"Owners of ASTON-managed properties are savvy investors," explained Kelvin Bloom, president of ASTON Hotels & Resorts Hawaii. "They know that regular improvements are key to keeping a competitive edge in the marketplace. This constant evolution not only attracts new clientele, but also retains repeat visitors. Plus, the morale of long-time employees increases dramatically as they take pride in their renewed property."

Recent renovation projects (totaling more than $32.9 million) that either began or are wrapping up in 2002 include:

• ASTON Waikiki Beach Hotel's $30 million renovation, which began in July 2001 and includes renovations to all public and retail areas, restaurants and 700-plus hotel rooms. The hotel remained open throughout the entire renovation project and will celebrate its grand re-opening this fall.

• ASTON Waikiki Parkside, ASTON's newest Waikiki property, recently began a $2.1 million renovation that is scheduled for completion by October 2002. A model room showcasing the new water-theme was recently unveiled. In conjunction with the on-going renovation, a new Executive category will be added to the property. These new rooms, located on the top floors from 8th through 12th, will have a king-sized bed, balcony, ocean view, desk, data port and coffee maker.

• The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach recently wrapped up its $175,000 lobby remodel, $100,000 pool deck renovation and $100,000 barbecue upgrade.

• The new lobby reflects back to a time when Lahaina was known as the whaling town of the South Pacific. The lobby furniture and colors of natural earth-toned hues were chosen to represent the types of furnishings and materials popular in the 1800s when Lahaina was the port of call for whaling ships and the spice trade.

• The new pool deck now sports Quartzite tile, which adds a natural stone look to the area, and matching Tropitone pool furniture in rich textured taupe colors.

• The upgraded barbecue area includes six new stainless steel Webber grills and flooring made of the same Quartzite tile to match the new pool deck. In addition, three dark granite-top picnic tables were added, with each table able to seat about six people. 

• ASTON at the Waikiki Banyan's large recreation deck received two new jet spas, outdoor carpeting around the pool area and new playground equipment for a total renovation cost of $136,000. 

• Mahana at Kaanapali completed its $100,000 replacement project of all wooden trellises on each of its ground floor unit lanais. The new and improved trellises, made of Canadian Clear Cedar that was fire protected and coated three times with beige-toned paint, now protects guests from the occasional passing shower as they enjoy their ocean view from their lanais.

• ASTON Waikiki Circle Hotel finished its $72,700 makeover project that included the installation of Amtico flooring in the hotel hallways and elevators and the addition of blue neon lighting in its lobby. 

• The lighting, which runs from the exterior to the interior of the hotel, enhances the lobby ceiling's existing hand-painted clouds. The neon is also in keeping with the hotel's whimsical art deco feel and highlights the round shape of the building. 

• The new flooring utilizes vinyl tile that looks like sandstone. Scattered within this flooring are special tiles that feature beach-themed shapes, such as shells, coral and starfish, done in bold and pastel-toned colors.

• ASTON Paki Maui began a revitalization project that totals $72,500. The project includes new plantings of all lanai bougainvillea, as well as refurbishing the garden area landscaping by installing new plants and trees. In addition, the property's building will undergo spalling work and its parking lot will be re-paved.

• ASTON Hawaii Polo Inn recently completed a $50,000 renovation of 10 �Bamboo Suites� and its lobby and pool areas. The new rooms feature four-post beds and furniture made of bamboo. The lobby and pool areas received the same bamboo/tropical-themed update.