Elvis Slept Here: Inside the Luxurious Waikiki Resort

Above, the Hilton Waikiki Village from the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Expect a flood of Elvis Presley articles in the media as EPIC: Elvis Presley In Concert is opening this week in theaters.

One is from USA Today about the Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel at Waikiki Beach. I visited the hotel in 2016 while vacationing down the beach from it at the Sheraton Waikiki.

The article begins with:

Elvis loved quite a few things: luxury cars, peanut butter and banana sandwiches, and Hawaii. The King of Rock and Roll spent nearly 20 years of his life visiting Hawaii, and more specifically, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, an iconic resort that’s still open today — and brimming with fellow Elvis fans who want a glimpse into the King’s past.

The resort has an elite roster of famous fans who’ve roamed its halls, from Barack Obama to Ronald Reagan to Michael Jackson. But Elvis is regarded as the superstar who put this hotel on the map, having filmed “Blue Hawaii” on its property in 1961 and returning frequently over the course of two decades.

As you can imagine, the hotel has embraced the iconic connection. Visitors can explore the resort’s timeline wall, which features photos of Presley during his stays, information about the star, and memorabilia from his various visits.

To read more, go here. 

Kyoto Hikes Hotel Tax To Deal With Overtourism

Above, Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the past 25 years, I have been to Kyoto, Japan twice. But each time I stayed at hotels in neighboring Osaka. It was not that I was avoiding Kyoto, it just happened to work out that way (one was with a tour).

Over the past several years, Kyoto has been hit with hordes of tourists. The Japanese refer to it as overtourism. 

Kyoto is taking a stand against overtourism by reforming their hotel tax. 

According to Travel and Tour World:

In a decisive move to address the growing challenges posed by overtourism, Japan has introduced a groundbreaking hotel tax reform in Kyoto, one of its most iconic and historically significant cities. This bold initiative aims to manage the surging influx of international visitors, which has put immense pressure on the city’s infrastructure and local communities. With tourism in Kyoto reaching unprecedented levels, the new tax is designed not only to generate vital revenue for preserving the city’s cultural heritage but also to ensure sustainable tourism practices. By introducing a tiered tax structure based on accommodation costs, Japan seeks to balance the needs of tourists and residents, safeguard Kyoto’s historic charm, and improve the quality of life for locals, setting a powerful precedent for other destinations grappling with similar issues worldwide.

In a significant move to address the growing challenges of overtourism, Japan has approved an overhaul of its hotel tax. This measure follows a sharp rise in international visitors to the country, particularly in Kyoto, one of its most popular tourist destinations. The government’s decision to introduce the highest-ever hotel tax in the city comes in response to a rapid increase in tourism that has placed significant pressure on local infrastructure and residents.

Currently, the accommodation tax in Kyoto is capped at ¥1,000 (approximately £4.90) per night. Under the new rules, however, the city’s accommodation tax will increase dramatically, with projections suggesting a rise from ¥5.2 billion (around £25.5 million) to ¥12.6 billion (approximately £61.7 million) in annual revenue—a staggering 142% increase. The new tax system will vary depending on the price of accommodation, ensuring that higher-end hotels contribute more toward managing the impacts of tourism.

To read the full article, go here. 

Navajo Nation Acquires Historic Goulding's Lodge

Above, the historic Goulding's Lodge trading post and living quarters of the Gouldings. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The historic Goulding's Lodge is now officially owned and will be operated by the Navajo Nation.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on June 14.

According to Hoodline:

In an event marked by a gentle rainfall, the Navajo Nation officially took ownership of Goulding's Lodge, a historic site nestled in the heart of Monument Valley. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 14 saw Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and other dignitaries celebrate this momentous acquisition. "This is a day we’ve been waiting for," President Nygren said, regarding the collaboration's success between the legislative and executive branches that facilitated this deal, as stated by the Navajo Nation Office of the President.

