HOTEL UPDATES
JW Marriott Auckland, formerly the Stamford Plaza and even earlier the Regent of Auckland on Albert Street, has been undergoing renovation. The latest update involves the original ‘Brasserie’ restaurant on the corner of Albert & Swanson Street, now called Trivet.
Sky City’s Horizon Hotel has recently opened, adding a new string to Auckland’s five-star hotel scene. The new 303-room property is linked to the Casino by a walkway over Hobson Street and will eventually have convenient access into the neighbouring Convention Centre. Opening rates commence is the late NZ$200’s, hardly five-star rates but good value for an opening in this less busy travel season.
Our Virtuoso Membership can also benefit our New Zealand Domestic and Tasman Corporate Clients, in particular in the current shoulder season where demand is not so great. Aside from the luxury lodges around New Zealand, local hotels to have joined the Virtuoso programme include So/Auckland, Sofitel Viaduct Harbour, Park Hyatt Auckland and Sofitel Wellington. General value-added amenities will include a US$100 food & beverage or spa credit, early / late check-in/out, breakfast for two daily and in some cases a room upgrade. Ask your usual ATPI Travel Consultant about these fantastic offers.
Around the traps: Christchurch has seen the opening of another Quest property, Quest on Kilmore and in Auckland, US-chain La Quinta has opened La Quinta by Wyndham Parnell Auckland, located between Augustus Terrace and The Strand in Parnell. La Quinta Parnell offers studio and one-bedroom options. A welcome addition to Lower Hutt is the recently opened Sebel Lower Hutt and in Rotorua, the former Holiday Inn has been re-branded as Rydges Rotorua.