Skift Take
Scrapping in-room fine dining may be a result of declining demand for such room service, but it's not something we'll necessarily clink champagne glasses for.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, the state's largest single hotel property, has ended its in-room table service and replaced it with a new takeout and delivery service that it says is better geared to modern visitors, who have active, casual lifestyles.
The change, which went into effect earlier this month, means that Hilton Hawaiian Village guests can't have high-end room service menu mainstays like orange juice and champagne cocktails with eggs Benedict wheeled into their room on a table laden with linen and fine china. Instead, customers who opt for in-room delivery will be greeted by a Fresh Connection runner, who will hand them a sack filled with locally sourced, albeit plainer, fare like bagels or breakfast bowls and burritos. Those who want to save the delivery fee and gratuity can opt for pickup.
While some might see the change as dramatic, Jerry Gibson, area vice president of Hilton Hawaii and managing director of Hilton Hawaiian Village, said it makes good business sense. He's also banking on the notion that today's guests will respond positively to what he touts as a cheaper, more c
