July 18, 2011 - WAIKIKI BEACH, Hawaii – Aqua Hotels & Resorts (www.aquaresorts.com), a full-service Hawaii hotel management company, announced it will assume management of The Lotus at Diamond Head, effective July 18, 2011.  The hotel will be renamed Aqua Lotus Honolulu and become part of the Aqua Boutique Collection.

“We are pleased to be named by N2885 LLC to manage this beautiful boutique hotel,” said Ben Rafter, Aqua’s President and CEO.  “The property has a long history as a popular hotel and restaurant and both the ownership and Aqua are committed to the renovations and upgrades needed to return it to four star status.”

One of Waikiki’s first full-service boutique hotels, the Aqua Lotus Honolulu was previously marketed as the hip “W Honolulu”.  The hotel remains stylish with beautifully appointed Asian inspired furnishings and a relaxed ambiance.

Planned refurbishment of the guest rooms and common areas will enhance the hotel’s elegant décor and vibe.  “Another feature of the renovation is the refurbishment of the restaurant space and the re-opening of a contemporary new restaurant and lounge,” added Rafter. “We will be finalizing our dining concepts over the next several weeks.”  Renovation work is scheduled to take place during the day when guests are out exploring and enjoying Oahu.

“There will be no interruption of service as we transition reservations already in the system,” stated Elizabeth Churchill, Aqua’s VP Sales & Marketing. “Our team is excited to be selling Aqua Lotus Honolulu.  It is perfect for a number of niches including family, romance and active travelers so we will be reaching out to these markets with introductory specials to re-acquaint travelers and travel agents with the hotel.”

Hotel amenities include:

• Onsite restaurant and lounge
• Meeting & banquet facilities:  Seats 80 for dinner and 120 people for standing reception. For smaller groups, the Penthouse Suite and Chef’s Table are also available. Video conferencing and other technology can be arranged
• WiFi in the lobby and rooms
• Complimentary coffee service
• Concierge

Guest room amenities include:

• ADA compliant and non-smoking room availability
• Private lanai
• Oversized desk
• Wireless Internet access
• I-Pod docking station
• Personalized climate control
• Mini-refrigerator
• Electronic in-room safe
• and more

“The addition of Aqua Lotus Honolulu confirms the new owner’s commitment to Hawaii and their confidence in Aqua’s performance and vision,” commented Rafter.  “We are looking forward to a long and successful partnership in Hawaii and the Pacific.”

Aqua Lotus Honolulu is a 51-room boutique hotel offering fantastic views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean.  Located at the east end of Waikiki, also known as the “Gold Coast” at 2885 Kalakaua Avenue, the hotel enjoys a tranquil and quiet setting along Waikiki’s main thoroughfare.  Aqua Lotus Honolulu enjoys a beachfront position and is in walking distance to the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium and tennis courts.

For reservations, see your preferred travel agent, book online or call Aqua toll-free from the U.S. and Canada at 1-866-406-2782.  From Hawaii, call 808-924-6543.

About Aqua Hotels & Resorts
Aqua Hotels & Resorts is a management company founded in 2001 by Hawaii hotelier Mike Paulin.  The company provides independent hoteliers and individual owners with full-service administration including revenue management, Internet distribution, sales, reservations, as well as individualized and brand advertising and marketing for maximum profitability.

Currently representing contemporary properties located on Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kauai, Aqua offers full-service resorts, stylish boutique hotels and comfortable budget properties.

Headquartered in Waikiki, Aqua became Hawaii’s first employee-owned hotel company in 2008 when it executed an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.  For more information on the company and individual hotels, visit www.aquaresorts.com or call 1-808-943-9291.

For reservations, see your preferred travel agent, book online or call Aqua toll free from the U.S. and Canada at 1-866-406-2782.  From Hawaii, call 808-924-6543.  Aqua is represented in Australia and New Zealand by Travel Reflections, South Korea by Pacific Air Agency Group, China by Aloha Consultant Company, Japan by ARM International and United Kingdom by First Public Relations.