Hotel to close for renovation

By Andrew Gomes
Advertiser Staff Writer

The 255-room Aston Waikiki Parkside Hotel will close Tuesday for a $2.1 million renovation to update the property with a water-themed design before reopening in summer.

Hotel operator Aston Hotels & Resorts said it will try to place the Waikiki Parkside's work force of about 70 into other slots at 32 hotels and resort condominiums operated by the company.

As part of the makeover, blue draperies two stories high will grace the entrance, while hallway carpets and wallpaper will evoke a sense of being on the ocean floor.

Aston agreed to make the improvements as part of a 10-year, $80 million management contract with LaeRoc Partners of Manhattan Beach, Calif. In August 2001, the California company bought the mid-scale hotel at 1850 Ala Moana across from Hilton's Kalia Tower.

In the past two years, Aston has directed a $2 million surf-themed renovation of the Aston Aloha Surf Hotel for LaeRoc, and a $30 million "hip-Hawaiiana" redo of the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel for a New York owner.

Correction: An incorrect photo ran with a previous version of this story.