Originally Posted by zs58

Hear hear! My first visit to the SW was in 2012 (was plat/ambassador off and on for most of the next decade) - after my first few visits I was so impressed by Kelly and his whole team that I used to send annual gift baskets. Regular suite upgrades, welcome candies/beverages delivered to my room, the (truly incredible) Leahi lounge, the whole FD crew and lounge staff - easily my favorite North American hotel, by far. Sadly, ever since ~2021 I haven't been back as a guest - my Honolulu visits have been spread across the Surfrider, Outrigger, and RH. Bittersweet every time I walk by the SW - there is nothing like the view from the lounge in the morning or choosing between an ocean or Diamond Head view from either balcony in a nice suite. What a wonderful run it was!

Originally Posted by bocastephen

The absolute dumbest act Marriott and the Waikiki franchisee every made in their mutual history was creating an environment where Kelly Sanders had to leave. Doing so was a pretty obvious declaration of war on their best customers and many years of loyalty that so many of us gave this resort.