Founded by Harry and Mike Goulding in the 1920s, the lodge is now a world-renowned tourist location, boasting yearly projected revenues between $22 and $31 million, as per the Office of the President. The purchase, finalized in October 2023 for a sum of $59.5 million, was a joint effort between the 25th Navajo Nation Council and the Division of Economic Development, aiming to funnel the income into supporting Navajo programs and bolstering the local economy.

Above, at Goulding's Lodge Campground in October 2022. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Goulding's Lodge includes a restaurant, market, hotel and campground. I stayed at the campground twice, most recently two years ago.

To read more, go here. 

El Rancho Hotel's Gallery

Above, the main entrance to the El Rancho Hotel & Motel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Regular readers of this blog know that I frequent Gallup, New Mexico's El Rancho Hotel & Motel on Route 66 for relaxing meals. 

I was perusing the El Rancho's website and came upon their gallery of photos of the hotel and what they have to offer to travelers.

We'll begin with their introduction of the hotel:

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME

Since the 1940s Hotel El Rancho has played host to some of Hollywood’s biggest movie makers and movie stars including Robert Mitchum, Elia Kazan, Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Melvyn Douglas, William Holden, Billy Wilder, Kirk Douglas, Gregory Peck, Ward Bond, Lon Chaney, Jr., Jose Ferrer, Kim Hunter, Troy Donahue, Suzanna Pleshette and many more. Even today the hotel continues to host film crews.

Above, the plaque by the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In August 2019, the Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917 of E Clampus Vitus held a plaque dedication at the hotel that included Zuni Pueblo dancers. The plaque is located in the hotel lobby under a portrait of late owner Armand Ortega. Many attendees of the plaque dedication stayed at the hotel and found it enjoyable. 

Above, the El Rancho's main lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During recent years, the El Rancho has undergone many renovations, including the guest rooms, restaurant (The Silver Screen), bar (The 49er Lounge) and facilities. 

From their website:

The 49er Lounge

Legend has it that John Wayne once rode a horse into the bar and ordered a beer — for both him and his horse. We can’t vouch for the story’s veracity, but we do know plenty of celebs passed their movie making downtime right here. Join us and revel in the history and fun.

One of the things I like doing is to bring out-of-state visitors to the El Rancho. All have been impressed with it.

To see their gallery, go here.

Japan's Hotel Guest Numbers Exceed Pre-Pandemic Levels In June

Above, the front desk of the Atami Shinkado ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that the tourism industry in Japan is well on the road to a full recovery after the pandemic.

The number of hotel guests exceeded pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

Kyodo News reported:

TOKYO - The number of Japanese and foreign tourists staying at hotels and other accommodation facilities in June exceeded pre-pandemic monthly levels for the first time in more than three years, rising 1.0 percent from the same month in 2019, government data showed Monday.

There were around 46.3 million guests, according to preliminary data by the Japan Tourism Agency, with pandemic restrictions completely lifted and COVID-19's classification downgraded in May to a level equivalent to the seasonal flu.

The number of travelers had dropped drastically from February 2020 after initial cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed in Japan.

But with the country's abolishment of pandemic border controls in April, the number of foreign guests in June rose 15.6-fold from a year earlier to 9.43 million, reaching 98.4 percent of what it was in June 2019.

To read more, go here. 

El Rancho's Restaurant and 49er Lounge

Above, the Silver Screen Café. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I moved to New Mexico five years ago, I have often mentioned the historic El Rancho Hotel & Motel on Historic Route 66 in Gallup. Mainly, it has been in regard to its restaurant.

I noticed the other day that the hotel's website had been updated and, it turns out, the hotel restaurant (the dining room opened last year) has a name: the Silver Screen Café. 

Above, Mitch Geriminsky and yours truly in the Silver Screen Café.

From the website:

The Silver Screen Café

The original ranch-style dining room with high ceilings, exposed wood beam trusses and rustic cowboy décor. The Silver Screen takes an uncomplicated approach to familiar favorites with an emphasis on traditional Southwestern flavors. It’s a fun, casual setting so you can dig in after a day of exploring National Monuments and Native Pueblos or get off on the right foot for a new day’s adventures.

Hours
We’re open seven days a week for visitors and neighbors alike, from 7am to 10pm.

