In a move that left visitors stunned, The Edition Waikiki changed hands overnight to become the Modern Honolulu, with management of the property changed by owners M Waikiki LLC, from Marriott to Aqua. Aqua manages 16 hotels and resorts in Hawaii.
The change came at 2:30 a.m. Aug. 28. While guests slept, new signage went up, and Marriott managers were barred from reentering the property.
Marriot had a 30-year contract and contested the move, deeming it illegal. On Aug. 31, a New York court ruled in Marriott's favor, ordering management duties returned to Marriott. But M Waikiki preempted the exchange by filing for bankruptcy, citing losses of more than $6 million since its opening Oct. 15, 2010.
Going forward, reservations are now available via a new website, TheModernHonolulu.com.
The Edition Waikiki is still listed on the Edition website, but a reservations link to the property is no longer functional.
Stay tuned. This story isn't going away soon.
IF YOU'VE ALREADY BOOKED THE EDITION:
Marriott is waiving cancellations fees and offering to relocate guests to JW Marriott Ihilani Resort, Waikiki Beach Marriott or another Marriott hotel.
Guests who were at the hotel at the time of the takeover will receive Marriott Rewards points for their room stay following the takeover, but don't expect points going forward.
