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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 1:29 p.m., Thursday, April 3, 2008

Hawaii hotels offer discounted rates to ATA passengers

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i hotels are coming forward with special offers and discounts to help travelers stranded by the abrupt shutdown of ATA Airlines, the second airline with Hawai'i routes to fail in less than a week.

Aqua Hotels & Resorts said it is offering three free nights to its hotel guests who find themselves stranded in Waikiki due to the announcement this morning of ATA Airlines Chapter 11 filing and immediate cancellation of flights.

"It's a very sad and frustrating time for all of us," said Mike Paulin, owner and CEO of Aqua Hotels & Resorts. "The sudden departure of two airline carriers serving Hawai'i will no doubt have negative impacts on Hawai'i's visitor industry that will take some time to reverse."

Paulin said his company is offering the free room nights to any Aqua hotel guest holding a return ticket on ATA and unable to rebook their return flight home.

The offer is valid for a maximum of three free nights at any of Aqua's 11 Waikiki locations (one hotel is closed for renovations), based on space availability from April 3-10. Stranded guests must present their return ATA Airlines ticket to the respective front desk.

Aqua also is waiving its standard hotel cancellation policy for individuals who are no-show because they are unable to rebook their ATA Mainland to O'ahu flight arriving from April 3–10. Travelers and travel agents may advise Aqua by calling the toll-free reservations number at 866-406-2782.

Outrigger Enterprises Group is extending special rates and discounts for Aloha Airlines passengers to ATA passengers affected by the closure at a number of its properties.

They include: a 50 percent discount at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach and Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach in Waikiki, as well as at all Outrigger Condominium Collection resort condominiums and at the Keauhou Beach Resort on the Big Island. Special rates and discounts are subject to availability. Guests must show an Aloha or ATA confirmation or ticket upon check in to receive the special distressed passenger rate.

And Outrigger is relaxing its cancellation policy for those guests who have to cancel or change reservations as a result of the airlines closure.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawai'i announced that it will extend a special room rate to customers who find themselves stranded in Hawai'i due to the termination of operations today by ATA Airlines.

Starwood's properties across O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i and Hawai'i are prepared to help guests make alternate flight arrangements and will keep them informed with up-to-date information and phone numbers. Each hotel is running a support desk and scheduled additional guest service agents to aid stranded ATA customers.

The special rate is priced per room per night and not combinable with any other offers. Guests must provide documentation of ATA Airlines confirmation or tickets upon check in. Customers may also call the Starwood Hawai'i toll free number at 866-716-8140.

Hilton announced today that all of its Hilton Family Hawai'i hotels and resorts will offer assistance to ATA passengers who were not able to secure flights as a result of the airline's shutdown.

Guests who were already at one of the Hilton properties can extend their stay at the hotel's kama'aina (local resident discount) rate; guests who were not originally at a Hilton property also will receive the discount upon showing proof of their ticket on ATA. The kama'aina discount, which varies at each hotel and is based on availability, will be offered for a limited time at Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa, Doubletree Alana Hotel-Waikiki, Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio and Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk on O'ahu; Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island; Hilton Kaua'i Beach Resort on Kaua'i; and the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa on Maui.

In addition, all Hilton Family Hawai'i properties will waive no-show and cancellation charges from April 3 to April 5, upon presentation of proof of their ticket on ATA during this period.

Current guests need only contact their hotel front office to notify them of their extension and present a copy of their ATA confirmation.

Prince Resorts Hawai'i also is offering hotel rates for stranded ATA passengers staying at Prince Resorts Hawai'i properties:

Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club, Maui Prince Hotel, Makena Resort, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel will be 50 percent off published "Hot Deal" rate.

Guests stranded but staying at other hotels/condos, etc. can get a 25 percent off "Hot Deal" rates at Hawai'i Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club, Maui Prince Hotel, Makena Resort Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. For more info, visit www.PrinceResortsHawaii.com.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.