Starwood Hotels & Resorts To Assume Management Of Molokai Ranch & Lodge

WHITE PLAINS, NY— Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide said it will assume management and marketing of the 62-unit Molokai Ranch & Lodge, bringing its inventory to 14 resort properties on six Hawaiian Islands. Effective February 2002, the property will be re-named the Sheraton Molokai Lodge & Beach Village. Under the agreement, the propertys conversion to Sheraton will be completed by the second week of February 2002. The Sheraton Molokai Lodge and Beach Village will be comprised of the 22-room lodge in Maunaloa Town and 40-unit Beach Village at Kaupoa on the islands southwest coast. Sheraton will also assume management of the Ranchs extensive network of recreational activities, including ocean kayaking, mountain biking, clay shooting, archery, cultural hikes, horseback adventures and childrens program. Kenny Ching, a former Sheraton executive at the Princess Kaiulani, will continue as general manager of the property under the Sheraton brand. Gracing the entrance to historic Maunaloa Town, the Lodge is fashioned after a Ranch owners private home. Showcasing the warmth and ambiance of Hawaii in the 1920s and 30s, it features 22 guestrooms, a Great Room, fine dining room, elegant lounge and wrap-around verandahs offering panoramic ocean and pasture views. The Lodge also offers a day spa, fitness center and swimming pool. The Beach Village offers a beautiful beachfront location. Guests stay in comfortable tentalow accommodations, featuring two bungalow-like tents mounted on wooden platforms. Each tentalow offers an arrangement of queen, single or bunk beds, private bathroom with hot water shower, solar-powered lights, and spacious lanai with breathtaking views. “We are very excited to add Sheraton Molokai Lodge & Beach Village to our collection of Sheraton, Westin, Luxury Collection and W properties in Hawaii, said Keith Vieira, senior vice president of operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts-Hawaii & French Polynesia. “It was a strategic move on our part to not only be able to have resort inventory on six Hawaiian Islands but also to accommodate the growing numbers of active/soft adventure travelers to the state.