Benchmark to Operate Maui Prince Hotel, Makena, Maui
HOUSTON, TX, September 9, 2009 - Benchmark Hospitality International has received preliminary appointment as the new management company for the former Maui Prince Hotel and Maui Prince Golf Club, located in Makena, Maui. The preliminary appointment was made by 2nd Circuit Court Judge Shackley Raffetto who also appointed a receiver for the property this morning.
Benchmark Hospitality has extensive experience in the Hawaii market. The company has operated Turtle Bay Resort, located on the North Shore of Oahu, since 2001 and was an active part of the development team that oversaw the $63 million renovation and repositioning of the luxury resort, which is today one of Hawaii's most successful properties.
Burt Caba~nas, chairman and CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International, stated: 'We are extremely pleased to welcome this remarkable property to the Benchmark family. We feel confident that our track record in the Hawaii market will enable a smooth, reliable transition for the hotel, and help elevate this resort to a new level of success.' Caba~nas continued with, 'This is a wonderful property, with a marvelous and historic location offering tremendous potential. Benchmark looks forward to significantly enhancing the positioning and success of the resort, helping maintain the livelihood of hundreds of employees from Maui and playing an active role in preserving the history and reputation of Makena.'
Speaking of the Hawaii market, Caba~nas said, 'Benchmark has a thorough understanding of the Hawaii market and a demonstrated success in operating profitable resorts, maintaining occupancy at Turtle Bay Resort of 84% year-to-date despite the current economic recession.'
Bob Boyle, vice president and regional director of operations for Benchmark Hospitality International, will oversee all operational and marketing issues at the Maui resort. Mr. Boyle is responsible for overseeing the 443-room Turtle Bay Resort and the 326-room Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, the two largest resort properties in Benchmark Hospitality's portfolio.
Mr. Boyle stated, 'Our goal is to retain as many of the employees of the resort as possible. We are committed to ensuring that current and future guests have a wonderful experience while we establish a financially successful resort.'
Benchmark Hospitality International oversaw the transition of Turtle Bay Resort to a prestigious North Shore destination property, by way of a $63 million facelift and repositioning program. Under Mr. Boyle's four-year administration, the ocean-side resort has seen record results for occupancy, average daily rate, gross operating profits and guest satisfaction levels. Additionally, for the second consecutive year, Turtle Bay Resort has been named one of the 'World's Best Hotels' by Travel + Leisure magazine.
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