I just returned this morning from one month there, and I can tell you that the changes are huge! When I checked in on February 11, the person staffing the Platinum check-in desk knew me and immediately apologized for no longer offering free valet parking as a Platinum amenity. They did waive the resort fee, and then had me talk with the front desk manager, who knew me well. He was able to take care of the parking "this time" because I had rented a car for when the rest of my family arrived. When my kids arrived later that week, the novice at the desk did not want to key their room card for use in the lounge without charging me for it. I realized that I would need to come back later to speak with someone else and just left it alone. Last week I was told, in confidence, that there would be a meeting to let the staff know that they would no longer have the Platinum chairs available as an amenity. I could not believe it until 5 days ago when a Reservations Manager was outside sharing the news with some of her guests who come for 2-3 months at a time and have for 20+ years! This change is going into effect tomorrow. What I am so curious about is how they will reach out to let those of you with reservations know about this. I was told that they will offer you 50% off the cabanas or the front row of chairs on the west half of the pool.

The real news is the number of long time guests that are now considering where to go from now on, and the number of longstanding employees who are looking to go elsewhere. This is all anyone has been talking about this week. I am so saddened by some of the staff that is looking to leave. That place is like a second home for me, and the people there treat us like family. For what I spend, I could readily rent a condo, but I have stayed there because of the people and the relationships. But, last night, before leaving my room, I said a sad goodbye to my xx36 suite, not knowing what my next stay might bring. Alohilani, anyone?