The Modern Honolulu: A New Standard of Hotels in Honolulu

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. March 14, 2013

By Gerald Glennon, Managing Director, The Modern Honolulu

Located at the gateway to Waikiki on the island of Oahu, The Modern Honolulu sets a new standard for lifestyle hotels with an innovative urban resort design that reflects sophistication and style. As one of Honolulu's newest Waikiki resorts, The Modern caters to everyone from modern-day business travelers to savvy jet setters from all over the world. Offering personal, friendly service and incomparable food, beverage and entertainment options in one of the destination's most stylish atmospheres, the hotel features eye-catching, notable artwork and attracts an eclectic mix of in-the-know locals and chic guests.

With its unique and approachable environment and contemporary aesthetic, The Modern Honolulu features several differentiating features making it the sophisticated accommodation choice amongst its neighboring Waikiki hotels and throughout the destination of Hawaii.

A Sanctuary-like Destination Within Waikiki

The Modern Honolulu's marina-front setting on the threshold of Waikiki is slightly removed, providing a feeling of refuge for guests from Waikiki's bustling beach, and the endless high-rise structures lining its shores. Although the property sits apart from Wakiki's main hotel drag, it is centrally located and within walking distance to popular Waikiki beaches, Hawaii's largest open-air shopping center, Ala Moana, and near a selection of luxury boutiques and retail stores that line Waikiki's main thoroughfare, Kalakaua Avenue.

Contemporary, Boutique Aesthetic and Atmosphere with a Hint of Aloha

The cosmopolitan lifestyle hotel boasts a revamped spirit of aloha and the new meaning of progressive luxury. From towering coconut palms to crisp, white furniture, The Modern is a refreshingly new take on city sensibility. Unique to the island of Oahu, The Modern Honolulu is infused with a culturally refined and stimulating atmosphere that is intimate, while still innovative.

Having debuted in September 2011, guests were immediately drawn to the sleek interiors designed by architects George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg alongside landscape designer Deborah Nevins, the friendly customer service and the unique approach to the Hawaiian experience that The Modern delivers.

The Modern Honolulu offers 353 luxurious rooms and suites ranging from 340 to more than 3,000 square feet of beautiful living space decorated in natural tones and rich woods with distinctive design touches that create a soothing sense of organic luxury with the character of a home away from home. Rooms have oversized windows featuring views of the city, pools, Yacht Harbor and ocean. Many have furnished terraces with sliding louvered doors offering shuttered shade, filtered sunshine or dramatic, panoramic views spanning the city to the ocean and beyond.

Rooms boasting custom beds with down comforters and pillows, 46” LCD TVs, a work area with extra long desks, custom-woven leather and teak desk chairs imported from Indonesia, custom lighting, complimentary high-speed wireless internet, large glass enclosed showers, custom cast terrazzo sink basin with extra large terrazzo countertops and 24-hour Room Service, combine to create a fully-serviced retreat offering all the relaxation and comfort of your own private living space.

Climbing the lobby's dramatic stairway to the heart of the hotel brings guests to The Modern Honolulu's intensely vibrant inner sanctum, where the pools, bars and artfully-designed landscaped decks offer a variety of experiences, day and night.

Friendly and Approachable Service from a Welcoming, and Detail-Oriented Team

Within The Modern's cosmopolitan realm of originality exists a host of activities including athletic endeavors, poolside relaxation and dining, nightlife and spa experiences, all adaptable to any schedule or request. The perk; hotel staff is in tune to guests, knowing if pampering or adventure best fits their needs and which package, amenity or activity will achieve the best possible experience on Oahu. Attracting guests in both stilettos and flip-flops, The Modern sets a new standard for understated elegance and service. Upon arrival, guests are enticed with a tropical welcome drink and traditional Oshibori cold-towel service in the lobby filled with The Modern's signature Plumeria scent, providing a complete sensory experience to set the tone for their stay.

