Post #305005 by Cammo on Tue, May 8, 2007 7:29 PM

Just Sherlocked the whole Hanalei/Crown Plaza hotel.

Bottom line is, the only major change is in the restaurant, and in the lobby. The restaurant is now twice as big, yes it has beige walls, but it still has a tropical/south seas feel. Almost nothing else has been done to the hotel.

They're not changing anything else now or in the future. It will be known as the Hanalei Conference Center, the new signs all say that. The gardens, the outriggers, everything will stay. They've actually put up more weapons and masks on the walls, if anything.

The funny thing to me is simply that the changes they have made are obviously bad business decisions. The happening spot at the hotel is the sushi bar & bar, there are literally three times more people there than at the restaurant. People obviously love the Tiki/sushi/polynesian drinks spot, and hang there for hours. Nobody is in the restaurant. Maybe that has a lot to do with the NEW MENU which is TERRIBLE!

I followed two suits around, one explaining to the other all about the changes, and they both seemed so jazzed about it, like they had created a billion-dollar hotel from a sow's ear. The little tour was ironic, because the new polish they've put on the place is not attracting customers, diners, or guests. It's so friggin obvious.

I mean, what do they expect returning guests to say? - - -

"Look, Esther! The walls are beige. How pretty! And the menu is just like Howard Jonson's now. Delightful! We'll have to tell all our friends about the new changes!"

Well, don't worry, it's not that bad and you can goof on it all you want now. Don't be shy - those suits WANT your opinions.