This is the first time I heard of this name as there are no signs (that I've seen) in the hotel stating such.

Next to the Silver Screen Café (which has its own bar, by the way), is the 49er Lounge, the El Rancho's main bar.

Above, Clampers enjoying the spirits of the 49er Lounge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to the website:

The 49er Lounge 

Legend has it that John Wayne once rode a horse into the bar and ordered a beer — for both him and his horse. We can’t vouch for the story’s veracity, but we do know plenty of celebs passed their movie making downtime right here. Join us and revel in the history and fun.

Hours
We’re open 7 days a week from 4pm to 11pm.

Following the 2019 Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus plaque dedication in the El Rancho's lobby, the Clampers migrated to the 49er Lounge and partook in adult beverages and munchies. Their verdict of the bar: Satisfactory!

By the way, if one has never tried out Screwball peanut butter whiskey, one may purchase shots of it at the 49er Lounge. I actually like it better than regular whiskey.

To read more, go here. 

Experience Godzilla Daily Attacks In Atami

Above, Atami Castle sits on a hill overlooking the town. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Atami has the distinction to Godzilla fans as the place where the battle between Godzilla and King Kong ended in King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962).

After demolishing Atami Castle, both monsters tumbled into the ocean.

Today, Atami has a new Godzilla attraction that fans may want to check out: daily Godzilla attacks.

Japan Today reported:

Atami has long been one of Japan’s most popular seaside travel destinations. Located in Shizuoka Prefecture at the eastern entrance to the Izu Peninsula, Atami’s abundant hot springs and sweeping ocean views make the archetypal itinerary a nice long soak and a luxurious meal served in your hotel room as you gaze out at the sea as the sun sets.

However, if rather than destressing you’re looking for something that’ll get your heartrate up in Atami, the Atami Bay Resort Korakuen hotel has just the amenity for you: daily Godzilla attacks.

The hotel is currently running the Escape from the Hotel Being Attacked by Godzilla escape room game. The event is one of the latest creations from Scrap, the Tokyo-based escape room design company (and also the people behind the amazing real-life Metal Gear Solid game). And even though Godzilla is targeting the hotel, non-guests can get in on the fun/terror too, since the game is offered in two formats.

To read more, go here. 

TheTravel: Guide To Lake Havasu City

Above, jet-skiing and boating on the lake are favorite pastimes. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who want to get away from it all, consider a vacation stay at Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

I've been there several times as a friend is a resident there. I'm starting to know my way around town (uh, somewhat). I was there most recently during Christmas.

TheTravel has posted a guide to vacationing in Lake Havasu. They mention several hotels, but they omitted RV camping at the lake. There's plenty to do. One of things to do is taking a hike. I was going to use that as the title of this blog, but it is too suggestive and people may get the wrong Idea. (Read the article and you'll see why.)

But it is worth looking through.

They begin with:

Arizona is home to numerous tourist hotspots, but one of its hidden gems waiting to be discovered is Lake Havasu City. Nestled in the depth of the Mohave Desert, this sprawling resort community offers a mix of unending sunshine and big shiny waters. While some consider it to be in the middle of nowhere, Lake Havasu is only three hours away from its more famous counterpart, Phoenix, or about two hours away from Las Vegas.

A relatively young city, Lake Havasu was established in 1963 after attracting miners speculating for gold and silver and serving as a military recreation site. But thanks to industrialist Robert McCulloch and his vision, the city has come a long way from its mining days to become a bustling vacation destination with popular historical landmarks, incredible natural landscapes, and endless outdoor adventures. Fancy exploring this diamond in the rough? Here is the ultimate guide to Lake Havasu City.

 To read more, go here.

Ahwahnee Hotel To Be Closed For Renovations In 2023

Above, one of the sitting rooms of the Ahwahnee Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who wish to stay at Yosemite National Park's historic Ahwahnee Hotel next year are going to be disappointed. It will be closed to visitors early next year.

On the other hand, the following is good news as the hotel will be undergoing extensive upgrades so that it will be around for a second hundred years.

