Many of you have been waiting for the first word on Edition Hotels, a joint venture or sorts between hotelier Ian Schrager and Marriott International. An odd couple you might say? Perhaps not a marriage you might expect, but let’s just say these two have lots of chemistry.
Waikiki Edition is the brands’ first property, and we got a first look this week while in Honolulu. While Ian Schrager’s signature style is evident throughout, there is also a sense that the sometimes over the top whimsical flare seen in some of his other properties (ala Gramercy Park NYC) isn’t quite as strong here. So what’s the verdict?… we LOVED it!
Waikiki Editon Reception Desk
We all have our personal preferences in terms of hotel personality, brand etc. I think we can all agree however that boutiques can sometimes disappoint- rooms might be too small, service has an attitude or the hotel just hasn’t invested as much as it might need. Edition takes all of the desirable elements of a boutique hotel- vibrant personality, an intimate level of service and hip design- and delivers an experience that is both consistent and seamless as a large name brand hotel, made possible by the backing of Marriott.
Edition’s Waikiki is the first of several properties worldwide (including upcoming locations in Istanbul, Barcelona and South Beach), but if this is what we should expect every time, we’re very excited.
So let’s talk about Edition Waikiki. The arrival experience is very different than any other Hawaii property you might expect. Missing are the lei’s, “Aloha” at check-in or statues of dolphins in the porte cochere. Instead, Edition welcomes you with a low key yet attentive arrival experience. You certainly know you’re in Hawaii, but it’s not contrived in any way. The lobby area is fun and hip but still a reminder of where you are(you’ll love the surfboards behind the front desk!) After a welcome drink and quick briefing on the hotel, we were escorted to the guest room elevators.
The Lobby (Notice the bookshelf in the background- it moves at 4pm and opens to the lobby bar area- a neat touch indeed)
Edition’s warm contemporary design continued into the guest rooms. Because this Edition occupies a previously existing hotel, there were certain design constraints (ie. Not all room types have balconies), however they’ve done a wonderful job at transforming old to new. In fact, most guests might even be hard pressed to notice the fact that this hotel wasn’t built new from ground up. The vast majority of room types offer some type of ocean view, including views of the neighboring harbor, ocean view and pool views.
Guest rooms are simply yet elegantly appointed with luxurious finish work including large plantation shutter dividers in the bathroom and window areas. While minimalist, guest rooms are quite cozy in feel with subtle reminders of Hawaii- most notably a wall mounted tribute to local heritage- a ukulele, shells, starfish etc. Regardless of room type, bathrooms are outfitted with walk-in glass showers, and select deluxe one-bedroom suites offer separate shower and deep soaking tubs. Rooms with 1 King Bed feature outdoor lanai’s.
Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite, 1724 (1 King Bed & Living Room/Desk Area)
Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite, 1724 (Bathroom Area, w/ Separate Shower & Tub)
The View from a One-Bedroom Ocean Suite (Room Number 1110)
The common areas of the hotel are meticulously designed with utmost imagination and attention to detail. While the hotel itself isn’t quite ‘beachfront’, it offers a convenient location with wonderful views of the water and easy access to nearby beaches and lagoons. Waikiki Edition does offer two distinctive pool experiences on the 1st level of the hotel including a beach style pool (surrounded by sand) as well as a traditional pool, both offering pool bars and full service. While being oceanfront is a nice touch, we never really missed the sometimes crowded feel that other Waikiki resorts experience; Edition is more of an oasis away from the crowds.
The ‘Sand’ Pool (one of two pools offered at Edition Waikiki)
Edition Gift Shop
The Common Areas, near Poolside
Our initial impression of Edition was overwhelmingly fantastic… While some of Ian Schrager’s other properties have received mixed reviews in terms of room size, service etc., it’s clear that his talents coupled with the backing of Marriott will prove to be a huge success. Waikiki Edition has executed their product in a way that is enormously creative, yet comfortable and familiar at the same time- we look forward to seeing more of their properties in the near future!
