hawaii, with a few Island touches.
On the other hand, it's spanking new, contemporary in style, with remarkable attention to detail. Down to the subtle scent in air, an exclusive for this hotel, called "Home Away From Home," with a slight aroma of black tea.
The Edition is offering an introductory rate of $195 for rooms booked by Oct. 15, good for stays through Feb. 2011. After Oct. 15, rates start at $375.
Let's take a look.
The bellmen at the entrance look East Coast preppy, but we're not sure we'd like to wear a cardigan to work in Hawaii.
Here's a Hawaii touch, a collage of broken surfboards behind the front desk.
The bookcase in the lobby swings open at 4 p.m. (Those are digital photo frames you're seeing.)
The bookcase in the lobby swings open at 4 p.m. (Those are digital photo frames you're seeing.)
Hidden behind the bookcase, the spacious lobby bar.
Check out these related HawaiiMagazine.com posts:
Marriott readying EDITION luxury boutique hotel brand for Waikiki debut this fall
"20 Things to Love About Hawaii Right Now": 3 classic hotels, newly remade
Waikiki's Ilikai to remain open, possibly under luxe hotel brand
Web Extras