CapRadio reported:

Yosemite National Park’s 95-year-old Ahwahnee Hotel is set to undergo some major upgrades.

Park spokesman Scott Gediman said the $31.5 million project includes bracing the chimneys and support walls, replacing window frames, dining room and solarium glass, as well as other infrastructure upgrades.

He also said the project will include the installation of new seismic protection infrastructure.

"With the San Andreas Fault on the east side of the Sierra, we certainly do get some earthquake activity,” he said. “In fact, over the weekend there was a small earthquake that I actually felt here in the park. And so, it's just one of those things with a hotel that is almost 100 years old, it just doesn't have the seismic features that are required."

To read more, go here. 

Japan To Allow Hotels To Refuse Guests Shunning Infection Prevention Measures

Above, Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Even though Japan is opening up the country to foreign travelers in three days, the Japanese government has introduced a bill in the Diet allowing hotels to refuse guests who don't comply with infection prevention measures. 

If one is heading to Japan after the bills passes, they'd better pack masks in their luggage.

According to The Mainichi:

TOKYO -- The Japanese government is preparing to allow accommodation facilities to turn away guests who do not comply with infection prevention measures, such as wearing masks, without a valid reason in times of infectious disease outbreaks.

A bill to revise the Hotel Business Act was approved in a Cabinet meeting on Oct. 7, and the government hopes to see it enacted during the ongoing extraordinary Diet session.

In the revision, a new stipulation was created to allow businesses to ask guests to cooperate with infection prevention measures such as wearing masks and measuring their temperatures when there are outbreaks of diseases specified in the infectious disease law, including COVID-19. The bill states that accommodation providers can refuse guests who have fevers or other such symptoms but fail to comply with anti-infection policies without a legitimate reason. It says businesses must not turn away people if they have difficulties wearing masks due to disabilities or allergies.

To read more, go here. 

Best Places To Stay Around Crater Lake National Park

Above, The Beast on Rim Drive at Crater Lake National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my 2017 Great American Eclipse trip, I headed from Idaho to Oregon to visit Crater Lake National Park. I hadn't been there since the early 1970s, so this was a good opportunity to go.

While there, I stayed at the Diamond Lake RV Park, which was a few miles from the north entrance into Crater Lake National Park. It was nice to visit the park again, even though a haze of smoke settled into the crater from wildfires nearby.

The Travel posted their list of ten best places to stay around Crater Lake National Park. Even though Diamond Lake RV Park didn't make the list, I would recommend it.

The Travel begins with:

Crater Lake National Park attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year from all around the world. The deepest lake in the US is located within the crater of Mount Mazama, a massive volcano that erupted 7,700 years ago, leaving behind a bowl filled with some of the cleanest water on the planet. Visitors have always been charmed by going to the lake's shore, examining its various natural features, and staring from spectacular viewpoints. The lake's characteristic blue tint is a testimonial to that astonishing depth and mesmerizing purity. Of course, all of those attractions and the park's secluded location mean that many visitors remain overnight. Here are the top 10 places to stay around the lake.

To read more, go here. 

Inflation Is Impacting U.S. Travel

We are currently feeling the force of sky-high inflation in our everyday lives. 

Above, Dallas Love Field Airport terminal. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has impacted us with price rises on food, housing, utilities and goods & services. Right now, there's no end in sight.

It is also impacting the U.S. travel industry. 

TravelPulse has posted an article on how inflation is impacting the cost of traveling in the U.S.

They begin it with: 

New data showed inflation in the United States has risen at the fastest rate since 1981, and the travel and tourism industries have already felt the force of the changes.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 8.5 percent in March year-over-year and 7.9 percent in February, the fastest jump registered since December 1981.

In an infographic from Yahoo Finance, the Federal Reserve revealed prices over the last year have increased for several travel-related industries, including hotel rooms (25.1 percent), rental cars (23.4 percent), restaurants (6.9 percent) and recreation (4.8 percent).

To read more, go here. 

