A legacy family travel company from Memphis, already well known to Hawaii, has just acquired the renowned Montage Kapalua Bay. The Kemmons Wilson company is named after its founder, who died in 2001 and originated the Holiday Inn brand. He is said to have started Holiday Inn in 1951 because he was so disgusted by the shabby hotels and ancillary fees he experienced on a family vacation.
Wilson’s family business, which has invested over $2 billion in hospitality, sprung from a “vacation that changed the face of the American road.” When Wilson got back from that fateful trip, he immediately set out to build what would become the very first Holiday Inn. There are now Holiday Inns in every state and in fifty other countries. A School of Hospitality and Resort Management is also named in Wilson’s honor.
Kemmons Wilson wanted travel to be on a higher plane.
He was also angered by having to pay an extra $2 for each of his five kids on his trip. He was already aware that nickel-and-diming was not a good thing. Holiday Inn did not charge extra for children.
Not only that, he envisioned hotels that were air-conditioned, with swimming pools, ice machines, baby cribs, and even dog kennels. Holiday Inn restaurants did not charge for children’s meals. He once envisioned trampolines at all Holiday Inns, too, before an accident derailed that concept. And while fly swatters were also once in the rooms, that idea was jettisoned as well.
Seeking to provide a consistent experience, Wilson wanted there to be no surprises when staying at his hotels. And he wanted each one to operate in the same way.
The cost of staying at a Holiday Inn was $6 when they started their first property pictured below.
Where did the name Holiday Inn come from?
Wilson got the idea from the Holiday Inn, a hotel featured in the 1942 Bing Crosby film, which introduced the song ”White Christmas.”
The man with 300,000 beds.
Time magazine featured Wilson on its cover in the 1970s, and gave him the nickname. They said “He has transformed the motel from the old wayside fleabag into the most popular home away from home.”
A love of resort development ensued.
Wilson got tired of Holiday Inn in the late 1970s, which later came to be owned by Six Continents Hotels. But his interests moved into resort development as well as low-priced hotel chains.
Kemmons Wilson acquires Montage Kapalua Bay, West Maui.
A deal that started prior to the West Maui fire was completed and announced by the company this week. Family CEO Webb Wilson, grandson of Kemmons, has himself been coming to the islands for forty years.
“In light of the current tragedy, we grieve for the people of Maui. We intend to find ways to be involved in caring for the displaced residents and community of West Maui. Under our ownership, the resort will continue to offer programming that enlightens guests on Hawaiian cultural practices and history and benefits their personal wellness and renewal.”
Webb Wilson, CEO, KWC Management LLC.
Montage Kapalua Bay sits on a prime 24-acre site perched above the bay. It has 146 residence suites, multiple restaurants, bars, event space, and a 40k square-foot spa.
The property underwent a large renovation, reopening last in 2014 under Montage Hotels and Resorts management. KWC Management will be bringing on White Label Asset Management with the sale.
The area consists of several beaches. Kapalua Bay means “two borders” in Hawaiian. Kapalua Bay has been named “Best Beach in the World” by Conde Nast readers, America’s Best Beach by Dr. Beach, as well as Best Beach in America by the Travel Channel.
Earlier, Kapalua Beach was known by the name Fleming Beach and was later renamed. It features an exquisite crescent-shaped beach with white sand and turquoise blue waters.
We stay at Holiday Inn Express as often as possible. Never disappointed. And, yes, consistent from property to property. We also enjoy the Hilton Garden Inn properties, especially in Vegas.
Does this mean that the Holiday Inn/Montage will have more affordable rates? They dont discuss this. Thanks
Hi Sandi.
We’ll have to wait and see, since as you said, there’s no further information at this point.
Aloha.
I personally doubt it …
Interesting background. I am sure his grandfather never envisioned this! Definitely a beautiful resort and happy to hear they plan to be involved in Hawaiian culture. My friend Harry Troupe who lost his home and all his music equipment in the fires of Lahaina is playing on donated guitars there Sundays from 12 to 3pm, but locals can’t afford going there, unless they decide to give Kama’aina discounts in their restaurants.
God bless the people of Maui in this time of tragic loss. I look forward to again visiting your island paradise with all respect and support!
Karl M
Las Vegas NV (9th islander)
I was told when Kapalua was first named it meant “arms embracing the sea” in Hawaiian
I also remember it being called Fleming Beach back in the 80’s when I was there. Who was Fleming? I am looking forward to seeing what kind of prices they will set for the new ownership. I like that the family is still in charge of the grandfather’s legacy. Hopefully they will keep the visitors satisfied with cost effective lodging and dining. Mahalo.
It’s beautiful, but one of the most expensive places in West Maui right now …
Thank you for reminding me that Kapalua was once named Fleming beach. That is what we called it when we stayed at Napili Kai and would go over to swim. Such a beautiful beach then with none of the development.
Montage, formally built as a Ritz-Carlton Time Share, and Kapalua Beach, formally Fleming Beach, actually DT Fleming!
Randy,
Well, I think that tells the tale – if it was to be a Ritz-Carltime Timeshare, it wouldn’t be cheap when it’s rebranded as a Holiday Inn/Montage. But, what nice hotel, in Hawaii, is low-cost?