Thousands of Airbnbs and short-term rentals are about to be wiped off the map in New York City.
21.08.2023 - 17:47 / forbes.com
While Honolulu’s Waikīkī Beach has long been tourist central, it’s also an actual neighborhood where there are cool local spots to discover and experiences to be had, and the new Romer Waikīkī at the Ambassador, which will open its doors on October 1st, is a 21st century antidote to corporate design and the known quantities that drive the typical island itinerary. And the most surprising perk of all is that room rates start at $208. Who can argue with that?
Formerly the Ambassador Hotel, the Romer (nice pun, eh?) has undergone a property-wide renovation that preserves its 1960s exterior and extends it into the lobby with a custom-fit lava rock wall that brings the landscape inside. There’s also an art gallery that will showcase the work of local artists, starting with J.D. Nālamakūikapō Ahsing, Susan Maddux, Brennan Alexa, and Kris Goto.
Upon check-in, guests receive key cards that also open metaphorical doors to neighborhood insights, including curated maps, programming, and current happenings. The idea is that guests can arrive from anywhere, with no knowledge of the area, and seamlessly integrate themselves into the neighborhood, following their noses and exploring their own interests with ease.
The 368 rooms have a range of layouts including private lanais, lounge space, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in every room. Native Hawaiian designer Matt Bruening is responsible for the look of the all-gender staff uniforms.
There’s a pool on the third floor, as well as Romer’s Waikīkī Swim & Social Club, which will serve drinks and small plates in a laid-back cabana vibe. A new open-air restaurant will debut in 2024.
Managed by Highgate, Romer, as a brand, exemplifies neighborhood living with local, culturally connected advice and itineraries designed by folks who live there. (Romer Hell’s Kitchen is slated to open in New York City this fall and Romer House.)
Arash Azarbarzin, Principal and CEO at Highgate, says, “We’re excited to launch a new neighborhood hotel concept on Oahu with Romer Waikīkī at the Ambassador. We’ve assembled the perfect team to help guests discover a different way of island life through the Romer ethos by embracing the specific designs, tastes and personalities that define Waikīkīfor each guest as if they were a local.”
This concept, compared with the accessible price point, should make for a winning combination. Learn more and book reservations at Romer Waikīkī at the Ambassador.
Thousands of Airbnbs and short-term rentals are about to be wiped off the map in New York City.
Park Hyatt New York has unveiled a new art installation from local contemporary abstract artist and hotel bellman for nine years, Jeffrey Okyere-Agyei.
These days, the hotel world is abuzz with “sleep tourism,” a clever albeit trendy marketing term used to describe programming that extends beyond blackout curtains and soft, plush bedding. A 2016 study in the Current Biology journal expands on the “first-night effect” in human sleep research — stating that new environments often cause tossing and turning. So, then what’s a weary traveler to do while — trying— to sleep in New York City (aka the city that never sleeps)?
New York City’s short-term rental regulations could slash up to 70% of Airbnb’s 23,000 active listings in the city after September 5. Experts are divided on how the move might affect hotels, and their forecasts are foggy. Yet the analyses reveal interesting details about this critical lodging market regardless.
Steeped in history and standing as a testament to human ingenuity, the Brooklyn Bridge has been a cornerstone of the city’s infrastructure since 1883. Spanning the East River, the bridge is so impressive that a trip to New York City would be incomplete without a visit. There’s also a host of fun things to do at either ends of the overpass. On the Manhattan side, there’s South Street Seaport, Pier 17, and One World Observatory (from which the city’s major sites are vividly in view), 9/11 Memorial Pools and Museum, and views of the Statue of Liberty at Battery Park. In Brooklyn, you can relax at Brooklyn Bridge Park, and take in the breathtaking Manhattan Bridge and skyline views from Dumbo. To save you from choosing to pledge allegiance to one side over the other, opting for one of the hotels near Brooklyn Bridge gives you the best of both worlds. It takes around an hour to walk over (or less if you hop on a Citi Bike), so you can easily stroll between must-see sites. The hotels here have been selected not only for location, but for the outstanding level or service, facilities, and range of accommodations.
Airbnb and New York City have often had a tough relationship, one marked by lawsuits and other disputes. Airbnb has argued that New York City’s regulations have hurt its ability to do business, which the company believes will become more challenging when the city starts enforcing its host registration law regarding short-term rentals on September 5.
Luxury New York property partners with industry-leading connectivity experts to address modern online guest behaviors.
Ramsey, an accomplished professional with academic achievements from the University of Surrey, City University London, and Cornell University in New York, contributes a wealth of two decades’ worth of experience in the premium hospitality sector.
Recognized as the second largest international banking hub in the country, Brickell, a vibrant Miami neighborhood, is continuing to rise in popularity among investors, restaurant owners and other entrepreneurial types. High rise condominium towers with resort-style amenities, stunning bay views, sophisticated shopping, trendy restaurants and an electric city atmosphere offer a fast-paced urban environment.
Accor, the Paris-based hotel giant, said on Tuesday that Omer Acar will head its brands Raffles & Orient Express as of March 1. Acar will join Accor’s other brand CEOs in its luxury and lifestyle group (Fairmont, Sofitel & MGallery, and Ennismore) — all of whom report directly to group CEO Sébastian Bazin.
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Hyatt Hotel Corp. said on Tuesday it would acquire Dream Hotel Group’s lifestyle hotel brands, including Dream Hotels, The Chatwal Hotels, and Unscripted Hotels.