Luxury "Ryokan" Style Inn To Be Built In Ginza

Above, the Wako Department Store at Ginza Crossing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Foreign tourism is still in limbo as the Japanese government currently has "no plans" to reopen Japan. 

However, that won't last forever (even it now seems like forever that the country has been closed off) and hoteliers are betting that once Japan does reopen, accommodations will be in high demand. 

Japan's Hulic is to build a luxury ryokan in the Ginza shopping district of Tokyo.

According to Nikkei Asia:

TOKYO -- Japanese property developer Hulic will open a luxury ryokan -- a traditional Japanese inn -- in Tokyo's Ginza district in 2025, the latest sign that companies are betting on a strong rebound in travel demand as governments around the world relax COVID-19 restrictions.

The most expensive room at the inn will go for about 300,000 yen ($2,426) per night.

Development of lodging facilities is picking up steam globally, with investment in 2022 expected to be 40% higher than last year, rising to levels last seen in 2015, which saw record investment. Major projects in Japan include reconstruction of the iconic Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.

Hulic's ryokan is tentatively named Fufu Tokyo Ginza. The company will spend 20 billion yen to convert an office building on a main street in the upscale district into a 12-story complex. Six of the upper floors will become a 38-room ryokan. It will be Hulic's 13th luxury Japanese-style inn.

It is doubtful that once the Fufu Tokyo Ginza opens, your average Godzilla fan would not be able to afford staying there. But, you never know.

To read more, go here.

Hilton To Open Hotel In Kyoto

Above, Kyoto Station will be a 15 minute drive from the new Hilton Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is interesting that Hilton has signed an agreement to open a hotel in Kyoto, Japan while the country is still closed off to foreign tourists. But here we are.

Japan Today reported that Hilton will open a new hotel in Kyoto which will feature enticing amenities.

The reported:

HONG KONG - Hilton has signed a management agreement with Tokyo Tatemono for a hotel in Kyoto.

Scheduled to open in 2024, the Hilton Kyoto will be located in Sanjo-Kawaramachi in the heart of downtown Kyoto.

The hotel will be within walking distance of major attractions such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Heian Shrine, Yasaka Shrine and Gion area. Kyoto City Hall Station and Sanjo Station will also be within easy walking distance, while Kyoto Station will be approximately 15 minutes away by car.

The 313-room hotel will feature four F&B outlets, a fitness center, spa, indoor pool, an executive lounge, and banquet and meeting rooms. 

Hopefully, Japan will be reopened to foreign tourism by 2024.

To read more, go here. 

Top 7 Hotels In The Hawaiian Islands

Above, a view from our lanai at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on the Big Island. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that Hawaii has lifted all restrictions on domestic tourists and dropped mask requirements, now is the time to consider a vacation trip there.

With the above in mind, Travel Off Path has posted their choices for the top 7 hotels in the Hawaiian Islands. Of the seven, I have stayed at two of them, the Sheraton Waikiki and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

The start their recommendations with:

Hawaii removed all entry requirements for domestic travelers earlier this month, and their mask mandate officially ended on March 26th, 2022. These lessened restrictions, in addition to the islands’ tropical and serene charm, will likely make them a desirable destination for many travelers in the upcoming year. This list looks at seven excellent resorts on the Hawaiian islands to consider staying at for your next trip. 

Above, the infinity pool and beach at the Sheraton Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Leisure Travel Rebounds Again, Business Travel Lags

Above, Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Leisure travel is rebounding, while business travel not so much so.

At least that's what survey of 11,000 travelers in TravelPulse is saying. 

To start off, they wrote:

Leisure travel is rebounding quickly once again, but business travel isn't coming back in the same way.

Research from Morning Consult, which surveyed 11,000 travelers from the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, revealed that consumers are looking to travel this spring, many plan on flying and that they are very interested in pricing and flexibility.

Forty-one percent of consumers with travel plans in the next three months expect to fly, and 49 percent expect to stay at a chain hotel.

Price is a top consideration, and the research found that consumers are willing to pay a premium for flexibility. The ability to cancel for free was at the top of the list of things travelers would pay a premium for. Travelers are also willing to pay more to companies that have enhanced pandemic safety measures.

