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Hard hat party kicks off Aqua Resort renovation
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Posted on Nov 17 2004
The Aqua Resort Club threw a Hard Hat Party Monday night to kick off its $3.5 million renovation project for the resort. The project began Tuesday and is expected to be completed by April 2005.
The renovation is intended to upgrade the hotel’s facilities but the hotel resort’s management assured that steps would be taken to prevent construction work from disrupting the tourists’ comfort.
“Renovation is always a concern because the impression on the level of comfort and tranquility of our guests is compromised,” said ARC acting general manager Ramon Cabrera. “But despite the planned construction, the hotel will continue to operate with minimal disruption. We will do our best to make our guests as comfortable as possible anytime of the day.”
The hotel was bought from the MacHomes Tokyo Co. Ltd. last July by Ken Corp. of Tokyo.
“Our new owner, Ken Aqua Hotel and Resort Inc., has a very strong level of confidence in Saipan. They want to ensure that our facilities are maintained and the products are improved,” Cabrera said.
Ken Aqua Hotel and Resort Inc. president Toshiki Sakai said the renovation serves as a key phase in attracting more tourists.
“By renovating the facility, we can attract more tourists with spending power to Saipan and Aqua Resort Club,” he said during an interview.
“We’re going to touch the entire thing, [but] within this year, we’re not going to go to structure and feature change; we’re just going to start with the landscaping and lighting, then the guests rooms, rest rooms, and lobby area,” said Ken Yanagisawa, Ken Corp. representative.
The party included a “breaking down the wall” ceremony featuring Sakai and Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, as well as performances by the hotel’s staff.
“I think you’re investing in a very well-run resort in Saipan,” Benavente told the owners during his speech. “Tonight is very exciting not only for Aqua Resort, but for the people in the Northern Marianas because we feel that we’re on our way back to where we were before…seeing the numbers of arrivals continuing to climb. This investment is going to be very worthwhile.”
