Contact: Ken Ellens
Ken Ellens Communications
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Benchmark Hospitality International
Appointed to Operate Maui Prince Hotel
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas,September 8,
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 Cabañas, 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.” Cabañas
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, Cabañas 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” byTravel + Leisuremagazine.
About Benchmark Hospitality International
Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and
marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury
Hotels™. The privately held company, launched in 1980, is
a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.Benchmark
Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating propertiesin
major metropolitan and resort destinations. Benchmark'sinternational
headquartersis locatedinThe Woodlands, Texas, near
Houston, withregional offices in New Jersey and Connecticut. Internationaloffices
arelocatedin Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location
of Benchmark’s properties and additional information, visitwww..benchmarkhospitality.com.
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