Alana Doubletree Targets Convention Center Meetings

With a new owner and brand name behind it, the Alana Doubletree Waikiki Hotel is positioning itself as a deluxe but affordable choice for small corporate meetings and convention groups booked at the upcoming Hawaii Convention Center.

Formerly known as the Alana Waikiki Hotel, the 313-room hotel was sold in a foreclosure auction last year and emerged as Hawaii's first Doubletree franchise property in January (BTN, April 28).

According to director of sales Tom Hall, the hotel now has the advantage of name recognition and access to a worldwide sales and reservations network that it did not have under its former management, Hawaii-based Colony Hotels.

"We're already seeing an impact from the exposure that Doubletree has given us," said Hall. "In Hawaii, it's difficult for locally managed hotels to compete with the likes of Hilton, Hyatt and Sheraton. Doubletree puts us on an even footing."

The Alana, which is rated as a Four Diamond property by the American Automobile Association and charges a group rate of $115 a night, offers the same level of luxury as other hotels in Waikiki which are far more expensive. "The only real difference is that we're not right on the beach," Hall said.

The Alana also offers five meeting rooms for groups up to 100, a business center, outdoor pool and two restaurants. Guest rooms feature computer hookups, three telephones, bar/refrigerators, coffeemakers and private lanais.

Hall pointed out that the Alana, which will be one of the closest hotels to the convention center opening next year, also is targeting convention overflow business.

For corporate meetings, Hall said the ideal size is 60 or less. "We don't offer a lot of meeting space, but we do offer the personalized attention that you get in a boutique hotel. "

The hotel is offering a Doubletree Troublefree package for $30 per person which includes continental breakfast, lunch, meeting space, audio-visual equipment, taxes and gratuities.