Hawaii Hotels Also Featuring Upgrades

HONOLULU— Many of the hotel room upgrades occurring on the Mainland also are taking place in Hawaiian properties, according to published reports. In addition to decorative pillows, duvets and high-speed Internet access, every room in Hilton properties here will have flat-screen or liquid-crystal-display TVs by this summer. Guests also will soon see Hilton-brand alarm-clock radios that can hook up to iPods and feature buttons for programmed stations offering news and music in Hawaiian, classical and contemporary formats. Hilton also has upgraded bath amenities such as shampoos and lotions from Neutrogena to Crabtree & Evelyn. Marriott International, which has been renovating its properties in Hawaii, is phasing in flat-screen TVs and updating room decor with features like new bedding, and modernized lighting and bathroom fixtures. The hotel chain also has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on technology upgrades in Hawaii, including high-speed Internet access in every guest room and wireless access in public areas and meeting rooms, according to the company. LCD or plasma TVs will be included in the renovation of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach and the conversion of two Ohana hotels to an Embassy Suites property. High-speed Internet access, and free local and domestic long distance calls, also will be included in those hotels as well as the Outrigger Waikiki.