One of the oldest hotels in the CNMI will undergo renovation when it temporarily closes beginning March 29, 2026, according to Grandvrio Resort Saipan general manager Kunito Izumi.
Izumi acknowledged that the recent reduction and suspension of flight services to Saipan have caused a significant decline in the Garapan landmark’s occupancy rates, creating “an extremely challenging business environment.” He said the resort will use the downtime to upgrade its facilities.
“Even under these circumstances, our foremost priority has always been to ensure that our guests enjoy a comfortable, safe, and relaxing stay. With this commitment in mind, we have decided to proceed with renovation work focusing primarily on upgrading our water supply and drainage systems, as well as our electrical facilities. These improvements are intended to enhance safety, comfort, and the overall guest experience, enabling us to welcome visitors back with an even higher standard of hospitality once we reopen,” Izumi told Marianas Press.
As for the duration of the temporary closure, he said Grandvrio Resort management will carefully assess both the projected costs associated with renovating its aging facilities and the trend in visitor arrivals to Saipan before determining the appropriate reopening date.
“At this time, no specific reopening date has been finalized, but we are committed to providing an update as soon as a decision is reached,” he said.
Izumi added that from the time of the announcement until March 29, 2026, Grandvrio Resort staff will continue to work diligently to ensure the property can return as a hotel offering an even more comfortable and enjoyable environment.
“We greatly appreciate your understanding and continued support. Although our hotel and restaurant will be temporarily closed starting in April, we will continue to operate as usual until the end of March. We hope you will take this opportunity to visit us before the temporary closure,” he said.
The 426-room Grandvrio Resort consists of three buildings—Main Wing (built in 1977), Crystal Tower (1989), and Taga Tower (1998). Formerly known as Hafadai Beach Hotel, it is one of Saipan’s pioneering resort properties and has been in operation since 1977.
“Now the deterioration of the facilities over time has become evident, and we have decided to carry out maintenance work with a mid- to long-term repair plan. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or concern this temporary suspension may cause to our guests, partners, and the local community,” Izumi said.
In a statement, the Office of the Governor said the planned temporary shutdown of Grandvrio Resort in April 2026 reflects the severe pressures facing the CNMI’s tourism-dependent economy. The administration cited historic lows in hotel occupancy—levels not seen since 1992, aside from the pandemic years—and the prolonged reduction and suspension of direct air service, which have created an unsustainable operating climate for hotels and other tourism businesses.
It called the closure a major loss for employees, their families, and the wider community, while thanking Grandvrio Resort’s management and staff for their long-standing contributions to the sector. Officials say they are working to restore and expand air links to the CNMI and are coordinating with HANMI and hotel operators on broader economic-stabilization and diversification efforts. Despite the current downturn, the administration maintains an optimistic outlook, saying strategic collaboration and federal support will help Grandvrio Resort and other establishments eventually reopen.
In a separate statement, the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands said the resort’s decision follows years of unprecedented challenges, including the lingering impacts of COVID-19 and restricted air access. HANMI expressed support for Grandvrio Resort’s plan to pause operations to ensure long-term viability, and said it continues to work with government partners, hotels, and airlines to rebuild visitor arrivals and strengthen the tourism industry.
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