An array of first-class features and services are available under one roof, from the hippest nightlife and dining options to tranquil spa treatments to innovative business and meeting amenities. The adept team goes above and beyond to accommodate the preferences of guests, with no request being too big or small.

A Lifestyle Destination Featuring Oahu's Most Comprehensive Collection of Experiences

Deftly combining sexy and sophisticated, every element is original; authentic or custom-designed to enhance the experience. Sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and city skyline surround the hotel's 353 guest rooms and suites. The Spa's exhilarating treatments are developed around the purest and most exclusive products in the world -- natural, organic, hand-crafted and sustainable. Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto plates international fare at Morimoto Waikiki and Executive Chef Scott Toner delivers organic, local and house-made culinary pleasures for poolside and in-room dining. Two stylish pools overlook the Pacific for daytime fun while a vibrant scene at ADDICTION nightclub and The Study lobby bar offer evening rendezvous.

As a natural environment for gathering, guests and visitors alike can socialize at three cutting edge venues on property; the high-profile and celebrity-frequented ADDICTION nightclub, World-renowned Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto's Morimoto Waikiki, and The Study lobby bar. At Morimoto Waikiki, Chef Morimoto's seasonal and ever-changing selection of raw fish preparations feature the best seafood the Hawaiian waters offer as well as locally grown fruits and vegetables from island farmers. Chef Morimoto has garnered worldwide acclaim for his innovative approach to a contemporary Japanese menu, infusing traditional dishes with Western ingredients and techniques. For late-night dancing, high-energy music and signature cocktails, nightlife-seekers can head to ADDICTION, Honolulu's sought-after, state-of-the-art nightclub, incomparable to other Hawaiian nightlife. Offering a more intimate setting, The Modern's Study is a spot to unwind and sip a selection of new book title-inspired cocktails in a chic atmosphere surrounded by the sounds of the piano.

The Spa at The Modern Honolulu provides a refreshing escape for travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The Spa features pampering packages, seasonal specials and signature treatments in its four treatment rooms, manicure/pedicure stations and a full range of luxurious spa services. Generous locker rooms are designed for changing and showers are available to soothe away the stresses of plane travel. Stone sinks, natural materials and a neutral palate throughout the spa create an elemental and peaceful environment. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the state-of-the-art fitness center, and extend their relaxation at The Sunset Pool, both located just steps from The Spa.

The Sunrise Pool is at the center of it all, reflecting the changing hues of the Pacific with shallow lounging areas and chaises that appear to float on the water. Naturally aged teak decking complements custom teak chaises and oversized day beds for all-day lounging and sunning. The Sunrise Pool features underwater speakers, allowing guests to enjoy the pool deck's sound system even while taking a plunge. A grove of 20 Hawaiian “Autograph” trees sourced from local estates, vibrant magenta Bougainvillea and fragrant Jasmine create a lush atmosphere framed by tall Ficus hedges to ensure privacy for sunbathing. The adjacent pool bar sits beneath a canopy of cascading Bougainvillea with hanging lanterns made from green glass wine bottles that create a relaxed and welcoming retreat.

Just up a staircase above The Sunset Pool, the exclusive Sunrise Pool is a one-of-a-kind “adults only” (18 and up) private “beach” with its own bar overlooking the ocean and a beachscape created with more than 100 tons of imported sand surrounding a circular, shallow, infinity edge lagoon lined with custom designed Yves Klein blue glass tiles. Meandering pathways paved with 10,000 hand laid smooth pebbles add to the feeling of an exotic oasis; a romantic enclave lit at night by lanterns and candles and open to the sky. The Sunset Pool features custom teak lounges and daybeds set in the sand, brightly colored Brazilian hammocks and oversized pillows in vibrant African Batik prints laid out on woven beach mats. The lagoon is furnished with lounge chairs set in the water so guests may easily cool off while sunning and lounging. The Bar at The Sunset Pool is an exclusive, exotic destination within the resort itself featuring dramatic 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and the Harbor.