To read more, go here. 

Bob Saget: When and Where Stricken Makes A Big Difference

Tinseltown is shocked over the report of comedian/actor Bob Saget being found dead in his hotel room in Orlando, Florida. 

According to police, there were no indications of foul play or drugs at the scene. This leads me to think that Saget died suddenly of natural causes, such as from a heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, blood clot or anything else that could cause sudden death.

Prior to this, Saget seemed to be a healthy 65-year-old man. But appearances, especially at that age, can be deceiving. It is likely that Saget had no idea that something was critically wrong with him. Who knows what goes on inside one's body. I can only go by my own experience three and a half years ago. 

Back then, I had no health issues and was an active 64-year-old. But while attending the Wells Fun Run car show and rally in Wells, Nevada, I was stricken by a heart attack at a restaurant. Luckily, I was with friends at the time and fast action saved my life. I ended up getting two stents in a coronary artery that became blocked. Perhaps this is what happened to Saget. Unfortunately for him (I am speculating), he was stricken while alone and possibly asleep (if he was found in bed). Had he been with people, he quite possibly could have been saved as I was. We won't know until the Orlando medical examiner completes the autopsy on Saget's body. 

It is weird how so many celebrities have died in hotel rooms due to various causes. Janis Joplin, John Belushi, Don Drysdale and William Holden come immediately to mind. 

It all boils down to when and where one is stricken. It can, and does, happen to anyone. In my case, I consider myself very lucky.

RV Life: Is It Cheaper To RV Or Stay In Hotels?

Above, The Beast at Yellowstone/West Entrance KOA in West Yellowstone, Montana. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The age-old question of, "Is it cheaper to RV or stay in hotels?" gets an answer in an article posted yesterday at RV Life.

One immediate response is, "It depends."

The article starts with:

Your approach to cost comparison between RVing and hotel stays depends on several factors.  One of the first things to note is what type of RVer you are.  Are you a full-time RVer, or just a weekender? Do you already own an RV, or are you thinking about renting an RV? 

To see more, go here. 

Monument Valley's The View Hotel Reviewed

Above, The View Hotel has rooms facing The Mittens. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I went to Monument Valley in November 2016, I stayed at the campground at Goulding's Lodge in my motorhome.

While there, I took a tour through the tribal park and the tour took us past The View, the Navajo owned and operated hotel.

Wanderlust Travel Magazine (U.K.) has posted a review of The View. If one doesn't have an RV to stay in, The View may just be perfect for a memorable visit to Monument Valley. From what I saw of it, it looked like a nice place to stay.

They begin it with:

The red rock pinnacles and mesas of Monument Valley are sacred to the Navajo. They believe them to be the petrified remains of fallen monsters, defeated by the holy people, and now buried in the sand. Millions come each year to share in that mythology and see this sacred land. Few get to stay on site.

Navajo owned and operated, The View is the only hotel inside Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. And it is well-named: its rooms have balconies facing the Mittens, two huge red buttes rising like giant’s fists. At a lookout beside the hotel, tourists jostle for a glimpse. At The View, you have your own private box.

To read the review, go here. 

New Honolulu 3% Hotel Tax

Above, the Hilton Hawaiian Village at Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If there's one thing we can count on in life and that is when Democrats are in control of the government entities, they will raise and create taxes. Then, they turn those places into sh*tholes. Hawaii is a Democrat-dominated state.

The city of Honolulu may get more expensive for travelers as it will levy a 3% surcharge on hotel accommodations.

USA Today reported:

HONOLULU — Honolulu has become the latest Hawaii county to adopt its own hotel tax after Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed legislation adding a 3% surcharge to the state’s levy on short-term rentals.

Officials estimate the new tax, paid for by guests staying at accommodations such as hotels and Airbnbs, could generate about $86 million a year for Oahu, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.

The surcharge will be imposed on top of the state’s 10.25% tax on gross rental proceeds from hotels, vacation rentals, timeshares and other transient accommodations. 

To read more, go here.