Stylish Spaces and Current Amenities for Uncommon and Alternative Meetings and Gatherings

While The Modern is an idyllic retreat for leisure travelers, the hotel also offers a variety of meeting and executive services for corporate, meeting and incentive travelers heading to Hawaii. Fully equipped with studio conference rooms, an expansive hospitality suite, one of the largest ballrooms in Oahu, onsite business center, custom catering services and several additional premier amenities, The Modern Honolulu has the ability to execute any affair with precision whether a banquet for 800 guests, or an intimate board meeting for 12. In addition, The Modern Honolulu is known for its unique venue options that are beyond the typical four-wall rooms including outdoor spaces such as the Sunset Beach Pool and The Sun Suite and Terrace, as well as its innovative cuisine lead by Executive Chef Scott Toner offering only the freshest menus with all items made in-house. Chef Scott takes pride in serving even the largest groups of guests as if he we preparing an intimate meal for two.

An extraordinary component of The Modern Honolulu is the 1,400 square foot custom-furnished Penthouse suite that affords sweeping views of the Pacific from an expansive 1,500 square foot wraparound landscaped terrace. The luxury apartment is graced with original artwork and its own private dining room, kitchen, entertainment center, library and bedroom. Ideal for welcoming guests or simply enjoying an unparalleled sense of privacy, the Penthouse offers a unique one-of-a-kind retreat, including custom beds with luxurious imported linens, down comforters and pillows, original custom designed furniture with custom fabrics, teak sliding screens at windows and custom light fixtures suitable for working and entertaining.

As a leading destination for weddings, The Modern also offers an array of sophisticated and stylish venues for weddings, bridal luncheons and other special events in Hawaii. Fully-equipped with sprawling indoor and picturesque outdoor spaces, a large and transformative ballroom, custom catering services and several additional premier amenities, The Modern Honolulu has the ability to execute an elaborate affair for 350 guests to an intimate ceremony for 100 or less. The hotel's capability to create unique and one-of-a-kind events has allowed them to execute some of the island's most impressive weddings.

About The Modern Honolulu

The Modern Honolulu integrates cosmopolitan chic into leisure and business pursuits in Hawaii. Deftly combining sexy and sophisticated, every element is original; authentic or custom-designed to enhance the experience. Sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and city skyline surround the hotel's 353 guest rooms and suites. The Modern's progressive luxury is as refined as it is relaxed. The Spa's exhilarating treatments are developed around the purest and most exclusive products in the world -- natural, organic, hand-crafted and sustainable. Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto plates international fare at Morimoto Waikiki and Executive Chef Scott Toner delivers organic, local and house-made culinary pleasures for poolside and in-room dining. Two stylish pools overlook the Pacific for daytime fun while a vibrant scene at Addiction nightclub and The Study lobby bar offer evening rendezvous. Flexible indoor and outdoor banquet and private event facilities include a 9,100-square-foot ballroom, Sun Suite with outdoor open-air terrace, four meeting studios and a pre-function gallery with state-of-the-art audio and visual services. For more information and reservations call 888-970-4161 or visit TheModernHonolulu.com online.

Gerald Glennon, a seasoned luxury hospitality specialist is Managing Director of the 353-room boutique property The Modern Honolulu located in bustling Waikiki, Hawaii. Mr. Glennon's addition to the existing team of hospitality professionals complements the hotel and further enhance its performance as it approaches its third successful year in operation. Prior to joining The Modern Honolulu, Mr. Glennon's extensive hospitality experience includes tenure with luxury global brands such as Sofitel, and most recently more than 11 years at Hawaii's iconic Halekulani. During his leadership at Halekulani, he was responsible for instilling a culture of exceptional service, complemented by multiple physical property enhancements, ensuring the reputation of this legendary resort. Halekulani Living, a luxury lifestyle series, was introduced and developed by Mr. Glennon resulting ultimately into Halekulani Living, an award-winning magazine. As Managing Director, Mr. Glennon works cohesively with Modern Management Services and The Modern Honolulu's executive team. Mr. Glennon also works closely with ownership and investors, in addition to being the hotel's brand ambassador and liaison to the local community.